Schools should prioritize creating a supportive social environment

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 29 views

The Influence of Peer Social Support on Student Engagement of Students of SMA Negeri 15 Medan

Introduction

Student engagement is a crucial aspect of the learning process, and it plays a significant role in determining the academic outcomes of students. Student engagement refers to the level of participation and involvement of students in learning activities, encompassing aspects of behavior, emotions, and cognition (Trowler, 2010). In this context, social support from peers has been identified as a vital factor in increasing student engagement. This study aims to explore the influence of peer social support on the level of involvement of students at SMA Negeri 15 Medan.

The Importance of Peer Social Support

Social support from peers can manifest in various forms, such as emotional support, information, and practical assistance (Sarafino, 2011). Peer social support can have a significant impact on student engagement, as it can provide students with a sense of belonging, motivation, and confidence. In the context of education, peer social support can be a powerful tool in promoting student learning outcomes.

Methodology

This study employed a correlational quantitative research method, which aimed to determine the relationship between peer social support and student engagement. A total of 150 students were selected using the accidental sampling method. To measure the variable of peer social support, a scale with a high reliability value (RXX = 0.918) was used. Another scale with a high reliability value (Rxy = 0.894) was used to measure student engagement.

Data Analysis

The data analysis was carried out through simple regression, which helped identify the influence of peer social support on student engagement. The results of the analysis showed that the value of P (0.000) was below 0.05, indicating that the alternative hypothesis (ha) was accepted, and the zero hypothesis (Ho) was rejected. This result suggests that there is a significant influence of peer social support on student engagement.

Findings

The results of the study found that peer social support contributed 32.9% to the level of student engagement. This figure reflects that although there are other factors that contribute to student engagement, peer support has proven to be one of the main drivers. High student engagement not only has a positive impact on the learning process but can also increase motivation, self-confidence, and overall academic outcomes.

Implications

The results of this study emphasize the importance of creating a supporting social environment in schools. Schools need to facilitate positive interactions between students, so that the social support they receive can further strengthen their involvement in learning. Therefore, as a further step, the school can consider programs that prioritize collaboration and cooperation between students, in order to optimize better learning experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the social support of peers has a significant influence on the involvement of students in SMA Negeri 15 Medan. This study gives a clear picture of how social interaction can be one of the key factors in increasing motivation and student learning outcomes in the educational environment. The findings of this study have significant implications for educators, policymakers, and school administrators, highlighting the need to create a supportive social environment in schools to promote student engagement and academic outcomes.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Schools should prioritize creating a supportive social environment. Schools should facilitate positive interactions between students, so that the social support they receive can further strengthen their involvement in learning.
Programs that prioritize collaboration and cooperation between students should be implemented. Schools can consider programs that promote collaboration and cooperation between students, such as group projects, peer mentoring, and student-led initiatives.
Teachers should be trained to create a supportive learning environment. Teachers should be trained to create a supportive learning environment that promotes student engagement and motivation.
Policymakers should prioritize funding for programs that promote student engagement. Policymakers should prioritize funding for programs that promote student engagement, such as after-school programs, summer camps, and extracurricular activities.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. Firstly, the study was conducted in a single school, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study used a correlational design, which may not establish causality between peer social support and student engagement. Finally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and limitations.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to replicate this study in different contexts and settings. Additionally, future research should explore the mechanisms by which peer social support influences student engagement, such as the role of emotional support, information, and practical assistance. Finally, future research should investigate the impact of peer social support on student outcomes, such as academic achievement, motivation, and self-confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Peer Social Support on Student Engagement

Q: What is student engagement, and why is it important?

A: Student engagement refers to the level of participation and involvement of students in learning activities, encompassing aspects of behavior, emotions, and cognition. It is a crucial aspect of the learning process, and it plays a significant role in determining the academic outcomes of students.

Q: What is peer social support, and how does it influence student engagement?

A: Peer social support refers to the emotional, informational, and practical support that students receive from their peers. It can manifest in various forms, such as emotional support, information, and practical assistance. Peer social support has been identified as a vital factor in increasing student engagement, as it can provide students with a sense of belonging, motivation, and confidence.

Q: What are the benefits of peer social support for students?

A: The benefits of peer social support for students include increased motivation, self-confidence, and overall academic outcomes. Peer social support can also help students develop social skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Q: How can schools create a supportive social environment that promotes student engagement?

A: Schools can create a supportive social environment by facilitating positive interactions between students, such as through group projects, peer mentoring, and student-led initiatives. Schools can also provide opportunities for students to develop social skills, such as through extracurricular activities and community service.

Q: What are some strategies that teachers can use to create a supportive learning environment?

A: Teachers can use various strategies to create a supportive learning environment, such as:

Encouraging student participation and engagement
Providing emotional support and feedback
Creating a positive and inclusive classroom culture
Using technology to facilitate communication and collaboration
Providing opportunities for students to develop social skills

Q: How can policymakers prioritize funding for programs that promote student engagement?

A: Policymakers can prioritize funding for programs that promote student engagement by:

Allocating funds for after-school programs, summer camps, and extracurricular activities
Providing resources for teachers to develop and implement engaging lesson plans
Supporting initiatives that promote social-emotional learning and character development
Encouraging community partnerships and collaborations that promote student engagement

Q: What are some limitations of this study, and how can future research build on these findings?

A: This study has several limitations, including the use of a single school and a correlational design. Future research can build on these findings by:

Replicating the study in different contexts and settings
Exploring the mechanisms by which peer social support influences student engagement
Investigating the impact of peer social support on student outcomes, such as academic achievement and motivation

Q: What are some implications of this study for educators, policymakers, and school administrators?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for educators, policymakers, and school administrators, highlighting the need to create a supportive social environment in schools to promote student engagement and academic outcomes.