In an effort to promote continued learning and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines, several higher-education institutions have adopted what is known as peer-led team learning (PLTL) workshops. Research shows that both the participating students and the peer-leaders experience several benefits from PLTL. The current work builds on this previous research regarding the benefits of PLTL and reports the progress of two ongoing projects. The first project examines students’ self-efficacy in STEM after completing a semester of PLTL. Students’ self-efficacy in STEM increases after participation in the workshop, and these effects are especially noticeable for women and ethnic minorities who have been traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. However, both groups continue to report lower self-efficacy compared to their counterparts (e.g., men and racial majorities). This project expands on previous research by examining whether having the same gender or ethnic identity as their peer-leader may be particularly beneficial for these students and increase their self-efficacy over the course of a semester. The second project examines the impacts of being a peer leader on the transferable skills of former participants in the program. Results indicate the importance of being a peer leader on skills such as leadership, self-confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving. Quantitative and qualitative methods and results will be presented.

Effect of participation in PLTL workshops on self efficacy and transferable skills

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.