As you read this, I am in Texas visiting my 90 year old mother. She is taking us to a tailgate party before the Texas A&M/UCLA football game. It should be interesting. I am an alum of A&M--my master's degree-- and this party is sponsored by the A&M Foundation for donors (my family has 2 scholarships there, one in memory of my father and one in memory of my older brother). I've never done a tailgate party before so I'll let you all know what this one is like!
This coming week you will be learning about coaching and how to support the learning of others. You already began that journey as you read about community building and working for change, including principles of adult learning (which you will revisit this week). So before you begin reading, respond to these questions: How do YOU define coaching? What do you think are characteristics of effective coach, the type that would be a supportive coach for you? How does what you just wrote tie into ways to effect change and principles of adult learning that you read about and blogged about last week? I"m looking forward to reading what you write.
As you read, think about what the literature says are characteristics of effective coaches and compare it to your own ideas. Then be sure you discuss the key ideas about coaching and being a literacy coach that you read about. What was most surprising to you? What are your strengths as a coach?
Please do a virtual check in by Friday of next week. Here is the link: VCI.
Have a good Labor Day Weekend!
How do YOU define coaching?
ReplyDeleteFOOTBALL… Oh wrong kind of coaching. The way that I view the role of a literacy coach is very similar to that of the coach of an actual sport. A coach observes the educator teaching, gives praise according to the things that are strengths for the educator, provides constructive improvement ideas (constructive criticism), models changes that might need to take place, and is a continual resource for the teacher. Also, coaching is a dialogue that occurs between both people. The teacher should have the freedom to ask for direction in a particular area. Just as we are encouraged to help children choose their educational goals, we need to do the same for educators.
What do you think are characteristics of effective coach, the type that would be a supportive coach for you?
I don’t believe coaching can be effective outside of mutual respect for the the teacher and coach. Just as people are different in the world, which is part of what makes beauty, in education teachers are different from one another. I think we need to ensure that we respect who teachers are as individuals. Teachers have a variety of backgrounds and things they bring to the classroom. This individuality brings untold wealth to the classroom. A coach should be knowledgeable. Also, the coach is a facilitator of teaching pedagogy that is research-tested. Sometimes when learning something new and applying it, I need to know that there is a person I can go to that is a resource. When things fall apart the person who is the coach or resource can help identify the problem and provide tools to achieve a given goal. I think having a coach that encourages research based changes in classroom practices is important.
How does what you just wrote tie into ways to effect change and principles of adult learning that you read about and blogged about last week?
I think coaching and adult learning are inseparable. The principles of creating respect and open communication is key to both. The things mentioned to make adult learning a success are essential to ensuring that coaching is a success also.
How do YOU define coaching?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion coaching with regard to literacy is about the mentoring or facilitating of others by someone who is educated on the specifics of literacy. During this mentoring or time of facilitation, coaches should assist, give guidance and provide feedback while allowing time for questions and mentor and mentee teamwork and discussion of what needs to continue happening for future successes.
What do you think are characteristics of effective coach, the type that would be a supportive coach for you?
I believe that coaches should be helpful, supportive, encouraging and understanding. All of these characteristics help educators and students realize that coaches are human as well and they understand their struggles. Moreover, coaches should be patient, and attentive. I can go on and on about the characteristics I think an effective coach should have because like teachers, and nurses, and plumbers they should have countless positive traits that make them great at what they do. Last, even though in the sense of coaching someone (the coach) is always more knowledgeable it is important that as coaches we do not show a sense of superiority because we were once in their shoes, and now it is time for them to learn and gain insight as they work with a professional (their coach).
How does what you just wrote tie into ways to effect change and principles of adult learning that you read about and blogged about last week? I"m looking forward to reading what you write.
I think that coaches and adult learners are just like. Both of these individuals want to make a change, in themselves and others. Adult learners, like coaches, are motivated and experienced. Despite their titles and positions, both of these individuals must possess the characteristics I mentioned above as one cannot do without the other. I hope I did justice to this question with my answer. :)
How do YOU define coaching?
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of the word “coach” or define “coaching”, I think of my mother who I believe is my number one “coach” throughout my entire life. Coaching is a job within itself that requires a person to push others, provide encouragement and have a wealth of knowledge and resources to provide for others. I think coaching in regards to the field of education are all of those things as well!
What do you think are characteristics of effective coach, the type that would be a supportive coach for you?
I think characteristics of an effective coach can be different things for different people. Our readings last week talked about a coach understanding different types of teachers that might be ready or not ready for professional development and understanding those different characteristics. I think that with being an effective coach you have to have all kinds of characteristics to cater to a wide variety of teachers or administrators in one building. For me, characteristics of an effective coach would have to be someone who is understanding, patient, kind, generous, knowledgeable and approachable. Being able to build relationships is important in this line of work and being able to understand others and what they need whether it be towards students or teachers. Those qualities would be what I would look for in a supportive coach.
How does what you just wrote tie into ways to effect change and the principles of adult learning that you read about and blogged about last week?
I feel like teaching a group of adults is a lot like teaching a group of students. Like children, every adult learns differently and has different background knowledge in areas of teaching. It is important for a coach to be aware of these differences, embrace them and come up with ways to create professional development or effective help those teachers. Learning the different methods of teaching adults helps a coach do his or her job well.
Have a great time in tailgating Texas!!
How do YOU define coaching?
ReplyDeleteCoaching involves someone who instructs others on what to do and how to do it. They use visuals and words to encourage others on how to get things done effectively. A coach should be someone who shows different perspectives of what they want someone to know in order that these individuals may follow the path that is just right for themselves. A coach is a guide, a mentor and someone you can always look to for assistance.
What do you think are characteristics of effective coach, the type that would be a supportive coach for you?
Characteristics of an effective coach include having a positive attitude, being a good listener, respecting the opinions of others, making the learning process fun and worthwhile, showing interest, and love every step of the way.
How does what you just wrote tie into ways to effect change and principles of adult learning that you read about and blogged about last week?
Coaches and adult learners should be able to feed off of each other. As adults in the education profession, they both come with experiences and understand what they want. Having positive attitudes and respecting each other’s opinions will make working with each other fruitful.