The experiences of educational coaches prior to their first placement: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Studies of student coaching have shown benefits to both students and coaches, yet little is known about the experiences of coaches as they prepare to coach. This study sought to explore the experiences of six undergraduate trained educational coaches from a UK university prior to their first placement coaching secondary school students. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to collect data, undertake semi-structured interviews, and analyse the data. Three overarching themes emerged from this study: Nervous energy; Sense of responsibility; and Sense of reciprocal benefit. These themes may be helpful in informing training and supporting educational coaches, and may provide insights to inform the development of new theories about the use of coaching with young people.