Joukko ihmisiä istuu nuotion ääressä järven rannalla auringonlaskun aikaan, kun puut heijastuvat tyynessä vedessä ja taivas hehkuu oranssin ja violetin sävyissä.

Savonia Article: Coaching Circle: Building connection, reflection, and support for Tutor Teachers of online students’ groups.

27.06.2025   ArticlesHankkeetNewsSosiaali- ja terveysala

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In today’s fast-paced and often remote learning environments, even educators need a space to connect, reflect, and support one another. That’s where the Coaching Circle comes in—a thoughtful initiative launched for Social Services tutor teachers who work with online student groups.

The idea was simple but powerful: create a trusted and safe space where tutors could come together, share experiences, and develop both personally and professionally. Started in May 2024, the Coaching Circle initially ran monthly until the end of 2024 and continued on a bi-monthly basis in spring 2025. The meetings were first guided by a professional coach, who introduced the participants to a coaching mindset – a new way of listening, supporting, and engaging that many found transformative.

At its core, the Coaching Circle gave tutors the chance to speak openly about their challenges, celebrate successes, and dive deeper into the principles of pedagogical safe space – how to foster an environment where both students and teachers feel respected, heard, and supported. One key goal was to increase self-awareness, which in turn builds empathy – something every educator needs when navigating tough moments with students.

Viisi retkeilijää reppuineen kävelee vuoristopolkua pitkin auringonnousun aikaan, jylhien vuorenhuippujen ja sumuisen laakson ympäröimänä, ja lämmin auringonvalo valaisee maisemaa.

So, what exactly happens in a Coaching Circle?

Unlike one-on-one coaching, a Coaching Circle brings a small group together under the guidance of a master coach. Each participant has their own dedicated time to share a challenge or goal. The rest of the group doesn’t jump in with solutions or advice; instead, they ask open questions, share observations, and use metaphors to gently explore what’s being said. It’s a space without judgment or interruption, where curiosity and support take the lead.

Ystäväjoukko istuu nuotion ympärillä hiekkarannalla auringonlaskun aikaan ja nauttii toistensa seurasta. Nuotio palaa kirkkaasti etualalla, ja taustalla näkyy järvi ja kukkulat.

To understand the impact of the initiative, surveys were conducted before and after the programme. Though the number of respondents was small (five in the first round, four in the second), their insights were meaningful. Tutors reported being slightly more reflective after the programme and shared a deeper understanding of their emotional responses and group dynamics. Common challenges – like dealing with dominant voices or unclear goals – were named both before and after the programme. On the positive side, qualities like good energy, humour, and mutual respect stood out as powerful motivators.

Self-reflection came through as one of the most valued parts of the experience. Participants described it as essential for personal growth, well-being, and understanding both themselves and others more clearly.

And how did they feel about the Coaching Circle overall?

The feedback was glowing. Participants described the experience as “important”, “emotional”, and “rewarding”. It allowed them to pause, reflect on their values, and connect with colleagues on a deeper level. Many felt it built their confidence, helped them feel heard, and taught them to be better listeners and supporters. They especially appreciated the warm and professional atmosphere created by the facilitator, the rich discussions, and the ability to be truly themselves.

If there was one common wish for the future? More time—and more sessions.

In a world where education is constantly evolving, initiatives like the Coaching Circle remind us that sometimes the most powerful support we can offer educators is space to reflect, connect, and simply be human—together.

Viisi ihmistä istuu nuotion ympärillä hehkuvan teltan lähellä, puiden ympäröimänä tähtitaivaan alla, jonka yläpuolella näkyy selvästi Linnunrata ja tähdenlento.

The impact goes beyond the meetings themselves. Tutors who feel heard and empowered bring that empathy and awareness into their interactions with students. This, in turn, creates stronger, more supportive learning environments—especially vital for online learners who may feel isolated.

What made the Coaching Circle truly special wasn’t just the tools or techniques shared, but the shift in mindset it encouraged. Participants left with a greater sense of confidence, clarity, and connection—not only to their colleagues, but to their own role as educators.

The success of this initiative shows the value of peer reflection and emotional insight in professional development. When we support the people behind the teaching, we strengthen the learning experience for everyone.

And that’s a circle worth continuing.

Agnieszka Laherto

Executive Coach and Behavioural Change Practitioner

Welbeing specialist at Tulevaisuuden työkyky project, Savonia UAS

Ympyränmuotoinen logo, jossa on kuusi toisiinsa liittyvää, moniväristä ihmishahmoa. Alla on Karjalan yliopiston, Savonian, Euroopan unionin ja erään toisen organisaation logoja.

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