Classroom Connections

Middle school is a time when peer influence becomes most salient. Most of the focus has been on this as a risk promoting process. This study focuses on how student peer social and academic networks promote learning and inclusion and may reduce ethnic group inequalities in achievement. The goal is to test these hypotheses and to work toward a method for teachers to engage students to promote learning among their classmates.  

Associated Faculty

• Patrick H. Tolan, Charles S. Robb Professor of Education
  Director, Youth-Nex | The U.Va. Center to Promote Effective Youth Development
• Joanna Lee Williams, Associate Professor
• Lauren Molloy Elreda, Research Assistant Professor of Education

Affiliated Graduate Students

• Sydney Simmons (scs3uj@virginia.edu)
• Julia Augenstern (ja9ym@virginia.edu)