Winning formula: Just as football teams play for their fans, educators guide students towards success. — 123rf.com
The current generation of students in schools and universities has challenged the norms of teaching and learning. With an attention span of eight seconds, likened to that of a goldfish, time is viewed as a precious resource and therefore, every hour in class must be worth their while.
Educators are expected to ensure that content is delivered on a need-to-know basis, with
minimal emphasis on reading entire textbooks. These behaviours and expectations represent real challenges for today’s educators.
But to be frank, many classrooms today are characterised by monotonous sessions, resulting in disengaged, drowsy students. Simultaneously, attentiveness to mobile devices is on the rise, driven by the deluge of online content and the lure of social media.
A paradigm shift is needed before classroom education becomes irrelevant—both now and in the near future. Perhaps coaches of football - the most followed sport in the world - can serve as exemplary figures for educators.
Blended learning
Instructional design has been a hallmark of innovative practice, particularly during the peak demand for hybrid or online learning. However, a lack of practical relevance, poor visual content, and the absence of task or team-based learning have weakened the student-educator relationship.
The world’s best football coaches employ instructional methods using nothing more than a whiteboard and data-driven simulations. These tools suffice to illustrate strategies and convey tactical game-play to players during a fast-paced, dramatic, and exciting 90-minute game. Similarly, instructional design in classrooms should adopt a practical approach grounded in a needs analysis.
Classroom commander
In football, the coach mediates learning and performance, making them a key agent of outcome. In the classroom, the educator assumes this commanding role.
An exceptional educator must adopt traits seen in football coaches: seasonal planning, understanding progressive training, knowing the rules, and providing a structured environment for success.
These principles — plan, prepare, rehearse, perform and compete — are at the heart of coaching excellence. A similar structure can be applied to classroom delivery across different student levels and disciplines.
A successful coach is a motivator, full of positivity and enthusiasm. The ability to inspire is central to success. Likewise, an educator who motivates keeps the classroom environment engaging, dynamic, and challenging.
A good coach focuses on performance goals rather than outcomes; similarly, educators should empower students to control their own efforts and learning processes. As in football, the effective educator communicates clearly and exudes credibility, competence, respect, and authority.
Learning purpose
When comparing educators to football coaches, strong parallels emerge. Educators drive
academic growth; coaches develop tactical skills. Both set daily goals—called “objectives” in football and “lesson plans” in education.
Motivation intensifies learning in both arenas, whether in a classroom or a locker room. Expectations are also vital: in football, success is measured in wins and losses; in education,through assessments.
Optimising innovation
Technology has transformed modern football—how it is played, analysed, and experienced. Tools like Hudl allow coaches and players to tag key moments, create highlights, and share them for review. Similar applications can be adapted for education, offering:
> Comprehensive analytics
In-depth analysis of student performance to enhance learning outcomes.
> Collaborative features
Platforms to facilitate communication and discussion of key points.
> Artificial Intelligence integration
Tools such as Comparisonator can analyse student metrics, uncovering strengths often missed by traditional assessment.
> Cognitive testing
Software like jMetrik or NeuroUX can assess mental attributes and inform tailored teaching methods.
Power of empathy
Recognising individual differences is central to coaching excellence. A good educator, like a good coach, is attentive to the emotional and cognitive diversity of their students.
Understanding that each learner receives and processes information differently is crucial.
Effective communication involves listening—being open to feedback, questions, and concerns. A compassionate ear defines a truly effective coach or educator.
Experiential journey
Whether in football or education, top performers are deeply passionate about their work. Beyond striving for success, the best professionals remain committed to supporting the development of each individual player or student.
Coaching, managing, lecturing, or teaching is a continuous commitment — 24/7, 365 days a year. Just as football teams play for their fans, educators guide students towards success for their families and their futures. So, let us, as educators, teach to inspire, and allow learning to be a unique, transformative experience.
Prof Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam is the chief innovation and enterprise officer for the APIITEducation Group and Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) where he oversees seven Research Centres and the APU Startup Incubator. He is also the chair of the International Strategy Board for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Engineering Council UK) leading over 26,000 international members, president of VRARA (USA) Malaysia Chapter and leader of VRARA APAC Higher Education. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
