Insha’allah: Co-Creating Positivity in Independent Language Learning through Coaching at CNA-Q Presenters: Lonnie Croal and Larissa Thurlow, College of the North Atlantic-Qatar, Qatar The Independent Learning Centre (ILC), housed within the Learning Commons at CNA-Q, is an environment in which learners are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and deepen their understanding of the learning process. This strategically located space is where autonomy is promoted and supported. The unique challenges of this educational context (high dependence of learners and low meta-cognitive awareness) are an opportunity for a framework of professional coaching. A pilot coaching project carried out over a 15 week semester with a diverse group of English as Foreign Language (EFL) students highlighted the benefits in addressing this gap. We wanted to demonstrate that a shift to coaching would: 1) result in students becoming autonomous and responsible for their learning 2) promote learner reflection at a deeper, more affective level 3) help to remove the stigma associated with receiving Language Support, which is viewed by many faculty and students as “remedial” help. • Would shifting to a coaching focus help reframe how the Language Support Centre and the ILC are viewed both by learners and faculty?

1. Insha’allah: Co-Creating Positivity in Independent Language Learning through Coaching at CNA-Q

2. “ Coming together, ordinary people can perform extraordinary feats. They can push things that come into their hands a little higher up, a little further on toward the heights of excellence.” ~Unknown~

6. Defining Coaching Coaching is defined as “…partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” http://www.coachfederation.org/intcoachingweek/about-coaching/

8. What Coaching is Not Coaching Session Minus (-) Verbal Contract Equals (=) “ Just a Nice Thoughtful Conversation”

15. Pilot Project Triangulation Coachee/Learner Faculty Coach Peer Student Coach Note: The Faculty Coach will have involvement with the Coachee (Student)when the program is completed and in obtaining feedback about the program’s future.