Cynthia G. Desrochers – författare

Many of the current challenges facing institutions of higher education require a shift in thinking, practice, and approaches to change. The changing nature of college students, along with increased emphasis on student learning outcomes, have institutions seeking to effect improvements in the instructional practices of faculty members. Establishing a robust model of faculty peer coaching can accelerate improvement efforts that strive to create engaging higher education classrooms centered on inclusive and equitable teaching practices, which more effectively meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body.

Informed by research and experience, this book is a guide to developing, launching, and refining faculty peer coaching initiatives in higher education with the goal of improving instructional practice and student learning outcomes. Peer coaching is a collaborative, reciprocal practice where faculty members observe, reflect, and improve their instructional practices leading to increased learning for all students. Research has shown that peer coaching can positively impact teaching practices, especially when coupled with other professional learning. This book provides a rationale for peer coaching as an effective strategy for faculty development, outlines a model for peer coaching, and supplies readers with support in the creation of a robust peer coaching initiative in institutions of higher education. Peer coaching has the potential for significant culture and community change for faculty members which can lead to improved student learning.

This edited book on Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) provides and explores powerful examples of FLCs as a impactful form of professional learning for faculty in higher education. The chapters describe faculty learning community initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and belonging in higher education. Contributing authors provide a framework for faculty learning communities and how these communities can offer faculty a place and space to explore antiracist and social justice-oriented teaching. show the impact of faculty learning communities on teaching practices or student learning, and describe how these communities of practice can lead to institutional change. The book’s foreword, by Milton D. Cox, investigates the past and future of faculty learning communities focused on diversity and equity.

Peer Coaching is a collaborative, reciprocal practice where faculty members observe, reflect, and improve their instructional practices with the goal of improved learning for all students. This edited book includes chapters describing faculty peer coaching initiatives in universities world-wide. Section one includes chapters that give an overview of what faculty peer coaching is and what the benefits of faculty peer coaching can be. The second section of the book explores the theoretical and practical implications of engaging in faculty peer coaching and the trust and vulnerability that comes along with opening up your instructional practices to a colleague. Section three of the book includes several examples of peer coaching initiatives across various disciplines in higher education settings. Section four situates peer coaching in the broader institutional framework. This book is a must for leaders of faculty development initiatives, directors and staff from teaching & learning centers, department chairs, faculty, graduate students, deans, student services staff, chief academic officers, and educational consultants.