Southeast Psych Nashville is thrilled to announce our new Executive Functioning and Learning Coaching services starting in the fall of 2024. This is an incredibly beneficial service for struggling learners in grades 5 through 12.
So, what’s the difference between Executive Functioning/Learning Coaching and Tutoring?
When it comes to supporting students with learning challenges, parents often wonder about the best resources available to help their children succeed. While tutors and Executive Functioning and Learning Coaches (EFLCs) both provide valuable support, their roles and approaches differ significantly.
Tutors Focus on Subject-Specific Knowledge
A tutor typically specializes in a particular subject area, such as math, science, or language arts. Their primary goal is to help students understand and master the content of that subject. Tutors often assist with homework in specific classes, prepare students for tests, and provide additional practice to reinforce classroom learning. They play a crucial role in helping students improve their grades and grasp difficult concepts.
Executive Functioning & Learning Coaches Build Essential Skills and Strategies
In contrast, an Executive Functioning and Learning Coach focuses on the underlying skills that support all areas of learning. These skills, known as executive functions, include time management, organization, goal setting, and problem-solving. EFLCs work with students to develop strategies that enhance their ability to plan, prioritize, and complete tasks efficiently. They help students build the self-regulation and cognitive flexibility needed to navigate academic and daily life challenges. Although sessions with an EFLC may include support for specific assignments or tests, it will all be done through the lens of the student’s specific learning needs in mind.
The Benefits of an Executive Functioning & Learning Coach
For students with learning challenges, an EFLC can be particularly beneficial. These coaches tailor their approach to each student’s unique needs, helping them to:
1. Develop Effective Study Habits: EFLCs teach students how to create study schedules, organize their materials, and break down large projects into manageable steps.
2. Enhance Time Management Skills: Students learn to allocate their time wisely, balancing academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and personal commitments.
3. Improve Focus and Attention: Coaches work with students to identify distractions and implement strategies to maintain concentration during study sessions and in the classroom.
4. Boost Self-Confidence: By mastering executive functioning skills, students gain a sense of control over their learning processes, which can lead to increased confidence and motivation.
5. Promote Long-Term Success: The skills developed with an EFLC extend beyond the classroom, preparing students for future academic endeavors and real-world challenges.
While tutors are invaluable for subject-specific support, an Executive Functioning and Learning Coach provides a comprehensive approach to learning that equips students with essential life skills. This holistic support can make a significant difference for students with learning challenges, fostering independence, resilience, and academic success.
Southeast Psych Nashville is thrilled to welcome Allie Lawrence, MAT, MSW as our first Executive Functioning & Learning Coach.
Her warm style and excellent communication skills help her to build rapport quickly. She understands brain development and learning styles in deep ways that allow her to develop learning plans. She has great experience as a Math and English teacher and has a master’s degree in Special Education. She is fluent in Spanish, as well. Allie helps create structured plans for large assignments, teaches effective study techniques and organizational skills, and provides education related to student learning differences and needs.
If you have a student who could benefit from her services, their parent can call 615-373-9955 to get the ball rolling. She can meet in person or remotely, so potential clients who live at a distance outside of the Nashville-Brentwood-Franklin area or have challenges with transportation can still book times with her. Now is a great time to start before her schedule fills up. We know she will be incredibly helpful to many students and we hope she can serve a student you know and care about.
