Written by Hi Cohort 21!
I really enjoyed meeting you all in October and am looking forward to learning with you throughout the course of this year. One of the big challenges I am facing in my current role that I am interested in exploring this year is how coaching models can help inform the practice of technology integration.
My interests in exploring this lie in the desire to to foster deeper relationships and empower teachers to incorporate more innovation and technology related projects in the class (without writing myself out of a job haha). I attended an Instructional Coaching workshop in October through CAIS which has some interesting takeaways on the power of actively listening and asking though provoking questions whilst engaging with peers to encourage them to come to a deeper understanding of what it is they are seeking to do or accomplish.
Though there is evident value in listening and asking follow up questions to guide teachers to what they know one of the challenges of my role is that i’m viewed as the tech “expert” meaning often individuals approach me regarding what they don’t know as opposed to seeing my help to enable themselves to be guided towards what they know to be true or right (as in the case of coaching). So I suppose my question I am grappling with in these random musings is when is coaching important in a technology integration framework versus when to take on more of a mentorship role and how to incorporate both seamlessly?
@mhoskins Thank you for sharing your musings on this very important and interesting topic! I know it’s something that lots of us who have the privilege of working with the adults in our buildings have thought about. I’d encourage you to chat with my friend and colleague @adamcaplan who has done lots of great work on this topic. In my role as a librarian it’s also something I’ve grappled with, and I often talk about trying to empower others in their use of the library so much so that I’m out of a job 🙂
Can’t wait to hear more on the 16th and get design-thinking together!
L.
I really like this question Marisa – one that I am sure many are grappling with. Firstly, I would encourage you to explore how both models might be interwoven in your approach holistically, and certainly depending on the end-user. You might be interested in a few that have been down this road before: @brenthurley @achuter @acampbellrogers and @ddoucet. I would also lean on the work of @ddesvignes who has really taken his Cohort 21 Action Plan on coaching to the next level.
Finally, I strongly recommend reaching out to @adamcaplan and @jmedved as they work in this space as well.
See you soon,
Garth.
Marisa, I can’t wait to connect with you about this at the next F2F! I am interested in exploring the benefits of developing a coaching culture at my school as well. These days I have been asking the same question! I see the roles of mentor and coach fulfilling very different needs for teachers. @thinkteach I am curious about how to create a structure that supports how “both models might be interwoven in your approach holistically.” and also leaning on fellow Cohort21’ers for insight and direction in proposing an action plan for my school. I’m looking forward to seeing you on Saturday!
@brenthurley @achuter @acampbellrogers @ddoucet @adamcaplan and @jmedved @ddesvignes
Hi @mhoskins! Your question has me wondering about a bunch of different concepts! Forgive me if I sound dumb, but could you clarify what you mean by coaching models? Is this from the perspective of a sports coach? Or your role supporting/coaching teachers with tech integration? I’ve read through your blog a couple times trying to unpack it a bit, and I don’t think you’re referring to coaching sports (insert duh emoji here!)
Not going to lie, I’ve debated deleting by above remarks in fear that it makes me look stupid, but I’m hoping that I’m not the only one unfamiliar with some on the concepts you are discussing.
At my school we do not have a tech integration specialist, but our Technology Teacher kinda fills this role by showing teachers new apps that they might be able to use in the classroom. Perhaps this is why I am struggling to unpack your question, because I need to learn more about how tech integration teachers support classroom teachers. I would love to chat more about what you do on Saturday!
Another person you might want to connect with is @jweening!
Perhaps @graemecasson @achuter could also provide some insight