Effective Academic Coaching for Teachers Quiz

Which of the following is NOT a recommended observation technique for academic coaches?

• Scripting verbatim teacher and student conversations

• Focusing solely on the negative aspects of a lesson

• Taking note of the classroom environment and student engagement

• Using a checklist to observe specific teaching practices

Answer explanation

Focusing solely on the negative aspects of a lesson is not a recommended observation technique for academic coaches as it does not provide a balanced view of the teaching practices.

Building trust and rapport with teachers is crucial for an academic coach. Which of the following strategies is LEAST effective in building trust?

• Listening, pausing, paraphrasing, asking questions, pausing, reflecting

• Providing immediate, critical feedback in front of students

• Listening actively to teachers' concerns and suggestions

• Showing empathy and understanding towards teaching challenges

Answer explanation

Providing immediate, critical feedback in front of students can be embarrassing for the teacher and may damage trust and rapport, making it the least effective strategy.

When setting goals with teachers, what is an important aspect to consider for the goals to be effective?

• The goals should be vague to allow for flexibility

• The goals should be a SMART GOAL-specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely.

• The goals should be set by the coach only

• The goals should be unrelated to student outcomes

Why is it important for academic coaches to focus on evidence-based practices when helping support teaching practices?

• To solely rely on the coach's intuition about what works best because the coach knows best.

• To make decisions based on proven strategies that improve student learning.

• To impress school administrators with the latest knowledge.

• Who needs evidence-based practices, I've been teaching since the 90's, I know what works.

Answer explanation

It is important for academic coaches to focus on evidence-based practices to make decisions based on proven strategies that improve student learning.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of effective coaching communication?

• Using technical jargon to establish authority

• Being clear and concise in conveying messages

• Demonstrating empathy and understanding

• Encouraging a two-way dialogue with teachers

Active listening involves several key components. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

• Interrupting the speaker to provide solutions immediately

• Making eye contact and matching body language to show understanding

• Paraphrasing what the speaker has said to ensure clarity

• Asking open-ended questions to encourage deeper conversation

Reflective questioning is a powerful tool in academic coaching. Which of the following questions is LEAST likely to promote reflection?

• "What went well in today's lesson, and why do you think that was?"

• "If you could redo the lesson, what would you change and why?"

• "Don't you think it would have been better if you had been more engaging? I was bored and your students were too."

• "How do you think your approach affected student engagement?"

When working with a teacher resistant to coaching, which of the following is not an effective strategy to use?

• • Establish a genuine connection with the teacher. Be authentic, approachable, and empathetic.

• • Reluctant teachers often lack trust in leadership. Maintain confidentiality in your conversations.

• Be brutally honest. Let the teacher know that they need coaching due to their ineffective teaching practices. Honesty is the best policy.

• • Recognize their progress, no matter how small. Celebrate their efforts.

When problem-solving, what role does reflective questioning play?

• It provides the coach with all the answers to solve the teacher's problems

• It encourages teachers to critically analyze their own practices and identify solutions

• It allows the coach to dictate the steps the teacher should take to improve

• It is used to show the teacher that the coach knows more about teaching

Why is goal setting and action planning important in the coaching process?

• It allows the coach to take control over the teacher's classroom

• It provides a clear direction and steps for teachers to improve their practice

• It is a formality that needs to be completed for administrative purposes

• It discourages teachers from trying new teaching methods

Answer explanation

Goal setting and action planning are important in the coaching process because they provide a clear direction and steps for teachers to improve their practice.