Asking the right questions: An exploration into the introduction of co-coaching within initial teacher science education

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether aspects of co-coaching could support primary science teacher education in a university–school initial teacher education (ITE) partnership program in England.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodological approach was taken, comprising of student teachers responding to a coaching questionnaire blended with a qualitative exploration of audio-recorded student teacher co-coaching conversations. Informal student teacher discussion groups were used as a means to discern their attitudes and beliefs pertaining to co-coaching within taught university sessions.

Findings

Analysis and subsequent integration of data showed that many aspects of co-coaching supported student teacher pedagogical knowledge acquisition and professional development. Additionally, questionnaire responses and small-group discussions revealed that student teachers developed positive attitudes to this mode of learning.

Originality/value

This study evaluates the innovative use of co-coaching techniques during primary teacher science education, and the outcomes have clear implications for the design of ITE programs in England and potentially further afield.

Citation

Blackmore, K. (2019), "Asking the right questions: An exploration into the introduction of co-coaching within initial teacher science education", International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, Vol. 8 No. 3, pp. 163-181. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMCE-09-2018-0052