What is Academic Coaching?
Academic coaching is a personalized approach to learning that focuses on helping students develop the skills and strategies they need to succeed in their academic endeavors. Academic coaches work one-on-one with students to identify their strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and develop plans for achieving those goals.
Coaches may help students improve their study habits, time management, organization, and note-taking skills. They may also assist students with specific academic tasks, such as writing papers, conducting research, or preparing for exams. In addition, coaches may provide guidance on navigating academic policies and procedures, such as selecting courses, registering for classes, and fulfilling graduation requirements.
The goal of academic coaching is to empower students to take control of their academic lives and become independent learners. Coaches strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which students feel comfortable discussing their challenges and seeking guidance. Through regular meetings and ongoing feedback, coaches help students build confidence, overcome obstacles, and achieve academic goals.
How can an academic coach help?
Melissa was a high school student that was coached by Nancy, a Club Z! tutor. She graduated from a school in the UC system recently.
A high school student
Melissa was a good student. Freshman year she took Math II, honors Biology, and honors English. She knew she wanted to eventually go into medicine. She also played sports and was in het band. While she did not procrastinate, she struggled to stay organized and often felt overwhelmed by her workload. She has tried different study strategies in the past, but nothing seemed to work.
Melissa's parents decided to seek the help of an academic coach. In our first meeting, our specialist listened to her concerns and helped her identify her goals. Together, they created a plan to address her challenges improve her academic performance, and improve her well-being.
The coach began by helping Melissa develop a study schedule that broke down her coursework into manageable tasks. They also worked on improving her note-taking skills and study habits, such as reviewing material regularly, a concept called peak study time, and asking questions in class.
Working peak study time into a time management system that also included violin and volley ball practice was essential.
Over the next few weeks, the coach checks in with Melissa regularly to monitor her progress and make adjustments to their plan as needed. The coach provides feedback on Melissa's assignments, helps her work through difficult concepts, and offers support when she feels discouraged.
Our coach is helping Melissa identify, obtain, and use the tools she will need for future success. As a result of the coaching, Melissa begins to feel more confident in her abilities and more in control of her academic life. She is able to complete her assignments on time, stay on top of her coursework, and perform better on exams.
Our academic coaching approach is designed to help students succeed in school, college, and beyond. The skills, discipline, and diligent approach to organization they learn now. will carry them well into their futures.
Overall, academic coaching has helped Melissa develop the skills and strategies she needs to succeed in college, and has given her the confidence to tackle future academic challenges. But our brains, while very similar, are built differently. What Melissa needed is not necessarily what your child need. Contact our educational support specialists to discuss what might be a good plan for your family.