Research On Deaf Middle School Students Peer Group Characteristics

Peer group is the close informal group that includes people with the same age, status, interests, hobbies and values, etc. As the reference group, peer group provides social comparison of biological, cognitive, social and other aspects for adolescents during the ego identity critical period. Deaf people have gregariousness. School for hearing impairment adolescents provides the right place for peer group’s formation. Studying the characteristics of peer group in this stage has great significance about understanding the personality and social development of deaf students.This research studies peer groups’characteristics of deaf middle school students used questionnaire, interview method and composition data collection method. From the structure feature, formation characteristics, interpersonal characteristics these three aspects, this paper analyzes the size and range, gender and age, stability and peer selection basis of deaf peer group, investigates the interaction frequency, time, content and quality of deaf peer group, explores the status level of group members and the characteristics of central figure, dynamically observes deaf peer group from the perspective of behavioral support. Put forward educational proposal on the basis of a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of deaf middle school students.Through investigation and analysis, the study reaches the following conclusions:1. The structure feature of deaf middle school students is the most peer group scale of deaf middle school students is "3-5", most group members are similar age classmates, sex cleavage is not obvious.2. The formation characteristics are deaf students like make friends with student whose hearing extent is similar or better than themselves. They are most concerned about these peer features:communicative literacy, hobbies, personality traits, knowledge&abilities and appearance&families. Their peer group is less stable.3. The interpersonal characteristics are, natural sign language for deaf students is the main way of communication. They communicate mostly in summer and winter vacations. The content is very extensive. The status level among the deaf peer group members is relatively equal.20%peer groups has a central figure. Teachers’point of view has a great influence on the behavior of the deaf peer group members.According to the research findings, put forward the following proposals regarding education:1. Schools for the deaf should be fully aware of the significance of the existence and value of Deaf peer groups;2. Schools for the deaf should take full advantage of the communication and exchanges courses, enhance deaf student communicative literacy;3. Schools for the deaf should be implemented mental health education, to help deaf students to maintain the stability of the peer group;4. Parents should create favorable conditions for the formation of peer groups for deaf students.