Coaching Q&A

Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

In this month's Coaching Q&A episode, a follow-up to Part 1, Jessica Wise and I dive deeper into the journey of instructional coaching. Previously, we explored my early career and curiosity that led to the partnership approach. Now, in Part 2, we unpack the intricate evolution of instructional coaching and the significant milestones that shaped it.

Episode Highlights:

• Jim Knight’s Definition of Instructional Coaching: Discover how Jim's extensive research laid the groundwork for what would become a revolutionary support system for educators.
• The Impact Cycle: Learn about the dynamic process that helps teachers set and achieve meaningful goals, ensuring continuous improvement and sustained practice.
• PEERS Goals: Understand the elements of Powerful, Emotionally Compelling, Easy, Reachable, and Student-focused goals and why focusing on students is crucial.
• Challenges and Adaptations: Hear about the initial hurdles, such as lack of implementation and sustained practice, and how evolving around goal-setting addressed these issues.
• Directive vs. Dialogical Approaches: Jim explains the importance of balancing different coaching styles and how a dialogical approach, grounded in partnership principles, enhances teacher engagement and effectiveness.
• The Role of Video: Explore the powerful impact of using video as a starting point for reflection and improvement in teaching practices.
• Evidence-Based Process: Gain insights into the rigorous research and iterative design process that led to the creation of the Impact Cycle, including the invaluable contributions from numerous dedicated professionals.
• Misconceptions in Instructional Coaching: Jim addresses common misunderstandings, emphasizing the importance of a dialogical approach over a purely directive or facilitative method.

Practical Takeaways for Coaches

• Learn the 7 Success Factors for recalibrating your coaching practice to be more student-focused.
• Discover actionable steps to implement the Impact Cycle effectively in your coaching.
• Understand the benefits of a dialogical approach and how to incorporate it into your interactions with teachers.

View the two articles I reference in this episode: "Teach to Win" and "One Size Fits One". I also reference the Impact Cycle checklist as a great starting point for coaches who want to recalibrate their coaching.

To learn more about a dialogical approach to coaching, or the Impact Cycle, consider attending the Impact Cycle workshop or the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute.

Learn more about our annual TLC conference taking place in New Orleans or Online.