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
Robert Biswas Diener
What's the difference between directive and non-directive coaching? Should coaches set the agenda or let teachers lead?
In this episode, Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener joins Jim Knight to explore the philosophy and practice of instructional coaching. They tackle the big questions: balancing directive and non-directive approaches, the role of curiosity and empathy in coaching relationships, and how to give feedback that truly lands.
The conversation explores why emotions matter in coaching, how small talk builds rapport, and introduces the "crux" metaphor from rock climbing—a powerful way to help clients focus on their biggest challenges.
Walk away with practical insights and reflective questions to deepen their coaching practice and better support client growth.
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https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/
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https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/jim-knights-1-1-impact-coaching/