ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Research shows students are more likely to fall behind in math than reading due to COVID-19.

On average, students lose up to two to four months in math. Learning during a pandemic could be even more difficult for students with intellectual disabilities. One study suggests that reaching out to classmates for assistance might be a solution.

Science … English … History … When it comes to schoolwork, there is always one subject that seems the most difficult to learn.

However, a study by the University of North Carolina found that the key to math success for some children may be with their peers. It’s called peer-mediated teaching.

The scientists trained honorary students to teach students with intellectual disabilities how to solve math problems. They found that using visual checklists, pictures of math word problems, and reading the problems aloud were effective tutoring techniques to educate their classmates. With parents, ask your child’s teacher how to involve their peers in the classroom to support your child’s learning.

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While this study focused on improving math problem solving for students with intellectual disabilities, other research supports the value of peer-mediated learning in a number of different student populations.

Contributors to this news report include: Cyndy McGrath, Executive Producer; Milvionne Chery, field producer; and Roque Correa, editor.

Produced by Child Trends News Service in association with Ivanhoe Broadcast News and funded by an IES grant.

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