Missouri State University

Working With a Peer Leader

Strategies

Working with a Peer Leader can be a privilege, an incredible learning experience and a challenge. Many of the strategies listed below are adapted from those used at San Jose State University. They are designed to facilitate good working relationships between Peer Leaders and faculty and to ensure that the Peer Leader is an asset to the instructor and the GEP 101 class. You and your Peer Leader may have additional strategies that will offer a foundation for student success.

  • Include the name and e-mail address of the Peer Leader on the syllabus; this indicates he or she is a resource for students in the course.
  • Meet with the Peer Leader before the semester begins to discuss strategies for including the Peer Leader in class.
  • Meet with the Peer Leader throughout the semester to learn how the course is going for the Peer Leader and for the students. Ask how the relationship between you and the Peer Leader is going. Discuss issues identified by students, the Peer Leader and yourself. Brainstorm how the two of you might respond.
  • Occasionally offer the Peer Leader time (e.g., 15 minutes) with the class, sometimes with you there and sometimes alone. She/he can talk to students and changing relationships with friends and family, and assignments for this and other courses.
    Offer the Peer Leader the opportunity to present on a topic related to college success, such as study skills or student organizations.
  • Provide student e-mail addresses to the Peer Leader so that she/he can maintain contact with students
  • Peer Leaders cannot grade any student work, assign grades or even record grades.

Setting Clear Expectations

Some common expectations include:

  • Attend every class meeting.
  • Take attendance with students providing non-threatening responses (home town, reason for attending Missouri State, favorite music artist, etc.).

"Pitfalls"

  • Peer Leader comes and just sits in the class and is given no time to interact with students in class.
  • Lack of communication between instructor and Peer Leader.
  • Students sense instructor and Peer Leader are not supportive of each other