Good coaches are good teachers.
I cannot tell you how many times I have been listening to someone in education discuss the next “new/ big thing” and think to myself “We (coaches) have been doing that for years”
Differentiated Instruction is the new hot topic…. It is a philosophy for effective teaching that involves providing different students with different avenues to learning, often in the same classroom. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. You probably have read about it, or even had a professional development session on the topic.
Differentiated Instruction is often characterized by:
- Flexible grouping
- Continual assessment
- Allowing for different learning styles
- Understanding and allowing for different readiness levels
- Independent work or projects
- Learning Contracts
The more I hear and read about this “new” concept, the more I think that this sounds like my (or a typical) Strength and Conditioning class or practice field.
In the weight room:
- We work in small groups …typically 3-4 students of varying levels of expertise and strength (see post – Strength Training and “At Risk” Students)
- We are continually assessing… each day the students have a chance to “break” (assess – see post – Breaking – it’s a good thing!) on one of their core lifts by completing the prescribed workout
- Students have their own individualized workout card (see post – The Workout Card – Motivation and Efficiency)
- Their workout card is, in essence, a contract for the expected work to be done during that period (see post – The Workout Card – Motivation and Efficiency)
- Each group (and individuals) work autonomously at their own pace (see post – Strength Training and “At Risk” Students)
- Within each class, there are varying degrees of strength and competency (readiness) levels. (see post – Strength Training and “At Risk” Students)
- We often use demonstration, video, or written explanation to teach a different lift or concept (see post – Flipped Coaching Resources and Tips)
I am sure we can all think of the same type of high quality teaching and learning, using Differentiated Instruction techniques, that takes place daily on your practice field.
Good coaches are good teachers.
Always have been… always will be.
You Can Do More… your brain is lying to you…. Don’t Believe It!
Jeff Floyd – youcandomore1@yahoo.com
