Students can benefit greatly by having a Parent/Guardian taking the role of a Learning Coach. This role consists of 5 major phases/components. Let's take a closer look into each one.

1. Launch

Every adventure has a starting point. Think of your student as an astronaut preparing to go to space. The virtual environment can be very similar to space; it is vast, largely unknown, a little scary, and has limitless possibilities! In this phase, a Learning Coach can effectively start conversations with their students regarding thoughts and feelings, potential barriers, identifying and setting specific goals, and very importantly, highlighting the benefits of launching this new adventure!

2. Assemble

Whether it be a student, astronaut or any other type of professional, everyone needs support. This generally comes from a person or a team that can help visualize goals and put them into action. In this phase, Learning Coach can help their students put their goals into action, assemble resources, and organize efforts to maximize achievement. This should take place every morning when the Learn Coach sits down with the student to organize the day, make sure all resources are available, and check in to see if there is any feedback from previous assignments.

3. Empower

Like every great adventure, there can be huge wins as well as setbacks. This phase is incredibly important to keep morale high and ensure the rocket doesn't run out of fuel. This phase is where Learning Coaches can encourage appropriate behaviors, stay positive, and provide incentives for student achievement. Empowering students in this phase can drastically reduce negative behaviors, boost confidence, and help ensure ongoing achievement. Encourage students to complete assignments independently once you are certain they understand all of the instructions. Empowering students means we are supporting students when they are unsure about directions, but allowing them the freedom to make mistakes in the learning process and learn from their mistakes. Students should type all assignments independently and it should reflect his/her own thinking. While we are often tempted to correct our child, it is important for teachers to have authentic feedback.

4. Inquire

Once the mission has begun, Ground Control is constantly checking in with astronauts, collecting data, and utilizing the information to keep the mission on track as intended. Learning Coaches are encouraged to do the same with their students by consistently inquiring, or checking in, reviewing progress, and communicating with their students about their progress. At the end of each day, ask your student to summarize what they have learned for you.

5. Reinforce

Similar to Phase 3: Empower, keeping the motivation going is one of the best ways to ensure the mission is as successful as possible. This phase is instrumental in ensuring the cycle continues, promoting sustainable results. Learning Coaches can keep the progress going by ensuring that the previous phases are continually being reinforced, celebrating successes, and providing ongoing support for their students. At the end of each day, students should SHOW learning coaches where they have submitted all assignments.