Peer group facilitator leader identity development, part three of four

Abstract

This qualitative study at the University of Minnesota investigated leader identity emergence of their study group facilitators. This was a replication of previous studies of personal and professional outcomes by these student paraprofessionals. Findings of this study confirmed leader identity emergence. This article links leadership theories to how and why this occurred. Leadership skills of study group facilitators often are small group management skills. Being a leader is related to a person’s identity of how s/he sees them self. Peer study group programs present a cocurricular experience that could be more powerful if it was more intentional for personal and professional development of study group facilitators and participating students. With today’s highly competitive job market, institutions must use every opportunity to increase job readiness skills and leader identities of its graduates for a lifetime of engaged citizenship.