The image I usually think of is associated with sports. In particular with my own sport which is football. The coach is the person who at the beginning of the season you despise as they put you through numerous fitness sessions and by the end of the season you share jubilation with as you win each game. There is a specific goal to be achieved and they are with you the whole way directing you to improve your game.
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| Here is a photo of my old football coach letting us use him as target practice. |
However, in educational terms a coach has quite a different set of skills. Coaching is a process that allows you the "Coachee" to meet your goals. A coach does not tell you the answer to your problem or even offer a suggestion, they are simply there to guide you through a process.
The image that comes to mind now is one of a funnel; starting with a large problem and narrowing down to a manageable time fixed action.
The process follows 3 easy steps:
A - Aim
R - Reality
A - Action
Part of our workshop with Mark Sweeney was to have a go in both roles as the coach and coachee but also as an observer. I found this process immensely valuable.
My problem/Aim:
Shifting several students who are progressing in writing but not at the standard yet (a common goal).
Action:
To introduce 3 key writing ideas based on expanding vocabulary over the next 3 weeks.
Achievable - yes!
