Two Important Benefits Of Using Coaching Skills to Teach

Physicians play the role of teacher in many ways during their daily routine, including with patients, staff, and trainees. While traditional teaching methods involve imparting knowledge directly, leveraging coaching skills offers two significant benefits that can profoundly enhance the educational experience. 

Coaching Builds Trust

Coaching skills are instrumental in building trust and fostering strong, meaningful relationships. Active listening cues (both verbal and non-verbal) play important roles in the process. They signify that we are listening and that we care what the other person has to say. That starts to build rapport between the two parties. Without this trust, the learner is not in the best position to succeed. 

Learner Takes the Lead

Rather than simply providing answers, coaching skills empower learners to navigate their own paths to solutions. By employing verbal cues, thought-provoking questions, and strategic pauses, educators can encourage analysis and self-reflection. This approach not only deepens understanding but also instills a sense of ownership and confidence in the learner's abilities. The journey towards discovery and comprehension is more impactful when individuals actively participate in their own learning process.

Moreover, coaching skills enable educators to leverage the learner's existing skill set to facilitate continuous growth. Through genuine curiosity and targeted questions, coaches can encourage reflection about important learning points to guide them toward further development. This personalized approach fosters a supportive learning environment where learners feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

Integrating coaching skills into teaching endeavors offers invaluable benefits that transcend traditional teaching methods. By prioritizing trust-building and empowering learners to take control of their own learning journey, educators can cultivate stronger connections and foster a sense of agency among their students.