How a solution focused coach discipline supports teachers implementing 21st century curriculum

Abstract

This paper examines the potential impact of integrating a modern, solution-focused coaching discipline into educational course design and delivery for 21st century curriculum. A syllabus/overview was developed for a course to support educators to integrate a coaching discipline into their course design and classroom teaching. The course is online, experiential, inquiry-based, and multimedia. It incorporates a gamified approach providing participants a tiered, micro-credential hierarchy. This allows participants to focus on an area of study and credential based on their motivation level, interest and available time and energy. This approach supports a non-linear, options-based progression with incentives and rewards supporting greater participant motivation and success. Once the course framework was developed and the syllabus/overview created, it was sent out to K-12 and higher education teachers, credentialed solution-focused coach educators and experienced solution-focused coaches for their feedback. The overall reception of the course/overview was four stars out of five for clarity and overall design. The majority of respondents would be likely or extremely likely to take this course when available. As the course is developed, an iterative beta testing component and continuous improvement process will be embedded into the design. Both coaching and educational organizations will be approached to have the course accredited or approved for continuing education or training credits.