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To determine the problems and needs of our target audience, we applied the approach of Mager (1988). Our research utilized his performance analysis framework to understand the learners' current and ideal behaviors in building healthy relationships.
Problems/Needs
80% of students surveyed have had to resolve a conflict with their peers.
80% of students surveyed have had to resolve a conflict with their peers.
By the time students reach middle school, they have likely experienced peer conflict already. This is a crucial time in their life for educating and allowing space to grow relationship skills. After conducting our student, teacher, and caregiver survey, we identified the following gaps in social skills that students found difficulty in fostering.
Over half of surveyed teachers have had a student share they have been in an unhealthy relationship. The majority of disclosed instances involved relationships between peers.
from Teachers' survey
The Gaps
While most students think communication is important, their confidence in expressing themselves is evenly dispersed.
Through survey analysis and affinity mapping, we identified competency gaps in the Active Listening, Empathy, and Self Advocacy.
See full Affinity Map in Project Methodology
active listening
active listening
Parents with multiple children often expressed the lack of active listening in their household, which then carries into the classroom.
Students reflected on instances where they used active listening to resolve conflict.
self advocacy
self advocacy
We noticed that many students lacked the confidence and ability to express themselves without coming across too emotional.
Parents expressed concern for their children being suseptible to peer pressure and bullying.
empathy
empathy
Many teachers expressed concern that students lack empathy for peers outside of their immediate friend group.
Students seemed to understand the importance of empathy, but sometimes struggled in daily application.
"Conversations are going to have to happen, exposure is going to happen through them feeling safe and having resources that help them understand what healthy things are supposed to look like... you got to start somewhere." - Graduate Support
Insight: While there is an awareness of the importance of the topic, there is a lack of exposure and resources on the topic, which affects the ability and confidence in navigating conflict.
References
Brown, Abbie H., and Green, Timothy D. The Essentials of Instructional Design : Connecting Fundamental Principles with Process and Practice, Third Edition, Routledge, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/nyulibrary-ebooks/detail.action?docID=3569720.
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