Coaching Techniques: Understanding

Jim Knight: The Impact Cycle (Chapter 1&2: Current Reality)

Core Concept: "The Clear Picture of Reality" Knight argues that human beings are terrible at judging their own performance due to "habituation" (we stop noticing what we see every day).

• The Problem: A teacher thinks they are asking high-level questions, but reality shows otherwise.

• The Solution: Video. Knight uses video not to "catch" teachers, but to give them a "Clear Picture of Reality." You cannot set a goal until you understand where you actually are.

"When we see reality clearly, we are compelled to act. Video cuts through our perceptions and shows us the truth." — Jim Knight

Diane Sweeney: Student-Centered Coaching: The Moves 

Core Concept: "Sorting Student Work" Sweeney believes "Understanding" comes from the students, not the teacher. Her "Sorting Protocol" is the gold standard for Artifact Review.

• The Move: Instead of asking "How did the lesson go?", the coach spreads student work on the table and sorts it into three piles: Met the Goal, Almost Met, Did Not Meet.

• The Result: This provides immediate, undeniable understanding of who learned what.

"Data is not just a spreadsheet. Student work is the most immediate and honest data we have." — Diane Sweeney

Elena Aguilar: The Art of Coaching (Chapter 4: Observation)  

Core Concept: "The Lenses of Observation" Aguilar warns against "Confirmation Bias" (seeing what we expect to see). She teaches coaches to use specific Observation Lenses to understand the full context.

• The Lenses:

  1. The Behavioral Lens: What are people doing? (Observable actions).

  2. The Emotional Lens: What is the energy in the room? (Apathy, joy, fear).

  3. The Equity Lens: Who is speaking? Who is being disciplined?

• The Result: A holistic understanding of the classroom culture, not just the lesson plan.