"Embedded" Strategic Learning Coaching
The "embedded" strategic learning coaching model is designed to bring the knowledge base of strategic coaching directly into the classroom environment. Most students with learning disabilities, whether they are language-based such as dyslexia or written expression problems or reflect disorders such as ADHD, Nonverbal Learning Disability, or Asperger's Syndrome, share core difficulty with areas of functioning attributed to the pre-frontal cortex of the brain. In addition, students with different disabilities have their own strengths and best ways of learning that need to be understood to enhance their learning experience and promote success. The great news is that even though this model is exceptionally helpful for students with disabilities, it is highly valuable for all students.
The strategic learning coaching model was designed to provide the student with the necessary tools for approaching tasks in school – and life, by directly teaching, facilitating and monitoring the use of strategies to build neural connections. By recognizing results of brain research that informs us that "neurons that fire together, wire together" and by studying the direct processes that need to be strengthened, this coaching model mirrors what the brain needs to be doing for effective learning. The focus is on "how" to learn, not what to learn. Learning "how" to do tasks in school, learning "how" to learn, "how" to organize information for learning, "how" to plan and organize, "how" to get the most out of reading a text - along with many other "hows" is more essential to success than perhaps any other skill.
However, in the typical classroom environment there tends to be much greater emphasis on "what" to learn, rather than "how" to learn. Seldom are specific strategies for facilitating the understanding of how to learn directly taught in the classroom. This can result in many children finding themselves at a loss to know how to go about doing different types of school tasks for real learning. Those students with disabilities are particularly affected because their brain structures contribute to significant roadblocks in learning how to do this on their own. Without direct and explicit strategy instruction for the students, parents and teachers often find themselves taking over the role of the prefrontal cortex for their children. They become the external organizer. The goal of strategic learning coaching and the "embedded" model of SLC is to help students become independent in their use of strategies and to provide them with a repertoire of skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.
Some children will need a more individual approach directly with a strategic learning coach. In addition to private coaches, a strategic learning coaching model is also a valuable tool for special education teachers in working individually with students. The "embedded" SLC model recognizes the value and importance of teaching strategies of how to learn - embedded into the curriculum and daily teaching experiences in the regular classroom. By giving as much emphasis on how to learn as what to learn, students can be more independently successful, can feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence and learn to rely on themselves in approaching tasks.
It does take time and training for teachers to learn "how" to accomplish these goals. Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. offers training for schools and teachers through an intensive 20 hour training program. A syllabus for this coursework is available on this website for review. We are very happy to report that the Westminster Schools in Atlanta has adopted this approach and will be conducting their first full training for teachers in May, 2009. In addition, Strategic Learning Connections, Inc. is developing software applications for teachers and students to use strategies and techniques that are discussed in the course and schools completing training will have access to all new technology and expanded strategy development through the website. Participants receive two units of staff development credit approved by the Georgia Department of Education for this coursework.
If you are interested in more information on the "Embedded" Strategic Learning Coaching course for your school for either regular class teachers and/or special education teachers, please contact us using the "contact us" tab on this webpage.