What are the best ways to use appreciative inquiry and strength-based approaches in teacher mentoring?

As a teacher mentor, you want to help your mentees grow and thrive in their profession. You want to support them in overcoming challenges, developing skills, and achieving goals. But how can you do that in a way that is positive, empowering, and effective? One possible answer is to use appreciative inquiry and strength-based approaches in your mentoring practice. These are two complementary methods that focus on identifying and building on the strengths, values, and aspirations of your mentees, rather than on fixing their problems, weaknesses, or gaps. In this article, we will explore what appreciative inquiry and strength-based approaches are, how they can benefit your mentees, and what are some of the best ways to use them in teacher mentoring.

1 What is appreciative inquiry?

Appreciative inquiry (AI) is a method of organizational development and change that is based on the assumption that every system has something that works well and can be leveraged for improvement. AI involves asking positive and generative questions that elicit stories of success, learning, and innovation from the participants. These questions are designed to help them discover their core values, strengths, and potentials, and to envision their desired future. AI follows a four-phase cycle of discovery, dream, design, and destiny, where the participants co-create and implement action plans based on their shared vision.

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Prashant Paralikar

Executive Coach | HR & IR Professional l NLP Certified Practitioner
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AI is different from other approaches, other systems focus on problems and deficits and AI focuses on what makes the living system most effective and alive. AI helps people to have shared vision for the future and develops a culture of inquiry. AI helps to discover the untapped positive potential of an organization.

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2 What is strength-based approach?

Strength-based approach (SBA) is a method of coaching and mentoring that is based on the assumption that every person has unique talents and abilities that can be developed and applied to achieve their goals. SBA involves helping the coachees or mentees to identify and appreciate their strengths, to use them more effectively, and to find ways to overcome or compensate for their weaknesses. SBA also encourages the coachees or mentees to set realistic and challenging goals, to seek feedback and support, and to celebrate their progress and achievements.

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Jerry D. Smith Jr., Psy.D.

Senior Psychologist & Forensic Consultant | Led Top-Ranked Crisis Negotiation Team | Leadership Development Expert in Government & Private Sectors | Championing Respect, Empathy, and Mindful Leadership
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In a strength-based approach, the focus shifts from fixing weaknesses to maximizing strengths. This perspective builds on what employees are already good at. By identifying and developing their inherent strengths, individuals can be more engaged, productive, and fulfilled. It's about leveraging natural talents rather than overcoming deficits. In my experience, this approach leads to more motivated teams and dynamic leadership, as people feel valued and competent, contributing to overall positive organizational energy.

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3 How can appreciative inquiry and strength-based approach benefit your mentees?

Using AI and SBA in teacher mentoring can have several benefits for your mentees, such as increasing their self-awareness and self-confidence by recognizing their strengths and accomplishments. It can also enhance their motivation, engagement, and resilience by focusing on their passions and aspirations. Additionally, AI and SBA can foster creativity, innovation, and a growth mindset by exploring new possibilities and strategies. Moreover, it can improve relationships, collaboration, and communication by leveraging the diversity of others. Finally, AI and SBA can help mentees to align their actions with their core values, vision, and purpose.

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4 How to use appreciative inquiry in teacher mentoring?

AI can be used in many ways to enhance teacher mentoring, depending on the context, purpose, and scope of the relationship. To get the most out of AI, it's important to start by building a positive and trusting rapport with your mentee. Ask open-ended, appreciative, and generative questions that invite them to share their stories, insights, and aspirations. Listen actively and attentively to your mentee, and use positive language to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements. Help your mentee discover and articulate their core values, strengths, and vision, and use visual tools to help them capture and express their ideas. Support them in designing action plans that leverage their strengths and resources while helping them identify and overcome any barriers or obstacles. Finally, follow up regularly with your mentee to review progress and celebrate achievements. Reflect on what worked well and what can be improved or changed.

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5 How to use strength-based approach in teacher mentoring?

When applying SBA in teacher mentoring, it is important to assess your mentee’s current level of performance, satisfaction, and confidence in their teaching practice. You can use tools such as the CliftonStrengths assessment, the VIA Character Strengths survey, or the StrengthsFinder book to help your mentee discover and describe their strengths. Alternatively, you can use your own observations, feedback, or questions to help your mentee identify and name their strengths. It is also important to help your mentee understand and appreciate their strengths and how they can use them more effectively in their teaching practice. Additionally, you should help them set SMART goals that are aligned with their strengths, interests, and values. Once the goals are set, you should support them in implementing their action plans and monitor and evaluate their progress and outcomes. Provide constructive and positive feedback throughout the process. Celebrate successes and help them recognize and reward their efforts. Finally, follow up with your mentee regularly to reflect on their learning and growth. Help them identify and leverage new or emerging strengths, as well as seek new or challenging opportunities to apply and develop their strengths.

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Martha Jeifetz

Game-Changing YOUR Executive Impact | Shaping LeadHERship
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In teacher mentoring, appreciative inquiry and strength-based approaches can be transformative. Start by focusing on strengths and what's working well in their practice. Use open-ended questions to explore their successes and the conditions that led to them. Encourage reflection on their best teaching experiences and how they can replicate those. Additionally, appreciate their unique talents and contributions, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in their work. Celebrate their achievements and growth, reinforcing positive behaviors and attitudes. By highlighting strengths and positive experiences, you can inspire mentees to reach their full potential, creating a more engaging and effective learning environment.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best ways to use appreciative inquiry and strength-based approaches in teacher mentoring?

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1 What is appreciative inquiry?

2 What is strength-based approach?

3 How can appreciative inquiry and strength-based approach benefit your mentees?

4 How to use appreciative inquiry in teacher mentoring?

5 How to use strength-based approach in teacher mentoring?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Executive Coaching

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What are the best ways to use appreciative inquiry and strength-based approaches in teacher mentoring?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 What is appreciative inquiry?

2 What is strength-based approach?

3 How can appreciative inquiry and strength-based approach benefit your mentees?

4 How to use appreciative inquiry in teacher mentoring?

5 How to use strength-based approach in teacher mentoring?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Executive Coaching

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