A Coaching Lens on Exam Result Conversations
For most students, the end of August is a bittersweet time for one simple reason – exam results. As an educator or parent, you're likely pondering, “How can I provide the most effective support when my students’ exam results come to light?”
Coaching your students using Graydin's Start With Heart model eliminates the pressure to give a perfect response, have all the answers, or play the role of the ‘fixer’, especially when things don't go as expected. Instead, the model equips you with a framework for engaging in meaningful conversations that foster reflection, explore potential ways forward, and empower students to confidently take the next steps.
Here's How It Works:
Start your conversation by asking ‘Heart’ questions that help students reconnect with their core values and aspirations. This initial stage is pivotal, as the entire model is built upon the foundation of aligning with one's heart. It's common to bypass this and jump into the metaphorical weeds. However, before discussing options and actions, starting with the heart will help students reconnect with their bigger why.
Ask questions like:
What are you now aware of since you received your results?
How did you feel when you first saw your results?
What do these results mean to you?
What's most important to you?
What do you really want?
Once you have helped them connect to themselves – their motivations, desires, values, and dreams – they're ready for ‘Head’ questions. These types of questions get them to think practically about options, resources, obstacles, and perspectives.
Ask questions like:
What will you do with this information?
How has your perspective changed?
How do you want to see this situation?
What are your options now?
What could get in your way?
And finally, if they're ready to move toward action, begin asking them a series of ‘Step’ questions. These questions will inspire them to commit to a way forward, take action, and more deeply reflect on what's next.
Ask questions like:
What's next for you?
What will you do differently?
What will you commit to? When will you do that by?
What's the change you feel most excited about?
How can I or someone hold you accountable?
Like all conversations, things may not go as planned. You might only have time to explore ‘Heart’ questions. You might have to take off your coaching hat and put on your teacher hat. No matter what happens, we encourage you to begin with the person, not the exam results, so as to empower your students to find their own answers.
