MVP 5

Response to the article—“Social emotional identity trials of young adolescence”

Friendship Improves Learning

                 In the article, the author mentions, “Relationships and conversation between friends can boost young people’s self-esteem and reduce anxiety as trust and respect develop.” It shows that the role of peers plays an important role in students’ cognitive development. It helps to enhance the self-esteem and lower the level of anxiety. Speaking of language learning, I think interacting with capable peers is beneficial to develop the ability of oral skills. For those kids who start learning second language, they might be anxious to talk in front of people. When they interact with capable peers, they observe, learn and internalize the language skill their peers use. For example, those kids who have higher level at oral skills would talk more in the discussion. In this case, their partners listened carefully what they said. When it was their turns, they would try to model what their partner said. By the time they were satisfied with the success of language use, their self-confidence and self-esteem might be also increased. Eventually, they might feel more confortable and “fearless” to talk.