Study skills coaching is all about the “process” of learning. Whilst traditional academic tutors help with subject-specific “content”, a study skill tutor helps students reach their academic potential through help with planning, time management, accountability and exam skills across all subjects.

If you haven’t heard of a study skills tutor before, you’re not alone.

Whilst the use of academic tutors is growing across GCSE, A Level and even Undergraduate level study, the vital role of study skills coaching is often overlooked.

In the same way a sports coach assists athletes progressing to their full potential, a study skills tutor furthers students’ academic progress. Just like sportspeople are supported with carefully thought-through training programmes, analysis of performance, coaching on skills and motivating positivity – a study skills coach sets learners up for success in exactly the same way!

If you’re considering working with a study skills coach, here’s your introduction to what study skills coaching involves, as well as how it can help learners of all kinds.

What is study skills coaching?

Study skills tutors help learners achieve their true potential.

They work collaboratively with students to build on existing strengths, provide strategies to enhance confidence and grow their abilities as an independent learner.

What this means in practice will be different for each and every student, as specialist study coaches respond to the unique needs of individual students.

Despite this, common themes involve developing a positive mindset and encouraging motivation, regularly analysing a student’s performance in assignments, coursework and exams, and helping them develop a thorough understanding of their own learning style.

This will take the form of practical and person-centred academic support, helping students develop an individual learning plan that evolves to meet their changing needs and academic goals.

Frequently covered areas include:

• Time management and organisation skills
• Academic research and planning skills
• Note taking and active-learning approaches
• Critical reading and scholarly analysis
• Structuring ideas and expressing arguments in essays
• Effective use of IT solutions to enhance learning
• Revision and exam-taking techniques
• Tackling emotional barriers such as lack of confidence or anxiety

What might a typical coaching session involve?

Study skills tutors work closely with students, to understand any potential barriers or blocks getting in the way of their academic progress.

During coaching sessions, they help learners develop skills, anticipate and manage any challenges, establish priorities and maintain a positive mental approach to study and exams.

This will usually begin with an initial discussion to fully understand a student’s unique strengths and weaknesses. Conversations will cover your specific circumstances and feelings towards learning, to fully assess the challenges yourself and your family may be working with.

This will provide your study skills coach with a firmer idea of the support you require, so you can hit the ground running in subsequent coaching sessions.

As we’ve already mentioned, study skills coaching will be different for each individual – fully tailored to your own needs. Within this however, a typical coaching session might focus on some of the following:

• Creating structure and personal accountability for students
• Helping you plan your weekly work schedule
• Navigating online learning or research tools
• Learning how to break-down tasks effectively
• Working on reading, writing and revision skills
• Setting achievable and realistic learning-related goals
• Identifying strategies to cope with distraction
• Discussing ways of coping with study-related anxiety
• Recapping on previous sessions and planning ahead

Who can benefit from study skills coaching?

In short, almost anyone can benefit from study skills coaching. It’s a holistic approach to creating positive and effective learning strategies, suitable for all levels of academic and professional education.

Even so, study skills coaching is particularly beneficial at GCSE, A Level and undergraduate university level. These are all transitional phases when students face significant personal and academic challenges.

If you’re wondering whether yourself or your child could benefit from study skills coaching, here’s a few scenarios where study skills tutoring can particularly help…

1. Difficulties across multiple subjects or learning areas

If you or your child are just struggling with a specific maths or science topic (for example) but excelling in most other areas – a subject-specific tutor might be the most appropriate professional.

On the other hand, if you or your child are struggling with planning, retaining information, time-management or completing written work across multiple subject areas – a broader study skills approach may benefit. This should also reduce associated stress and anxiety, by focusing on the process of learning itself.

2. Issues establishing an independent approach to learning

Study skills coaching helps students create personal accountability and ownership of their own learning. Instead of focusing on set content, students are asked to focus on what they need to establish their own goals.

It’s all about providing life-long skills that transform learners into independent, motivated individuals that take pride in their own success.

3. Significant transitions or new challenges

Last but not least, study skills coaching can be amazingly helpful for learners facing significant transitions. This might be a move to a new secondary school for GCSE or A Level, or the big shift to the academic rigour of university study.

The school curriculum is becoming more challenging with every year that passes, often with little focus on the how of learning. This means study skills are even more essential for a positive school experience and academic success.

With study skills coaching, students gain practical strategies and trust in their own abilities to manage any transition with confidence…

What results can study skills coaching provide?

The results you can expect from study skills coaching are as varied as the individual approaches and needs of each learner.

Nonetheless, the more you proactively engage with the process of study skills coaching, the more you can expect to get out of it. Some results and positive benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety:

  with useful tips for dealing with study-related anxiety, you may find you’re better-able to cope with other stressful situations in your daily life.

• Increased confidence:

  students can feel incredibly de-motivated when facing set-back after set-back, with no finish-line in sight. Study skills coaching changes this, by helping students with practical learning strategies and positive belief in their own abilities.

• Improved organisation:   

  with a strong focus on time-management and forward-planning, you’ll be better equipped to manage your work-load across the board.

• Personal insights:

  study skills coaching helps students assess their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as understand their own learning style and any mental-blocks preventing progress.

• Academic results:

  with a consistent focus on the process of learning, revision, note-taking and exam strategies, many students are delighted to achieve significantly improved academic results.

Are you searching for an expert study skills coach for yourself or your child? Get in touch with our knowledgeable, friendly today to discuss our study skills coaching services. Ask any questions and tell us about the learning support you or your child needs – we’re here to help and happy to talk.