The Triad Model




The Triad Model

A coaching model that has proved to be very successful for peer coaching is the Triad Model. A coaching group comprises three students, who each take a different role in turn: the coach, the coachee and the observer:

 

 

 

 

Students are placed in groups of three (or select their own) and take on each of the three roles, in turn. The inclusion of an observer has several functions. Firstly, it maintains a perspective that might be lost if students only worked in pairs, allowing each of them to step outside the intensive roles of coach or coachee and experience the conversation more objectively. Secondly, it provides objective feedback on the process for the coach and coachee. Thirdly, it encourages a more reflective coaching process, enabling all participants to learn from the experience.

 

The Triad model is also very useful in staff development situations, or any other context where people are learning to coach.