Abstract:
This research investigates students’ peer relationships in secondary school dance classes. The key question motivating this research is: How might teacher behaviours and independent learning tasks in small groups influence social interdependence in secondary school dance classes in New Zealand? Within a qualitative, social interdependent, and constructivist framework, semi-structured interviews and narrative inquiry were used to gather data. In this thesis 17 narratives are critically discussed. These narratives are drawn from three participants, who have had experience as students in secondary school dance classes in New Zealand. By applying social interdependence theory to secondary school dance education, this research understands students peer relationships through different types of interdependence. Teacher behaviours and independent learning tasks in small groups have been explored in regard to their influence on social interdependence in the dance class. The findings of this research illustrate that students’ diverse perceptions of social interdependence are influenced by teacher behaviours and independent learning tasks in small groups.