What is Practice-Based Coaching?
Practice-based coaching (PBC) is an evidenced-based coaching framework for supporting kaiako or whānau to use localised teaching practices that lead to positive outcomes for tamariki. Embedded within an ongoing focus on whakawhanaungatanga and collaborative partnerships, practice-based coaching is designed to enhance kaiako or whānau confidence and competence to support tamaiti learning in ways that are responsive to the local context.
Practice-based coaching is a co-constructed, shared process in which both the coach and coachee bring expertise and identified priorities to their interactions. With the support of a coach, kaiako or whānau build their own goals and action plans based on their strengths and areas they want to grow in their interactions with children.
Practice-based coaching (PBC) uses ongoing cycles of systematic supports to help kaiako achieve or whānau goals that are important to them and relevant for their local context. The coaching cycle components (or active ingredients) are:
- Deciding on shared goals and action planning
- Engaging in focused observation
- Supporting reflection and providing feedback on action plan goals
Who is using Practice-Based Coaching in Aotearoa?
Practice-Based Coaching Aotearoa is a programme of research here at the Early Years Research Lab, Massey University under the direction of Associate Professor Tara McLaughlin in partnership with colleagues from the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Florida. PBC projects in Aotearoa have focused on embedded learning in early childhood education and home settings (Pretorius and McLaughlin), play-based teaching in primary schools (Aiono and McLaughlin), social-emotional teaching for toddlers (Clarke and McLaughlin), and parent use of augmentative and alternative communication devices such as core boards (Brydon, McLaughlin and Clendon). We are also using practice-based coaching in the Leadership Coaching Programme with early childhood education leaders around Aotearoa (McLaughlin and Clarke).
To learn more about Practice-Based Coaching Aotearoa please reach out through our website and check back soon for more information. This section of the website will be updated soon.
Here is what those who have used practice-based coaching had to say …
“I really enjoyed the coaching aspect of it, just someone there and the way she did the coaching was really good and the feedback to keep learning, you keep on growing and I think that was really successful.“
“You got to see that team growth, the teachers grew, and you saw the light bulb moment when they were starting to see the changes in the children and seeing the difference they were making. It was rewarding as a coach.“