Cross-age Peer Interaction In Junior High Schools

Cross-age peer interaction is an indispensable part of the growth of teenagers.However,under the influence of the one-child policy in the past,especially under the background of the current dominant class teaching system,the peer interaction of primary and secondary school students is mainly in the same year,but less opportunities for cross-age peer interaction.The existing research focuses on the basic value,specific types(such as cross-age guidance)and development strategies of students' cross-age peer interaction.Although there are also case studies on cross-age peer interaction,there are still few empirical studies on the overall status of cross-age peer interaction.In view of this,the study focuses on the junior high school stage,describes and analyzes the actual situation of junior high school students' cross-age peer interaction,and then puts forward the practical strategies to promote the cross-age peer interaction among junior high school students.Based on the existing research,this study defines the cross-age peer interaction as the interaction or interaction behavior among students of different grades.For specific students,there are two types of interaction,namely "upward interaction "(interaction with senior students)and "downward interaction "(interaction with junior students).Based on this definition,referring to the relevant questionnaire,the questionnaire of junior high school students' cross-age peer interaction is compiled by referring to the four dimensions of motivation(or purpose),content,mode and effect.In this study,348 valid questionnaires were collected from the students of grade two in four schools in Shanghai,and the data were analyzed and processed.Generally speaking,the following research findings are found:First,in terms of overall characteristics:(1)In terms of motivation,junior high school students' cross-age peer interaction mainly comes from the needs of interaction and development,among which,the interaction based on common interests is more common,but less for biological needs;(2)In content,junior high school students' cross-age peer interaction mainly focuses on learning lessons and playing games,and also involves the promotion of middle school entrance examination The relationship between learning and peer is less concerned with physical changes,food and living;(3)In the way,junior high school students communicate in the online way most often,while offline interaction mainly takes the school as the place,through the formal activities organized by the school;(4)In effect,cross-age peer interaction has a certain impact on junior high school students' communication initiative,academic performance and habits,communication and cooperation ability,especially helps to strengthen junior high school students' preference for this kind of communication.Secondly,in terms of group differences:(1)There is no significant difference between the students who are class leaders and those who are not.(2)In "upward interaction ",students with good grades are more willing to communicate with them to study for higher education.Students who are not only children prefer to discuss food and drink and live than only children;(3)In "downward interaction ",only students with good grades prefer to discuss food and drink and live The students who have children are more active and their interaction ability is improved.Thirdly,in the related analysis:(1)The degree of students' love and participation in the class is negatively correlated with their motivation,content,method and effect of cross-age peer interaction,that is,to some extent,the more emotional input and activity students participate in the class,the less they may seek the cross-age relationship;(2)External forces such as school,teachers,parents,etc The factors are positively related to the students' communicative motivation,content,way and effect,which is the important factor that affects the cross-age peer interaction.Generally speaking,the cross-age peer interaction is not common in junior high school.In view of the characteristics and problems of peer interaction in junior high school students,this study proposes that schools should encourage and guide students to carry out or participate in cross-age peer interaction,and avoid students' interaction life being confined to the class.In order to facilitate the development of peer interaction activities,the community should build more special interaction space.Various institutions inside and outside the school should set up interest classes and establish more interest classes.The activities of the community and the topic among the peers are increased,so as to expand the common interest of students and enhance their willingness to interact.