Language coaching is a unique approach combining teaching a foreign language with elements of coaching.
Similar to life coaching, language coaching gives a clear focus and helps maintain motivation. It also teaches us to reflect on our work, achievements or difficulties we encounter along the way, and as a result it facilitates goal achievement. There are a number of useful tools very valuable to the language learning process.
In my teaching philosophy, accountability for your learning, setting and achieving goals are crucial. One of my core beliefs is that learning needs to be focused on aims – these need to be clearly set, and then their achievement monitored. For many learners SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) goals prove very helpful.
However, as there is no “one size fits all” option, the choice of particular coaching tools depends on the learner’s preference and needs.
Typically, the courses start with the “language wheel” (an adaptation of the wheel of life) and a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis.
Throughout the course we use tools such as GROW (goal, reality, options, way) model or language journaling to help you observe how much work you are putting in, what works well and what needs more effort, as well as to highlight the milestones and your small and big successes along the way.