Introduction

This collection of studies explores a wide area of interest in primary education today, namely the nature and effectiveness of social learning within schools. At the heart of social learning is the ability of humans to forge and sustain positive social and learning relationships. Children from a young age (some would argue in utero) learn to interact with other human beings to fulfil a central need. As young children develop and are afforded opportunities to socialize, they gain gratification in terms of forging positive relationships with their siblings and peers. Such is the nature of these interactions and the innate curiosity of young children that some of these interfaces result in learning in the widest sense of the word, including adopting behaviours, developing skills and assimilating material.