UNPACKING EFFECTIVE SOLUTION DIALOGUE
Choosing Coaching Questions (Marzano & Simms, 2013) (Sweeney & Harris, 2017).
Coaches differentiate their work by choosing questions to best fit specific outcomes.
Purpose and Outcomes
To guide a teacher in understanding the current status and identification of what needs to change/stay the same.
Looks Like
Paraphrasing by the coach
Active listening
Teacher expressing authentic thoughts
Examples
“So, what I understand you to say is..”
“What have you tried so far?”
“In other words…”
“Can you tell me more about…?”
“So you think … needs to be done?”
“I’m hearing many things, but is your main concern is…?”
Purpose and Outcomes
To facilitate a conversation about goals in which the teacher sets appropriate goals for growth.
Looks Like
Clarifying questions by coach
Questions that clear up misconceptions, reveal errors, or sharpen focus
Examples
“Could you tell me more specifically about …?”
“What changes could be made to solve…”
“What sort of effect do you think… would have?”
“How would you prioritize?”
“What might be some alternatives?”
“How might this look different?”
Purpose and Outcomes
To guide understanding regarding progress or lack of progress in the use of specific elements for teacher growth.
Looks Like
Coach suggests specific strategies to use
Identification of specific changes that need to be made by the teacher
Examples
“What do you see as an obstacle?”
“You felt this part was successful. What could be added or changed to be even more successful?”
“Have you tried?”
“Many teachers find it helpful when…”
“What seems doable and important to you for growth?”