Hello everyone!

What’s happening with my research?

There are several parts in my doctoral journey. Coursework, comprehensive exams, proposal writing, acceptance and approval to conduct research. The next step is recruitment of participants and then conducting the actual research. This is where I am. I will continue conducting research in the fall 2016. And hopefully if all goes as planned finish by December. Wish me luck!

My research is about self-determination in college students with learning disabilities and online academic coaching. But you might ask why study Self-Determination? I’m glad you asked. Let me tell you.

Why study Self-Determination?

A longitudinal study examined predictors of success among individuals with learning disabilities. The study showed that people who experienced success demonstrated self-determined behavior. Self-determination can be broken down into components such as choice making, decision making, problem solving, goal setting and attainment, self-observation, self-evaluation, self-reinforcement, self-instruction, self-advocacy and leadership, self-awareness and self-knowledge (Konrad et al. 2007). Wow, any parent knows that if their son or daughter would just do some of the things on this list, life would be better. So the next question has to be…

Can Self-Determination be taught?

Can we teach our college students decision making, problem solving, goal setting, self-instruction and all the rest of the components of Self-Determination? I believe we can. I believe college students can improve their level of self-determination through regular and consistent coaching.

Why coaching?

The coaching relationship asserts that students are creative, resourceful and whole people. Students are capable of finding answers, choosing, and taking action. Students are people who are capable of recovering when things don’t go as planned and especially capable of learning. This describes the college student whether they have a learning disability, ADHD or not. The coaching relationship promotes the growth and development of self-determined behavior.

Speaking of growth and development…the summer is a perfect time for me to work towards my International Coaching Federation certification. So, I enrolled in two courses and really love what I’m learning. This professional development will improve what I already offer my students.

As a coach, one of the things I do is celebrate and explore failure. Failure is a learning experience where students discover the edge of their ability or capacity. It requires courage and commitment to take a risk and to fail. Students can often learn more from what doesn’t work than from what does work (Kimsey-House, et al.2011).

My coaching services now include Academic Coaching, ADHD coaching for college students or adults. I see my clients face to face or online. Call me if you need help getting a project done or attaining your goals.

Thanks for reading through all the way to the end. Enjoy your summer!