Perceptions of Peer Coaching Technique by the Alternative Learning System Community Implementers

Abstract

Peer coaching is a process where peers collaborate to improve their skills, knowledge, and abilities in a particular area. The peer coaching method begins with the individual defining the problem or goal that they wish to work on. The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a program of the Philippine Department of Education that offers nonformal education to out-of-school youths, adults, and other marginalized communities. The respondents of this study were the two hundred ( 200) community implementers of the Second Congressional District of the Division of Misamis Oriental from the municipalities of Opol to Lugait during the School Year 2022-2023. This study is adapted and modified from the study of Gutierez et al. (2018) on Peer Coaching in a Research-Based Teacher's Professional Learning Method for Lifelong Learning: A Perspective and employed a quantitative research design, with data collected from the two hundred (200) ALS community implementers in the second congressional district of Misamis Oriental. Frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation, regression analysis, and multiple correlation analysis.Findings indicate that the teacher respondents' level of perception towards the peer coaching technique is highly effective in terms of teachers' self-efficacy, understanding of the teaching and learning process, decision-making, and reflective practice. The teacher respondents' level of content knowledge on the learning strand in terms of scientific and critical thinking skills, life and career skills, and understanding the self and society showed significant effects towards t he peer coaching technique. Furthermore, the weak but significant relationship between the designation of the teacherrespondent and the length of service as an ALS implementer implies that more experienced teachers and those in leadership roles may be more effective in adopting peer coaching strategies. Teachers should provide a comfortable working environment, give enough training and seminars, encourage ALS Implementers to attend conferences and seminars and engage in training and development programs to assist workers in enhancing their skills and competence.