Coaching the Whole Educator Podcast

Noticing and Wondering: A Coaching Conversation Tool Episode 51

Becca Silver

8/14/2023

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Episode Description:

Becca Silver is back with a special guest, Dr. Christi Roberts, and they're unpacking an invaluable coaching tool: "Noticing and Wondering." Dive into a conversation that revolves around fostering genuine connections with educators and building a foundation of trust. Discover how "Noticing" and "Wondering" statements revolutionize coaching conversations, helping educators uncover their own solutions and ideas for improvement.

Learn how this approach enhances coaching conversations, promotes collaboration, and cultivates a culture of continuous growth in the classroom. Becca and Christi demonstrate how to use Noticing and Wondering as they role play and debrief the importance of each step.

This tool is invaluable from shifting from a formal coaching cycle to a relationship-based coaching conversation that is purely focused on growth and strengthens trust and coaching relationships. Listen in on the unexpected results coaches cause as they practice Noticing and Wondering with their spouses and friends as well!

Main Topics Covered in This Episode:

Noticing and Wondering: Introduction to a coaching tool involving non-judgmental observation and inquiry.
Building Relationships: Emphasis on trust, collaboration, and creating an open coaching environment.
Effective Coaching Conversations: Exploring the concept of coaching conversations versus more directive approaches.
Capacity Building: Fostering teacher empowerment, skill development, and ownership of growth.

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Peer Coaching Academy

Episode Timestamps

[04:23] Using noticing and wondering to narrow the focus on the right problem.

[08:35] Helping teachers notice and wonder to come up with ideas.

[13:11] What noticing and wondering might sound like in a conversation.

[23:17] Tips on writing out noticings and wonderings.

Meet Christi Roberts

With more than two decades of experience in public education, Christi Roberts holds an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Mathematics Education and English Language Learners. Recognized with the Milken Educator Award in 2005 and twice a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching, Christi's commitment lies in harnessing educator potential, dismantling perceived obstacles, and establishing dependable support systems to offer top-tier education to all students in every school district.