Self-perceived leadership development of peer tutors in undergraduate health care studies at a university in South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: Peer tutors are often seen by peer students as leaders. The role of peers in the development, learning, transition and success of fellow students is widely documented in literature on education and leadership. In spite thereof, minimal research has been done on the development of health care students’ teaching and leadership abilities through involvement in tutor training programmes. The researcher believes that leadership skills of peer tutors develop through enhancing learning experiences of tutees and by introducing them to the leadership model of Kouzes and Posner - The Five Practices of Exemplary Leaders.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the self-perceived leadership development of peer tutors in undergraduate health care studies during participation in the tutor training programme of a particular university.

Methodology: A triangulation mixed method design was used to collect complementary quantitative and qualitative data with equal contribution. The study sample consisted of the tutors appointed for a specific academic year at a selected university, to tutor theoretical modules as well as practical skills. Data collection was done by means of a structured self-report instrument completed in the beginning and end of the tutoring programme, an unstructured focus group and narrative descriptions by the tutors.

Findings: The data provided an answer to the question; what are the peer tutors’ perceptions of their own leadership development during participation in the tutor training programme in undergraduate health care studies at a university, by describing the self-perception of their leadership abilities. Although the Leadership Practices Inventor - Self results showed a difference, but not always a statistical significant increase in their leadership abilities, when combined with the results from the qualitative data, the study showed that the participants exhibited great growth in their leadership abilities with regards to The Five Practices of Exemplary Leaders: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act and Encourage the Heart.

Key terms: leadership, leadership development, peer tutors, tutor training programme