The practice of coaching in the classroom is one of the most effective ways to bring out the best in students, to develop their talents and strengths, to build skills and confidence and to nurture learning.
It should go without saying that teachers everywhere can benefit from bringing into their classrooms. Despite the best efforts of teachers, students sometimes need that extra push of encouragement to help them thrive.
But finding the most effective method of achieving that can sometimes be tricky.
A powerful technique of listening and questioning can provide a myriad of benefits on many levels.
Some useful tips
Stacey Ashley, founder of Stacey Ashley Coaching and Consulting, provides accredited training and coaching throughout the Education and Corporate Industry.
Ashley shared some tips with The Educator as to how teachers can make a difference in the classroom through the use of coaching.
Consider just some of the following benefits of using a coaching approach in the classroom.
- Coaching improves retention of learning, offering opportunities to talk about what has been learned and to apply learning in to action. For example, ‘What strategy have you learned recently that might help you with this task/problem?’
- Listening without judgement is one of the greatest gifts you can provide someone else. Research (iOpener Institute) has shown that for adults in the workplace, the single most important factor contributing to their ability to maintain a positive mindset and feel happy, is whether they feel listened to. I am sure this is the same for learners in the classroom.
- Coaching creates a common approach to working together on activities and solving problems and great questions and listening encourages students to work together. This provides opportunities to learn from each other and develop the skills of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- A coaching approach offers opportunities for learners to make great choices and decisions for themselves, creating personal responsibility and accountability. Students are far more likely to follow through their own choice, than one you have made for them. By expecting them to make a good choice or decision you are also empowering learners to do what is right for themselves.
- Through your own role modelling, students will develop their own coaching skills, learning how to bring out the best in themselves and the people around them.
For more information about how Stacey Ashley can help your school, please click here