Peer-Assisted Learning to Improve Social Skills and STEM Achievement in Students with Emotional Behavioral Disorder

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@article{1708690,
      author = {Linda Ifechukwu Onwubuya, Omolara Olajumoke Adeyemo, Awele Mary-rose Ilusanmi},
      title = {Peer-Assisted Learning to Improve Social Skills and STEM Achievement in Students with Emotional Behavioral Disorder},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {8},
      number = {11},
      pages = {1625-1636},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708690.pdf},
      abstract = {Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) has been increasingly used as an effective method to support students with Emotional and Behavior Disorders (EBD) to support collaboration, social interaction, and academic success. This paper assesses the literature on how PAL can be utilized as a strategy to promote social skills as well as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) achievement in students with EBD. The paper reviews various interventions, theoretical frameworks, and outcomes related to the use of PAL to help students improve their academic performance, behaviour and social competence.  Some studies have examined how PAL may impact students with EBD, with great results. Findings revealed that the students who participated in the PAL made significant improvements in social skills and academic achievement (especially in STEM-related subjects). Results provide evidence suggesting that PAL improves peer interactions, provides peer feedback, interacts socially decreases disruptive behaviors and increases academic engagement. However, to be successful, PAL must be meticulously planned before implementation, teachers need to be trained and the conditions need to be individualized to meet the special needs of students with EBD. Some future research is needed on the effects of PAL on students with EBD long-term and strategies to thwart peer appropriateness as well as group dynamics.},
      keywords = {Peer-Assisted Learning, Social Skills, STEM, Emotional Behavioural Disorder},
      month = {May},
  }