Improving Teachers’ Teaching Skills Using Co-Teaching: The Saudi Context

Abstract

This study explored the significance and impact of co-teaching on teacher's teaching skills. In doing so, the study considered whether the practice is worth implementing and some of the strategies that could help with successful implementation for maximum benefits. A qualitative approach was used, and the primary instrument for collecting the data was semi-structured interviews. The sample comprised 13 Saudi Arabian teachers who had some experience or knowledge of co-teaching. Data analysis using thematic analysis revealed five themes. The first theme revolves around the teachers’ knowledge and experiences with co-teaching. The second theme is the impact of co-teaching on the skills and teaching styles of the teachers, while the third theme concerns the benefits of co-teaching for students. The fourth theme is related to factors affecting the successful implementation of co-teaching, and the fifth theme is concerned with the important factors for successful implementation of co-teaching. The conclusion highlights some of the steps that can be taken to improve the implementation process for positive outcomes and the roles of all stakeholders in the process. KEYWORDS Co-teaching, professional development, skills, teachers, students, strategies