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Educator Peer Coaching & Review

Houston, Texas

Educator peers engaged in coaching, presenting and discussions.
Office of Undergraduate Medical Education
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Critical Pairs Method

Faculty Collaboration in Teaching Through Educator Peer Coaching & Review

Purpose

Photo of Volz and MonteiroIn training future physicians and scientists, it is important to foster an appreciation for lifelong learning and to promote the continuous refinement of one's skills. This philosophy applies equally to our teaching efforts as educators.

The Critical Pairs Method enhances teaching through faculty peer input and facilitates the exchange of instructional methods and materials in a collegial environment. In this method of peer collaboration, pairs of faculty from the same or different departments observe one another's teaching and provide constructive feedback.

A fairly extensive literature (see References below) suggests that the provision and use of feedback lead to important benefits. Through collaborative sessions, the Critical Pairs Method helps us to review, refine, and expand our skills. Educators may choose to include their reviews in their teaching portfolios.

Method

  1. If possible, attend a training session on educator peer coaching and review (See the Faculty Education Initiative Master Calendar).
  2. Identify a review partner and meet to discuss the event(s) to be reviewed.
  3. Prepare for the first observation by reviewing relevant background materials.
  4. Make an initial observation from a non-evaluative standpoint.
  5. Become knowledgeable about the reviewee’s needs and expectations to help focus your observations in the subsequent visit.
  6. Complete the second observation.
  7. Encourage the reviewee to reflect on the event and offer your feedback.
  8. If desired, the reviewee may request a written report of the observation in addition to verbal feedback. This report becomes the reviewee’s "property."
  9. If the opportunity permits and both partners desire to do so, attend a third event to evaluate changes resulting from the review. This observation may be written up as an addendum to the prior feedback.
  10. Reverse your roles.

For more information, contact:

Stephen Pierrel, Ph.D
Educator Peer Coaching and Review
spierrel@bcm.edu

or

Anne Gill, Dr.P.H.,M.S., R.N.
Educator Peer Coaching and Review
gill@bcm.edu

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