Because intelligence can somehow be transferred from one student to another, psychology suggests that there may be some truth behind this old-school advice, but it is not. For years, many Indian parents have given their children the same advice: “Sit with the topper and you will become smart too. The idea is familiar. If a child spends more time around someone who consistently scores well, perhaps their discipline, study habits and motivation will eventually rub off. What matters is what children observe, learn and experience through their relationships with classmates. A high-performing student may model useful habits, explain difficult concepts or show a struggling classmate how they approach their studies. But simply sharing a bench with the class topper is not enough. The quality of the interaction matters.
A stronger classmate can therefore become a useful learning partner.
So, the healthier version of the traditional Indian parenting advice is not “sit with the smartest child”. Another psychological explanation comes from Lev Vygotsky’s idea of the Zone of Proximal Development. In simple terms, children can sometimes accomplish more with appropriate help from someone more capable than they can manage completely on their own. For example, imagine a student struggling with algebra. A classmate who understands the topic might explain the first few steps, show how they approach the problem and answer questions. That interaction could help the struggling student eventually solve similar problems independently. But there is an important catch. If two children simply sit next to each other and silently complete their own work, there may be little benefit. The learning opportunity comes from discussion, explanation, observation, cooperation and feedback. Research examining peer learning has similarly highlighted the potential value of interaction between students, rather than assuming that one child is simply a source of knowledge for another. It is “learn alongside children who encourage good learning habits. Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day.
