Powerful Questions Can Generate Ideas

Today's students have access to countless sources of information about how to study -- books, websites, videos, lists upon lists, and apps offer tips and tricks that claim to be the solution to the challenge of learning. However, if access to information were enough, everyone would have no trouble successfully learning any content. The surfeit of choices often results in increased difficulty in choosing, in implementing a choice, and/or in feeling confident that one has made the right choice (more on the paradox of choice at this link). 

One of the gifts of coaching is the time to sort through potential options, the invitation to weigh them, and the opportunity to choose, or even to generate, the idea that feels most compelling to the coachee. Coaches with years of experience as educators often have to work hard to avoid offering advice and tips -- but the work pays off, as the ideas that coachees generate themselves have built-in agency and buy-in, and are more likely than others to be put into action. 

When students are looking for ideas, use questions like these to help them mine their own experience and creativity:

• What have you tried for a different class that helped you learn?

• What are you curious about, and how do you explore that topic?

• Who might be interesting in hearing you explain what you are learning?

• Out of the study strategies you've heard of, which have you not yet tried?

• If no one could see or hear you, how might you use talking or movement to learn?

Grow your repertoire of questions with LifeBound Inclusive Coaching.   

3-Day Inclusive Coaching

Register for June 19, 21, 23 Class

Register for July 17, 19, 21 Class

Register for August 7, 9, 11 Class

1-Day Introduction to Coaching

Register for Friday, August 4 Class