Both theoretical literature and empirical research agree that instructional coaching is an effective form of teacher professional development. Most available evidence comes from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where instructional coaching has been implemented for several decades. However, there is a limited body of literature on how to introduce instructional coaching in contexts where traditional, lecture-based approaches to professional development are predominant. This study explores the potential of instructional coaching as a form of professional development in Latvia. A literature review of the instructional coaching cycle is conducted to summarize how different approaches conceptualize each step of the coaching process and to highlight diverse views on the implementation of each step. Key considerations for establishing instructional coaching in a new context are also identified. Semi-structured interviews with four experts in teacher professional development are being conducted to address two research questions:
(1) What are experts’ views of the appropriateness of instructional coaching for teacher professional development in Latvia?
(2) What are experts' views on the suitability of a directive versus a facilitative instructional coaching approach in the local educational context?
A thematic analysis of the interviews is being carried out. Preliminary results indicate that experts perceive instructional coaching as appropriate for the Latvian educational context. All experts recognize the value of core coaching components — observation and feedback. Some also highlight the potential of additional elements such as modelling, deliberate practice, and goal setting.

Authors:
Ieva Usca, Daugavpils University, Latvia
Sandra Zarina, Daugavpils University, Latvia
Anita Pipere, Daugavpils University, Latvia

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Ieva Usca is a doctoral candidate in Educational Science at Daugavpils University, Latvia. Her current research focuses on teacher professional development.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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