Professional Identity Development of Peer Study Group Leaders

David ArendaleThe Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning continued its monthly research series with Associate Professor David Arendale presenting on “Professional Identity Development of Peer Study Group Leaders”. The presentation was based on research by Arendale and Graduate Research Assistant Amanda Hane from their study of personal and professional outcomes for University student study group leaders where professional identity development models for teachers were applied to understand how student leaders develop their teaching identity. The research project involved understanding how these group leaders made choices on how to conduct their study review sessions. Sometimes they act as discussion facilitators for less difficult material and other times adapt their role to a traditional Teaching Assistant for material students struggled with. Research outcomes left many implications for the coaching and training of future student leaders, one of which is endorsement of providing more answers for appropriate situations.