Which type of instructional support is focused on social skill development?

Peer-mediated instruction is designed specifically to foster social skill development among students. This approach utilizes the advantages of social interactions by pairing students together, often in collaborative learning scenarios where they can model, practice, and reinforce social behaviors with one another. Such interactions are particularly beneficial for students with disabilities, as they create an environment where social skills can be developed in a natural, supportive context.

In this format, students learn not only from the teacher but also from each other, which can enhance their ability to communicate effectively, solve problems collaboratively, and navigate social situations. Engaging peers as instructional supports encourages the exchange of social cues and promotes empathy and understanding among students, which are vital components of social skills.

The other options, while valuable in different contexts, do not specifically center around social skills development as effectively as peer-mediated instruction does. Direct instruction is more about teaching academic content through structured methodologies. Traditional lecturing emphasizes content delivery, often leaving little room for social interaction. Self-paced learning focuses on individual progress without direct emphasis on collaboration or social skills. Thus, peer-mediated instruction stands out as the premier choice for explicitly supporting the development of social skills among students.