(11) Coach Educator demo session: Mastering preparation - FIFA Training Centre

In this session, FIFA Technical Experts Giovani Fernandes and Sean Douglas work together as Coach Educator Developer and Coach Educator. Working with a group of student-coaches, Douglas demonstrates a ‘compact’ session delivering short parts of each section of the overall session.

Pre-session meeting

To begin the mentoring process, the Coach Educator Developer and Coach Educator engage in a pre-session meeting. During the pre-session meeting the role of the Coach Educator Developer is to:

Create a positive learning environment and put the Coach Educator at ease;
Encourage the Coach Educator to clarify the session objectives;
Use effective questioning to encourage critical thinking; and
Share knowledge and expertise to support and develop the Coach Educator.

Part 1

Session observation

During the practical session, the Coach Educator Developer should adopt an effective position to allow for observation and active listening. The Coach Educator Developer should ensure the position they adopt does not distract or interfere with the session or interactions between Coach Educator and student-coaches. During the session, the Coach Educator Developer should take notes to feedback to the Coach Educator during the post-session feedback.

Part 2.1: Session introduction

Part 2.2: First exercise

Part 2.3: Discussing first exercise

Part 2.4: Second exercise

Part 2.5: Discussing second exercise

Part 2.6: Third exercise

Part 2.7: Discussing third exercise

Feedback

The post-session feedback process is critical to supporting the development of the Coach Educator. During this process, the Coach Educator Developer should create a positive learning environment where feedback, discussion, reflection and challenge are encouraged.

Part 3: Feedback

Learning framework

Throughout the process the Coach Educator Developer and the Coach Educator should aim to create an effective learning environment by applying the LEARNS principles:

Meet the needs of each learner by using a range of learning methods

Establish a positive learning environment where self-esteem is enhanced

Encourage individuals to apply their knowledge and skills

Create opportunities for self-reflection and connection with past and future experiences

Deliver new skills and knowledge

Provide each individual with optimal challenge

As a Coach Educator Developer you should aim to:

Create a positive learning environment and connect with the Coach Educator;
Take up effective positions during all elements of the coaching process ensuring you can observe and listen without interfering;
Provide evidenced feedback;
Reinforce good practice; and
Encourage the Coach Educator to think critically to provide a better experience for student-coaches.