Learning Forward
Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.
IDEAS
Coaching heavy, coaching light: How to deepen professional practice
By Joellen Killion
Categories: Coaching, Continuous improvementAugust 2024
In 2008, I introduced the concepts of coaching heavy and coaching light as a way to think about the depth and impact of coaching practice (Killion, 2008). When I first wrote about this, the terms heavy and light were often misunderstood. Some readers perceived that heavy coaching is critical, directive, and even abrasive, while light coaching might be frivolous. The confusion continued because coaching heavy and light can appear similar in practice to an untrained eye and ear because both involve communication strategies such as listening, questioning, paraphrasing, pausing, and positive presuppositions. These misconceptions often interfered with a deeper understanding of the concepts and their application in practice. In subsequent pieces (Killion, 2009, 2010), I addressed some of the controversial points and clarified the concept,
Read the remaining content with membership access. Join or log in below to continue.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.
References
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.
Killion, J. (2008, May). Are you coaching heavy or light? Teachers Teaching Teachers, 3(8), 1-4. learningforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/are-you-coaching-heavy-or-light.pdf
Killion, J. (2009). Coaches’ roles, responsibilities, and reach. In J. Knight (Ed.), Coaching: Approaches & perspectives(pp. 7-28). Corwin Press.
Killion, J. (2010, December). Reprising coaching heavy and coaching light. Teachers Teaching Teachers, 6(4), 8-9. learningforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/teachers-leading-reprising-coaching.pdf
Stanier, M.B. (2024, March 24). The works with MBS: Unlock your greatness. mbsworks.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=67e103b0761e60683e83c559be18d40c.784&s=adc10784ee630a1ed9c846b38f576bce
Joellen Killion is a senior advisor to Learning Forward and a sought-after speaker and facilitator who is an expert in linking professional learning and student learning. She has extensive experience in planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality, standards-based professional learning at the school, system, and state/provincial levels. She is the author of many books including Assessing Impact, Coaching Matters, Taking the Lead, and The Feedback Process. Her latest evaluation articles for The Learning Professional are “7 reasons to evaluate professional learning” and “Is your professional learning working? 8 steps to find out.”
Categories: Coaching, Continuous improvement
CURRENT ISSUE
Subscribe
Recent Issues
NAVIGATING NEW ROLES
April 2025
Whether you’re new to your role or supporting others who are new,...
LEARNING DESIGNS
February 2025
How we learn influences what we learn. This issue shares essential...
BUILDING BRIDGES
December 2024
Students benefit when educators bridge the continuum of professional...
CURRICULUM-BASED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
October 2024
High-quality curriculum requires skilled educators to put it into...
