The role of a teacher is to transfer knowledge to their students and to help them develop certain skills and abilities. On the other hand, a coach has to support and motivate its pupils by listening, asking questions and challenging them. Although these roles seem different, what if a teacher applied the rules of coaching into the classroom and became a motivator as well?

This concept was fundamental during the new edition of the course “Emotional intelligence and coaching inside the school and educational context” that took place in Tenerife  de la 20/10/24 to 26/10/24.The participants came from all across Europe, with Susanna Makinen from The Finnish Institute for Enterprise Management in Finland, Marcella Berton from Istituto Einstein Torino in Italy, Martina Dedic from Offene Mittelschule in Austria,Roman Wolf from BGRG 8 in Austria, Marie Fridlund and Marie Arvidsson from Lillerudsgymnasiet AB in Austria, Lori Proudian from Institut de la Providence de Champion in Belgium, Verica Jovanovski from Education and Teacher Training Agency in Croatia, Judith Julen from Hogeschool Inholland in Netherlands, Evelyn Kobler from University of Education Salzburg Stefan Zweig in Austria.

 The initial topic explored in the course was Emotional Intelligence (EI). EI refers to the capacity to recognize and understand both our own emotions and those of others. A teacher with strong emotional intelligence can effectively connect with students, fostering a supportive environment that helps them navigate their feelings.  Coaching, in this context, involves inspiring and guiding individuals to realize their fullest potential.

A key aspect of this process is the establishment of SMART goals—those that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Participants were encouraged to set their own SMART goals, learning the importance of clarity and structure in their objectives. Conflict management is another crucial skill for effective coaching, applicable in any setting, including the classroom. Developing self-awareness and emotional regulation is vital to prevent conflicts from escalating.

Conflicts can be constructive, leading to personal growth and positive resolutions. Coaches play a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue and helping students analyze conflicts without imposing solutions. Instead, they guide students in decision-making and self-evaluation. The course also delved into the power of questions. Thoughtful inquiries can stimulate critical thinking, encourage self-reflection, and inspire constructive responses and actions. Participants practiced crafting learning-focused questions that invite engagement, encourage deep consideration, and maintain cognitive focus. The “Solution Focused Brief Coaching” model was examined to foster a solution-oriented approach among students.

Throughout the training week, participants shared their experiences and drew from their diverse cultural perspectives, enhancing their coaching capabilities and learning to effectively implement these skills in their classrooms.

Discover more about this transformative course here.