Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight
Jim Knight is the founder of The Instructional Coaching Group, a professional development provider dedicated to offering PD for coaches, teachers, and leaders based on a partnership approach that creates better learning environments for all students. As a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning Jim has spent 25 years studying professional learning and instructional coaching. He earned his PhD in Education from the University of Kansas and has won several university teaching, innovation, and service awards. The pioneering work Jim and his colleagues have conducted has led to many innovations that are now central to professional development in schools. Jim wrote the first major article about instructional coaching for the Journal of Staff Development, and his book Instructional Coaching (2007) offered the first extended description of instructional coaching. Jim has written several books in addition to those described above, including the bestsellers Unmistakable Impact (2011), High-Impact Instruction (2013), Focus on Teaching (2014), Better Conversations (2015), The Impact Cycle (2018), and The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching (2021). He has also authored articles featured in Educational Leadership, The Journal of Staff Development, Principal Leadership, The School Administrator, and Kappan.
Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight
Christian van Nieuwerburgh & Robert Biswas-Diener
In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I sit down with TLC 2025 Keynote presenters Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener to explore the power of radical listening. We discuss how an intentional, empathetic approach to listening can strengthen both personal and coaching relationships. Christian and Robert share key strategies—such as acknowledgment, intentionality, and thoughtful interjection—that help speakers feel truly seen, valued, and heard. We also examine the importance of creating an environment that fosters deep listening. Ultimately, this conversation highlights how radical listening not only enhances communication but also builds stronger connections and contributes to a more compassionate world.
Radical Listening Model
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RL-Model.pdf
Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh's website:
Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener's website:
Author of Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice
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