Peer coaching: Teachers helping teachers

Abstract

Peer coaching is a process in which teachers visit each other's classes and meet to pool their observations and expertise. It is based on the premise that teachers have a wealth of experience and knowledge about teaching and that “we are the experts” and can improve our teaching both by observing others and by being observed. Faculty members' and students' responses to peer coaching programs have been overwhelmingly positive. For example, almost 60 percent of participants in New Mexico judged peer coaching as the most effective teaching improvement strategy when compared with teaching workshops, reading about teaching, and evaluations by administrators, peers and students.