Improving digital storybook story comprehension in kindergartners with developmental delays using peer-assisted learning strategies

This study evaluated the effect of peer-assisted learning strategies (PALS) intervention on the language and story comprehension skills of two kindergartners with developmental delays from a special education class while reading a digital storybook. The study was conducted in Taiwan with participants who spoke Mandarin Chinese. This study was a single-subject A-B1-C1-B2-C2-M study. The study compared the effects of conventional teaching methods with those of the modified PALS intervention. A standardized instrument and visual analysis were used to assess changes in language and story comprehension skills. After the intervention, the teacher and parents of the study participants were interviewed to evaluate changes in language skills of the participants at home and at school. The qualitative and quantitative results showed that this strategy effectively improved story comprehension skills. The teacher and parents all had positive views on this teaching strategy. Based on the findings, practical and future research suggestions are proposed.