This class is recommended for anyone interested in Peer Advising or in pursuing a job in career services!
LA325: Introduction to College/Career Coaching Theory and Practice
Dr. Katharine Brooks
Wednesdays 3-6 pm
Location: MEZ 2.124
Unique #: 29964
Prerequisite: upper-division status; 60 hours
Catalog Description: Covers coaching theory and techniques, motivation and behavior change, and applications of evidence-based coaching to career, academic, and leadership development.
Course Description:
This course focuses on the theories, current research, and techniques of evidence-based coaching systems. Positive psychology and appreciative inquiry will be the primary approaches, but humanistic, behavioral, and NLP techniques and theory will be discussed as well. A particular emphasis and focus will be on coaching as it applies to college students. The class structure will be a combination of lecture/discussion, in-class exercises and activities, and practice sessions where you will apply the theories you are learning.
You will take two tests during the course of the semester and you will write a final paper which incorporates your academic knowledge and understanding of coaching as well as your personal experiences with coaching. During each class you will also complete worksheets and other activities designed to further your knowledge and understanding of the subject matter as well as develop your own academic and career goals.
Coaching skills are invaluable in a variety of work settings, and are particularly important for managers and leaders in an organization. By completing this course you will be well-prepared to apply your coaching skills to your chosen career path. You may also apply your skills and knowledge to various student leadership roles (TA’s, peer mentors, tutoring, etc.) you currently hold or hope to attain.
Method of Instruction:
The course meets once a week for three hours. The first two hours of each class will be a combination of lecture and discussion of reading assignments, different coaching theories and other course content. The final hour of the class will be a collaborative learning process where you will work with your classmates and directly apply and practice the skills you are learning through simulation exercises, group activities, and coaching dyads.
Goals of the Course:
Coaching has been described as a method for getting the best out of yourself and others. Coaching focuses on change: about making changes in your life or helping others change theirs. The skills and knowledge you develop in this class can be used for self-development or to help others perform new tasks, improve performance in school or work, develop a new skill, solve a problem or find direction and balance in life.
This course has been designed to fill a need among liberal arts students for direct instruction on coaching and mentoring their peers and others. Many liberal arts students seek careers in helping professions, as well as future leadership and management roles. The ability to coach and guide others to achievement and success is a powerful skill which can be applied to virtually any profession. But it is not enough to have a desire to help others through coaching. Proper training in coaching theory and technique is imperative. This course provides a strong foundation for future coaching efforts.
Through this course you will:
· Learn the key theories and research behind evidence-based coaching systems
· Develop the attributes of a skilled coach
· Acquire the techniques used to promote success and positive change in yourself and others
· Understand the ethics and guidelines for professional conduct when providing services
· Learn a career coaching system specifically designed for liberal arts students
· Develop a skill set for providing mentoring and other services to peers
Topics to be covered include:
Ethics
Coaching college students
Change, Motivation and Resistance
Positive Psychology
Appreciative Coaching & Advising
Fundamental Skills of Coaching
Career Coaching Theory and Practice