The Experiences and Perceptions of College Peer Mentors Interacting with Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-287
Author(s):  
Lindsay S. Athamanah ◽  
Marisa H. Fisher ◽  
Connie Sung ◽  
Jinny E. Han
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Peer Mentoring ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mentoring Program ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Peer Mentors ◽  
The Impact

Peer mentoring programs provide an opportunity for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to learn, socialize, and work together in supportive and inclusive environments. In this study, we used a phenomenological research design to explore the impact of a college campus-based peer mentoring program on the experiences and perceptions of participating college peer mentors ( n = 13) toward high school students with IDD who were enrolled in a school-to-work transition program housed on campus. Using thematic analysis across four different data sources, we identified three main themes that peer mentors discussed based on their experiences in the program: (a) mentors’ personal development: constructing meaning of self, (b) mentee growth: perceived work and social impact, and (c) campus community benefits: normalizing disability. Peer mentors reported their own attitudes toward individuals with IDD were changed based on participating in the peer mentoring program and they observed improvements in their mentees’ personal and work-related social relationships. We discuss how these outcomes have impacted the peer mentors’ attitudes, career choices, and lives in general. We also provide implications for future research and practice regarding development and implementation of peer mentoring programs in the community.

The Effects of Technology Supports on Community Grocery Shopping Skills for Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 016264342198997
Author(s):  
Sojung Jung ◽  
Ciara Ousley ◽  
David McNaughton ◽  
Pamela Wolfe
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

In this meta-analytic review, we investigated the effects of technology supports on the acquisition of shopping skills for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) between the ages of 5 and 24. Nineteen single-case experimental research studies, presented in 15 research articles, met the current study’s inclusion criteria and the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards. An analysis of potential moderators was conducted, and we calculated effect sizes using Tau-U to examine the impact of age, diagnosis, and type of technology on the reported outcomes for the 56 participants. The results from the included studies provide evidence that a wide range of technology interventions had a positive impact on shopping performance. These positive effects were seen for individuals across a wide range of ages and disability types, and for a wide variety of shopping skills. The strongest effect sizes were observed for technologies that provided visual supports rather than just auditory support. We provide an interpretation of the findings, implications of the results, and recommended areas for future research.

Parent and Teacher Perspectives on Friendships and Social Interactions of Secondary Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Inclusion ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 239-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Rossetti ◽  
Donna Lehr ◽  
Shuoxi Huang ◽  
Jessica Ghai ◽  
Nancy Harayama
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
School Students ◽  
Inclusive Settings ◽  
Direct Support

AbstractFriendships between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) remain infrequent, especially at the secondary level. However, when friendships between students with and without IDD have developed, direct support from parents and teachers has been a critical facilitator. Thus, this qualitative study examined parent (n = 10) and teacher (n = 20) perspectives on friendships and social interactions of middle and high school students with IDD receiving special education services in inclusive settings at least part of the day. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with each participant and analyzed inductively using a multistage process of open and then thematic coding. The thematic findings suggest that the challenge of friendship development between students with and without IDD is ongoing, though there may be potential in focusing more explicitly and intentionally on increasing social interaction opportunities both in and out of school. Implications for future research and practice are described in the context of supporting students with and without IDD to increase social interactions and develop friendships.

scholarly journals Mentee Perspectives of a First-Year Peer Mentoring Program for Education Doctoral (EdD) Students

10.28945/4148 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 471-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel L Geesa ◽  
Kendra Lowery ◽  
Kat McConnell
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Degree Completion ◽  
Peer Mentoring ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Degree Program ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
First Year ◽  
Mentoring Program ◽  
Program Support

Aim/Purpose: In this paper, we examine how first-year education doctoral (EdD) students in a peer mentoring program may be supported in the academic and psychosocial domains to increase timely degree completion, decrease attrition, and improve the EdD program for students and faculty. Background: EdD students often face unique trials based on academic, social, professional, and personal challenges that arise during their degree program. The paper addresses how peer mentoring programs may help students overcome these challenges while completing their EdD program. Methodology: To investigate the effectiveness of a peer mentoring program for students, we focused on a single case study of an EdD peer mentoring program with 11 first-year EdD students who participated in the program. Using mixed methods, we collected and analyzed data from pre- and post-surveys, individual interviews, and a focus group. Contribution: Few studies about peer mentoring programs for EdD students exist. This study is unique because it focuses on first-year EdD students’ perspectives and, unlike other studies on peer mentoring programs, peer mentors are defined as graduates of the EdD program or current EdD students who are further along in the program. Whilst many studies of peer mentoring recommend peer mentoring for new students, our findings suggest that in the case of EdD students, extended or later peer mentoring may be more beneficial. Findings: From the quantitative and qualitative data results, five themes related to mentee perspectives of the benefits of EdD peer mentoring program emerged: 1) receiving academic advice and program support; 2) focusing on the future; 3) receiving emotional support and work-life balance advice; 4) having an experienced and relatable mentor; and 5) needing more mentoring to derive benefits. While mentees reported positive feelings about the mentoring program, many expressed that they did not yet have a need for mentoring. Considering that most mentoring studies focus on early program mentees, these results present the possibility of a need for extended or later-program mentoring. Based on the data, we identified a need for additional research which focuses on determining the correct timing for EdD students to begin peer mentoring program since students take coursework during their first year and have not begun work in the dissertation phase of the program. Recommendations for Practitioners: Sustainability of peer mentoring programs can present challenges based on the time and needs of mentees, mentors, and faculty. Doctoral faculty should evaluate the benefits of an EdD peer mentoring program for mentees on a regular basis to ensure that the program effectively supports and guides mentees to degree completion. Recommendation for Researchers: Literature and research on the evaluation, impact, and value of peer mentoring programs for EdD students and first-year doctoral students are limited. Researchers could study further the perspectives of mentees in an EdD peer mentoring program throughout their degree program from taking coursework to writing a dissertation. The benefits of early-program mentoring in comparison to later-program mentoring could be investigated further. Impact on Society: Providing mentoring opportunities to EdD students may help them overcome academic, social, and emotional challenges, and in turn, allow more education leaders to successfully complete their EdD and use their education to improve their school communities. Future Research: Future studies should examine other options of mentoring programs for first-year EdD students and EdD students who completed their EdD coursework and are working on their dissertation. Longitudinal studies are also needed to track mentees’ progression throughout the program.

scholarly journals An undergraduate peer mentoring program at a Canadian university: Impact on student learning as perceived by instructors, peer mentors, and students

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-110
Author(s):  
Dan S. Petrescu ◽  
Armin Yazdani ◽  
Cassidy R. VanderSchee ◽  
Christopher A. Bailey ◽  
Faygie Covens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Peer Mentoring ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Mentoring Program ◽  
Peer Mentors ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Implementation Model ◽  
Mcgill University

Large undergraduate courses make it difficult for students to achieve learning outcomes, in part due to the lack of resources available to course instructors to support student learning in these intimidating and often impersonal settings. One way to support instructor teaching and student learning is the implementation of undergraduate peer mentoring programs, which capitalize on the Students-as-Partners framework. Undergraduate mentors’ relatability to their peers and their mastery of the course content make them excellent resources. This paper describes the development and implementation of a university-wide undergraduate peer mentoring program at McGill University in Canada and its impact on student learning as perceived by three populations: instructors, peer mentors, and students. Data on perceived learning was gathered through qualitative surveys. This case study presents one implementation model that may guide and inform the implementation of similar programs at other higher education institutions.

The Cross-Age Mentoring Program: A Developmental Intervention for Promoting Students’ Connectedness across Grade Levels

2008 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 2156759X0801200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Karcher
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
School Counselors ◽  
Peer Mentoring ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Mentoring Program ◽  
School Students ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Grade Levels ◽  
National Model

In cross-age peer mentoring programs, high school students mentor younger students. Prior research demonstrates the positive effects for mentees as well as for mentors. This context-based, strengths-promoting intervention is designed to help school counselors foster high school students’ leadership and collaboration skills while simultaneously promoting elementary and middle school mentees’ connectedness, self-esteem, and academic achievement. Using a tiered set of students as intervention agents, cross-age peer mentoring programs provide a unique strengths-based intervention for school counselors at any grade level. Consistent with the ASCA National Model®, but unlike most approaches to youth mentoring, cross-age mentoring programs can be structured by a calendar of connectedness themes that informs school counselors’ action and accountability plans and can utilize a connectedness curriculum to guide the delivery of guidance lessons by students to students.

Contemporary Peer Mentoring in Higher Education

2020 ◽  
pp. 177-197
Author(s):  
Lenis Colton Brown
Keyword(s):  
Peer Mentoring ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Peer Mentors ◽  
University Leadership ◽  
Successful Recruitment ◽  
Mentoring Practices ◽  
The University

This literature review illuminates how contemporary peer mentoring practices typically function within collegiate settings and delineates strategies for further developing and professionalizing the services they provide. Peer mentoring offers many advantages to the university, including the ability meet the needs of an increasingly diverse study body, which encompasses an array of ages, ethnicities, countries of origin, backgrounds, and abilities; the ability to draw from a large pool of student talent at a relatively low cost; and the improvement of retention rates by helping students navigate and succeed in their new environment. Topics include the main service models of peer mentoring; a consideration of what motivates university leadership, faculty, staff, mentors, and mentees to support peer mentoring programs; and the strategies required to ensure successful recruitment, training, deployment, supervision, and evaluation of peer mentors and the programs they serve. Suggestions for future research are provided.

Learning to Apply Algebra in the Community for Adults With Intellectual Developmental Disabilities

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony M. Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Opportunity To Learn ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
School Students ◽  
Algebra Instruction ◽  
Classroom Techniques ◽  
High Level

Abstract Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are routinely excluded from algebra and other high-level mathematics courses. High school students with IDD take courses in arithmetic and life skills rather than having an opportunity to learn algebra. Yet algebra skills can support the learning of money and budgeting skills. This study explores the feasibility of algebra instruction for adults with IDD through an experimental curriculum. Ten individuals with IDD participated in a 6-week course framing mathematics concepts within the context of everyday challenges in handling money. The article explores classroom techniques, discusses student strategies, and proposes possible avenues for future research analyzing mathematics instructional design strategies for individuals with IDD.

Interactions of High School Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun-Ching Chung ◽  
Karen H. Douglas ◽  
Virginia L. Walker ◽  
Rachel L. Wells
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
General Education ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
School Students ◽  
General Educator ◽  
Class Period

Abstract As inclusive opportunities increase for students with disabilities, additional research is needed to examine high school students' classroom interactions. This descriptive study explores the nature of the social interactions of 10 high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the general education classroom. Findings from our observations indicated that students with IDD interacted with peers during approximately one out of every four minutes and interacted with the general educator during one out of every 10 minutes, less than their peer comparisons' interactions with peers and teachers. Students with IDD were present (M = 89.9%) and in proximity to peers (M = 71.7%) during the majority of the class period. We discuss additional results along with practical implications, limitations, and future research directions.

Effects of PEERS® Social Skills Training on Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities During College

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 297-323
Author(s):  
Amy J. Rose ◽  
Kelly R. Kelley ◽  
Alexandra Raxter
Keyword(s):  
Social Skills ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Social Relationship ◽  
Social Skills Training ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Conversational Skills ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Academic Year

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) was used to provide weekly social skills training to a group of 10 college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) between ages 18 and 26 attending an inclusive residential postsecondary college program. Additionally, Circles curriculum was used to supplement the PEERS curriculum for teaching social relationship boundaries. An average of 12 sessions per semester of PEERS® training sessions were conducted over each academic year. The present study examines the impact of the program on social skills, friendship qualities, and conversational skills. Results showed increased social skill knowledge, friendship quality, and conversational skills from pretest to posttest intervention. In this paper, we discuss the training program, results, implications for practice, limitations, and future research needs.

Parent Perspectives of Applying Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Strategies to Special Education

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-180
Author(s):  
Meghan M. Burke ◽  
Neilson Chan ◽  
Cameron L. Neece
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Parents of children with (versus without) intellectual and developmental disabilities report greater stress; such stress may be exacerbated by dissatisfaction with school services, poor parent-school partnerships, and the need for parent advocacy. Increasingly, mindfulness interventions have been used to reduce parent stress. However, it is unclear whether parents apply mindfulness strategies during the special education process to reduce school-related stress. To investigate whether mindfulness may reduce school-related stress, interviews were conducted with 26 parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who completed a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention. Participants were asked about their stress during meetings with the school, use of mindfulness strategies in communicating with the school, and the impact of such strategies. The majority of parent participants reported: special education meetings were stressful; they used mindfulness strategies during IEP meetings; and such strategies affected parents' perceptions of improvements in personal well-being, advocacy, family-school relationships, and access to services for their children. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed.

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