This tutorial teaches you how to coach software testers. In particular, it focuses on coaching testers on skill and developing a questioning mindset.
A lot of tester training focuses on explaining definitions. It explains testing by pointing to a test methodology, or test case template.
Experienced testers know though, that there is more to testing than this. Give two testers the same test, one tester will find great bugs while the other struggles to find anything beyond the superficial.
This is because great testing requires great skill. Part of that skill is learning the ability to ask useful questions.
The coaching that I do, focuses on improving skill through questioning and practice to develop a deep understanding of testing and how to perform it.
Specifically coaching can help:
- Sharpen your reasoning
- Explain your actions while testing
- Defend your reasoning
- Understand and deal with ambiguity
- testing concepts
The coaching model that I use is being developed by myself and James Bach. It uses Socratic questioning to probe the students knowledge, challenging them to think deeper and through practice come to a greater understanding of what testing is as well as how to test in a better way.
The intent is for the tester to leave coaching feeling enthusiastic about testing, with the motivation to continue self-learning.
The tutorial will examine the coaching model. In particular we will look at the following:
- Socratic Questioning
- Coaching Task
- Managing a coaching session
- Evaluating Coaching
Testers will have the opportunity to observe, analyse and practice and steer coaching sessions throughout the day.
This workshop is suitable for experienced testers and test managers who want to learn how to coach testers either remotely or in a team environment.
