The Six Coaching Lenses

The Text The Art of Coaching notes the possibility of viewing education through several lenses. These lenses may allow for teachers/coaches to process information differently, approach situations with more empathy, or just provide a different viewpoint to a teacher/coach who is attempting to find a solution. These lenses can be considered at any level of education, by a Teacher Aid to a student, a teacher to a teacher aid, a coach to a teacher, an administrator to a teacher, or a superintendent to an administrator. Because of this, the Lenses are quite a useful, versatile set of principles through which to guide education.

1. The Lens of Inquiry: The Lens of Inquiry is a thought process which encourages the asking of questions to arrive at solutions. The Art of Coaching suggests that not only should you consider the types of questions you ask, but the manner in which you ask them stating that "The way we pose the question determines the nature of the answer". (Aguilar. n.d.) If questions become too pointed then the answers could be lean towards defensive.

2. The Lens of Change Management The Lens of Change Management helps one see that no matter the situation, the possibility for positive change is there. It does take some vision on the part of the coach to know what change needs to happen. It is also important that when change is occurring that appropriate measures are taken to collect data. The analysis of this data is likely helpful to the parties involved in deciding if they feel as if the change is effective.

3. The Lens of Systems Thinking

The Lens of Systems Thinking suggests that everything that happens is exactly what is supposed to happen. This is a freeing way of thinking because it takes the blame of failure off of the students. It forces the instructor to try something new and/or work smarter.

4. The Lens of Adult Learning

The Lens of adult Learning helps the instructor identify how to not just treat adult students differently than children but to understand why it is necessary. The main reason for adjustment to instruction is that adult beginners have a wider variety of "starting points".

5. The Lens of Systemic Oppression The Lens of Systemic Oppression focuses around the idea that racism exists.

6. The Lens of Emotional Intelligence

The Lens of Emotional Intelligence gives the teacher "skill to identify, assess, and control the emotions of oneself, others, and of groups."

Aguilar, E. (n.d.). The Art of Coaching. Retrieved from https://platform.virdocs.com/r/s/0/doc/549133/sp/179628054/mi/572337649?cfi=%2F4%2F4