Peer-Mediated Intervention Studies on Academic Achievement for Students with EBD

Abstract

Research has shown that peer-mediated interventions produce positive academic outcomes for a wide range of students. The authors of this review examined the effectiveness of peer-mediated interventions on the academic functioning of students with emotional and behavior disorders (EBD). Fourteen studies using cross-age, same-age, classwide peer tutoring, or cooperative learning met the criteria set forth for this review. Findings from these studies indicate peer-mediated interventions were successful across academic subject areas and grade levels. However, the participants and settings used within these studies did not accurately reflect the current EBD population's ethnic or gender composition or actual classroom placement. Finally, despite the recent growth in the number of students identified with EBD, the number of research studies investigating academic interventions has declined.