Using a peer buddy system to increase interaction between students with special needs and their peers

Students with disabilities in a self-contained elementary classroom were given peer mentors to encourage and motivate them to become more active socially. The peers modeled appropriate behavior and social skills during special area classes. The four students who volunteered to act as mentors met with the special education teacher and discussed the plan of action. As a result of the intervention, the students with disabilities approached their typical peers more frequently. The students with disabilities grew in many ways socially, emotionally and cognitively. The mentors gained knowledge of the peer mentor system as well as knowledge of students with disabilities. The results showed that students with disabilities could increase their interaction with typical peers as a result of participating in a peer buddy program.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. Learning Disabilities

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Special Educational Services/Instruction

Year dc:date.available

2011

Author dc:creator

• Foster, Kristi

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kuder, S Jay

• Students with disabilities; Mentoring in education; Social skills--Study and teaching
• Special Education and Teaching

Repository record dc:identifier

https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/257

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rdw.rowan.edu:etd-1256