ABSTRACT
Classroom groups organized so that students feel liked and respected are more likely to have youngsters acting in ways that warrant the liking and respect of others. Young people’s social relationships at school influence both their academic progress and their psychological wellbeing, being associated with increased motivation to perform well, higher engagement in learning activities and increased prosocial and reduced antisocial behavior. The school or classroom is not a mere collection of people sharing the same physical space, but an interacting group of individuals who influence each other reciprocally. A community is a social organisation whose members know, care about and support each other, enjoying a shared commitment and sense of purpose. Teachers can do much to foster group cohesion, a sense of community, warm relationships with students and supportive peer relationships within the class group. In peer tutoring, one child with some expertise instructs a peer with lesser knowledge.
