education coachingclient protocolscognitive trainingneurofeedbackscope of practice
Complete evaluation framework
What to assess and how to score it
Review the evidence signals before interviewing. Then use the anchored descriptions—not instinct alone—to choose the score that best matches each answer.
01
Evaluation factor
Subject and technical command
30% weight
Check command of the actual literature: working memory training transfer limits, spaced retrieval, HRV or EEG biofeedback, sleep and aerobic exercise effects on BDNF. Ask which claims they refuse to make.
Evidence to listen for
Knows the material or discipline well beyond the level they teach
Holds the qualifications, licences, or certifications required, and they are current
Can answer an unexpected question honestly rather than bluffing
Keeps learning in their own field
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Knowledge barely ahead of the learners; bluffs when asked something unexpected.
2
Needs Improvement
Adequate on the syllabus only; gaps show under questioning.
3
Satisfactory
Solid command of the material for the level taught.
4
Very Good
Depth well beyond the taught level; comfortable being asked anything.
5
Excellent
Cites specific studies and meta-analyses, distinguishes near from far transfer, and openly names where evidence for brain training is weak.
02
Evaluation factor
How they actually teach
30% weight
Probe how a session runs: baseline testing with Cambridge Brain Sciences or CNS Vital Signs, dual n-back or BrainHQ progressions, difficulty calibration, and habit scaffolding between sessions.
Evidence to listen for
Describes how they teach a specific thing, not their philosophy of teaching
Adapts when the first explanation does not land
Checks understanding rather than assuming it
Differentiates for varying ability within one group
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Only philosophy, no method; one explanation and no plan B.
2
Needs Improvement
Delivers content but cannot adapt when learners are lost.
3
Satisfactory
Sound instruction; differentiation is limited.
4
Very Good
Multiple routes to the same concept, with real checks for understanding.
5
Excellent
Walks through a real client arc from baseline through progressive loading, adjusting protocols when scores plateau rather than repeating the same drills.
03
Evaluation factor
Group management and safeguarding
25% weight
Test scope-of-practice discipline: handling clients presenting with concussion, ADHD, early dementia or medication questions, and when they refer to a neurologist, psychologist or GP.
Evidence to listen for
Has a concrete approach to a disruptive individual and a whole group losing focus
Knows the safeguarding or duty-of-care obligations for this age group and setting
Escalates a concern through the right channel
Sets boundaries without becoming punitive
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
No behaviour strategy; unaware of safeguarding obligations.
2
Needs Improvement
Struggles with disruption; vague on duty of care.
3
Satisfactory
Manages a normal group; less confident with serious disruption.
4
Very Good
Confident group management with clear safeguarding awareness.
5
Excellent
States clear referral triggers, documents consent and contraindications, and describes declining or escalating a client rather than coaching outside credentials.
04
Evaluation factor
Progress and communication
15% weight
Look for how progress was tracked and reported: retest intervals, self-report instruments, wearable sleep data, and what they told clients when measured gains were modest.
Evidence to listen for
Measures whether learners actually improved, not just attended
Gives feedback that changes what someone does next
Communicates with parents, clients, or managers about difficult progress honestly
Records progress usefully
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
No sense of whether anyone improved.
2
Needs Improvement
Tracks attendance rather than progress; avoids hard conversations.
3
Satisfactory
Monitors progress; feedback is general.
4
Very Good
Measures progress concretely and handles difficult conversations well.
5
Excellent
Shows dashboards or written progress reviews with dated retests, separating subjective improvement from measured change without overselling either.
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