Conversation is a key element for generating teacher reflection that is critical to continuous teacher growth. Effective coaching generates those conversations that support reflection. Highly reflective conversations are built around vulnerability. Coaches encourage that vulnerability when they can communicate an openness to the teacher’s agenda. A willingness to observe in the classroom through the eyes and interest of the teacher before through my eyes as a coach is a valuable starting point.
In Start With Trust When Coaching, Beth Armknecht Miller shares these suggestions for building trust:
- “Be curious and ask lots of questions. Start with open-ended questions — ones that start with “what” and “how, and try not to use “why” questions. “Why” can make a person defensive. Curiosity builds relationships while judging will kill relationships. Curiosity demonstrates that you are interested in the coachee and builds trust in your relationship.”
- “Actively listen. To be truly curious, you have to set aside your own opinions and ideas, and listen to the answers to your questions in order to fully understand what the person is saying. Don’t interrupt. Paraphrase back to them to make sure you understand what he said. This demonstrates respect to the person talking.”
I’ve created this short video on respecting teachers’ goals and values. When a teacher knows that the coach recognizes and supports her goals and values, she is more open (vulnerable) to the exploration, reflection, and experimentation in coaching that produces new understanding and skills.
Let me know what thoughts or questions it raises for you.
