Behaviour, well-being and difficult conversations – a coaching solution
Coaching is about moulding attitudes of mind so that the individual who is being coached, the coachee can focus on their own goals, priorities and actions and realise how a change in behaviour, a new way of approaching a problem or crafting a small change will make a difference to their well-being and perception of the issues that are part of the conversation.
The skilful coach knows how to use probing and incisive questioning to draw out of the coachee new perspectives that can have a motivating effect on their ability to learn, take steps to change their behaviour and ultimately build their self-esteem and confidence. In this newspost, I want to focus on the pastoral role and the role of the tutor who has to ensure that pupils have the right attitudes and state of mind to learn and that teachers and other support staff are protected and have the tools to enhance the learning potential of their tutor or house groups.
Behaviour, my coaching colleagues tell me is the overriding issue that schools are facing at the present time? Why is this such a problem? What has happened since the pandemic? and What do we need to do differently to create harmony where learning can take place? Here at Learning Cultures we have brought together our considerable expertise, experience and coaching knowledge to build a suite of CPD programmes to support those with tutorial or pastoral responsibility to be able to answer the questions above and to find solutions through a focused approach that changes behaviours, builds self-esteem and breaks down barriers to learning.
Building Positive Behaviours and Attitudes in the Classroom and Beyond (Online)
Creating a culture in a school or college requires commitment and a profound understanding of the change that making the decision to focus on coaching has in working towards building trust, creating a safe and welcoming environment and ensuring learning is at the heart of every decision and element of the vision for continuous improvement. Coaching is a non-judgmental and non-directive approach that ensures that even the most hard to reach can find a way back from their lonely or disaffected place and re-engage with learning.
We all must acknowledge that pupils had a period of time in 2020 and 2021 where their learning experiences were very different. (EEF Research 2022). They had to find their own way, work independently and navigate many obstacles both in their ability to learn and sustain equilibrium in a very ‘topsy turvy’ world. We must acknowledge this in how we now create the right environment that will re-engage and ensure that behaviour becomes a positive word and not a negative one. Raising awareness of the power of coaching to build the right atmosphere across the school or college cannot be underestimated.
Coaching is powerful when used to create a new approach to dealing with behaviours in and outside the classroom where accountability and focusing on the positive take precedence over punishment and sanctions. Coaching involving asking those difficult questions, challenging the status quo and focusing on solutions rather than problems all create harmony and a nurturing environment that fosters learning and well-being for all pupils and staff and sends strong messages to parents that this is the place I want my child to be, whatever age, key stage or structure.
Where the pastoral team learn how to coach they are well placed to support pupils to feel secure and to believe that they can achieve what is expected of them. Their confidence, motivation and lack of self-belief can be turned around so that they are looking to the future and beginning to have a true quench for learning and being an important member of their tutor group, year group and school. The skills of listening and questioning, the attitudes linked to empathy and influencing others to change are invaluable to anyone who has a pastoral role.
Our new course Developing the Student Coach is aimed at the pastoral team who can learn some techniques for working with pupils and students to become peer coaches who can help themselves and their peers to learn well and focus on positive behaviours. Research from New Zealand looked at coaching for children in key stage 2 and the results are truly outstanding.
Developing the Student Coach in Schools and Colleges (Online)
Start your coaching journey as part of a well-crafted vision for whole school improvement, it is a sustainable, cost-effective and highly motivating model that embraces all staff and pupils and will create a culture of learning, self-belief and positive change and challenge. The Learning Cultures’ team can work with school or college leaders to plan an INSET or a longer coaching programme. We have on demand and face to face courses that will support your staff to become coaches or to be coached towards changes in behaviour, pedagogy and pastoral care. Here is a taste of what we have created to support behaviour, co-operative learning and well-being.
- Building Positive Behaviours and Attitudes in the Classroom and Beyond
- Developing the Student Coach
- Coaching and the Pastoral Role in a School or College
- Creating a Culture of Positive Mental Health and Well-being
- Coaching for Senior Leaders in a School or College
Or give me, Glynis a call on 07974 754241 or email me glynis@learningcultures.org to discuss how we can shape a programme for you and your staff and pupils or students.
