The RETA session by Wendy New highlights the power of peer support in helping both neurotypical and neurodiverse learners thrive in the classroom. Peer support is an approach where students assist one another academically, socially, or emotionally, creating a collaborative and positive learning environment.

What Does Peer Support Look Like in the Classroom?

Think about a classroom where students do not just sit quietly at their desks, but actively help each other learn and grow. Maybe there is a student who is really confident with reading, and another who finds it challenging. When they work together, the stronger student can provide guidance, encouragement, and assistance and explain the passage in a way that makes sense to their classmate.

This strategy not only benefits the student who is struggling, but it also gives the strong student a chance to step up, take responsibility, and take ownership to care for their peers. Peer support is not just about academics. Sometimes, it is about having someone to talk to or share a laugh with during group work. These small moments of connection can make a big difference, especially for students who might often feel left out or overwhelmed in a bigger classroom.

Benefits of Peer Support

The benefits of peer support go far beyond better grades. When students work together, they foster meaningful relationships. They build real friendships and learn important social skills, like how to listen, encourage, and collaborate. They discover new strengths in themselves and others, and learn to appreciate what makes each person unique.

Helping and being helped by classmates can also boost confidence for everyone involved. The student giving support feels valued and capable, while the student receiving help feels understood and included. Over time, this sense of belonging can help reduce feelings of isolation and help every student feel like they are part of the group.

Peer support helps create a classroom where everyone is respected for who they are. Students learn to embrace differences, celebrate each other’s talents, and stand up and advocate for one another. It is a powerful way to build empathy and understanding that lasts well beyond the classroom.

Why Is Peer Support Important?

In many settings, there are not always enough specialists or therapists to give every student the help they need. This is where peer support can come in. By encouraging students to help each other, teachers can make the most of the strengths already in the room.

Both the students who give and receive support benefit! They learn, grow, and develop a growth mindset, seeing challenges as opportunities instead of obstacles. Students with learning difficulties get the help they need in real time, while their peers learn patience and gain a deeper understanding of different learning needs.

Peer support also prepares students for life outside of school. In the real world, we all have to work with people who have different strengths and weaknesses. Learning to collaborate, communicate, and support each other is a skill that will help students succeed wherever they go.

How Can We Use Peer Support in the DAS?

There are many ways to use peer support in daily lessons. For reading, students can pair up to read together. The stronger student might help sound out tough words, while the other asks questions about the passage. This not only improves reading and comprehension skills, but also helps students feel more confident.

For writing, a buddy system can pair up students with different strengths. One student might be great at coming up with ideas, while the other is better at organising and expressing it into words. By working together, they can brainstorm, write, and review their written work as a team.

When we encourage peer support, we are not just teaching literacy skills. We are building a community where every student feels respected, valued, and ready to succeed.

Article written by:
Weng Yiyao
RETA Fellow
Lead Educational Therapist
Programme Manager

Soleha Razali
RETA Fellow
Senior Educational Therapist