Learning and Performance Science Services

The philosophy and approach to our services is based on the following principles:

• The goal of coaching is to promote life-long skills in self-directed and self-regulated learning.
• Through authentic caring and appreciative inquiry methods, we can discover students’ unique funds of knowledge that are the focal point for actively constructing learning solutions.
• Learning is an interactional process and a product that results in change.
• We can draw on research in athletic performance science, cognitive science, and educational psychology to develop effective training solutions to ensure all learners achieve their potential.

We aim to create a climate of mutual respect and trust in which we:

• Jointly analyze recent performances and opportunity gaps
• Assess unique causes of opportunity gaps
• Identify key strengths to close opportunity gaps
• Co-design targeted exercises to enhance performance
• Dedicate time to build skills and practice strategies for peak performance 
• Monitor progress and adjust as needed

Individual or small group coaching services

• Holistic and individualized learning plans
• Study habits and adaptive learning strategies
• Motivation and goal setting
• Academic resilience and preventing learner burnout
• Time management and organization
• Test-taking strategies
• School/life balance integration plans
• Optimizing daily and weekly routines for peak performance 
• Collaboration and approaches for successful group learning

Who would benefit from our services?

Students visit for a variety of reasons including: learning more efficient ways of studying, developing an effective study plan, exploring different test-taking strategies, or to learn more about learning in general.

Do I need to know what type of help to request before visiting?

It’s helpful to have a general idea about the area of training need (time management, study skills, etc.) you would like to focus on. During our first consult, we’ll work together to discuss your current approach and co-develop training solutions.

What should I bring with me to my consult?

The more we know about your work and learning approaches, the better we can help you. We recommend that you bring any or all of the following items:

• Course documents/relevant resources
• Calendar, planner, or schedule
• Current notes from lecture, readings, etc.

How long are the consults?

The first consult is about 45 minutes to 1 hour and we spend our time evaluating your needs as a learner. Depending on the performance opportunity gap and your individual goal(s), the length and intensity (every 2 weeks, etc.) will vary. In general, follow-up consults are 30 minutes.

Do the services help me with the content of the course I’m taking?

Learning skills services focuses on research-based strategies and approaches for thinking and learning. We’ll share suggestions for using these strategies within your current courses. If you want coaching for course content, email the Course Director or Student Affairs.

Are the coaching sessions confidential?

The majority of the coaching sessions are voluntary and confidential. In some situations, we may be required to summarize or share meeting dates or recommendations with personnel. Additionally, notes may be kept confidential to the maximum extent allowed by the law and may be subject the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

To make an appointment, please email Dr. Lauren Stokes or Shelly VanAmburg

Areas of Expertise

• Learning and instruction
• Cognitive science
• Motivation and emotion
• Educational psychology

• Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning
  
  
• How We Learn
  
  
• When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing