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Why Coaching Matters
Why Coaching Matters
by Sarah Logan, Cognitive CoachingSM Agency Trainer
1500. That, according to many sources, is the number of decisions made in a single day by those of us who have chosen education as a career field. These decisions include a vast range of issues--anywhere from “Which font style works best for this document?” to “How should I respond to this parent’s concern?” to “What results did this particular intervention produce?” No wonder we go home tired!
The complexity of the work we do on a daily basis is precisely why coaching is a gift. Cognitive CoachingSM, the model embraced by our district, targets the invisible thinking processes behind decisions and actions. Research has shown that when the educators are thinking at higher levels, students achieve at higher levels, are more cooperative, and are successful problem solvers.
A Cognitive CoachSM skillfully uses the tools and maps of coaching to mediate a person’s thinking. Rather than giving advice or making suggestions, the coach listens and responds in a manner that honors the individual being coached. Pausing and paraphrasing are ways the coach signals to the coachee that the intention is to understand. Posing thoughtful questions invites the coachee to consider pathways of thinking not yet explored. Specific maps a coach might use include planning, reflecting, and problem-resolving. Decisions made by a coach carry out the mission of Cognitive CoachingSM, which is “...to produce self-directed persons with the cognitive capacity for excellence both independently and as members of a community.”
Cognitive CoachingSM is utilized by members of Learning Development as a default approach when supporting teachers and leaders. Perhaps you personally have benefited as a coachee! Many others in our district, including instructional coaches, principals, and teachers, have also been trained in Cognitive CoachingSM and find it useful in their work with adults and students. If you are interested in learning this model for yourself, Part I will be offered in June! Registration details can be found in Employee Self-Serve.
Additional information about Cognitive CoachingSM can be found at www.thinkingcollaborative.com.
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