Work In Progress: Utilizing Peer Coaching to Help Create a Culture of Assessment

The Division of Natural Science at Lewis-Clark State College has embarked on a significant effort to improve assessment practice. The division houses twelve majors, delivers general education, and performs undergraduate research in multiple areas. Peer coaching was utilized as one aspect of assessment practice that can lead to a strong culture of assessment. The process was developed based on best practices from the literature. After one semester, a survey was developed to assess the success of the program and help guide the peer coaching process into the next year. Preliminary results indicate moderate satisfaction with the process and an average of two changes made to course delivery methods per faculty as a direct result of the peer coaching process. However, concerns over time commitment and ability to deliver a quality peer coaching experience were noted. Follow-up surveys, selected interviews, and improvements to the process are yet to be completed