
Better Conversations
Coaching Ourselves and Each Other to Be More Credible, Caring, and Connected
Jim Knight(Author)
Corwin Press Inc
1st Edition
Published on 16. December 2015
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-5063-0745-9 (ISBN)
Description
Check out The Better Conversations trailer: https://youtu.be/y3FrWTXC8Uw
"I thought I knew how to have a conversation; I've had millions of them. Some were good, others not so much so. But I want to have GREAT conversations, and Jim Knight has taught me how. The proof is in: better conversations are possible and the results are worth the investment."
--DOUGLAS FISHER
Coauthor of Rigorous Reading and Unstoppable Learning
Because conversation is the lifeblood of any school
You don't want this book-you need this book. Why this confident claim? Think about how many times you've walked away from school conversations, sensing they could be more productive, but at a loss for how to improve them.
Enter instructional coaching expert Jim Knight, who in Better Conversations honors our capacity for improving our schools by improving our communication. Asserting that our schools are only as good as the conversations within them, Jim shows us how to adopt the habits essential to transforming the quality of our dialogues.
As coaches, as administrators, as teachers, it's time to thrive. Learn how to:
Coach ourselves and each other to become better communicators
Listen with empathy
Find common ground
Build Trust
Our students' academic, social, and emotional growth depends upon our doing this hard work. It's time to roll up our sleeves, open our minds, and dare to change for the better of the students we serve. You can get started now with Better Conversations and the accompanying Reflection Guide to Better Conversations.
"I thought I knew how to have a conversation; I've had millions of them. Some were good, others not so much so. But I want to have GREAT conversations, and Jim Knight has taught me how. The proof is in: better conversations are possible and the results are worth the investment."
--DOUGLAS FISHER
Coauthor of Rigorous Reading and Unstoppable Learning
Because conversation is the lifeblood of any school
You don't want this book-you need this book. Why this confident claim? Think about how many times you've walked away from school conversations, sensing they could be more productive, but at a loss for how to improve them.
Enter instructional coaching expert Jim Knight, who in Better Conversations honors our capacity for improving our schools by improving our communication. Asserting that our schools are only as good as the conversations within them, Jim shows us how to adopt the habits essential to transforming the quality of our dialogues.
As coaches, as administrators, as teachers, it's time to thrive. Learn how to:
Coach ourselves and each other to become better communicators
Listen with empathy
Find common ground
Build Trust
Our students' academic, social, and emotional growth depends upon our doing this hard work. It's time to roll up our sleeves, open our minds, and dare to change for the better of the students we serve. You can get started now with Better Conversations and the accompanying Reflection Guide to Better Conversations.
Reviews / Votes
"I thought I knew how to have a conversation; I've had millions of them. Some were good, others not so much so. But I want to have GREAT conversations, and Jim Knight has taught me how. The proof is in: better conversations are possible and the results are worth the investment." -- Douglas Fisher "Better Conversations stimulates the mind, spirit, and soul of those who coach, regardless of their role or position, by unpacking and reshaping the mental models that drive how they think, speak, and act. . . I found myself frequently thinking about how helpful this book will be to nearly every human who interacts with others whether in school or beyond." -- Joellen Killion "I read more education books than I care to admit. Some are good, some are bad, and very few are great. Jim Knight's book Better Conversations is BRILLIANT! Insightful, innovative, and practical are the three words that kept coming to me when I was reading and learning from his book. Jim treats the subject of communication as an art and gives all of us, regardless of position or years of experience, practical ways to use our voice to improve the teaching and learning environment, as well as ourselves!" -- Russell J. Quaglia "Better Conversations is just what the title says. Jim Knight moves learning conversations ahead for educators to deepen trust, meaning, and actions. He summarizes current thinking from multiple authors that will make learning for adults and students better. Activities at the end of each chapter can be used for self-reflection, team learning, and schoolwide focus on learning. The vignettes are real issues in schools, which makes this book very important for our profession." -- William Sommers "Doing the Better Conversation study, I think I have started to see a better version of myself, and who doesn't want that? . . . " -- Ben Collins "The Better Conversations process pushed me to video record myself in the same way that I ask others to engage in video protocols with the purpose of deeper understanding. Reflecting on my experiences felt like a gift I gave myself. I actually savored the time and experience of answering questions and considering my strengths as well as areas in which I can grow." -- Michelle Murray "I find that I am using the Better Conversations process in all walks of life, not just in professional coaching. I am seeing aspects of my personal life differently because I am focusing on what I can do to control my reactions to situations. It is forcing me to think more about practicing what I preach." -- Ron Lalonde "I've learned a lot by reading through the materials, practicing the activities, and changing entrenched responses. I have slowed down, learned to listen, and become keenly aware of choices I have in communicating with those I come in contact. This has become a very empowering series of skills." -- Julie Coburn "I have been able to carry these practices into conversations with my children, which is really making for some great dialogue. When I talk to them and not judge what they say and truly listen and treat them as equals in the conversation, I find that they share more with me." -- Nicole Patton "Video forced me to take a hard look at my coaching skills and practices, as well as my relationships with the staff I work with. I have realized the true power of video through watching myself interact with others, and it has made me more willing and excited to continue using video to improve my communication skills." -- Shana OlsonMore details
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Thousand Oaks
United States
Publishing group
SAGE Publications Inc
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
492 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5063-0745-9 (9781506307459)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Jim Knight is Senior Partner of the Instructional Coaching Group and a Research Associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning. For more than two decades, he has studied instructional coaching and professional learning, becoming one of the leading voices internationally in the field of instructional coaching.
Jim has authored numerous influential books and articles on instructional coaching, leadership, and effective teaching practice. The Impact Cycle: What Instructional Coaches Should Do To Foster Powerful Improvements in Teaching, Unmistakable Impact: A Partnership Approach to Dramatically Improving Instruction and The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching: Seven Factors for Success are considered seminal texts in the field. Jim regularly presents and consults internationally, leading workshops, institutes, and keynote presentations across the United States and around the world. Through his work with educators and school systems, he has helped shape coaching practices that support meaningful professional growth and improved outcomes for students.
Jim has authored numerous influential books and articles on instructional coaching, leadership, and effective teaching practice. The Impact Cycle: What Instructional Coaches Should Do To Foster Powerful Improvements in Teaching, Unmistakable Impact: A Partnership Approach to Dramatically Improving Instruction and The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching: Seven Factors for Success are considered seminal texts in the field. Jim regularly presents and consults internationally, leading workshops, institutes, and keynote presentations across the United States and around the world. Through his work with educators and school systems, he has helped shape coaching practices that support meaningful professional growth and improved outcomes for students.
Content
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Chapter 1: Radical Brokenness and Better Conversations
Chapter 2: The Better Conversations Beliefs
Chapter 3: Listening With Empathy
Chapter 4: Fostering Dialogue
Chapter 5: Asking Better Questions
Chapter 6: Connecting
Chapter 7: Finding Common Ground
Chapter 8: Redirecting Toxic Words and Emotions
Chapter 9: Building Trust
References
Study Participants
Index
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Chapter 1: Radical Brokenness and Better Conversations
Chapter 2: The Better Conversations Beliefs
Chapter 3: Listening With Empathy
Chapter 4: Fostering Dialogue
Chapter 5: Asking Better Questions
Chapter 6: Connecting
Chapter 7: Finding Common Ground
Chapter 8: Redirecting Toxic Words and Emotions
Chapter 9: Building Trust
References
Study Participants
Index