ABSTRACT
A peer program is a systemic approach to deliver peer helping to others. An effective peer program involves a vision, mission, goals, infrastructure, selection of the peer helpers, training of the peer helpers, evaluation of the peer program, and promoting the program to those they serve. Teaching people to become more facilitative and effective in interpersonal relationships is the goal of deliberate psychological education (DPE) programs, and peer helping training is one of the major delivery systems to that goal. In other words, DPE strategies attempt to aid in developing counseling skills and attitudes or, more specifically, to teach helping skills to laypersons. Peer helpers are often called on to assist others in learning a new skill, to help with formal teaching, or to work with students who have difficulty learning. This module will assist peer helpers as they work in their role of tutoring. Peer helpers can be instrumental in developing character education in younger students.
