Instructional Growth through Peer Coaching.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The peer coaching program described in this paper was designed to promote a teacher self-directed system which established sharing with colleagues through team planning and classroom observation and feedback. While the ultimate goal of the program was to improve instruction and, thereby, to increase student learning, the program also facilitated the exchange of teaching methods and materials, provided teachers with regular positive feedback on their classroom performance from their peers, helped teachers to focus on instructional goal achievement, and relieved the isolation of the classroom. In preparation for the program, 41 teachers (of a total of 133 staff members) attended workshops that provided guidance in teacher observation and feedback skills and discussions on effective teaching and on evaluation methods. Unique features of the prograva included teachers providing support for their colleagues and assuming responsibility for their professional growth, and the teachers chosing their own coach or coaches rather than having them assigned. A description is given of the peer coaching process and the development of the program. A year-end evaluation of the program is reported, based on interviews with four case studies of participants in the program, two questionnaires completed by the participants, and interviews with division chairpersons and the principal. (JD)