Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: The literature identifies three main types of peer associations: cliques, crowds, and dyadic friendships. When schools create learning communities, an additional type of peer association may emerge that is not based on interactions but instead is based on membership in a shared community. The aim of this study is to qualitatively explore the nature and characteristics of this association, labeled peer bonds. Observational data (n=432) and semi-structured interviews (n=33) were collected in two urban high schools over the course of three academic years. Data were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Findings suggest that there are six characteristics of peer bonds: investment in peer success, shared identity, shared values, pedagogical caring, shared success, and shared failure. The scholarly significance of this study is the expansion of theoretical conceptualizations of peer associations in learning communities while the practical significance is the potential use of a largely underutilized source for academic interventions, peers, by creating school community.
Author: Nicole Leach
Institution: Mississippi State University
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $647
Funder: Ohio State University
OpenAlex ID: W2793728771