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Helen Otway

How does Peer Coaching fit with Professional Online Learning Networks for Teachers? - 34 views

ict learning online pd peercoaching pln professional technology

started by Helen Otway on 23 Jul 08
  • Helen Otway
    #1 Helen Otway on 23 Jul 08
     
    Professional Learning for teachers can take many different shapes and forms. There can be workshops, presentations, action research and peer coaching. Most recently Online Learning Networks have emerged through the Read/Write Web allowing teachers to learn anytime, anywhere.

    In their research Joyce and Showers tells us that Coaching (Peer Coaching) is the most effective way to ensure skills and knowledge are transferred to the classroom.

    My question therefore is - how do we blend online networks (web 2.0) with face to face peer coaching to gain the best possible results for our students?
  • Nirvana Watkins
    #2 Nirvana Watkins on 24 Jul 08
     
    Helen,

    I'm very interested in this question. Online PLNs don't necessarily focus solely on ICT and ICT integration, but the full breadth of teacher professional life, through ongoing communication and relationship-building. In this way they are perhaps a more well rounded delivery mode than formal PD, which is usually neccesarily confined to a single topic or goal. Peer coaching is another emerging trend, in which traditional leadership structures in schools are broken down to facilitate more 'just in time' learning and in-context PD. If more professionals and peer coaches are accessing multiple streams of learning they will more readily consolidate their learning and translate this to the classroom.


    Helen Otway wrote:
    > Professional Learning for teachers can take many different shapes and forms. There can be workshops, presentations, action research and peer coaching. Most recently Online Learning Networks have emerged through the Read/Write Web allowing teachers to learn anytime, anywhere.
    >
    > In their research Joyce and Showers tells us that Coaching (Peer Coaching) is the most effective way to ensure skills and knowledge are transferred to the classroom.
    >
    > My question therefore is - how do we blend online networks (web 2.0) with face to face peer coaching to gain the best possible results for our students?
  • Brenna C
    #3 Brenna C on 07 May 09
     
    Helen,

    I believe peer to peer coaching is most useful when it is utilized through informal learning. You can use online networks in order to find the best way to implement a peer-to-peer coaching program, and then implement that program for teachers. An example would be CoachingOurselves, link: http://www.coachingourselves.com/

    CoachingOurselves uses self-directed peer learning groups in order to implement professional learning. Their sessions, which are written mainly by leading professors are downloaded online, and then each peer learning group can implement it amongst themselves, each acting as a facilitator. The sessions are completely self-directed and can be done at the pace that works best for the group.

    So my answer would be to blend online networks in order to research and communicate with others, but maintain peer coaching as being face-to-face and personal. This allows each member to develop individually, as a group, and then they can transfer their knowledge and experience into the classroom.

    Helen Otway wrote:
    > Professional Learning for teachers can take many different shapes and forms. There can be workshops, presentations, action research and peer coaching. Most recently Online Learning Networks have emerged through the Read/Write Web allowing teachers to learn anytime, anywhere.
    >
    > In their research Joyce and Showers tells us that Coaching (Peer Coaching) is the most effective way to ensure skills and knowledge are transferred to the classroom.
    >
    > My question therefore is - how do we blend online networks (web 2.0) with face to face peer coaching to gain the best possible results for our students?

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