The Impact of School Leaders’ Instructional Coaching on Enhancing Teaching Performance of Teachers: A Study Among School Leaders and Teachers in Selected Private Schools in Dubai

Abstract

Despite its growing popularity as a professional development technique for instructors, there is a notable lack of extensive research on the effectiveness and impact of instructional coaching on teaching performance and, consequently, on student learning outcomes. This gap in knowledge restricts the ability of educators, administrators, and policymakers to make informed decisions about the implementation and efficacy of instructional coaching programs. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the effectiveness, best practices, and potential challenges associated with instructional coaching to support informed decision-making and enhance the quality of these programs for teachers. Nationally, the importance of Instructional Coaching has been highlighted, emphasizing its four main contributions to the teaching process: Professional Development, Teacher Effectiveness, Student Achievement, and Innovation and Technology Integration. This study addresses several key questions: the impact of instructional coaching on teaching performance as evidenced by existing literature, the core principles and eight essential elements that define an effective instructional coach, the ways in which instructional leadership coaching supports teachers, and the tools and strategies used in this process. The study aims to understand the impact of school leaders' instructional coaching on improving teaching performance in selected private schools in Dubai. The theories explored in this study include Instructional Improvement Theory and Transformational Leadership Theory. The research includes a survey of 80 teachers from three different schools in Dubai and fifteen semi-structured interviews with school leaders. The primary findings indicate that instructional coaching led to increased teacher effectiveness, significant improvements in student performance, proved to be an effective form of professional development, and encouraged the integration of innovative teaching methods and technology in classrooms. Keywords: Instructional Coaching, Teaching Performance, School Leaders’ Role.