Coaching Beyond Advice: The Power of Curiosity

Coaching isn’t about having the right answers—it’s about asking the right questions that help others find their own.

DR. CRISTINA COMPTON
Director of Program Development

When I was younger, whenever I went to my father for advice, I often expected him to tell me what to do. But instead, he would pause, listen deeply, and ask me questions.

“What do you think is the worst thing that could happen?”
“How do you think you’d feel if you didn’t follow through?”

At first, I didn’t always understand why he wouldn’t just give me an answer. But looking back, I realize the gift he gave me: the chance to think for myself. My father, now a retired college lecturer, had the ability to listen well and ask questions that guided me toward my own conclusions. That approach didn’t just solve the immediate dilemma—it taught me to reflect, problem-solve, and trust my own reasoning.

This same principle holds true in instructional coaching. ​

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The Practice of Powerful Questioning

Asking questions can be far more powerful than giving advice. Recommendations are often rooted in what we believe about someone else’s dilemma. But posing questions—genuine, curious questions—and puzzling through them alongside a colleague can uncover the root causes of challenges and spark new approaches. Questions don’t just provide answers. They empower teachers to inquire into their own challenges, build agency, and generate solutions that fit their context.

Of course, asking meaningful questions is an art. It doesn’t always come naturally, especially in the moment. It takes practice, intentionality, and reflection. As Charles Duhigg writes in his book, Supercommunicators: 

Our goal, for the most meaningful discussions, should be to have a ‘learning conversation.’ Specifically, we want to learn how the people around us see the world and help them understand our perspectives in turn.

— Charles Duhigg, Supercommunicators

Just like my father’s questions invited me to think for myself, a learning conversation in coaching invites teachers to explore, reflect, and co-create solutions. So where can we begin, or what can we lean on as coaches, when it comes to asking questions?

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Four Types of Coaching Questions

​Here are four types of questions that I often encourage the coaches I’ve worked with to use: 

Clarifying Questions

Purpose: Ensure shared understanding
Example: “What do you mean by…?”
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These questions help both coach and teacher confirm that they are talking about the same thing. They prevent assumptions and build a foundation for deeper dialogue.
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Probing Questions

Purpose: Go beneath the surface
Example: “What’s influencing that decision?”
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Probing questions move the conversation beyond initial observations or quick judgments, inviting teachers to explore underlying beliefs or factors.
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Reflective Questions

Purpose: Prompt metacognition
Example: “Do you think the goals of the lesson were met? How do you know?”
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These questions encourage teachers to step back and analyze their practice. They don’t just look at what happened, but also why, and what it means for future practice.
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Extension Questions

Purpose: Stretch thinking
Example: “What do you think would happen if…?”
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Extension questions help teachers imagine alternatives and explore possibilities. They open space for innovation and risk-taking.

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Final Reflection

​As coaches and leaders, we have to ask ourselves:

• Do my questions invite reflection, or do they steer toward my own agenda?
• Am I practicing curiosity, or defaulting to advice-giving?
• How can I sharpen my use of clarifying, probing, reflective, and extension questions in my next coaching conversation?

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​Just as my father taught me, asking the right questions is about more than solving a problem—it’s about empowering others to think, grow, and lead themselves forward. It’s a practice that requires patience, humility, and trust in the process.

​When coaches ask well-crafted questions and listen attentively, teachers don’t only uncover answers—they begin to see themselves as capable, resourceful, and resilient. In that moment, the work of coaching goes beyond advice—it becomes an invitation to growth, insight, and lasting impact.