How can the Coach help the Client upgrade his thinking using Critical Reflection Questions in the Coaching Conversation
According to Paul and Elder there are two essential dimensions of thinking that students need to master in order to learn how to upgrade their thinking: (1) they need to be able to identify the “parts” of their thinking, and (2) they need to be able to assess their use of these parts of thinking. (Paul, R. and Elder, L.)
Upgrading Thinking by identifying the Eight Elements of Thought The Eight Elements (or “parts”) of Thought (reasoning) are: purpose; question/problem; assumptions; point of view; evidence; concepts; inferences and conclusions; implications and consequences)
One of the roles of the coach is to support the Client in his thinking process with powerful questioning. Questioning that will have a strong and helpful impact on the Client’s awareness, learning, behavior and moving forward. Below are some of the questions that the coach can ask related to each of the eight elements of reasoning.
1. Questions related to Purpose.
2. Questions related to clarify what is bothering, for what Dilemmas, Problems or Issues the Client wants to find an answer.
3. Questions to uncover and clarify the Assumptions or beliefs the Client is taking for granted.
4. Questions to uncover and clarify the Point of View the Client held.
5. Questions to uncover and clarify DATA, INFORMATION and EVIDENCE
6. Questions to uncover and clarify the Client’s Concepts and Ideas
7. Questions to uncover and clarify the Inferences or Interpretations by which the Client draws Conclusions and gives meaning to data.
8. Questions to uncover and clarify the Implications and Consequences of Client’s reasoning.