Assessing Learning Outcomes for Peer Educators: Insights from National Trend Data

Presented By Dr. Jacob Lemon & Dr. Matthew Wawrzynski

College and university administrators have long recognized the critical role peer educators play in campus prevention efforts. Peer educators not only support the development and learning of their peers but also gain significant personal and professional growth through their roles. Since 2005, the National Peer Educator Study (NPES) has assessed the learning outcomes, motivations, training, and demographics of peer educators. As part of the NPES, an annual survey is sent to peer educators assessing their experiences, behaviors, growth, and development. Advisors of peer education programs benefit from information, feedback, and trends from the survey regarding how peer educators are interacting and growing in their roles. Advisors and program managers will gain actionable insights to intentionally design structured learning outcomes, assess student learning, and provide data-driven evidence of the peer educator role’s impact.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe key trends from the National Peer Educator Survey related to peer educator learning, training, and motivations.
2. Analyze how peer educators’ experiences contribute to their personal and professional development.
4. Apply survey findings to enhance the design and delivery of peer education programs.
5. Develop a rationale for expanding peer education initiatives using data-driven evidence of peer educator impact.