School Talk: UAE
Welcome to "School Talk: UAE," your go-to podcast for all things education in the United Arab Emirates.
Join us as we sit down with teachers, experts, and parents to explore schools across the UAE.
Each episode provides valuable insights and perspectives from those directly involved in shaping the educational experience.
Whether you're a parent, an educator, or simply curious about the state of education in the UAE, "School Talk: UAE" is your window into the dynamic world of learning in this region.
School Talk: UAE
Coaching in Education: Empowering Self-Sufficient Learning
Coaching isn't just another educational trend—it's a transformative approach that can revolutionise how schools develop leadership capacity and foster self-sufficiency. In this enlightening conversation with Noreen McGuckin, Deputy Head at Safa British School, we unpack the profound impact coaching has had across her school community.
What happens when you shift from telling people what to do to empowering them to find their own solutions? Noreen reveals how their school implements coaching at multiple levels—from senior leadership to middle managers to classroom teachers and even students themselves. "We have a huge focus on growing leaders at all levels," she explains, highlighting their commitment to sustainable development rather than quick fixes.
The conversation explores several fascinating dimensions of educational coaching, including the challenge of overcoming imposter syndrome ("Am I qualified enough to coach somebody else?"), the art of embracing silence in coaching conversations, and practical strategies for implementing coaching in any school setting. Noreen shares powerful insights about their "high trust, high accountability" model and how it's changing classroom dynamics through inquiry-based learning approaches that encourage students to direct their own research and lead teams.
Perhaps most compelling is Noreen's reflection on our tendency as educators to solve problems too quickly: "The children will come to you, say the problem, and we haven't even listened to what they said and we're already thinking about how we're going to solve it in our head." By slowing down, listening deeply, and asking thoughtful questions, coaches create space for genuine growth and independence.
Ready to transform your approach to leadership and learning? Listen now to discover practical strategies for building a coaching culture in your educational setting. Share your experiences with coaching in education—we'd love to hear what's working in your context!