Coaching expert in education, Brian Sepe and Jim Knight delve into the differences between facilitative, directive, and dialogical coaching approaches in education, discussing the ineffectiveness of telling teachers what to do, the value of treating teachers as professionals, engaging in dialogue, and re-professionalizing teaching.
Coaches should focus on student-centered goals and engage in dialogical conversations with teachers to empower them and promote professional growth.
Coaches should avoid taking a directive approach and instead create space for adaptation and modification, recognizing that one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work in the classroom.
Coaches should not simply tell teachers what to do, as it diminishes motivation and creates dependence. Instead, they should position themselves as partners and foster independence and professional growth.
Deep dives
Summary of the podcast episode
In this podcast episode, Jim Knight discusses why coaches should not simply tell teachers what to do. He emphasizes that taking a directive approach, where coaches give specific instructions, usually doesn't work because it treats complex challenges as technical problems. Instead, coaches should focus on student-centered goals and engage in dialogical conversations with teachers. Knight emphasizes the importance of professionals making their own decisions and using professional judgment. Giving advice often creates dependence and diminishes motivation. Knight suggests that coaches position themselves as equals and work collaboratively with teachers to find solutions, rather than taking a controlling or telling approach.
The Limitations of Directive Coaching
Coaches should avoid taking a directive approach because it treats complex challenges as technical problems. They need to recognize that one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work in the classroom and create space for adaptation and modification. Coaches should focus on student goals to ensure that the strategies they suggest align with the desired outcomes. By positioning themselves as equals and engaging in dialogical conversations, coaches can empower teachers to make their own decisions and exercise professional judgment.
The Problem with Giving Advice
Telling teachers what to do and giving advice is often ineffective. People are less motivated to implement changes when they are told what to do instead of having the opportunity to make their own choices. Coaches should acknowledge that their advice may not be as valuable or desired as they think, and that there is rarely only one correct solution to a problem. In order to maintain professional autonomy, teachers should be encouraged to explore their own ideas and solutions.
Creating Independence and Professionalism
The directive approach can create dependency and undermine the professionalism of teachers. Coaches should aim to foster independence and professional growth by positioning themselves as partners rather than problem solvers. Treating teachers as professionals means recognizing their expertise and allowing them to make decisions about their own practice. Coaches should focus on developing a collaborative relationship and supporting teachers in making informed choices that align with student-focused goals.
Promoting Reflection and Empowering Teachers
Coaches can promote reflection and empower teachers by encouraging them to think critically about their practice. Rather than telling teachers what to do, coaches should ask open-ended questions that stimulate thinking and allow for dialogue. This approach facilitates professional growth and helps teachers develop their own strategies that are tailored to their students' needs. Coaches should create an environment that values teachers' perspectives and supports their continuous development as professionals.
In this enlightening episode of Coaching Questions, join experts Jim Knight and Brian Sepe in a dynamic conversation about the differences between facilitative, directive, and dialogical coaching approaches in education. With their unique perspectives, Jim and Brian explore the core principles, benefits, and challenges associated with each method. They provide practical strategies tailored for educational coaches, teachers, and administrators, offering valuable insights to enhance coaching practices and empower learners. Reflect on your own approach and discover new ways to support student and professional growth.
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