When teacher became a coach !

What is the difference between teaching and coaching ?

Through social media we have to face the fact that information and knowledge is not teachers privilegde. Information is everywhere and the problem is to filter important facts from irrelevant.

Also the relationship between students and teachers have changed. Normally teacher gives the right answers and is leading the lesson and educational events. We need to give students more "space" and responsibility about their own learning. Students are in charge not the teachers. Teachers give help, consultation and intervention if needed. Good coach is available but not in front of class.

Students and coach are little bit "closer" each other than used to. This is possible if we discover new learning environment. We can get closer if we bravely discuss more with students. Cap between student and teacher will vanish if we have more time and dialogue with them. Still coach is an adult but something has changed.

Boring classes must decorate modern way and we can use different learning places like camps, companies, outdoor in real life. Coach do rather "learning by doing" than before. Coach want to try projects and survey phenomenon. Coaching is rather living and testing than teaching.

"If you want get answers you should ask questions"

Coach use dialogue as an learning method. We should ask rather right questions than give right answers. Dialogue is marvellous method to teach, learn and lead. There are four principles we use in dialogue :

1. Be honest

2. Talk straight

3. Listen more

4. Wait for answer

Coaching also supports creativity. If we accept different answers and give students options and choices in tasks, it helps also creativity. Be openminded and willingness to learn also from your students. Younsters have fresh and new perspective about their lives and education branch. Propably they use fluently social media in their daily life.

Coach is all the time learner too !

Aki Puustinen

Headcoach of Muurame High School