In McREL International’s latest whitepaper, “Peer coaching that works: The power of reflection and feedback in teacher triad teams,” researchers delve deep into the six essential components of the peer-coaching process.
Why focus on peer coaching as a Professional Development technique? As McREL points out:
“Teachers are surrounded by the greatest professional development resource ever created: other teachers. So, doesn’t it make sense to team up for mutual support and growth?”
According to the whitepaper, the six essential components of teacher peer coaching, summarized, are:
1. Establishing and Maintaining Trust
Trust is at the heart of any successful peer coaching program, and school leaders can promote a trusting school culture.
2. Designing Differentiated Professional Learning for All
Assume that all teachers — novices and veterans alike — have room to grow and improve their practice.
3. Establishing Coaching Configurations to Maximize Learning
Teachers must be involved in creating the teams, which need not be constrained by grade level or content area.
4. Calibrating Individuals’ Skills and Needs
Aim for the team’s zone of proximal development to keep your learning attainable.
5. Using Reflection as an Integral Part of Coaching
Reflection can aid communication, critical thinking, and commitment to the goal and the process.
6. Providing Descriptive Feedback
Adults often hesitate to provide descriptive feedback, but it’s one of the most important gifts one educator can give another.
To get a much more in-depth look at these components, click here and download the whitepaper for free.
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