Peer Coaching Training: Session 1

Sarietjie Musgrave

Attendance:

The attendance for the first session was good (17 in total from 9 schools). Two schools have send coaches for a second time to attend the training: EuniceHigh School and St Bernard’s. It was disappointing to only have two Management representatives there (Dr Blok and Bartimea). The other 5 schools were unable to get their principals to attend as they were too busy or it was too far to travel (Welkom and Winburg).

The expectations of the group were far more realistic than the first group of Free State coaches. They were well informed and keen to make use of Peer Coaching as a professional staff development program. All teachers attending could navigate their way around the computer and CD and they were excited about making changes in their schools.

I was short of one handbook and CD for a delegate.

Venue and catering:

The venue was well equipped with all computer working and fast internet access. Tea, lunch and tea again in the afternoon was tasteful and well prepared. The group worked well and we could stick to times as set out in the facilitator’s handbook.

Session 1:

  • Why Peer Coaching?

As the groups brainstormed/shared previous staff development experiences, it was clear that not many of the attendees have ever attended a successful staff development course of any kind – they could not make a list from experience but rather made a list of what they wished for… This made them realize the importance of well researched programs which were thoroughly planned and well-structured

  • Coaching Roles

The video was well received and open the way to interesting conversations about the possible success of Peer coaching and each individual coach’s expectations of himself.

  • Coaching Plan

Although many schools were without a SMT member, they were keen to put to paper what they think could work at their schools.

(Teachers did not expect the amount of reading they had to do prior to coming for the training, and some preferred working from hard copies rather than the screen.)

  • Meet and Greet

Teachers enjoyed the ‘blogging” side of this activity. For most of them it was their first blogging experience. Although a few “mistakes” where made (blogging instead of posting or commenting) it went well.

  • Setting Norms

This activity was done in a hurry, and more emphasis will be placed on it next time.

Conclusion:

This group shows a lot of potential and was all well engaged in the various activities. The principal of BartimeaSchool has decided to stay for all 8 sessions as he realised the potential that peer coaching holds for his school. I am looking forward to seeing the progress of this group in the coming sessions.