Post-secondary education is a transformative experience, but it can also present unique challenges. Balancing coursework, managing time, and navigating complex academic systems can feel overwhelming. That’s where an Academic Strategist comes in. At MyLearningCoach, we believe in empowering students with the skills and strategies they need to thrive.
This blog post explores the role of an Academic Strategist and how they can help you unlock your full academic potential.
What is an Academic Strategist?
An Academic Strategist is more than just a tutor or advisor. They are skilled professionals who provide personalized, skill-based academic support, guiding you through the complexities of post-secondary education.
At MyLearningCoach, our Learning Coaches act as Academic Strategists, focusing on building your long-term academic skills rather than simply providing subject-specific help. We understand that effective academic strategy use allows students to master course content, demonstrate learning, and experience academic success.
What Makes Academic Strategist Support Unique?
Unlike traditional tutoring, Academic Strategist support focuses on building sustainable skills that will benefit you throughout your academic journey and beyond. Academic Strategists help you:
- Navigate post-secondary systems: Understand the policies, procedures, and resources available at your institution.
- Build independence: Develop the self-management and problem-solving skills needed to succeed on your own.
- Access resources: Connect with the support services and resources available to you, both on and off campus.
How Academic Strategists Support Students: Core Focus Areas
Academic Strategists provide targeted support in key areas, empowering you to take control of your learning:
Reading & Comprehension
Learn effective techniques for breaking down complex texts and retaining information. This goes beyond simply reading the words on a page. An Academic Strategist can help you develop active reading strategies, such as summarizing paragraphs, identifying key arguments, and connecting the material to your existing knowledge. For example, if you’re struggling with a dense history textbook, a strategist might teach you the SQ3R method (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) to improve comprehension and retention.
Note-Taking Strategies
Master effective techniques for organizing class content and capturing key information. An Academic Strategist can help you experiment with different note-taking methods, such as the Cornell method, mind mapping, or outlining. They’ll guide you in identifying key points during lectures and prioritizing what to take notes on for efficient studying.
Study Skills & Assessment Preparation
Build structured plans for exams, essays, and projects. An Academic Strategist can help you create a realistic study schedule, break down large assignments into manageable tasks, and identify effective techniques for different assessment types—flashcards, practice questions, essay outlines, and more.
Executive Function Development
Strengthen your ability to manage time, organize tasks, and stay focused. With support from an Academic Strategist, you can learn to use planners, set priorities, break down tasks, and build daily routines that support academic success.
Self-Advocacy Coaching
Learn to understand and communicate your learning needs effectively. Academic Strategists support students in identifying their needs, understanding their rights, and building the confidence to advocate with professors and accessibility offices.
Assistive Technology Guidance
Explore tools like text-to-speech software, mind-mapping apps, and organizational platforms. Academic Strategists can guide you in selecting and integrating assistive technology into your academic routine for increased accessibility and independence.
Academic Writing Support
Improve clarity, structure, and confidence in your writing. Academic Strategists help students strengthen grammar, organization, and argumentation skills while developing strategies for drafting and revising effectively.
The MyLearningCoach Approach: Personalized and Accessible
MyLearningCoach delivers personalized, student-centered strategy instruction. Academic Strategy Instruction can be accessed on its own or as part of our Academic Coaching Services.
We provide students with resources and guidance that can lead to meaningful improvements in both grades and understanding of course material. Our Learning Coaches work closely with you, offering as much repetition and review as needed until you’re confident explaining concepts in your own words. It’s about building mastery—step by step.
Who Should Work with an Academic Strategist?
Academic Strategist support is ideal for:
- Students experiencing barriers to learning who want to build sustainable academic skills
- High school, post-secondary, or mature students seeking structure, guidance, and increased confidence
Getting Started with an Academic Strategist at MyLearningCoach
Our intake process is simple and accessible. We’ll connect you with a Learning Coach who understands your learning needs and will work with you to create an individualized plan. In many cases, Academic Strategy Instruction is eligible for disability-related funding, such as the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment (CSG-DSE).
Why Academic Strategists Matter
MyLearningCoach has proudly supported hundreds of students in reaching their academic goals. Through personalized coaching and strategies tailored to each student’s needs, we’ve helped students improve their study habits, gain confidence, and navigate the demands of post-secondary education.
Feedback from students is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the meaningful impact MyLearningCoach has had on their learning journey. We’re here to support you, too—reach out to learn how we can help you achieve your academic potential.