Peer coaching: a holistic experiential learning process in online leadership classes

This chapter offers practical reflection and guiding principles on how to facilitate a holistic experiential learning process for online students with the use of peer coaching, in which two students are paired together to have frequent conversations to help each other understand class work and practice interpersonal skills. Peer coaching is an effective way for students to engage in all learning modes around the Kolb experiential learning cycle and improve their learning experience in online classes. In peer coaching, students learn from the diversity of their peers, better understand and apply class concepts in their own lives, gain specific leadership skills to help with their future personal and professional development, feel more connected and engaged with the class, and build deep relationships with their classmates. This chapter describes the activities involved in peer coaching and how technology could be used in both the design and implementation of this practice.