The learning-coach role can vary depending on the age and needs of the student as well as on the type of online learning program in which the student is enrolled.
In a home-based program, the learning coach is a parent, a family member, or another adult who is at home with the student while the student is going through their courses. If students are taking their courses at a school, a learning coach could be a teacher, para pro, or assigned mentor.
At the Upper Elementary level (grades 3-5), a learning coach may have a lot of responsibility at the beginning of the year as they ensure their student is understanding how to navigate their courses. As the student gets used to course navigation and into a structured routine the responsibilities of the learning coach will decrease. Student needs vary, some students may need more assistance and some students may need less assistance, a learning coach will need to adjust based on the needs of the student.
See below for a list of common duties a learning coach may need to help their student with.
Elementary 3-5
|
| First 2-4 weeks of school |
Beyond 2-4 weeks |
- Reviews Getting Started in the Resource Module of the course with the student.
- Designates a space for the student to work with minimal distractions.
- Sits with the student the first day (if needed) to help them navigate through the course. If necessary, repeats the next day (and so on) until the student is comfortable.
- Shows the student how to navigate their course, use the calendar, and other items.
- Creates and implements an organization system to hold assignments, such as online folders for each subject.
- Helps the student organize assignments, if needed.
- Helps the student with assignments as needed, guiding them, but not doing the work for them.
- Helps the student turn in assignments until they understand how to do it.
- Develops a routine/schedule with the student and sticks to it.
- Talks about what the student is learning in each subject.
- Ensures that the student knows how to communicate with their teacher.
|
- Helps the student as needed to clarify directions on assignments, use materials properly, etc.
- Checks in with the student, asking about what they learned in class each day.
- Checks the student’s calendar to make sure they are staying on pace and completing their daily tasks.
- Encourages the student to follow their routine and stay on task.
- Talks with the student each day about what they are learning.
- Ensures that the student is communicating with their teacher.
|
