Regardless of seniority and subject area, peer-to-peer interaction is a highly effective way to improve teaching effectiveness among faculty of higher academic institutions who lack opportunities of formal training. Such interactions (peer review, observation, mentoring, evaluation, coaching) consist of summative and/or formative processes by which one faculty member assists another faculty member in identifying their scholarly strengths and weaknesses in a trusting and collegial atmosphere. The goal of such teamwork may be two-fold: self-improvement and formal evaluation used for award, promotion, and tenure decisions. Thus, several institutions offer more or less rigorous programs utilizing faculty contribution for educational development. Baylor College of Medicine has pioneered a Peer Coaching for Educators program since the late 1990s. Today's process involves guided preparation, self-reflection, observation, and critical discussions in which honest yet respectful feedback is given. Any discussion and products of the process are confidential, yet faculty members undergoing Baylor's peer coaching process receive a letter of completion which they may use for merit decisions; faculty who serve as coaches also receive recognition. The purpose of this focus session is to discuss key components involved in designing peer coaching activities, share experiences on the implementation, and provide opportunities for participants to design their own observation tools.
 

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