Coaching to Build Support for Inquiry-Based Teaching

by: Paula Bransfield, Patrice Holt, and Patricia Nastasi

Coaching, as a means to support inquiry-based teaching, starts by changing the culture from within (school, teacher, and student) rather than from external mandates. Recognizing that teacher empowerment is the first step toward increasing student achievement, coaches support teachers as they relinquish non-productive, traditional practices. Through sustained collegial interactions within a strong support system provided by coaches, teachers are more willing to leave their comfort zone on a path of continuous improvement toward inquiry-based teaching and learning. This article describes how one school district in Massachusetts implemented this approach with success.

Details

Type Journal ArticlePub Date 1/1/2007Stock # ss07_030_05_49Volume 030Issue 05

NSTA Press produces classroom-ready activities, hands-on approaches to inquiry, relevant professional development, the latest scientific education news and research, assessment and standards-based instruction.

Learn More