This case study looks at the implementation of an extracurricular program, the ePortfolio Peer Consultants (ePPC) peer-mentoring technology group, as a part of an ePortfolio project at the University of Virginia and its impact on the development of ePortfolio skill sets. Specifically, we seek to understand if and how the participation in this…

Secondary Traumatic Stress has been described as "the stress resulting from helping or wanting to help a traumatized or suffering person" (Figley, 1999, p. 10). College resident assistants often serve as first-responders to students who have experienced traumatic life events such as severe mental illness, substance abuse, sexual…

The use of peer education has been well documented within the discipline of health promotion, but not within the youth mental health domain. This paper describes an evaluation of an innovative schools-based peer education training programme that involved preparing young people to deliver a mental health workshop to their peers. Participants…

Peer helpers can act as liaisons to high school guidance departments by identifying problems, making appropriate referrals, and encouraging others to obtain professional help if necessary. An active program can help ensure that in the future students are better prepared to handle conflicts that arise within marriage, career, and family. This study…

A peer assistance program for teenage substance users was developed in which students interviewed their peers to determine substance use attitudes and frequency of substance use. Student interviewers read and studied drug curriculum materials in their health class; were taught active listening skills and counseling techniques; practiced answering…

The development and implementation of a Peer Advising Program at the University of Wisconsin-Superior is discussed. The program's components and evaluation are described and observations and conclusions drawn from a working model are provided. An advisor evaluation form is appended. (MLW)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have become a serious health threat to university students. This study evaluated a peer-led intervention program with university students to increase knowledge and attitudes of HIV/AIDS infection and transmission. Subjects were students (n=41) from an undergraduate…

Although anecdotal evidence supports the usefulness of peer helper programs and related training, there is little published quantitative data on the effectiveness of peer helper training. The purpose of the present study was (1) to examine whether or not training for a peer helper program provided student mediators with the essential skills needed…

This monograph considers the role of peer leadership in first-year seminars and how they help create successful transitions for incoming students. It explains how they provide meaningful leadership opportunities through various activities on campus. The monograph begins with the history of an educator's experience directing one of the initial…

Peer counseling is a method for improving educational and counseling effectiveness in which counselors work together to implement strategies through a systematic process of following group formation in supervision. It has the goal of improving counseling and educational activities and developing an atmosphere of collegiality and experimentation.…

This study examined sex and age differences in elementary school students' perceptions of conflict and violence and of the effectiveness of various intervention strategies to resolve conflicts. A total of 51 third-graders, 75 fourth-graders, and 95 fifth-graders who had been trained by researchers to be peer mediators participated in the study.…

A study evaluated the effectiveness of the "Peer Hope Delegation," a peer counseling/helping training program in Guymon, Oklahoma, comprised of 22 high school students. Effectiveness of this program was examined by determining the number of times the teen counselors/helpers intervened with peers, the counseling concerns, whether the teen…

This evaluation report describes a program designed to reduce substance abuse among students by establishing a comprehensive peer program in the middle schools (grades 6 through 8). The background of the project is reviewed, five important aspects of a peer helper program are listed, and three intervention strategies of peer assistance programs…

The concept of peer advising to supplement faculty efforts was initiated in 1981 by students in the School of Business at Ithaca College. In order to increase personalized assistance, a group of students was selected and trained in School of Business procedures, basic counseling, and college services. Peer advisers must meet a grade point average…

The purpose of this practicum was to resolve conflict in a peaceful and constructive manner in the sixth-grade. Students participated in a conflict resolution and peer mediation program designed to enable friendships to grow and to reduce the number of violent acts within the school setting. Thirty students initially began in the program. During…