Figure 1 :
Research with coaches ( Stodter & Cushion , 2017 ) has shown that biography acts as a ‘ filter ’ for the learning experiences that coaches encounter , shaping what they take on board or not . The illustration helps to represent this process .
1 The coffee filter represents the coach ’ s biography – the sum of all past experiences , values , beliefs and practices .
2
When the coach comes across a new idea or concept , there are three possible routes :
The concept is a ‘ mismatch ’ for the coach ’ s biography , so it gets filtered out and rejected
The concept ‘ fits in ’, so it permeates through the biographical filter and into the cup
The concept is a ‘ match ’, so it goes through
‘ unfiltered ’
Biography is changed and acts as a filter for the next learning experience
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This ‘ double loop ’ filter process creates an individualised ‘ learning blend ’ that shapes coaches ’ knowledge and practice .
The coffee ( or concept ) is almost ready to be ‘ tried out ’.
But context is key - the coffee might need adapting by adding a drop of milk or sugar . Similarly , coaches might need to adapt ideas for their context before being able to apply them .
3
4 ‘ Reflective conversation ’
‘ Try out ’ ( experimentation )
Does it work ?
If yes , adopt
If no , reject OR adapt and ‘ try out ’ again
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