Coaching and Mentoring - Exploring Approaches to Professional Learning (Electronic book text)

In the continuous drive for improvement in learning and achievement in schools, the development of teachers and of school leaders remains a major focus of policy. As part of this project, alternative approaches to professional development have been introduced to Scottish education including coaching and mentoring and learning communities. The use of mentoring and coaching is evident at every level of teacher development from student teacher to expert teacher and from early leadership development to the sustaining of long serving head teachers. The idea of learning communities where teachers work together has been a recent addition to continuing teacher development but there are few publications that examine the use of strategies such coaching, mentoring and learning communities in Scotland and less that take a critical stance in relation to policy and practice. A critical appraisal of policy and practice in relation to continuing teacher development is the focus this book. In an edited collection the six chapters cover policy, conceptual analysis and provide case studies.All draw together the findings of research projects undertaken recently to examine the impact of various initiatives on coaching, mentoring and learning communities in Scotland. This volume provides a necessary and reflective resource for those working to develop their professional practice as teachers as well as for those implementing and designing continuing professional development schemes and supporting probationary teachers.