The benefits of peer leader programs: An overview from the literature

Abstract

This chapter provides a review of the literature on peer leadership with specific emphasis on the benefits of these programs to the students being served, to those who engage as peer leaders, and to the institution.

International Survey of Peer Leadership (ISPL): An Emerging Snapshot of the Status of Peer Leadership in South Africa

“…This highlights the fact that many South African peer leaders are placed in positions for which they receive no training. This lack of training can hinder the quality of peer-mediated interventions and adversely affect student engagement in peer-led activities (Shook & Keup, 2012, Newton & Ender, 2012.…”

“…Additional studies conducted in America, focusing on the benefits associated with being a peer leader, have shown that students who serve as peer leaders also experienced gains in social and emotional development, such as improved social skills, self-confidence, self-esteem, sense of purpose and personal identity (Shook & Keup, 2012;Cuseo, 2010;Harmon, 2006;Ender & Kay, 2001). In addition, peer leaders reported a greater sense of belonging at their institution, gained a deeper understanding of institutional processes and governance, built stronger relationships with faculty and staff, became more responsible, increased their appreciation of diversity, and gained awareness of professional and ethical standards (Keup & Skipper, 2016;Latino & Ashcraft, 2012).…”

“…In addition, peer leaders reported a greater sense of belonging at their institution, gained a deeper understanding of institutional processes and governance, built stronger relationships with faculty and staff, became more responsible, increased their appreciation of diversity, and gained awareness of professional and ethical standards (Keup & Skipper, 2016;Latino & Ashcraft, 2012). Furthermore, it was evident that peer leaders were also more likely to experience integrative and applied learning in their educational experience (Shook & Keup, 2012), which could positively affect employability and the development of career-relevant leadership skills (Cuseo, 2010).…”

“…Interestingly, despite the fact that a high number of survey respondents were engaged in academic peer-leader roles, the academic performance outcome area was the least affected. Qualitative results revealed that this was due to an over-involvement in activities, poor time management and the stress associated with the peer leader role (Shook & Keup, 2012).…”

“…With regards to the benefits reported by peer leaders, Harmon (2006), for example, found that peer mentors for first-year students reported increases in their ability to manage groups, empathise with students, and facilitate learning. Peer leaders across America also continue to report improvements in their communication and leadership skills; increased knowledge of campus resources; more interaction with teaching staff, professors and peers; greater engagement in critical thinking and diverse problem solving, and refined interpersonal skills (Astin, 1993;Ender & Kay, 2001;Shook & Keup, 2012). These aforementioned studies, conducted at various institutions in America, also provide insight into the selection, training and compensation models for peer leaders.…”