Academic coaching for learners in medical education: Twelve tips for the learning specialist

Abstract

As medical education moves toward a competency-based model of teaching and learning, the need for individual academic coaching has increased. However, coaching for improving academic performance is underexplored relative to coaching for the improvement of technical skills. This manuscript introduces 12 tips for developing academic coaching skills (in the context of one-on-one coaching encounters as well as that of the broader learning and teaching environment) that promote lifelong learning habits. These tips were developed by drawing upon relevant literature from coaching (across disciplines), educational linguistics, the learning sciences, and my experiences as a medical education learning specialist. Key considerations for impactful academic coaching include critical self-reflection (for both the learner and learning specialist), dialogic interpersonal communication, collaborating with student leaders and faculty, and facilitating the development of self-regulated, lifelong learning skills.

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank the hundreds of University of Miami medical students for the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of their study strategies, and to facilitate the development of their self-regulated learning skills. The author also wishes to thank Stephen Symes, MD, Hilit Mechaber, MD, and Stefanie Brown, MD, for their role in enhancing academic support services for all learners.

Disclosure statement

The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Adrian K. Reynolds

Adrian K. Reynolds, PhD, is the Director of Academic Enrichment and Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA. Former affiliations: Instructor of English as a Second Language (ESL), Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA; Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Instructor of Spanish as a Foreign Language, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Boynton Beach Community High School, Boynton Beach, Florida, USA.