Prof. Teboho Moja, Professor of Higher Education, New York University; Extra-ordinary Professor of Higher Education, University of the Western Cape
JSAA Editorial Executive
Prof. Teboho Moja, Professor of Higher Education, New York University; Extra-ordinary Professor of Higher Education, University of the Western Cape (Editor-in-Chief)
Dr Birgit Schreiber, Executive Director: Student Affairs, University of Stellenbosch (Book Review Editor)
Prof. Thierry Luescher, Research Director: Higher Education and Development in Africa, Human Sciences Research Council (Journal Manager)
Prof Sioux McKenna, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Rhodes University
Dr Bekele Workie Ayele, Lecturer: Curriculum and Instruction, Kotebe Metropolitan University
Dr Martin Mandew, Director: Midlands Centre, Durban University of Technology
Dr WP Wahl, A/Director: Residence Life, University of the Free State
Dr Angelina Wilson Fadiji, Research Specialist, Human Sciences Research Council (Editorial Assistant)
JSAA International Editorial Advisory Board
Dr Lisa Bardill Moscaritolo, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean for Students, Pace University
Prof. Cecil Bodibe, Director of Special Projects, Empowaworx
Dr John Butler-Adam, Editor-in-Chief: SA Journal of Science
Prof. Ronelle Carolissen, A/Professor, Educational Psychology, University of Stellenbosch
Prof. Jon Dalton, Professor Emeritus of Higher Education, Florida State University
Dr Tom Ellett, Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, New York University
Prof. Magda Fourie-Malherbe, Professor of Higher Education Studies, University of Stellenbosch
Prof. Ransford E.V. Gyampo, Associate Professor: Political Science, University of Ghana
Dr Manja Klemenčič, Senior Lecturer: Sociology of Higher Education, Harvard University
Prof. Patrício Langa, A/Professor of Higher Education, University of the Western Cape and Eduardo Mondlane University
Prof. Christina Lunceford, A/Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs, Bowling Green State University
Dr Ibrahim Ogachi Oanda, Programme Officer for Research (Higher Education), CODESRIA
Dr Adesoji Oni, Senior Lecturer: Educational Foundations, University of Lagos
Prof. Dawn Person, Professor in Educational Leadership, California State University Fullerton
Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr, President: Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences
Distinguished Prof John Schuh, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Iowa State University
Prof. Juma Shabani, Advisor to the Rector in charge of cooperation, University of Burundi, formerly UNESCO Senior Specialist for Higher Education in Africa
Distinguished Prof Vincent Tinto, Distinguished Professor Emeritus in Higher Education, Syracuse University
Prof Nan Yeld, formerly Dean of the Centre for Higher Education Development, University of Cape Town
International Survey of Peer Leadership (ISPL): An Emerging Snapshot of the Status of Peer Leadership in South Africa
Frade Nelia, Tiroyabone Gugu Wendy
Abstract
The power and importance of peer influence in educational settings has been well documented (Cuseo, 2010; Ender & Kay, 2001; Keup, 2010). In South Africa, research supports international trends that student involvement in peer-led activities contributes to student success and ultimate throughput (Layton & McKenna, 2015; Loots, 2009; Underhill & McDonald, 2010). A plethora of research exists attesting to the benefits for students who are the recipients of peer-led activities. In South Africa, however, knowledge gaps exist pertaining to a national perspective on the experiences and, to some extent, on the benefits of peer leadership activities for peer leaders themselves. The purpose of this study is to provide an initial national snapshot of the development and experiences of peer leaders at six South African institutions of higher education, using the International Survey of Peer Leaders (ISPL). The research design adopted was a non-probability purposive sampling technique, with a sample size of N=466. Data were analysed using descriptive analyses. Findings validate previous findings and provide a more comprehensive picture of the types of peer leadership positions held, the training and support peer leaders receive, levels of engagement, and the benefits of being involved in peer-led activities.
JSAA is published by the JSAA Editors in collaboration with Stellenbosch University and African Sun Media. Since 2017, JSAA is DHET-accredited in South Africa (see: accreditation letter).
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