Using the coaching approach can be an effective way to facilitate learning and development. Here are some strategies that can be employed to make it more effective for you.
As fellow LinkedIn professional Carlyn Gladys Padoga exclaimed after reading my most recent post “Coaching unlocks a whole new world in language learning! What effective strategies do you recommend?” Read on to see for yourself which strategies have worked for me that you can use for yourself whether as a learner, educator, school leader or coach.
Which of these student-centered strategies can you use as an independent learner, in one-on-one learning, as a part of a small group, in the classroom or for professional development? Which can you adopt and/or combine with other learning environments and approaches whether solely in English language learning or not?
First, though, a quick reminder of the differences between teaching, tutoring, and coaching.
Teaching, Tutoring, Coaching: Differences in Approach, Goals, and Methods
Other of my articles have explained the differences of these three approaches to learning. Coaching, which we emphasize here, focuses on a more flexible and personalized approach with an emphasis on holistic skill development, self- discovery and goal achievement.
My 18 Picks for Most Effective Strategies
Here are my 18 picks for highly effective strategies you can apply using the coaching approach. They are directed at educators but can be applied whether you are an educator, learner or school leader.
Successful coaching requires an experienced language and learning expert; however, all educators and learners can begin to incorporate these techniques little by little into their “toolboxes.” Be mindful of your approach and goals. Happy learning and teaching!
1. Clear Learning Objectives: Use Visualization, Goal-setting, and Needs Analysis: Clearly define the learning objectives for each session or lesson as well as for overall goals. This helps both you and the learner to understand the purpose and expected outcomes. Needs analysis isn’t only for before you start but is a daily practice.
2. Individualized Learning Plans: Differentiated Instruction. See also Negotiated Syllabus: Tailor the coaching approach to meet the specific needs and goals of each learner. Recognize that learners may have different proficiency levels, learning styles, and objectives.
3. Active Listening: Actively listen to learners, not just to their words, but also to their tone, body language, and emotions. This enables you to better understand their needs and challenges.
4. Powerful Questions: Encourage critical thinking and reflection by asking open-ended questions that prompt learners to express their thoughts and ideas. This fosters a deeper understanding of the language.
5. Specific and Constructive Feedback: Principles of Feedback. Offer feedback that is specific, actionable, and focused on improvement. Positive reinforcement for achievements and constructive criticism for areas of improvement can motivate learners.
6. Self-Reflection: Self-regulated Learning (SRL): Guide learners in reflecting on their own progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. This self-awareness can enhance their ability to take ownership of their learning journey.
7. Real-life Contexts: Incorporate real-life situations and contexts into language lessons. This helps learners see the practical application of language skills and makes learning more engaging and relevant.
8. Active Participation: Including Peer Teaching. Encourage learners to actively participate in discussions, presentations, and other language activities. This enhances their language production skills and boosts confidence.
9. Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledge and integrate cultural nuances into language coaching. This helps learners understand the cultural context behind language use, making their language skills more authentic and versatile.
10. Technology Integration (Including Gamification and Artificial Intelligence such as Chat GPT): Leverage technology to enhance language learning. Online resources, language apps, and multimedia tools can provide additional opportunities for practice and exposure to authentic language use.
11. Continuous Assessment (Including Error Analysis, Peer Assessment, and Task-based Language Assessment [TBLA]): Implement ongoing formal and informal assessments to track progress and identify areas that may need additional attention. Adjust coaching strategies based on the assessment results to address individual learning needs. This is combined with feedback.
12. Supportive Learning Environment (Including Mindfulness and Social-Emotional Learning [SEL]): Foster a positive and supportive atmosphere where learners feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. A safe environment encourages language experimentation and growth. Help boost confidence- an all-important element of language learning.
13. Collaborative/Cooperative Learning: Facilitate opportunities for collaborative learning, such as group activities or peer feedback sessions. This promotes interaction and provides diverse perspectives on language usage.
14. Professional Development: Stay updated on language teaching methodologies, educational technology, and linguistic research. Continuous professional development helps you refine your coaching strategies and stay effective.
15. Student Centered Inquiry/Inquiry-based learning: Focus on the student’s role in the learning process. In an inquiry-based class, learners explore the material or concept, making sense of it, sharing thoughts and ideas, and asking questions rather than you just orally explaining the concept.
16. Flipped Classroom: Encourage students watching video lessons or other preparation before class, for example, and using their in-class time for discussions, problem-solving, and collaborative projects. This educational strategy encourages self-directed learning and helps students develop critical thinking skills.
17. PBL (Project-Based Learning/Problem-based Learning): Encourage students to work on extended projects that require them to explore, analyze, and apply their knowledge. This educational strategy promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Students take on complex, open-ended tasks that simulate real-life situations.
18.Deliberate Practice: Focus on specific skills and goals rather than pleasure or mindless repetition. See also Constructivism and Cognitive Approach as well.
Conclusion
Remember that the coaching approach is centered on guiding learners to discover knowledge and skills for themselves. By incorporating the coaching strategies of assessment, customization, action, accountability, and autonomy you can create a dynamic and effective English language coaching experience for your students and see their real-world ability be transformed.
References
Baker, J., & Baker, J. (2024, January 4). 11 Best Teaching Strategies for Educators in 2024. SplashLearn Blog – Educational Resources for Parents, Teachers & Kids. https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/best-teaching-strategies-to-help-students-maximize-their-learnings/
Elmer, E. (2024a, January 20). Empowering Language Learners: My Journey into Personalized Coaching. LinkedIn. Retrieved January 26, 2024, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/empowering-language-learners-my-journey-personalized-coaching-elmer-fykrc%3FtrackingId=Ke9rUMaqfPJZzxIbOYTudA%253D%253D/?trackingId=Ke9rUMaqfPJZzxIbOYTudA%3D%3D
Elmer, E. (2024b, January 22). How I became a language coach | Elizabeth Elmer posted on the topic | LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/elizabeth-elmer_how-i-became-a-coach-and-how-that-could-apply-activity-7155253257899012096-kb6I?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Elmer, E. (2024c, January 30). Empowering Your Language Learning Journey through Coaching. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/empowering-your-language-learning-journey-through-coaching-elmer-igp2c/
International Language Coaching Association ILCA. (2020, May 14). Judy Thompson interview [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvfMf5Qf7P8
Kovács, G. (2024, January 15). Enhance your teaching skills: Embrace Language Coaching – ILCA Global. https://ilcaglobal.com/enhance-your-teaching-skills-embrace-language-coaching/
Morrain, R. (2023, July 26). What is Language Coaching? What process or framework can be used to steer a Language Coaching session? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-language-coaching-process-framework-can-used-steer-ron-morrain/
Myths about Language Coaching – ILCA Global. (2024, January 8). https://ilcaglobal.com/myths-about-language-coaching/
Scholl, A., & Scholl, A. (2024, January 17). 7 Best Tips for a Student-Centered Learning Environment. SplashLearn Blog – Educational Resources for Parents, Teachers & Kids. https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/how-to-build-a-healthy-student-centered-learning-environment-and-why-its-important/
Skyes. (2021, July 24). Skyes Conference| What is Language Coaching? (and what it isn’t) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15mVHVr2bbg
Sweeney, D., & Harris, L. (2023). The Essential Guide for Student-Centered Coaching: What Every K-12 coach and school Leader needs to know | Online Resources. https://resources.corwin.com/essentialguideforsccoaching
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