Pedagogical Peer Coaches

Pedagogical Peer Coaching (PPC) is a powerful tool for faculty development that offers educators a confidential and supportive space to refine their teaching practices. Through course observations, collaborative discussions and faculty-led learning communities, PPC is a source of continuous improvement without the pressure of formal evaluation or hierarchy. Thanks to fresh perspectives and targeted feedback, this collaborative peer coaching system should be seen as a major asset for steering effective teaching and learning experiences.

Presented by Karen Earl Erpelding and Sophie L'Hostis Gaston

Context

A PPC is someone who provides support to new or seasoned colleagues in their teaching at all levels, across the spectrum of the various “zones” that span the process between teacher thinking and action (McAlpine et al, 2006). In the conceptual zone, PPCs can help teachers formulate their teaching philosophy – the values and concepts that form the backdrop of why you teach. In the strategic zone, support can come in the form of course redesign, writing unit descriptions, or ideas for evaluations. In the tactical zone, developing subject-specific approaches or digitalizing course content are examples of areas of discussion. In the enactive zone, PPCs are there to provide support for challenging situations, increasing student engagement, designing activities or other. In all cases, the PPC's role is to be a critical friend – to help a teacher, not by providing answers, but by asking the right questions.