Peer Coaching in Higher Education: Faculty Coaching Partnerships to Support Rigorous, Equitable, and Engaging Classrooms

• In Event: Faculty Teaching, Evaluation, and Development With Equity in Mind

Abstract

This participatory action research project explores the processes and outcomes of a faculty peer coaching initiative in higher education. Six self-selected faculty partnerships committed to a series of professional learning sessions focused on effective instructional practices and the processes of peer coaching. Alongside the professional learning sessions, partners engaged in a model of peer-coaching that included conducting peer observations with pre-and post-conferences throughout the academic year. Themes that emerged focused on student engagement, equitable teaching practices, building faculty relationships across disciplines, faculty learning and growth over time and the vital presence of trust building and psychological safety in peer coaching.

Authors

• Kristin Nicole Rainville, Sacred Heart University

• David G Title, Sacred Heart University

• Cynthia G. Desrochers, California State University (CSU) Northridge