Japanese children’s perspectives on the

(Paul)
Hideo

Could you give me a brief description about relations and friendships in your class and school?

Paul

As a whole, everyone is very cheerful and have good relationships. Although pupils are divided into several groups, each pupil talks to everyone regardless of their groups.

In my class, everyone has good relationships.

Hideo

Well, does any bullying occur?

Paul

There is no bullying in my point of view.

Hideo

Ahhh….your school is a good school, isn’t it.

Paul

Yes, I think so.

Well…pupils are very bright, cheerful, noisy…….very good school.

Hideo

Well, why did you choose to be a peer supporter?

Could you explain the reason why?

Paul

Before becoming a peer supporter, I attended student drama activities, because there was some opportunity to do student drama in school.

I had a really good time with other pupils there, and we talked about like…shall we do something together again…..then, we joined peer support team.

Hideo

I see. Well, you mean you did not eagerly want to be a peer supporter, rather you want to join peer support because you can work together with your friends, is that right?

Paul

Yes, I think so. I decided to join peer support team together with my friends without giving it much thought.

Hideo

I see……….you did not think you wanted to join it alone, is that right?

Paul

If I was alone to apply for it, I would not join it, because I would be very nervous about the activities.

Hideo

How do you feel when you are doing peer support?

Paul

When I work with other peer supporters from other schools, I am a bit nervous.

But I am very satisfied when I am working for it. Because peer support is very good for others and also my opinions are taken by other peer supporters.

Hideo

Are you satisfied?

Paul

Yes I am.

Hideo

I see….

How does peer support give good influence to other pupils and the whole school?

Paul

When I greet pupils, they reply to me as well. Thus everyone become brighter.

Hideo

Well, if there is no greeting campaign in the school, do you think pupils do not greet each other much?

Paul

When I said “good morning” to other pupils, some pupils bowed to me, but other pupils ignored me…..

Hideo

You mean the greeting campaign is not an effective activity?

Paul

When I said “good morning” to pupils in a loud voice, some pupils start saying “good morning” in a small voice little by little.

Hideo

Well, do you think the greeting campaign gave a good influence to pupils?

Paul

I think so.

Hideo

Well, you mean pupils are getting better little by little, is that right?

Paul

Ahhh….yes, little by little.

At the beginning, when I said “good morning” to them, many pupils ignored me. But gradually pupils started to bow to me, and also said “good morning” in a small voice. They are getting better, I think

Hideo

Well, you mean the campaign showed good results, is that right?

Paul

Yes.

Also, pupils supported the fund-raising activity.

Then, we could send some money to victims of earthquake and tsunami of 2011. Thus I think peer support activities gave good influences to the whole school.

Hideo

So all pupils supported the fund-raising activity, is that right?

Paul

Yes, most pupils supported it.

Hideo

Ahhh….do you think most pupils wanted to support it?

Paul

Well, I do not know.

Hideo

Well, why do other pupils not want to be a peer supporter?

Why do other pupils not actively join the peer support activities?

Paul

Because……..if pupils become a peer supporter, they would be nervous…..

Hideo

Ahhh…..that is the reason why pupils do not want to be a peer supporter, is that right?

Paul

Maybe pupils want to be a peer supporter, but they hesitate and cannot take a step forward to join it.

Hideo

Well….do you think many pupils want to join?

Paul

Well…ahhh…ummm….I do not know.

Hideo

So you do not know……

Well, are there any differences between pupils who actively join the activities, and pupils who are not active in joining the activities?

Paul

Differences? ……errrr…….I think pupils who actively supported the activities, generally behaved very well during classes.

Hideo

Ohhhh, I see.

Paul

Most of the time, these pupils seriously take notes of the lecture during class.

Hideo

How about pupils who do not actively join the peer support activities?

Paul

Among pupils who do not actively join the activities, some pupils seriously take notes on a lecture, but if compared to these pupils, probably, most of pupils who actively join the activities, behave very well.

Hideo

I see. If pupils actively take notes on a lecture, this kind of pupils also actively tend to join peer support activities, is that right?

Paul

Ahhh…yes.

This kind of active pupils often join the greeting campaign. They stand up at the school gate on their own accord.

Also some active pupils donate a 500-yen coin to fund-raising activity.

Hideo

Well, you mean some pupils who are not peer supporters, are very actively working for peer support activities, is that right?

Paul

Yes, many pupils have high morale and they are actively working.

Hideo

Well, …….if you think there are differences between pupils who actively join the activities, and peer supporters, could you give me an example please?

Paul

I think active pupils really do not want to be nervous…….they are shy…

Hideo

Well, you mean pupils are willing to support activities, but they are very shy, is that right?

Paul

Yes, I think so. Pupils are shy.

Hideo

I understand.

Well, do you think the school needs to have peer support systems?

Paul

Because of peer support systems, pupils can think about their school life in terms of pupils’ viewpoints. If teachers think about our school life, teachers would understand it in terms of adults’ viewpoints. So teachers cannot understand some parts of our school life.

Hideo

You think teachers cannot understand some part of your school life, is that right?

Paul

Well, there are some differences between adults’ views and pupils’ views.

I think teachers cannot see some parts of pupils’ life and views.

Thus, we need to have peer support systems in school to work for pupils.

Hideo

Teachers cannot understand some parts of pupils’ life and views, is that right?

Paul

Ahhh, yes.…there are not many teachers in the school, are there. There are a few hundred pupils in the school, but there are about 40 teachers. Therefore, it is very difficult for the teacher to see and understand the whole school.

Hideo

Do you have any idea how to improve current peer support activities?

If you have, could you explain to me?

Paul

I would like to have more activities, which many pupils can join them.

I would like to encourage all pupils to have some responsibility in school.

Hideo

In short, you would like to involve all pupils into peer support activities, is that right?

Paul

I would like to involve all pupils into

Hideo

You mean various pupils are able to join activities, is that right?

Paul

Yes. I think it is a good idea that many pupils do a big activity together.

Well, it would be great if all pupils in class cooperate and make some big productions. I am very happy about it.

Hideo

Is that your idea to improve peer support activities?

Paul

Through these activities, all pupils talk to each other. It is a good opportunity for pupils to talk with others with whom they would not normally communicate.

Hideo

Ohhhh. I see. Well, you think pupils need opportunities to talk to other pupils otherwise they do not talk to everyone, is that right?

Paul

What can I say, I think some pupils are very quiet and they are introvert. These pupils generally do not talk much. They need the opportunity to talk to other pupils.

Hideo

That is interesting……..I see.

You believe because of the big activity; all pupils can communicate with many pupils. thus you want to involve all pupils into the activity.

Well, have you had any good experiences since you became a peer supporter? If so, could you explain to me please?

Paul

Well ….because of the peer support activities, ummm….at first I was nervous to stand in front of people, gradually I get used to it now. I think this experience will be useful when I become an adult.

Hideo

You mean you have improved your communication skills, is that right?

Paul

I have improved my communication skills.

Hideo

Ohhh…..I see. Are you happy about this?

Paul

Yes.

Hideo

Ahhh…well, have you had any other good experiences since you became a peer supporter?

Paul

I feel like I have grown up.

Hideo

How do you feel so?

Paul

Well….in days gone by, I was a quiet indrawn man and I seldom mentioned my opinions. But, because of peer support, now I can share my opinions during classes.

Hideo

Ohhh…you understand how you have grown up, is that right?

Paul

Ahhh, yes. I believe I have grown up.

Hideo

Well, could you explain the most enjoyable thing in peer support?

Paul

It is very hard to decide the most enjoyable thing in peer support, because all activities are so joyful.

Hideo

I see……so you tell me anything.

Paul

I went to a shopping street in order to do the fund-raising activity together with other peer supporters from other schools. That was very fun.

Hideo

Was that a part of the school summits?

Paul

No, that was not a part of the school summits. But I went round the shopping street together with pupils from other schools, and did the fund-raising activity for the victims of earthquake and tsunami of 2011.

It was very fun. I could make new friends from other schools. I enjoyed it.

Hideo

In short, all lower secondary schools cooperated together to do the fund-raising activity, is that right?

Paul

Yes.

Hideo

Now you know some peer supporters from other schools,

Paul

Yes.

Hideo

Well, what are the things you do not like about peer support?

Paul

When many peer supporters from other schools gathered together at the meeting, everyone is very quiet. Then I need to share my opinions, but before I get my ideas into shape, MC asked me to share my opinions. I was a bit perplexed.

Hideo

Hahaha.

I see. You were so nervous and you were at a loss for an answer, is that right?

Paul

Yes, I was. When many peer supporters gathered at the meeting, everyone is so quiet. Thus, it was very difficult for everyone to talk.

Hideo

Ahhh….I understand.

Do you have any difficulties when you are doing peer support?

Paul

I have had many difficulties.

Well…errr….sometimes it was hard for me to decide on a class motto and school motto. Most of the time everyone cooperated together to support each other, thus I did not have much difficulties. If I am in trouble, other peer supporters would help me.

Hideo

Other peer supporters would help you, is that right?

Paul

Yes, they help me.

Hideo

So you did not have much difficulties, is that right?

Paul

Ahhh….in terms of peer support activities, I did not have much difficulties. But peer support activities and club activities are difficult to be compatible. I am struggling to make time to go to club activities.

Hideo

How do you think about the difficulties?

Paul

I believe it is good experiences for me to face difficulties.

Hideo

Why do you think so?

Paul

In order to effectively work for both peer support and club activities, I have tried to use time wisely.

Hideo

You consider the difficulties as the good opportunity, is that right?

Paul

When I overcome the difficulties, I would feel I have grown up.

Hideo

Ohhh……I see…..

you mean you become strong enough to manage to do many things, is that right?

Paul

Yes. I would take measures suited to the occasion.

Hideo

Well, when you face the difficulties, have you had any advice from supervisors?

Paul

Sometimes I cannot go to peer support activity because I need to go to cramming school. In this case, I talked with my supervisors.

Also when I could not decide some mottos for the activities, supervisors gave me advice.

Hideo

Do you think advice from supervisors are useful?

Paul

Yes, their advice is useful.

Hideo

When you face the difficulties, have you received any help from supervisors and other pupils?

Paul

Sometimes some pupils said to me “do you best!”…

Occasionally I need to skip class because peer supporters need to go to the local primary schools.

Hideo

What do you do in the primary schools?

Paul

Peer supporters share the secondary school information with primary school children.

Hideo

Ohhh.

Paul

When I skip a class, other pupils make notes on a lecture for me.

Hideo

I see, I see. Your friends support you in terms of study, is that right?

Paul

Yes.

Hideo

I see.

Do you have any negative views toward the difficulties and problems?

Paul

I do not have any negative views toward the difficulties.

I do not feel negative about them.

But I feel I would like to go to club activity, but I need to fulfil my responsibility as a peer supporter.

Hideo

What is your club?

Paul

Swimming club.

Hideo

I think now it is too cold to swim in a pool, isn’t it?

Paul

In summer time, I can swim in a pool. In winter time, I can do physical training and gain muscular strength. Then I prepare for the summer.

Hideo

Hahahah.

Well, what are the most important things when you overcome the difficulties?

Paul

Errrr….I could overcome because other peer supporters, other pupils and supervisors supported me.

Hidoe

Have you changed your mind after overcoming your difficulties?

Paul

I feel I have grown up. I understand how I have grown up.

For example……..I understand now I can manage to do something……

Hideo

Some time ago, you mentioned involving other pupils into activities……

Do you have any idea how to involve other pupils?

Paul

Errrr…….it is a good idea that all pupils in a class cooperate and work together to make some productions.

Also, it is good that boys do group gymnastics together.

In addition, many pupils work together to make a big production.

Hideo

I understand.

Well, ….I believe some pupils show negative attitudes toward peer support activities, so how do you make contact with them?

Paul

It should be normal contact. In my class, pupils seldom talk about peer support. Thus, I just contact everyone in a normal manner.

Hideo

Well, you communicate them in a normal manner, is that right?

Next question.

When you feel down because of peer support, how do you cheer yourself up?

Paul

Errr……I tell myself “I can complete at least this one!”. This cheers myself up.

Well, I try to think the things positively, and do the activities.

Hideo

Well, have you had any help from supervisors? If you have, could you tell me an example please?

Paul

When I need to decide mottos for our school, supervisors suggested that I can put some illustrations with the mottos.

Also………….when I went to the local primary school for peer support, I was a bit perplexed about how to organise the activities. Then a supervisor gave me advice. This helped me to facilitate the activities well. When we did a group activity, we moved to an appropriate place in order to give clear explanations to children so all the pupils could hear us.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

Well, what do you think about peer support activities in your school?

Paul

We could fulfil our planed activity which we made. I think our peer support activities are great.

Hideo

Are you satisfied?

Paul

Yes. Pupils are doing their own ideas; thus I think good activities.

However, I believe I could probably improve the activities more.

Hideo

You mean you could probably improve the activities more, is that right?

Paul

If pupils could make efforts a bit more, the activities would be better.

Hideo

You believe you can improve the activities more, is that right?

Paul

If everyone could cooperate together, the activities would be better.

Hideo

Ahhh….I understand.

Currently, not only your school, but also other schools cooperate to have school summits and the fund-raising activities.

So how do you think about these activities?

Paul

Well, …. I can understand other schools’ situations.

Through the fund-raising activities, I have made new friends. So I would like to continue these kind of activities.

Hideo

If we do not have school summits, what do you think about your school life?

Paul

I could attend the school summits; thus I do not know the details of the summits. But I heard many pupils want to have the school summits.

Hideo

Do you think there are any differences between peer supporters and other pupils?

Paul

If I am not a peer supporter, I would not actively join the fund-raising activities.

Hideo

Why do you think so?

Paul

Well……because of a sense of responsibility as a peer supporter, I think I need to encourage other pupils actively. Thus, I need to actively take actions in order that other pupils follow me.

Hidoe

Well, if you did not join peer support team, do you think you would not actively join the peer support activities?

Paul

Probably………before joining the peer support team, I was a quiet indrawn man. I did not talk much. Therefore, I think I would not actively join the peer support activities.

Hideo

Ahhh…..I see. In this sense, it seems like there is not much difference between peer supporters and other pupils.

Paul

When pupils become a peer supporter, they have a sense of responsibility. I think they can share their opinions clearly and confidently.

Hideo

Do you think other pupils believe there are differences between peer supporters and other pupils?

Paul

Errr…….I do not know.

Some pupils really rely on peer supporters. They ask peer supporters to do something for them.

Hideo

I see.

Well, you think there is not much difference between peer supporters and other pupils, is that right?

Paul

Yes, probably.

Generally female pupils tend to respect peer supporters, but many male pupils do not respect peer supporters at all.

Some male peer supporters believe there is not much difference between peer supporters and other pupils.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

As you mentioned before, you think teachers cannot understand pupils’ views. Is that from your own experiences?

Paul

Ahhh…yes. Well, usually pupils are surrounded by other pupils, aren’t they?

Therefore, pupils can understand even small issues, and it is easy to do something. Pupils spend more time with other pupils than teachers do. Thus pupils can know other pupils’ characteristics and also know how to make other pupils happy.

Hideo

I see. You mean pupils spend a long time together with other pupils, thus pupils know other pupils very well, is that right?

Paul

Yes. I think new teachers do not know pupils well because the teacher spent only a year in the school.

Hideo

Ahhh…I see. You think so.

I understand.

Finally, do you have anything to tell me?

If yes, please tell me anything.

Paul

I would like to communicate with everyone more actively.

Hideo

Who is everyone?

Paul

All peer supporters in Osaka!

Hideo

Do you have any good experience about citywide peer support activities?

Paul

Yes, these are good experiences.

Hideo

Could you explain an example to me?

Paul

When I talked with other peer supporters from other schools, I was so nervous.

Most of the time our ideas were carried out, therefore we seriously worked and tackled it.

Hideo

Ahhh…..I think you did not attend the school summits, didn’t you?

Paul

Except the school summits, we had more opportunities to talk to other peer supporters from other schools. Maybe, 4 or 5 times.

Hideo

You communicated with pupils from other schools, don’t you?

Do you think that was a positive experience for you?

Paul

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

Do you want to have citywide activities?

Paul

Yes.

Hideo

Do you have any other thing to tell me?

Paul

Mr. Kato, how long will you stay at Japan?

Hideo

I will stay at this school until day after tomorrow.

Paul

Day after tomorrow is so quick.

Hideo

Yes, I think so.

Paul

I see.

Hideo

Thank you very much.

(Graham)
Hideo

Could you give me a brief description about peer relations and friendships in your class and school?

Graham

In my class, everyone cooperates together and work well when we have school events.

Usually all pupils play with their close friends.

Hideo

Well, so you mean generally all pupils have good relationships, is that right?

Graham

Yes.

Hideo

Does any bullying occur?

Graham

I cannot say there are no bullying. But some pupils try to stop bullying…..I also try to stop bullying.

Hideo

Well, you mean you have a good atmosphere, is that right?

Graham

During classes, some pupils are noisy, but generally all pupils have good relationships. We have both good points and bad points.

Hideo

Could you explain the reason why you choose to be a peer supporter?

Graham

Maybe I was influenced by my brother.

Hideo

Ohhh…..what was your brother doing?

Graham

He was a peer supporter as well.
Hideo

Ahhhh…..your brother was a senior peer supporter…..ohhhh.

Graham

Well………I think I decided to be a peer supporter because of my brother’s influence.

Hideo

What did you think about your bother?

Graham

I thought my brother was enjoying peer support activities. Thus, I wanted to join the peer support team.

Hideo

Ahem…..when you were a first year pupil, was your bother a senior peer supporter?

Graham

Yes.

Hideo

Well, next question.

How do you feel when you are doing peer support?

Also what do you think about your peer support activities?

Graham

I think peer support activities give critical influences to a whole school…..well…I feel I am doing something good.

Hideo

Ohhh….I see…….so you feel you are doing something good, is that right?

Graham

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

Could you explain to me how does peer support contribute to the improvement of school ethos?

Graham

Well….we give feedback of peer support activities in morning assembly.

We let other pupils know how peer supporters are doing activities.

Hideo

So you share your information of peer support activities with other pupils, is that right?

Graham

Yes I am doing so.

Hideo

Could you explain the reason why other pupils do not want to be a peer supporter? Also could you explain why other pupils do not actively join peer support activities?

Graham

Most pupils feel they do not have confidence. Because pupils know they are sometimes noisy during classes and they are doing something bad. Therefore they think “we are not qualified to be a peer supporter”…….

Hideo

Ahhh…….I see

Graham

I think other pupils have both strong and weak points.

However, they tend to emphasize their weak points, then they feel like “I am not good enough to be a peer supporter”……I think.

Hideo

I see. Everyone hesitates to be a peer supporter.

Graham

I think so.

Hideo

I think everyone should not hesitate to join the peer support team….hahaha.

I believe you are enjoying peer support?

Graham

I am really enjoying it.

Hideo

I think so………so everyone should apply for it.

Graham

Well…..the number of peer supporter is also limited…..

Hideo

I see……

Next question. Are there any differences between peer supporters and other pupils who do not actively join the peer support activities?

Graham

When I encouraged all pupils to join a cleaning activity, half of them joined the cleaning activity. However, the other half of pupils did not join at all.

Probably, if I ask pupils individually to join the activity, these pupils would join it…….I think.

Hideo

You mean, if you ask the pupils individually to join the activity, most of them would join it, is that right?

Graham

Yes……if I announce the cleaning activity to a whole school, some pupils think someone else would do it. Then they eventually do not join it….I think

Hideo

I see……..if you ask pupils individually, you think they would join it, is that right?

Graham

I think so. When pupils were asked individually, they would feel like as “people count on me”. Thus I think these pupils would join it.

　
Hideo

I see.

For example, if teachers ask pupils individually to join the activities, do you think these pupils would join it?

Graham

Well…….rather than teachers ask pupil to join….it is much more influential when peer supporters and friends ask pupils to join it.

Hideo

Ahhh……why do you think so?

Graham

When pupils were asked by friends, these pupils feel friends rely on me and they need my help. Thus pupils would like to join it.

Hidoe

Pupils think that way, is that right?....…..how about teacher encourage pupils to join individually?

Graham

Well……when teachers ask pupils to do something, pupils may feel like they are forced to do it……also if pupils join the activity, pupils do not want others think they are a teacher’s pet…..

Hideo

Ahhh……I see….

Next question. Could you explain the reason why the school needs peer support systems?

Graham

Teachers are…….it is difficult for teachers to know pupils’ issues.

Well, thus, peer supporters are selected from pupils and peer supporters often know about pupils’ issues more than teachers do. Therefore, the school needs peer support systems.

Hideo

You mean, peer supporters are the same age as other pupils, thus peer supporter know pupils’ issues very well, is that right?

Graham

Yes.

Hideo

You think so……that is great.

You believe teachers cannot understand some parts of pupils’ issues, is that right?

Graham

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

That is the reason why, you believe the school needs peer support systems, is that right?

Graham

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

I see

Well, do you have any idea to improve current peer support systems?

If you have, could you explain to me please?

Graham

…………

Hideo

Do you have any troubles in peer support activities?

Graham

More………well………peer supporters…..

I want to create another group to support peer support activities.

If peer supporters want to do volunteer activities, this group needs to assist peer supporters……

Hideo

You want to have another group to support peer supporters?

Well, you mean you would like to involve other pupils into the activities, is that right?

Graham

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

Ohhh….that sounds good.

You think this will improve current peer support?

Graham

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

You mean you would like to involve other pupils into the activities, is that right?

Graham

……….still…..many pupils could not join the peer support activities.

I would like to encourage everyone to think more positively. If the majority of pupils join the activities, other pupils who haven’t joined yet, would join it as well…..I think.

Hideo

Ohhh…..if these pupils see some pupils who generally do not join the activities, join this time, these pupils may feel they can also join them…..is that right?.

Graham

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

I see. If only peer supporters are always working for the activities, other pupils think we have nothing to do with the peer support activities. Then they do not join the activities, is that right?

Graham

Well…..if many pupils around them are doing activities, they may feel a sense of isolation……peer supporters contact them one by one to join the activities.

Hideo

Ohhhh……I see. I understand.

Next question. Do you have any good experiences when you are doing peer support activities?

Graham

I could have good relationship with senior peer supporters and peer supporters. Well…..then through interpersonal relationships, I could know myself. Also……..what can I say…..

I could overcome my weakness. Now I can speak in front of people.

Hideo

Ahhh….I see…..that sounds good.

Do you have any good experiences and positive things when you are doing peer support?

Graham

I feel I am doing something good.

Hideo

What is the most enjoyable things when you are doing peer support?

Graham

Because of peer support, now I can talk in front of people and also I can do something interesting for other pupils.

Hideo

Were you shy before you became a peer supporter?

Graham

I could not talk in front of people at all……

Hideo

So you were not good at speaking at all, is that right?

Graham

Well……..still I am not good at speaking, but I can overcome my shyness and take actions.

Hideo

How did you overcome your weakness?

Graham

As a part of peer support activities, I have many opportunities to speak in front of pupils. now I get used to and overcome my shyness.

Hideo

Ahhh…I see

Next question.

Do you have any negative experiences?

Graham

Because of peer support activities, often I could not go to club activities. I do not like this.

Hideo

Ahhh…..what is your club?

Graham

Judo club.

Hideo

I see. You do not have enough time to go to judo club, is that right?

Graham

Yes. That is right.

Hideo

Do you have any hardships when you are doing peer support?

Graham

I do not have so far.

Hideo

You do not have?

Graham

No, I do not have.
Hideo

Wow, that is great.

You do not have any hardship, is that right?

Graham

That is right. I have overcome everything so far.

Hideo

What do you think about difficulties?

Graham

Peer supporters are doing something good for pupils. Even when I have some difficulties, I do not think these are difficulties. If peer supporters do not do something good for pupils, in a sense, I think this is a difficulty…….

Well I believe peer supporters are doing well, more than ordinary pupils.

Hideo

You mean, each peer supporter is doing well, is that right?

Graham

Yes, because. Even when peer supporters have difficulties, it will be fine. Because each peer supporter is doing well, more than ordinary pupils.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

Next question.

When you face the difficulties and problems, have you asked a supervisor for help?

Graham

Because I did not face difficulties, I did ask supervisor for help.

Hideo

Ahhh….that is amazing.

Well, what are the most important things when you overcome the difficulties?

Graham

…….I do not know…….

Hideo

Do you have any idea how to involve other pupils into peer support activities?

Graham

Well, regularly we need to make efforts to increase pupils who can join the activities little by little. Then, I hope pupils around us will be inspired to take actions with us.

Hideo

I see

Graham

If some pupils are asked by their friends to join peer support activities, some of them would join us. Then these pupils may join us again because of their friends’ encouragements. I would like to increase the number of pupils who join us little by little.

Hideo

Ahhh…I see. You mean, if pupils are asked by their friends, they would easily join the activities, is that right?

Graham

Well………if they have a busy schedule, they cannot come, but if they are free, they can join us.

Hideo

How about if teachers ask pupils to join peer support activities?

When pupils are asked by the teachers, pupils may feel they are forced to join….in terms of pupils’ views.

Hideo

Ahhh….that is interesting. Well, you mean it is better that pupils are asked by their friends rather than by teachers, is that right?

Graham

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

I see……I understand. Next question.

I believe some pupils show negative attitudes toward peer support activities, so how do you make contact with them?

Graham

Ummmm……..I have not heard much about pupils who do not like peer support activities and pupils who have negative attitudes toward peer support.

Hideo

Well, everyone (pupils) know peer supporters are doing something good for pupils, is that right?

Graham

Yes. Well…..pupils know peer support is a good activity, but they do not join easily.

Hideo

Do you think pupils want to contribute to something good generally?

Graham

The pupils who are willing to help other pupils, often could not take action because of peer pressure. The pupils make a group of friends and stay with close friends. If the majority of close friends did not want to contribute to something good, then other pupils followed their friends’ behaviour.

Hideo

The pupils who are willing to join peer support activities, often could not take actions because the majority of their close friends did not want to contribute to something good, is that right?

Graham

Yes I think so.

Hideo

That is interesting.…….similarly if the majority of their close friends join the volunteer activities, even other pupils who did not want to join, also followed the friends decisions and joined the volunteer activities…is that right?

Graham

Yes. I think other pupils follow the friends’ decisions and join the activities.

Hideo

Could you explain an example?

Graham

Well…if the majority of close friends join the volunteer activities, even other pupils who did not want to join, also followed the friends’ decisions and joined the volunteer activities.

Hideo

That is interesting.

Maybe It is possible to encourage many pupils to join the activities.

Graham

Well……still many groups do not join yet. But if the majority of group members join the activities, other members would definitely join too.

Hideo

Ahhh…..that is interesting.

Next question.

When you feel down because of peer support, how do you cheer yourself up?

Graham

I did not feel down because of peer support.

Hideo

Ohhhh……you mean you are always enjoying peer support activities, is that right? Or you are satisfied with what you are doing, is that right?

Graham

Well….because peer support is good activity, so I feel good when I am doing peer support.

Hideo

Have you become tired because of peer support?

Graham

Even when I feel tired, I still feel great because I am contributing to something good.

Hideo

That sounds good.

Well, next question.

Have you had any advice from supervisors?

Could you give an example?

Graham

Regarding how to speak in front of people, I had advice from supervisors. It was very useful and I could speak at ease.

Hideo

You mean you can easily discuss with others, is that right?

Graham

No, I mean I can easily speak in front of people.

Hideo

Well, what do you think about current peer support systems?

Graham

Peer support activities give strong influences to a whole school.

The own school summits are organised by peer supporters and peer support has great impact on many pupils.

Hideo

The other day, I have seen your school summits. That was really great.

So what do you think about your school summits?

Graham

Peer supporters cooperated with other pupils to organize the school summits.

I think it is great to have this kind of school event.

Hideo

I think so. Peer supporters and pupils created and organised the school summits without teachers’ help.

Each class’ presentation was great.

Graham

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

Currently, not only your school, but also other schools cooperate to have school summits.

So how do you think about school summits?

Graham

Well…..it is great activity because we can use good ideas from each school.

Hideo

That is really great…really.

If we do not have school summits, what do you think?

Graham

Well…. because of the school summits, I can understand our school’s situation objectively. I can see good points and bad points about our own school.

Hideo

So you can understand your school because of the school summits, is that right?

Graham

Yes, when I compared my school with other schools, I can find something new for my school.

Hideo

I see…..that sounds good.

Do you have any other comments?

Graham

Because of the school summits, peer supporters can learn some good activities and ideas from other schools. Then we can apply these ideas for our own school and eventually we can improve our school

Hideo

If we do not have school summits, what do you think?

I believe 7 years ago, there are no school summits in this city.

Graham

Well….as I mentioned before, when I compared my school with other schools, I can find both good and bad points on our own school. thus it is better to have the school summits in order to improve the school life.

Hideo

I see. You need the school summits in order to improve school life.

Well, finally, do you have anything to tell me?

If yes, please tell me anything.

Graham

Well…..

Hideo

Do you have something you want to do in your school?

Graham

Well……errrr…….I would like to know other schools’ good practices and apply these into our own school. Also I know some good practices in my class, so I can apply this for a whole school.

Hideo

Ahhh…..thank you very much……finally, I just want to ask one question.

Do you think ordinary pupils have high morale and can join activities?

Graham

Yes. It depends on other friends’ attitudes in their group.

…the pupils who are willing to help other pupils, often could not take action because of peer pressure.

Hideo

In that sense, pupils are strongly influenced by their group members, rather than teachers, is that right?

Graham

Probably, I think so.

Hideo

How about if teachers ask some group members to do something?

Graham

Ummm….group members…..

When pupils are asked by teachers, they may feel like they are forced to do something. Thus this is not good impression.

Hideo

Ahhh….I see….I understand

Thank you very much.

Do you have anything you want to say?

Graham

At first, I would like to focus on my class, then I will give good influences to a whole school.

Hideo

I understand. Thank you very much.