Browsing by Author "Tamminiemi, Riitta"

Objectives.The aim of this study was to study how peer support appears in interaction of high school students. In particular, spontaneous, informal situations in which students helped and supported each other have been studied Methods. The data was analyzed with conversation analysis. Data were video recordings recorded in the autumn 2011 and in the spring 2013 at high school in Western Finland, within the research project Språkmöten. The main subjects were two students, but there were also two-four other informants in various situations. In total, the video material amounted to 86 hours, of which ten situations were selected for detailed analysis. Situations were accurately transcribed by marking speech, tones, gestures, and glances. The analysis was carried out as well as with transcripts that recording streamed form. Results and conclusions.There were three types of peer support: 1) student needing help asked for it, 2) other student offered advice or help, and 3) a problem was built together. When help was asked or offered, the solution of the problem was important element of the conversation. When students were constructing problem situation together, the process was more essential than the solution. Students' epistemic status varied, and it was not always clear. Expertise was not negotiated but it came out as questions and advices in conversation. In particular, it was emphasized that students had a mutual understanding, and they were close friends.