I often receive inquiries about what language coaching is, and what I do. While I am happy to answer inquiries at any time, a blog post on the topic was long overdue! Being a developing field (that is rapidly gaining traction), it’s important to understand how it works and who it can help.
So, what exactly does language coaching entail, and how can it help you reach your specific goals with a non-native language?
The reality is that language coaching is going to be approached differently by every professional. Just like language teachers, each language coach has their own unique style.
And just like students, each of my clients has their own unique needs.
Generally, language coaching is an approach to supporting language development and acquisition that takes the needs of the learner into account, and allows flexibility on the part of the coach to adapt to those needs throughout the partnership – as opposed to being caged in by a fixed curriculum or lesson plan.
Language coaching also typically encourages a high level of independence on the part of the learner. While teaching tends to take place inside the classroom, language coaching requires a desire for continued learning on the part of the client. Long and short-term goals are discussed, which help to shape the partnership going forward.
I work as a language coach specifically with professionals in the mental health field. As I have a combined background is in psychology and mental health, as well as in education and language teaching, I work with this specific population because 1) I am passionate about the field, and 2) I am well-geared to meet their needs. As someone who has worked in both the role of a “teacher” as well as in “coaching” in more corporate environments, my own personal language coaching style has been influenced by these experiences.
As a language coach, I tend to work with individuals who have an intermediate to advanced level of English. I feel language coaching tends to work well with advanced speakers, as the roadblocks they encounter are usually beyond what I could assist them with in the role of a teacher. The struggles they experience are usually related to confidence with working in an English mental health setting. They tend to work as either as psychotherapists or counselors, or work in research or higher education. Having a strong grasp of the English language and feeling equally competent in English as they do in their native language becomes important for career advancement and day-to-day career satisfaction.
When I work with my clients, I put them in the driver’s seat of their own learning. I ask them to play a key role in observing their own development, and to bring me specific questions pertaining to language struggles they encounter throughout the week. I show up to each of our sessions with a coherent theme that guides our discussions and our work for the week, based on their particular problem areas and their level. I find this really helpful in giving the client direction on what to observe in their own language experiences from week to week. While language coaching really focuses on the needs of each client, coming in with a theme or a lesson allows us to set attainable goals for improvement, and gives us direction. In this way, my style really blends teaching and coaching methodologies.
Here are a few questions I’d recommend considering if you are interested in language coaching:
- Assess your level and your needs. If you are looking for the basic building blocks and are new to the language, a traditional language class may be better suited to providing you with lessons on grammar and basic conversation.
- Determine your learning style. If you would benefit from a more directive approach, language coaching might not be necessary. However, if you are interested in developing a partnership with someone who can more freely help you assess your needs from week to week, and help you move forward based on those, language coaching might be right up your alley. Clients I work with tend to be very motivated and independent-minded as well. We work to refine their motivation and focus their language learning in the right places.
- Ask yourself if you need an expert in your field. A lot (but not all) of language coaches work with specific populations, which allow them to be experts in helping your profession. This is one fantastic advantage of language coaching.
The beauty of language coaching lies in the flexibility of it. Working independently and 1-1 with clients within my area of expertise allows us both to feel confident that they are reaching their potential, and making progress throughout our time together. As language coaching is still a developing field, each professional will have a particular approach. If you’re considering language coaching, the first step should always be a conversation with the coach. See if their working style, approach, and personality resonate with you – these elements will all massively contribute to your experience and your success.
For any questions or to set up a chat, reach out via the “Get in Touch” page of the site. I’ll be more than happy to speak with you!
Conscious Mental Health 