Which intervention strategy is most suitable for a student lacking social skills?

Modeling and coaching social skills is the most suitable intervention strategy for a student lacking these skills. This approach involves demonstrating appropriate social behaviors and providing direct guidance to the student as they practice these skills in a supportive environment. By modeling behavior, the educator or psychologist shows the student what effective communication and interaction look like, while coaching allows for immediate feedback and reinforcement of these behaviors in real-time.

This strategy is particularly effective because social skills are often learned through observation and practice. By facilitating opportunities for the student to engage in social interactions in a structured way, they can develop confidence and competence in their social abilities, which can lead to more positive peer relationships and improved social functioning overall.

Other strategies, such as standardized assessments, can provide valuable information about a student’s current social skills and areas of need but do not directly address or improve those skills. Reducing classroom size may create a more comfortable environment for some students but does not specifically target the development of social skills. Conducting peer assessments could help in gathering feedback from peers about social interactions, but it does not offer the structured practice and guidance that modeling and coaching provide.