Introduction to Peer Coaching

Video Transcription

Hi, my name is Ashley. And today's lesson is titled Introduction to Peer Coaching. In today's lesson will define peer coaching and we'll review the components and benefits of this relationship between colleagues. What is peer coaching? Peer coaching is a mutual relationship between two teachers who coach each other and they reflect on their instruction with one another, brainstorm new teaching strategies, and revamp old ones, address specific challenges in the classroom, and observe each other and offer feedback. This is also a form of professional development that is specific to the needs of the teacher and very collaborative. In some ways peer coaching is more effective than attending conferences and workshops. Research supports that workshops and conferences don't usually have instructional change. Peer coaching offers more sustainable development which occurs in the classroom.

What are the components of peer coaching? In peer coaching, one teacher is more knowledgeable than the other. Peer coaching allows for two-way collaboration while colleagues coach each other. Peer coaching is non-evaluative. Focus is placed on reflection and improvement of teaching practices and not scores or ratings. Effective peer coaching happens naturally. You're probably in a peer coaching relationship right now and didn't even know it until now. Peer coaching can happen when two people are just naturally comfortable with sharing their ideas and they begin to brainstorm and bounce ideas off of each other.

Now, on the flip side, being forced to work with someone is not that effective. Sometimes principals choose peer coaching relationships which might end badly if the teachers involved don't have the same goals or learning style. Another component of peer coaching is that it has no expiration date. As long as the two people involved agree, a peer coaching relationship can go on forever.

What are the benefits of peer coaching? Peer coaching offers many benefits. It increases student learning. In a peer coaching relationship, the two teachers involved are continuously trying to improve their teaching practices, which would allow students' learning to increase. Peer coaching encourages collaboration among colleagues. It helps colleagues to work as a community. It reduces teacher isolation and promotes reflection on instructional practices. This type of relationship allows you to tell someone else how your lesson went, therefore, you can reflect on your own teaching practices.

So let's recap what we have discussed in today's lesson. We defined peer coaching as being a mutual relationship between teachers. It is a two-way form of collaboration and it is most effective when it occurs naturally. The increase of student learning is a benefit of peer coaching as well as many others.

Consider creating a peer coaching relationship with a colleague, if you have not already done so. Frequently reflect on your teaching practices with your peer coach. For more information on how to apply what you've learned in this video, please view the additional resources section that accompanies this video presentation. The additional resources section includes hyperlinks, useful for applications of the course material, including a brief description of each resource.