#educoach Archive
The #educoach hashtag is used by instructional coaches around the world. We chat each Wednesday at 8pm CST on Twitter and use the hashtag throughout the week to share resources, ask questions and collaborate with instructional coaches.
Wednesday March 30, 2016
Good evening Let’s start by introducing ourselves and sharing a success story from the week!
My tweets fleet three next hour are for my favorite chat of the week... with joining tonight to discuss his book!
I'm Kathy, an co-moderator. One success will happen at end of week. Attending & looking forward to learning & networking!
Oh dear, please excuse my auto corrections ...waiting for the laptop to wake up. Phone is bad for tweeting!
Monica, Special Education teacher, Texas. I will be working on a special project, but I will be following along.
Jim from New Jersey .... Good Evening!
A treat tonight is joining us to discuss his book Better Conversations
I"m trying out Participate right now
Good Evening . Leigh, here from MO. HS Assistant Principal & lifelong learner. Teacher & coach at heart. Excited to learn
Barb Bengtson, instructional coach, MN Workin with Ts to rejuvenate practice-new take on strategies to meet Ss' needs
Good evening, ! I'm going to try to join, but I'm behind on my book. Sorry!
No worries. I know you'll have ideas to contribute!
Shira - co-moderator my seeing the film Most Likely To Succeed w/2 tchers&a student from the school featured in the film
Hi, I'm Brandi, and instructional coach in Kansas.
I'm Stony- a library guy at Lakeside High - Hot Springs, AR. Today I supported a T to try MysteryHangouts! https://t.co/tQU230lUFt
Jim, who studies coaching, one success this week is we developed a whole new way to provide learning for coaches
Jessica, principal and co-moderator in WI. My is getting approved to hear in person on Better Conversations!
A coach at heart makes the best kind of principal, https://t.co/pKHjV6BjDa
Good Evening . Leigh, here from MO. HS Assistant Principal & lifelong learner. Teacher & coach at heart. Excited to learn
Wow! Will that be a whole new book. Hope you’ll share more about i & thanks for joining us - grateful you are here
Haven't heard of that film, but now curious!
Hello my NW Iowa friend! Glad you could join us!
The new book, which I'm working on right now is on the coaching cycle
Tonight we will be discussing ch 4-5 of newest book Better Conversations. We love having here with us!
It is the inspiration for Portfolio School; see it when you can!
Thank you Kathy, I like to think my experiences have helped me grow and learn to be a better leader
Let’s get started. Chapter 4 looks at Fostering Dialogue and Chapter 5 focuses on Asking Better Questions.
Here to learn! Michelle, OR, instructional coach next year. 4th grade now!
Hello ! Knikole from Texas.
Q1 Why is fostering dialogue so important in the work of an instructional coach?
Have not read the book, but soo excited to join in and learn!
I just barely caught up and wish I gave it more time, bc it's such a great book!
Q1 Why is fostering dialogue so important in the work of an instructional coach?
Glad you are here! Welcome!
Principal in New Jersey. So glad to connect tonight...
Q1 Two things come to mind for me
1. If there is no dialogue there a good chance the coach will create resistance
Velia admin joining in ready to learn
A1: You are typically coaching professionals, so open dialogue, mutual respect, & listening are all extremely important for change
A1) Dialogue is important to learn and better each other. We have to talk through things and listen to really coach.
2. You need to learn from others to meet your and their needs. That's tough to do without dialogue
So true, Dialogue indicates that voices are heard. A must in coaching. https://t.co/JQUvkC2NJ5
1. If there is no dialogue there a good chance the coach will create resistance
that is awesome. I would love to learn more about it!
Q1 Fostering dialogue shows that we are all in this together and we can learn from each other. Everyone has something to offer.
A1: Dialogue provides insight into thoughts and ideas. Opens the doorway to trust with the coaching relationship too.
Perhaps we can talk later. Always looking for stories to share! https://t.co/BdltDnvOMW
that is awesome. I would love to learn more about it!
A1: Dialogue is an opportunity for both to learn together in the conversation.
A1: Dialogue requires listening to understand what is working and what is desired. Convo doesn't happen overnight. Support process
A1 Dialogue clarifies thinking & expectations. It allows the coach to understand the T's thinking and beliefs.
A1: dialogue helps develop common foundation to pursue discovery/learning journey together
I would love that. Let me know what I can do to make it happen:)
A1:Seems to me-people have hard time sharing successes & frustrations.As a coach, I can ask questions (5Whys)to help articulate.
Yes, - Important for coaches to be seen as learners, not giver of knowledge. https://t.co/Z28sbyLhQx
2. You need to learn from others to meet your and their needs. That's tough to do without dialogue
A1: It is also important because it plays a crucial role in developing the trust in the relationship. https://t.co/D9uQKmZVZ8
A1: Dialogue is an opportunity for both to learn together in the conversation.
A1: Dialogue is “learning with” one another
Yes valuing each others voice, ideas and insight
A1: Dialogue shows you care about what they think/ feel. If Ts (& Ss) know you care, anything is possible!
Q2 What techniques have been successful to foster dialogue (either some of Jim’s or your own)?
Yes - My friends Martin Buber lends wisdom on relationship, meaningful dialogue, & human connection
Q2 More and more I think dialogue is about balancing advocacy with inquiry
Q2 Being fully present is essential. We need to be ready to listen.
A2) your video taping method was powerful to really promote dialogue. A great coaching session happened from this
A1 Gives an opportunity to hear what Ts need...gives them a voice in their professional growth & sopport https://t.co/Qu7QDyokVc
Q1 Why is fostering dialogue so important in the work of an instructional coach?
Agree! We all need to learn how to share safely and authentically-prompts can help https://t.co/a50krFJ52Z
A1:Seems to me-people have hard time sharing successes & frustrations.As a coach, I can ask questions (5Whys)to help articulate.
A2: So hard in our culture to listen and understand that somebody can disagree&still be compassionate&intelligen
A2keeping the focus of the conversation on what is best for the students.
A2 Love that ! Advocacy and inquiry lead to trusting relationships! https://t.co/N26C8RFZn3
Q2 More and more I think dialogue is about balancing advocacy with inquiry
Q2 You have to share you ideas, but do it in a way that invites others' ideas too
I usually ask at least 3 to 4 questions about the dialogue that is happening before I make any statements. ??s = clarification
A2: Active listening, effective feedback, & providing research based strategies to improve student achievement
A2: Listening without an agenda. Listening without thinking about what I want to say. Listening to really hear and understand.
Q2 It isn't dialogue if you don't share your ideas too.
A2 Listing to Ts language is important. Use it in dialogue, rather than "jargon" used for same idea.
A2: When Ts goes negative they R relinquishing power. Reframe situation 2 assist them in gaining control towards = best 4 kids.
A2: Open ended questions beginning with how or why, depending on purpose
. Genuine dialogue is what all educational and coach efforts aim for. For which they aim. You know what I mean. ;)
A1: w/out dialogue there is no coaching. It's word vomit for the coach or the T & neither gets benefit of coaching interaction
Thanks for deepening this conversation with our good friend Martin Buber; his wisdom keeps echoing in our conversations
Great point! Dialogue is, by definition, mutual.
Or dialogue that leads to shared creative action
A2: Being humble, continue to learn and share ideas. Mutual respect & open communication
A2 Working toward 50/50 dialogue or even more of T talking helps foster the dialogue.
A2 Put people first. Most tasks can wait. People need to feel valued, and a great way to show value is making time for them.
A2: ask T what goals they have: skill, unit, or pedagogy. Create a focus for the interaction.
Q3 What effects have you noticed when you work to foster meaningful dialogue with teachers, students or even friends/family?
A2 Combine relationships and mutual sharing with timely follow through and questioning and you will have dialogue!
A2 PLC via . Blog posts/comments. tools.
A2 agree with being humble lead from behind , support
. It's deep, real stuff. Most convos are blah-blah-blah. Buber reminds us to use the primary words. To try.
A2 Asking clarifying questions-why did you do it that way. Did you get the results you expected?
Sandy from Ut.- Hope you don't mind me lurking and learning from you :)
I've just figured out that I should be writing A2 rather than Q2 :)
A3: Definitely feel the relationship/rapport get stronger.
Must pay attention....posting an response to ....no bueno...too much tonight!
You're the author of the book, so you can do whatever you want! ;)
A2: agree. The coach's ideas should be invited and viewed as option to consider.
A3 Know dialogue; know friends. No dialogue; no friends :) Just kidding
Honest stuff; requiring us to dive deep within ourselves&be present for others through their own journey of reflection
Servant leadership is one of my main focuses. We must be supportive & encourage our teachers,they are in the trenches
Communication is key. Consensus, sharing, change....
A3 When I have meaningful dialogue, I know people better and can identify strengths and needs more readily. Mutual trust
A3 I honestly think dialogue is one the important ways we communicate respect
A3) There are more positive relationships. People feel better because they know you generally care & make a point to have dialogue
Depending on relationship and relative experience, this can be difficult. Expert opinion is 'golden'-done https://t.co/xjMpS5nfOJ
Q2 You have to share you ideas, but do it in a way that invites others' ideas too
A3: when you foster true dialogue, people want to be in conversations with you more often. The key is the "with you"
A3: It becomes contagious. One relationship leads to many others!
A3 and it is just more fun to be in a conversation where everyone sees their ideas as valuable.
A3: With meaningful dialogue, true consensus happens.
. "Neighborless and seamless, he is Thou and fills the firmament." --Buber
agree. Depending on where the T is in career or goals they have factors into how much talking the coach does.
A2: Putting away distractions and devoting full focus to the individual is key. We have so many things pulling our attention!
faculty team will journal and reflect with a partner throughout the year. Topics given and/or freewrite 2x ea. month.
can't wait to attend your pre-conference session tomorrow
A3: Key word: exchange...It's easy to have one way convo. Two way-is an art! Proud of communication w/ parents, but one way.
Yes, and with that, trust.
. Indeed. Do you think he would have found social media possible force for connection, or mere disruption & noise?
Tell hello tomorrow. I'm sure I'll run into them
A3 Together, we come up with better plans & solutions. I'm able to hear new ideas & see things clearer https://t.co/6cja3HiP3Q
Q3 What effects have you noticed when you work to foster meaningful dialogue with teachers, students or even friends/family?
Hmm, not sure, what about deeply listening; asking questions to support another; focusing fully on helping another
I can't believe I forgot this awesomeness was happening. Allison from SC
A3: Individuals will make an effort to seek me out more. They become more open to suggestions- esp if I take and use their advice.
A3. Authentic dialogue can lead to more opportunities and deeper impact
A3: I'm seen as a resource and a go to person for them. I can serve as a connector to work T wants to do.
. Tonight I'm inclined to think it would bum him out. So many people use social to disconnect from humanity!
Both; pulling us from those who are physically present, while helping us connect - depends on how we use it
Which comment are you referencing? Fun?
Looking forward to meeting you in person, too!
Yes - we become fully present for one another; with deep respect, empathy & understanding
Q4 How could video taking your dialogue with a teacher assist in your instructional coaching techniques?
I read Differentiated Coaching. It talks a lot about what Ts need expert coaching & which need other strategies.
Q4 How could video taping your dialogue with a teacher assist in your instructional coaching techniques?
It isn’t dialogue if you don’t share your ideas too. wondering if I agree; thinking you can fully focus on another
I would like to attend ASCD one of these days!
A3: meaningful dialog must be nurtured, subtleties in culture/hierarchy may need to be uncovered
A4 My wife Jenny and I analyzed the dialogue in our conversations when we were writing the reflection guides and I learned a ton
A4 When we videotape, we see things that aren't noticed in the moment. We see those quirks & the body language!
Agree. There are times coaching can be "training". Ask would you like to know more about ...
A4: it's a whole new perspective. Everyone should try it.
A4 Mostly I saw the things I did that closed down the opportunity for dialogue
A4 body language from the giver and the receiver is very powerful and often unaware without a video to capture it & review
A4 What we've seen is until you see yourself, you don't know what you look like in dialogue
It is closer to you next year, Michelle (in CA)
A4: Improvement comes when we have a clear picture of reality. Video provides that, whether it's instruction or dialogue.
? Body language? or something you actually said?
A4: videoing allows you to see who is driving dialogue. Ways u as coach are fostering reflection, creativity, etc.
Yeah& for less than substantial interactions. Yet, some of my best&wisest friends I met on social media
A4: Watching video of self helps you focus on voice, body language, who is doing talking. Eye opening!
A4: I can look for what words and body language are either drawing people in or pushing them away. Use this to improve next convo
A4 Video was eye opening to me. Saw areas of strength & and areas to improve.
Need to be aware of your own bias when coming into ant conversation.
A4: Have heard so much about the power of video. Need to try it. What do you use? Phone camera does not have enough memory.
Good to know! I will achieve that goal. ❤️
Oh, great point. Videotaping allows us to monitor talk time and control of the convo.
. Buber's all about the dialectic between deep and superficial dialogue.
I'd love to help you! Coaches need a coach! :)
A4: allows me time to reflect and improve. Always learning, always improving
I use my phone or iPad. It takes about 2 gigabytes for every ten minutes https://t.co/6QjD00g7qR
A4: Have heard so much about the power of video. Need to try it. What do you use? Phone camera does not have enough memory.
How do you recommend seeking permission to videotape 1:1 conversations? Does that change the conversation?
A4: I become more conscience of the interaction. I become better at "Yes, and..." instead of "Yes, but..."
A4: Video allows you to see yourself from outside-more like others see you. Also, captures tacit+ we miss in the moment.
we have used iDevices with Swivl to record teachers for reflection.
doing this or if able to have coaching convo in front of a Grp can help too. Not always as natural though.
. Most of the time, our encounters are superficial. Our job: make them meaningful by listening well/speaking truly.
Challenge is the vast # of people w/whom we can connect;truly developing I-thou connection requires sustained attention
We also got to use for recording.
A4: If video is too intimidating then try with permission. Captures dialogue and not intrusive.
Phone & iPad do not have enough memory.what about Windows Movie Maker?Or Google Hangouts?Anyone have luck with those?
. A good argument for abandoning social altogether! Not that I'm about to do so.
A4 Allow me to reflect on the amount of time I am talking when I should be listening. https://t.co/uKhAGPDwZ6
Q4 How could video taking your dialogue with a teacher assist in your instructional coaching techniques?
Listen well; speak truly. I like that quote. I recite “shema” in my mind at times to remind myself to listen fully
A4: You can learn a lot from conversations with family and friends
You could use evernote to record audio only.
That enviro. would set the coach up to be coached. Important for others to see the coach model vulnerability.
Coaches also need to read feedback...how is the receiver taking that feedback? Is it what we expected?
https://t.co/fxggstYak5
. Most of the time, our encounters are superficial. Our job: make them meaningful by listening well/speaking truly.
A4: Video also gives you a baseline to look back at to monitor your growth
Q5 How could the Fostering Dialogue resources assist you? Or share experiences if you’ve used them. (https://t.co/j7GRcO44El )
Q5 How could the Fostering Dialogue resources assist you? Or share experiences if you’ve used them. (https://t.co/OC8iKY1GaX )
Need to make sure our colleagues understand the true goal of a dialogue. Mindset is key.
A4 I've seen how powerful it is when someone transcribes your convo. I can only imagine what I could learn from a video.
agreed. It was def helpful for Grp I'm w/ being trained. Helped us see ways we could improve coaching conv.
A5: They focus my attention, and they're also powerful as protocols for group learning.
A5: The Fostering dialogue resources look very helpful to reflect on past conversations and to plan for future ones.
I had the best coaching training with included videotaping and reviewing that. Very humbling experience & worth it!
Ah, w/out social wouldn't have met you or or & People of impact in my life
A5 The tools/resource help us monitor what to reflect on - see strengths and areas to grow.
On it, my friend:)! Fighting the fight.
A5: Great review and reinforcement. Also to modify and adjust.
Q6 Think of a person who has helped you reflect through the questions they use. What did you learn from the experience(s)?
A4: It is hard for me to reflect on my dialogue without a video. I miss a lot during convo bc I am thinking while they talk!
A5: I'd like to use the resources between teacher and student as well!
. I dig I dig I dig. That's why it's painful to admit this truth.
A6: Lingering patiently w/the question is what leads to learning; not seeking answers quickly
A6: Open questions that cause me to truly reflect and share, but then ask further questions myself.
is a great tool to record video also
Tools help us focus on the next steps...where to go from here.
A5: awareness is the first step-I appreciate the forethought encouraged:are you going in to tell, inquire, learn when initiating?
A4 So true. Video shows it all! Real data, not our perception of how things transpired. https://t.co/oiLFDTEdh1
A4: It is hard for me to reflect on my dialogue without a video. I miss a lot during convo bc I am thinking while they talk!
we should try this with Ts goal setting mtgs-video
Video causes one to question what they thought they were communicating. Just like reading your own writing-errors omitted!
A5: the resources serve as a roadmap for understanding past or upcoming convos
A6 My principal asks hard and purposeful questions. She has challenged me to always look at the purpose behind the action/goal.
No shame - as Brene Brown would say; embrace it all
A6: Someone that is the complete opposite of my personality. Such a great colleague. challenges many ideas. Value in diversity!
. Despite the great relationship-building, social *might* have damaged our capacity to know others and be known.
A6 My mentor has a wonderful way to weave dialogue throughout time. Not a one time event.
A6: using reflective questioning changed the way I have conversations
A6: My person is Don Deshler, and he always made me feel like really was deeply interested in what I had to say
Q7 Asking better questions and listening go hand-in-hand. What techniques do you use to be mindful of each?
I think anything used to excess&w/out mindful reflection & balance can damage our capacity to know others and be known
Yes! We all have a persona for online. We're our best selves on social & that keeps ppl from knowing the whole us.
A6 training, learned to say "so what I hear you saying is…" be sure u understand what is being said so u can go 4ward
A7: I’ve recently begun practicing mindfulness more seriously; strive to be fully present in interactions
A6 The power in allowing Ts to come to their own conclusions...planning questions is also key to helping them get there
It's a wonderful kind of frustrating, isn't it?
I have also been connecting this to my reading/new endeavor into mindfulness...they go hand in hand!
& reflecting on our own emotions in interactions has also been valuable for me
I’m seeing a section in our book on mindfulness while leading w/a coaching hat emerge
A7 Planned questions....jotting down responses to connect dots and plan next steps https://t.co/bX2iC2OhCw
Q7 Asking better questions and listening go hand-in-hand. What techniques do you use to be mindful of each?
A6 I often jot notes during convo (teachers wording, etc...)
A7 I monitor my talk time and allow generous wait time. People will keep talking & dig deeper if you give the chance.
A7 Cathy Toll gave me the best advice I every heard: Don't ask question you know the answer to.
That’s a very helpful distinction
A6: summarize what was said, gain clarification as needed
Perfect . Ts can read into questions that coach already has an answer too. https://t.co/m0O9YUCQWp
A7 Cathy Toll gave me the best advice I every heard: Don't ask question you know the answer to.
I was sadly surprised to read about the 4 types of unhelpful q's in your book...that people would actually do that?!
I'm happy for you if you don't hear those kinds of questions :) https://t.co/rU7R7plLNK
I was sadly surprised to read about the 4 types of unhelpful q's in your book...that people would actually do that?!
. For sure. But I'm starting to think the very form of social media tends to create certain kinds relationships.
Q8 Describe your experience with Jim's strategies to asking better q’s(be curious, ask opinion, opinion q's, be nonjudgemental)
Say more. That’s interesting
A7: Listening is first! The best thing to do is to be REAL! Don't just focus on coming up with Qs bc then you are not listening.
I'm signing off early tonight to finish a project. I always enjoy learning with the crew. Talk to you next week!
. My favorite moments on social--not Twitter Moments, BTW--are when people reveal larger elements of themselves.
Good luck! Glad you could join us tonight!
A8: Striving to be truly nonjudgemental has been both challenging & liberating
A8: Can't remember. Is THIS chapter in the book where I read about "The 5 Whys"?
That's the section on controlling your anger... I think :) https://t.co/amJnIUEEq3
A8: Can't remember. Is THIS chapter in the book where I read about "The 5 Whys"?
When we are humble, honest, & fully human
A8: I always say, judgment is a learning killer, but that doesn't make nonjudgmentalism easy
A8: I love focus on curiosity! That's what drives me.
. Short bursts of language. Hyperbole. Anger. Massive confirmation bias. Self-promotion. I-You relationships?
Sorry to have missed chat tonight. 's Better Conversations continues to change my professional way of being.
A8: is amazing! His tools have helped me continually grow! Thank you!
A8: I honestly know I need to work on withholding my judgements. :)
Yeah; the confirmation bias, self-promotion & self-branding has been very troubling to me
A8: listen, truly listen and invest in what they say - work along side not in front- teamwork!
A8 Curiosity helped build coaching relationships. Often used "Tell me more about that..."
How we teach our students, the answer should not be that different for how we teach our teachers. https://t.co/0ykxhGZndx
Thank you! Most of the ideas started with someone else.
Q9 How could the Asking Better Questions resources assist you? Or share experiences if you have tried them.
. Hard to be HHH when in the next breath you're inviting Followers to download your awesome ebook.
A8: I think modeling curiosity is central to creating a positive learning environment for teachers&students
True; social is used as a tool for “networking” more than “connecting”
. Some? Many! Most? You gotta surf over a lot of junk to get to quality.
A9: I LOVE the list of q's on page 103!
A9: Coaches like the planning forms for preparing for coaching--especially after video recording lessons
&be careful that the quality is not an “echo chamber” confirming what we already think
A9 Yes, pre-preparation is key! The resources are helpful! https://t.co/NyQLrKN6nY
A9: Coaches like the planning forms for preparing for coaching--especially after video recording lessons
Still, I have formed some relationships profoundly meaningful to me on social
A9: the better the question the more information I can get. I always want to identify the challenge they would like to overcome.
👋🏽Busy evening.
I'm packing. 📦
But I've been lurking
iWill summarize the proverbial
"2 cents"
Q10 Do you have any questions for about fostering dialogue and asking better questions?
. Perhaps we should use social to set up other, more attentive dialogues than as an end in itself.
A8: I have been exploring answers to better questions by adding silence/wait time, allow deeper reflection and better answers
A9: I think to be a good questioner, you really need to want to know what the other person thinks
RT : Q10 Do you have any questions for about fostering dialogue and asking better questions?
. Right. Problem is, social is a natural breeder of echo chambers.
Reflecting after you have coded your questions is key. Questioning is an art and needs to be practiced
A10: are there any good videos of coaching dialogue online for us to learn from?
A2: Share 💡+💭during a Meeting where it is the norm for 🍎Ts to talk at this time. Otherwise use 📧to respect each other's time.
I just dipped mine in yellow paint. ;)
. We all agree on that. But this doesn't make the great majority of qualitative users disappear.
Sadly, echo chambers are getting worse - in social&facetoface; disagreeing often leads to angry reactions
. Undeniable and important. Same here.
Q11 What are insights you have gained from tonight’s chat or something new you want to try?
A3: iHad the most supportive👨👩👦👦Ps.
Ss that required extra help often found it from their moms at🏠. Results were astounding.
I used to; sadly, current political climate is sending me into my rabbit hole
My personal goal is withholding judgment and memorizing q's on page 103! :)
Or at least trying out the q's in dialogue!
Love your lurking style Shabana. You jump in & make me laugh:)
A11: Professionally-gauge learning curve in achieving 2 way conversations.
For sure withholding judgement while focusing on the needs of the students.
I'm always tired at this time of week, but then the crew pumps me up for the rest of the week!
A11: Not new, but I'm inspired to analyze some conversations tomorrow
Same for me; think I will fall asleep in the middle of chat; & become energized
