Abstract

As staff, we often assume we know what students want or need. Our role is to answer questions and give students direction. Sometimes students come to us with overwhelming, complex problems which staff cannot easily solve. What then? Taking a coaching approach can help them to find their own, workable solutions. It allows time in tutorials for thinking, rather than telling. Learning one simple coaching technique to use in personal tutorials can contribute to building resilient, self-motivated students who have the tools to take charge of their own learning.

Session and activities

This short slide presentation will outline how staff can use the GROW questioning technique to be curious, keep asking questions and help students set achievable goals. This structured approach to constructive conversations was developed by Sir John Whitmore in the 1980’s. It has the following format:  

GOAL: what do you want?  

REALITY: where are you now?  

OPTIONS: what could you do?  

WILL: what will you do now?  

I have used the technique effectively with Year 2 students on BA Journalism and presented my findings to staff in the Journalism and Publishing department. This talk will outline the technique, followed by practical examples of how it works and when it is useful. It will allow a few minutes for questions and discussion.  

A colleague and I have applied for Media School funding to further develop and enhance the student experience of personal tutorials. As UAL is moving towards the adoption of a coaching culture, using regular conversations in place of staff appraisals, this lightning talk will outline how a similar approach can give students further agency over their own academic journey and future goals. It will draw on my learning and practice as a UAL Level 5 Coaching Apprentice and Course Leader. I am in the final months of the apprenticeship training and expect to qualify later this year.