What is the Role of a Language Coach?
While the responsibilities of a language coach may vary considerably, coaches are most effective when they have the basic knowledge and skills that enable them to become strong advocates for the learners, someone learners can turn to for support and well-informed advice.  A coach is one who:  

  • understands the process of language and culture learning
  • understands learner variables related to language and culture learning
  • understands effective strategies to help learners develop second language and culture proficiency
  • understands how to deal with special challenges (e.g. mothers with young children, older learners, those with extreme anxiety, those learning two or more languages)
  • understands how to deal with mismatches in learning styles and teaching styles
  • keeps in close touch with learners, offering encouragement and advice
  • helps new learners deal with culture shock, stress and fatigue
  • helps learners stay motivated for long term success
  • helps learners set reasonable goals
  • provides overall learning planning and helps learner work this out
  • tailors learning plan and procedures to individual abilities, needs and abilities
  • helps learners integrate learning from a teacher or tutor with learning from the community
  • suggests resources and new ideas
  • helps solve problems and keep learners on task
  • helps learners break free from language learning plateaus
  • helps learners become increasingly self-directed
  • holds learners accountable
  • reviews progress with learners and helps them plan for continued learning
  • administers and oversees assessment
  • Encourages learners to become lifelong language and culture learners
  • Helps learners achieve a higher level of proficiency than they dreamed possible.