iCOACH© is a peer coaching format that was designed specifically for K-12 schools. Its flexible format and participant-centered design helps institutions develop systemic support communities within each school.
The research on the benefits of peer-coaching is conclusive:
| Types of Training Support |
Ownership Percentage |
| Theory |
Demonstration |
Practice Opportunities |
Feedback |
Coaching |
| X |
|
|
|
|
5% |
| X |
X |
|
|
|
10% |
| X |
X |
X |
|
|
20% |
| X |
X |
X |
X |
|
25% |
| X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
90% |
(This was adapted from the following website: http://www.teachnet.org/TNPI/research/growth/becker.htm)
School leaders have long since recognized the benefits of using peer coaching. Here are some of the most widely shared factors that increase upon successful incorporation of a peer coaching model:
• Student Achievement
• Teaching Confidence
• Teaching Competence
• Student & Teacher Performance
• Teacher Collaboration
• Positive School Climate
There are 5 stages in implementing iCOACH© that are described below:
1. Need Assessment: TESOL Trainers gathers data about your institution, its goals, teachers, and any other pertinent information that allows us to design a plan that meets your needs.
2. Stage One: At this stage, all teachers receive training on the fundamentals of peer coaching that help each participant create a solid foundation.
3. Stage Two: Here, teachers are guided through the process of observing a peer teach and giving/receiving feedback.
4. Stage Three: Here, a core group of teachers is selected to act as `peer leaders`. This group receives additional training to support their purpose
.
5. Stage Four: At this stage, teachers and peer leaders continue to develop their skills as peer coaches while TESOL Trainers provides less frequent, more targeted support.
A group of teachers sharing their experiences in getting students to actively work with vocabulary.
TESOL Trainers has extensive experience in helping teachers develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and awareness to act as peer coaches for colleagues at their schools. We can develop an iCOACH model that will work best with the needs and constraints of your institution. As with anything, the following guiding principles always exist:
The driving principle behind all workshops is that the leaner must be 100% engaged in the learning process. Every workshop invites the whole of the participant into each stage of the experience.
Experiential
All activities are hands-on approaches to learning that give participants the opportunity to explore and experience the guiding principles and strategies behind each technique.
Adaptable
The techniques and strategies covered can be used the next day in the classroom without having to research , spend hours preparing, or energy considering how it can be done.
Research-Based
Every strategy and technique is based on sound research of learning and teaching in the specific context of the work-shop.
Needs-Based
Every workshop is designed and delivered with the specific needs of the institution in mind.
If you would like more information on this theme or any other theme, please contact us directly.
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