It was a typical start to my school day. I was getting ready for my coaching conversation. I had reviewed the video and data. I had captured my thoughts and reflections, but I was pondering one thing: “How could I engage the teacher in a reflective conversation that would empower the teacher’s voice while avoiding the need to give too much advice?” The answer? Staying curious in the conversation.
What Does It Mean to Be Curious as a Coach?
Coaching with curiosity means engaging with a mindset of inquiry and asking purposeful questions. It involves seeing what is possible through reflective dialogue. In an interview with Krina Shah (2023) Jim Knight explains that “effective coaching conversations take place when instructional coaches ask teachers real questions that convey genuine curiosity and trust in the teacher.”
Asking authentic questions guides the coaching conversation to become more reflective and promotes teacher voice. It is not uncommon, however, for coaches to ask leading questions. What is important to recognize about leading questions, is that it can sometimes lead to the coach overpowering the coaching conversation with lots of advice. Knowing this, it is important to stay curious as a coach by asking questions with the mindset of discovery and growth.
Strategies for Coaching with Curiosity
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Be intentional about the questions you ask your coaching partner. Move beyond typical questions that lead to a predetermined response and instead consider open-ended questions that create opportunities for the teacher to engage. These types of questions foster opportunities for discovery through the coaching conversation.
Use Combination Questions
Using a combination of questions can provide greater insight for both the coach and the teacher to identify the bigger picture of teaching and learning. Michael Bungay Stanier (2020) refers to the “awe combo”: ask an open-ended question and follow up with an extension such as “Tell me what else.” Stanier (2020) also explains the “focus combo” where the coach asks “What’s the real challenge?” and adds an extension to the question like “What else?”
Create a Safe Space
Build trusting relationships that create a safe space for coaching conversations grounded in inquiry. A safe space allows the coaching partner to reflect, explore their own thinking, and derive new conclusions.
Reframe Challenges into Opportunities
Coaching with curiosity shifts the conversation from focusing on challenges to identifying opportunities. Through questioning, coaches help their partners pinpoint the real challenge. Stanier (2016) encourages using a focus question: “What is the real challenge for you?” This question personalizes the conversation, fosters deep reflection, and helps both the coach and the teacher better understand the situation.
The 4 C’s of Coaching with Curiosity
Curiosity can drive impactful coaching conversations. So let’s think about what coaching with curiosity looks like in practice. Let’s consider it as the 4 C’s.
- Collaboration: Coaching with curiosity looks like a partnership. The coach and teacher collaborate in the work and learn from each other. The teacher’s voice remains central, while the coach asks questions to support the teacher in discovering opportunities.
- Communication: Coaching with curiosity means open communication where the teacher feels heard. The coach provides a space for meaningful dialogue that supports growth.
- Customization: Coaching with curiosity should feel like personalized professional development that is tailored to the teacher’s needs and classroom environment.
- Commitment: Coaching with curiosity involves a dedication to supporting teachers through thoughtful questioning and an ongoing commitment to their growth.
So, are you ready to coach with curiosity? Here are the key characteristics to keep in mind:
- Be an active listener: Actively listen to hear what your coaching partner is saying, ask thoughtful follow-up questions to engage in reflective dialogue.
- Be reflective: Take time to reflect on your coaching conversations, considering how to build upon them to support meaningful next steps.
- Be open-minded: Approach each conversation with a willingness to understand the teacher’s perspective and explore new possibilities together in partnership.
Conclusively, coaching with curiosity can transform your coaching methods through inquiry. Let’s get those coaching conversations started that spark new discoveries and transform learning experiences!
About the Author
Dr. Lashenna Gaines is a dedicated education professional with 23 years of experience in elementary education and leadership. She began her career as a first-grade teacher, where she discovered her passion for teaching reading and inspiring a love for books.
A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Converse University, and Northeastern University, Dr. Gaines has held diverse roles, including Literacy Teacher, Instructional Support Specialist, Master Teacher Administrator, and currently, Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator. She specializes in elementary education and empowering educators to enhance their teaching practices.
Driven by her love for literacy, she authored Daja’s First Day of School and Daja’s Day at the Beach to create relatable stories for young readers. Passionate about lifelong learning, Dr. Gaines is committed to fostering a love of education that extends beyond the classroom.
References
Shah, Krina. “Jim Knight on How to Ask Questions That Highlight Teacher Brilliance Edthena.” Edthena, 31 May 2023, www.edthena.com/jim-knight-how-to-ask-questions.
Stanier, Michael Bungay. The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious and Change the Way You Lead Forever. Page Two, 2020.
Stanier, Michael. The Coaching Habit Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever. First Indian Printing, 2016.
