Aims
This course aims to:
• explore alternative approaches to coaching and examine diverse contexts for applying coaching skills and theories
• engage with relevant learning theories and their connections to related disciplines such as mentoring, leadership, teaching, play, and creativity
• to investigate innovative coaching strategies in the arts, work with children, community engagement, and as a reflective practice to enrich professional, creative, and social activities
Content
This course will provide the opportunity to explore the possibility of using the principles and practice of coaching within your personal or professional life. No prior experience in coaching is required. Whether you are a professional incorporating coaching techniques into your work, or simply curious about the principles of coaching, this course offers you fresh perspectives and practical strategies. Throughout the course, you’ll engage with key learning theories and discover their connections to related disciplines, such as mentoring, leadership, teaching, play, and creativity. These insights will deepen your understanding of coaching as a flexible, interdisciplinary tool that adapts to different settings and challenges. You will also delve into the innovative use of coaching within the arts, in work with children and other cross-generational work, and in fostering community engagement. Through these case studies, you’ll see how coaching can inspire creativity, empower individuals, and strengthen collaborative efforts. Finally, you’ll explore coaching as a powerful strategy for reflection—learning how it can enrich not only your professional practice but also your personal growth. By the end of the course, you will have a well-rounded view of coaching’s potential to transform professional, creative, and social activities, and you’ll be equipped with practical tools to apply these concepts in meaningful ways. This course is your opportunity to broaden your coaching expertise and find inspiration in new approaches to guiding and empowering others.
Presentation of the course
The course will be delivered over five sessions, each designed to combine theory with hands-on practice. Each afternoon will begin with a concise introduction to the theories and principles underpinning the day’s coaching focus, providing a strong foundation for the practical work to follow. Short lectures will set the scene, offering key insights into coaching methodologies and approaches. These will lead into workshop activities, where you will participate in group discussions, and collaborative tasks. You will also have the opportunity to practice coaching in a supportive environment.
Course sessions
1. Coaching principles within different contexts.
2. The learning theories that underpin coaching.
3. Coaching for personal reflection.
4. Coaching in cross-generational contexts (including working with children).
5. Coaching for creativity.
Learning outcomes
You are expected to gain from this series of classroom sessions a greater understanding of the subject and of the core issues and arguments central to the course.
The learning outcomes for this course are:
• to understand the principles and practices of coaching and how they can be applied in diverse personal and professional contexts
• to critically engage with key learning theories to deepen your understanding of coaching as a flexible and interdisciplinary tool
• to evaluate and apply coaching strategies in areas such as the arts, cross-generational work, and community engagement
