Beyond the Textbook: Why Language Teachers Need to Turn to Coaching

As language educators, we're constantly striving to help our learners achieve fluency and confidence. Are you still applying methods that work (?) with kids but definitely don’t work with anyone 14+ who wishes to approach their own learning choices more suited to the 21st century? ?In today's dynamic world, simply delivering information isn't enough and from the teacher's perspective often leads to burnout when coupled with organisational overload. We need to empower our learners to become active participants in their own learning journeys. This is where coaching comes in.

Coaching is about shifting the focus from teacher-led instruction to learner-driven exploration. It's about fostering self-awareness, setting goals, and developing strategies for success and empowering learners to take ownership of their learning and become independent language users.

This shift from teacher-centric to learner-centric learning is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, coaching builds and sustains learner autonomy. Instead of passively receiving information, learners are encouraged to identify their strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and develop personalised learning plans. This autonomy empowers them to become active agents in their language acquisition.

They are encouraged to practise critical thinking, analyse their mistakes, identify patterns, and develop their own solutions. This deeper understanding leads to more meaningful learning and a more robust understanding of the language and communication strategies involved.

Perhaps the most impactful benefit of coaching is its ability to build confidence. Through personalised support, learners will feel confident enough to take risks and experiment with the language and be comfortable in less secure speaking situations, for example.? Isn’t that every language learner’s dream? ?

Finally, coaching develops valuable skills that extend far beyond the language classroom. Skills like active listening, reflective thinking, and goal setting are transferable to all aspects of life.

Integrating coaching into language teaching doesn't require a complete overhaul of the curriculum. Simple changes can make a significant difference. For example, teachers can encourage self-reflection by asking learners to analyse their learning process and identify areas for improvement. They can facilitate goal setting by helping learners set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Providing regular feedback and encouragement helps learners stay motivated and on track. Finally, promoting collaboration through pair work and group activities allows learners to practice their language skills with peers and receive constructive feedback.

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Every good teacher does this, right?

If you think you’re already doing this, ask yourself what the ratio of open-ended questions are and what the teacher talking time is, and also, how much you wait for answers.? These are pretty good indicators of how much of a learner-centric, supportive learning environment has been established.

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Here's a checklist to help teachers who argue they are already coaching... identify specific elements of coaching already in place:

1. Learner-Centered Approach

• Open-Ended Questions: Do you regularly ask questions that encourage learners to think critically and provide their own insights, rather than just seeking a single correct answer?
• Wait Time: Do you provide sufficient wait time (at least 5 seconds) after asking a question to allow learners to formulate their thoughts and responses?
• Active Listening: Do you actively listen to learners' responses, providing non-verbal cues like nodding and eye contact, and asking follow-up questions to clarify their thinking?
• Respectful Feedback: Do you provide feedback that focuses on learners' efforts and progress, offering constructive suggestions for improvement, rather than simply pointing out errors?

2. Collaborative Learning

• Partnering with Learners: Do you regularly create opportunities for learners to work together in pairs or small groups, providing support and feedback to each other?
• Peer Support: Do you encourage learners to help each other, sharing strategies and providing constructive feedback on each other's work?
• Student-Led Discussions: Do you facilitate discussions where learners take the lead, sharing their perspectives and engaging in meaningful conversations with their peers?

3. Self-Reflection and Goal Setting

• Self-Assessment: Do you encourage learners to reflect on their learning process, identifying their strengths, areas for improvement, and strategies for achieving their goals?
• Goal Setting: Do you help learners set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for their language learning?
• Learning Logs/Journals: Do you encourage learners to keep learning logs or journals where they can track their progress, reflect on their learning experiences, and set goals for future learning?

4. Empowering Learners

• Choice and Autonomy: Do you offer learners choices in their learning activities, allowing them to pursue their interests and develop their skills in ways that are meaningful to them?
• Learner-Led Projects: Do you allow learners to take ownership of their learning by designing and conducting their own projects or presentations?
• Risk-Taking and Experimentation: Do you create a safe and supportive environment where learners feel comfortable taking risks and experimenting with the language?

By reflecting on these elements, teachers can better understand the extent to which they are already incorporating coaching practices into their classrooms. This self-assessment can help identify areas for further development and ultimately create a more learner-centred and empowering learning experience for their students.

Why not check out our Language Coaching Markers specially developed to assess the extent to which you are working with a coaching approach? Available for download here: https://ilcaglobal.com/what-is-language-coaching/

By embracing coaching, language teachers can move beyond the conventional teacher-centred model and create a more empowering and effective learning environment for learners. This shift in focus will benefit learners in their language acquisition and equip them with valuable transferable skills for navigating the challenges of today’s world of education.

Check our ILCA courses, materials and membership at ilcaglobal.com