In the realm of education, the conventional image of a teacher revolves around the transmission of knowledge and the cultivation of essential skills in students. On the flip side, a coach is often envisioned as a supportive figure, adept at motivating individuals through attentive listening, incisive questioning, and gentle challenges. Yet, what if educators embraced the multifaceted role of a coach within their classrooms? What if they not only disseminated information but also inspired and empowered their students to reach their full potential? This shift in perspective could herald a transformative approach to teaching, one where educators evolve into dynamic catalysts for growth and self-discovery. There were the questions we had in mind during the new edition of the course “Emotional intelligence and coaching inside the school and educational context” that took place in Palermo from the 11/02/2024 till the 17/02/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Maarja and Carita from Tartu Jaan Poska Gümnaasium in Estonia, Jelena and Laura from Jelgava Local Municipality, Education Board in Latvia, and Živa and Urška from OŠ Draga Bajca Vipava in Slovenia. We started the week with During the course we explored the concept of Emotional Intelligence, emphasizing the importance of recognizing both personal and others' emotions to foster self-awareness and understanding within the educational context. A teacher with emotional intelligence can establish rapport with students and assist them in managing their emotions effectively. Coaching involves motivating and guiding individuals to reach their full potential, often through setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) goals. Participants were tasked with setting SMART goals for themselves, ensuring clarity and attainability in their objectives. Participants also practiced the ability of giving feedback inside the GROWTH mindset perspective, training themselves with an challenging role play. The course also underscored the significance of questioning techniques in promoting critical thinking, self-reflection, and action. Participants delved into crafting learning-focused questions aimed at stimulating engagement and cognitive development. Additionally, they explored the "Solution-Focused Brief Coaching" model to instill a solution-oriented mindset among students. Conflict management and problem solving emerged as another critical coaching skill applicable in various settings, including classrooms. By fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation, educators can mitigate conflicts and facilitate constructive resolutions. The role of a coach lies in guiding students through conflict analysis, decision-making, and behavioral evaluation without imposing solutions. To further develop our coaching toolbox, we explored an activity called the Six Thinking Hats, which encouraged participants to engage in and account for different angles when approaching a problem. As the training week drew to a close, participants departed with enriched perspectives gleaned from the exchange of common experiences and the mosaic of cultural diversity present. Armed with newfound coaching skills honed through collaborative learning, educators now stand poised to inject vitality into their classrooms. By seamlessly integrating these techniques, they embark on a journey of transformation, where every interaction becomes an opportunity to inspire, motivate, and empower students towards academic excellence and personal growth. Discover more about this course here.
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Welcome to the ELA Blog. Here you will find articles and photos of our courses and have a look at the topics addressed during the week in Bologna, Palermo and Tenerife. You will also have the chance to take a peek at our projects and check out what we have been up to.
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