Downloading Solutions

When coaching with the GIR model, we are always thinking about what the teacher needs. But moving from recommending to questioning requires a deep shift in how we, as coaches, see.  We may need to work on ourselves before we work with others.

As knowledgeable, experienced educators, we are able to download solutions based on patterns that have worked in the past. This is comfortable territory! Interpretations and options for action are those we know and trust. However, as we shift our coaching moves from recommending to questioning, we are also shifting what we attend to.  When making recommendations, the center of our attention is really ourselves – what we already know and can do. We perceive through the lens of judgment. When we question, our attention shifts to the unique reality in front of us.  Instead of past patterns, we see the present moment and emerging futures.  Instead of letting what we see confirm what we know, we suspend judgment and broaden our perceptions. Questioning opens the boundaries of potential solutions. Instead of listening to the voice inside of us, we listen to the voice in front of us.

How can we make this internal shift?

·       Listen without letting your brain forecast your own response.

·       Suspend judgment.

·       Pause before responding.

·       Recognize the possibility of multiple solutions.

·       Suspend the decision.

·       Look for new information.

·       View the situation from another perspective.

·       Be ready to brainstorm.

When coaching shifts from recommending to questioning, we stop downloading the familiar from our own existing knowledge. Instead, we work collaboratively to create new possible futures. Moving from recommending to questioning is as much about changing as coaches as it is about teacher change.

This week, you might want to take a look at:

Thank you for all you do! You’re doing a good job!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkDNp4ATCso

 

Vocabulary activities for any age:

https://choiceliteracy.com/article/quick-vocabulary-practice-and-assessment/

This podcast about establishing relationships with students of color:

https://www.bamradionetwork.com/track/the-e-word-what-students-of-color-need-from-every-teacher/

 

A how-to guide for relationship mapping:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b7c56e255b02c683659fe43/t/5bd7aaac419202e5d277e29d/1540860588805/relationship_mapping_strategy.pdf

Rich picture books:

https://choiceliteracy.com/article/detour-texts/

That’s it for this week.  Happy Coaching!

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