Abstract
This mixed-methods study explores the connection between teaching and coaching, focusing on how teaching competencies can be applied to coaching to develop student-athletes. The research addresses three key questions: which pedagogical strategies can be transferred from teaching to coaching, how the dual role of teacher-coach affects relationships with students and players, and how leadership techniques are utilized in both contexts. The theoretical framework is based on the intersection of educational pedagogy and athletic coaching. Data were collected through online surveys and individual interviews. The study used an online survey in addition to in-person interviews to collect data from teacher-coaches (people who teach as well as coach an athletic sport) in a small, independent school district in South-eastern Minnesota. Surveys provided quantitative data, while interviews offered qualitative insights analyzed through thematic analysis. Key findings reveal that the teacher-coach role enhances relationships with student-athletes by fostering deeper connections and mutual respect, although it demands extensive time commitments leading to potential burnout. Effective leadership techniques, such as clear communication and fostering a positive culture, were found to mitigate some challenges of the dual role. The study highlights the direct transfer of teaching skills to coaching, creating unique relationships with student-athletes, and identifying gaps where additional training may be needed. These findings contribute to the understanding of leadership in educational and athletic settings, demonstrating that effective teaching strategies and leadership techniques can lead to improved performance and stronger relationships in both domains.
Date Capstone Completed
8-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Educational Leadership
Department
Leadership Education - Graduate Studies
Advisor
Steven Baule
Location
Winona, Minnesota
Recommended Citation
Niehoff, Marina D., "Utilizing Teaching Strategies to Create Productive Coaches: Teaching Competencies for Student-Athlete Development" (2024). Leadership Education Capstones. 89.
https://openriver.winona.edu/leadershipeducationcapstones/89
