Effective Coaching Strategies
You set the tone for your program. A positive approach with open, ongoing communication is critical in developing the trust of the staff and building a community of learners in your program. Staff will grow and develop as instructors when they are learning in a supportive environment with a feeling of belonging.
Listening
carefully is a very important part of a coaching session. You need
to listen to understand the instructor’s point of
view. Rephrasing, or restating something in different words, is a
technique you can use to make sure you understand what the instructor
is communicating. When instructors respond to you, show interest
when they are speaking and use "positive phrasing" with them. Positive
phrasing means focusing on something you want to increase, such as
the employee being on time, instead of something you want to decrease,
such as an employee coming in late.
Another important part of the coaching session is the use of reflective questions. You will want to ask the instructor questions that encourage thinking about teaching experiences and practices. Some examples of reflective questions to ask your staff members are
- What are you currently doing that is working really well?
- What are some changes you would like to try in your classroom?
- What have you considered as an area for your professional growth this year?
- How can I help?
- What are you trying to make happen in the next six weeks?
