Which Type of Learning Coach Are You?

2 min to read
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When a student is enrolled in online school, they need a Learning Coach to support their lessons. A Learning Coach—typically a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult—helps to keep the student on track and gives them tailored support. 

If you’re considering becoming a Learning Coach, learn more about the responsibilities of Learning Coaches and take our quick quiz to discover which type of Learning Coach you are.

What Are a Learning Coach’s Responsibilities?

It’s a common misconception that a Learning Coach is responsible for teaching their online school student. This isn’t true. Instead, a Learning Coach supports their learner however they need it most. The support a Learning Coach provides is dependent on their coaching style, their student’s age, and the student’s needs. It’s critical to strike the right balance between providing enough support, while allowing your student to be independent. 

Some students, particularly younger learners, will need a lot of hands-on support from their Learning Coach. In this scenario, the Learning Coach will likely check-in throughout the day to ensure their learner is staying on track. For older, more self-sufficient students, their Learning Coach will provide more overarching support by checking in less frequently and encouraging independence. 

As a Learning Coach, you should:

  • Help your learner organize their daily tasks
  • Encourage your student to reach out to their teacher when necessary
  • Offer support as needed

Learning Coaches shouldn’t:

  • Replace their student’s teacher
  • Complete work on behalf of their student

Which Type of Learning Coach Are You?

Each learning coach is different; your style as a Learning Coach will depend on your personality, your expertise, and your learner. Take our quiz below to discover what type of Learning Coach you are and receive personalized resources based on your answers. 

What are your LEARNING COACH priorities?

At Connections Academy, we’re proud to help our students—and their families—find an educational path that works for them. The first step to building a tailored academic experience is identifying what your hopes and priorities are for your student. Take this quiz to learn more about what’s most important to you—and to receive a customized list of helpful resources.

How would you describe your parenting style?

a. I am somewhat structured. We have rules, but my child knows that making mistakes is okay because it offers opportunity to learn.

b. I am flexible and “go with the flow.” The needs of my child may be different every day, so I try to be as open-minded as possible to accommodate changes.

c. I view myself as disciplined. It’s my job to teach my children the values they need to grow into good and self-sufficient adults.

d. I’m nurturing but efficient. I want my child to have fun, but we also need to make sure we’re getting what needs to be done accomplished.

What qualities do you want most in your school?

a. I’m looking for academically rigorous classes, extracurricular activities, and college prep.

b. I need a safe environment where my student has the freedom to learn, grow, and be themselves.

c. I want my children to be able to hold on to our family’s values or beliefs without being influenced or judged by their peers.

d. I’m seeking an educational option that allows my child to focus on interests and commitments outside of school.

What does success look like for your child?

a. I want my child to gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and their career.

b. I want my child to be happy and able to achieve their unique goals, whatever they may be.

c. I want my child to develop strong values, morals, and character, while pursuing their dream.

d. I want my child to have the flexibility and support they need to achieve any professional accomplishment they want.

What role does school play in your child’s growth?

a. School will teach my child to work hard and will give them the tools and skills they need to succeed professionally.

b. School will show my child what they are capable of by exposing them to different things and encouraging them to pursue their passions.

c. I want school to help my child to succeed academically as well as build character so they can develop a strong sense of self.

d. School should offer a good academic foundation but allow flexibility for students to pursue their own interests.

Which aspects of online schooling appeal most to you?

a. Tailored learning. I want to make sure my child has access to an academically rigorous program that offers the individual challenge and support they need to excel.

b. Individualized support. I’m looking for a school that can offer the high level of personal attention and accommodations that my child needs to learn the way they learn best.

c. More parental input. I want to know what my child is learning and ahave more opportunity to infuse our family values into their lessons.

d. Flexibility and freedom. My family and student have a lot going on, so we need to be able to fit learning around our other commitments.

What do you expect your child’s school to provide for them?

a. I want my child to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be secure and stable in their career and in life.

b. I want my child to be safe and supported above all else. I want their differences or unique needs to not only be accepted, but celebrated as part of who they are.

c. I want my child to be in a safe environment that encourages strong ethical values and where they can be themselves.

d. I want my child to feel supported, not overwhelmed. They should have the time and space they need to grow and excel without fear of failure.

What draws you to online school?

a. I am looking for a school that provides a more challenging academic program and extracurriculars that set my child up for success.

b. I want a school that provides multiple ways to learn, teachers who can foster different learning styles, and supportive Individualized Education Program (IEP) options.

c. I’d like an academically rigorous program that allows me to have a greater hand in shaping my child’s educational experience.

d. We need an education option that offers a high level of flexibility, so my family can fit learning into our own schedule and focus on non-academic talents.

Mostly B's

Based on your answers, we believe your number one priority as a Learning Coach is making sure your child has the tools and resources they need to learn key values and develop strong character.

That means making sure your student has the space and freedom to focus on what’s most important to your family. We’re sure that you’ll love what Connections Academy offers, which is a safe and inclusive learning environment, opportunities to connect with peers, and freedom to incorporate life lessons in daily lessons. Below are some resources we think you’ll find helpful: 

Get more tips on how to be a great Learning Coach on the Connections Academy Resource Hub

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