Team+1

by 'In the Middle" aka Taylene, Crystal, and Shauna
 * __How Can Coaching Help Teachers Strengthen Teaching and Learning?__**

Teaching can often be viewed as a lonely profession. Isolated in your classroom, it is difficult to build collaborative relationships with peers in search of support and resources that can improve teaching and learning. Coaching provides the bridge to connect collegues and link them to one another and valuable resource needed to effectively impact student learning. Impactful Resources to Support Teaching and Learning __Learning Activity Checklist__ **:
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 * The //Learning Activity Checklist// can provide coaches and collaborating teachers with a common frame of reference for what makes a strong lesson, unit, or project.
 * The //Learning Activity Checklist// was compiled from a wide variety of research sources. It is not THE complete list but is reasonably thorough and contains significant findings from a substantial body of research in the fields of cognitive science and education.

According to Peer-Ed Facilitator Trainer Shelee King George, every lesson should have the three REAL's: Audience Problem Product
 * __REAL:__**

Teachers can use the template to guide them through the process of lesson design and improvement through task anaysis, academic standards, technology integration, and assessment. In addition, teachers will implement the //Learning Activity Checklist// and //REAL// model.
 * __Lesson Improvement Template__**:

We suggest by starting small and building a culture of trust through relationship building and effective communication provided through Peer-Ed Coaching. The use of the outlined sessions and support materials can aide you in creating this culture.
 * __Possible Applications at Your School__**

For a more comprehensive focus on strengthening teaching and learning, coaches and teachers can walk through Session 4 which focuses on a more in depth anaysis of the lesson design process. This process would be beneficial to all teachers working to improve the quality of their lessons. If there are time constraints in your program, pieces of the process can be used to address specific teacher needs in regards to lesson improvement.

Peer-Coaching is an exciting opportunity for teachers and administrators to come together and create a positive environment for collaborative learning with the ultimate goal of increasing student achiement. As Jerry Paterson stated "  Peer coaching refines teaching practices which will ultimately improve student learning ."