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What is a Learning Coach?
A learning coach helps learners to figure out how they learn and process information so they can gain new knowledge and skills more effectively throughout their life experiences (such as school). While tutors and teachers focus on knowledge acquisition, a learning coach guides learners through the process of understanding how they themselves process and integrate new information by helping to identify areas of strength and weakness while problem-solving the method of learning. This results in higher self-esteem with learning, advancing problem-solving skills, and a healthy relationship with learning.
How is learning coaching different from tutoring?
Both a learning coach and a tutor help students to gain new knowledge and form better relationships with the subject they are studying through a 1-on-1 approach and individualized learning.
Tutoring is different from learning coaching in that a tutor helps students with a specific concept or subject and is focused on increasing assessment outcomes through the completion of specific course work and topics.
In contrast, a learning coach is not subject specific. A learning coach supports the student as a whole person who learns and is a helpful resource for all learners, not just those struggling to reach a certain grade in a course. This approach focuses on general problem-solving skills, promotes life-long learning, and uses metacognition as a lens for problem-solving the learning. Part of this means addressing mental health, stress, and burnout.
Learning How To Learn
No two brains are the same and no two people learn and process information in the same way. Developing skills in metacognition allows learners to reflect back on the process of learning to see what knowledge can be gained to streamline and optimize future learning. By analyzing what does and does not work for each learner, that person can then choose more efficient learning strategies and methods that fit the way their brain naturally works. In essence, learning how to learn is all about learning to work with your brain as it is.
For educators, metacognition is one of the most important tools for helping your students navigate their learning journeys. The ability to consider and reflect upon how your own learning may differ from your students' will give you important perspectives on how to communicate, engage, and connect with your students/learners. Teaching through a lens of metacognition allows all types of learners to succeed and helps you as an educator meet them where they are in order to support them in navigating a path to understanding.
Hormones. Peer pressure. Technology. School violence. Social media. Oh my!
In all seriousness though, 2023 is a heck of a time to be a teenager, or a parent of one. Helping your teenager navigate their teen years is truly challenging– and it has only gotten more intense, difficult, and trying.
But don’t panic, you are definitely not alone. My friend, Tami Renard-Niles, handpicked 30+ experts for a free online summit to speak on topics of the teenage brain, navigating friendships, preparation for adulthood and college, learning difficulties, ADHD, and effective communication to help you support your teen. Get access to those expert talks and resources here!