Coaching Approach

A coaching classroom is built gradually through small choices, in the moment, in structured conversations, and over time.

You can explore them here, then move further through reading or our guided course.

In the Moment

What you do when something happens. These are your foundational, fastest, most practical moves.

• Pause - Create space before responding.

• Stay Curious - Replace judgement with interest.

• Ask, Don’t Tell - Use questions instead of instructions.

• Listen First - Let the student be heard before solving.

In Structured Conversations

What you do when you have time to prepare yourself. These moves deepen thinking and responsibility.

• Help Students Reflect - “What happened? What could you do instead?”

• Turn Behaviour into Learning - Use real situations as teaching moments.

• Reframe Mistakes - Treat mistakes as part of learning.

• Ask Open Questions - Expand thinking, don’t close it.

• Use Positive Language - Manage your internal dialogue first.

Over Weeks and Months

How you build a coaching classroom. This is where your work as an educator becomes powerful and different.

• Shift from Push to Pull  - Connect learning to identity and future.

• Work with Values - Understand what matters to the student.

• Share Responsibility for Learning - Students become active participants.

• Build Shared Agreements - Co-create how the classroom works.

• Model the Thinking You Want - Show reflection, not just expect it.

Two ways to continue

If you prefer to read and reflect at your own pace:

→ 12 Action Steps to a Coaching Classroom (Books)

If you prefer a guided, week-by-week journey with practical steps:

→ 12 Action Steps (Online Course)