At Concordia International School Hanoi, we are committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning, innovation, and excellence among our faculty and staff. This Spring, that commitment took shape through a two-part professional development series titled "Building Cognitive Capacity in Individuals and Organizations," led by renowned educator and author Ochan Powell. Organized by Dr. Colt Turner, our Director of Teaching and Learning, this initiative underscores our commitment to staying ahead in an ever-evolving educational landscape and fostering lifelong learning among our faculty and staff. The workshop sessions took place over two weekends—March 8–9 and April 26–27—offering our community a deep dive into the transformative practice of cognitive coaching.

Cognitive Coaching is a reflective, non-evaluative approach to professional growth that focuses on developing individuals’ thinking and learning processes. Unlike traditional coaching or mentoring, cognitive coaching centers on metacognition—helping educators become more aware of their own thought patterns, beliefs, and decision-making processes. The ultimate goal is for our teachers and staff to feel confident, reflective, and engaged—continually improving their practice and further strengthening our school community.

At Concordia, we believe that staying ahead of educational trends is essential to preparing students for a rapidly changing world. By investing in cognitive coaching, we aim to promote self-awareness and reflective practice by encouraging faculty and staff to analyze the thinking behind their instructional choices, leading to more intentional and effective teaching. This approach also fosters professional inquiry and collaboration, as Cognitive Coaching encourages open dialogue, active listening, and meaningful conversations that strengthen collegial relationships and support professional growth. Ultimately, the process supports lifelong learning by cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement, which aligns with our school’s values of excellence and self-betterment.

Ochan Powell brings over 30 years of global experience in cognitive coaching and educational leadership, guiding participants through the core modules of the program. These modules are designed to help educators plan with purpose by using structured pre-conference conversations to clarify goals and strategies for upcoming lessons or initiatives. They also encourage deep reflection through post-conference discussions that examine outcomes, analyze decisions, and identify opportunities for growth, while building trust and rapport by practicing active listening, paraphrasing, and asking mediative questions to support colleagues in their professional journeys.

Over the course of the four days, faculty and staff engaged in hands-on activities, role play, and small group discussions, all designed to build cognitive capacity at both the individual and organizational levels. The open-minded, supportive environment allowed participants to take risks, share experiences, and develop new skills that will benefit both their teaching and their relationships with students and peers.

Participants reported that the training not only enhanced their instructional practice but also contributed to a greater sense of collaboration and shared purpose. Many noted that Cognitive Coaching provided them with practical tools to navigate the complexities of modern education, from lesson planning to managing classroom dynamics and fostering student growth.

Concordia International School Hanoi remains dedicated to providing innovative and impactful professional development as we continue to invest in our faculty and staff. Next year, we will expand our cognitive coaching program by offering Sessions 3 and 4, enabling our staff a certificate upon completion. Through this commitment to cognitive coaching, we are equipping our educators with the skills and mindset needed to lead, reflect, and inspire—ensuring our community remains at the forefront of educational excellence.

Learn more about Concordia Hanoi.