Study coaching

Study Coaching at KABK – I/M/D Department

At the Royal Academy of Art (KABK), there is a clear distinction between two areas of student support within the departments:

Guidance for your artistic and academic development, provided mainly by your teachers
Support for your overall study progress and wellbeing, provided mainly by study coaches.

In the Interactive/Media/Design (IMD) department, there are two dedicated study coaches: Lyndsey Housden and Brecht Hoffmann. They’re here to support you navigate your study path, keep track of your study progress and managing the challenges that can come up over the course of your four year study track.

What is Study Coaching?

Study coaching focuses on your wellbeing and personal development within the study process. It’s a space where you can:

Reflect on your learning and growth.
Balance your personal needs within the academy community. (Anything in the scope of being well informed about your options to an adapted study program)
Develop essential study skills. (For example: time management, organizational skills, processing feedback, work/life balance, communicating needs, setting priorities and realistic goals, etc)
Learn how to develop more and more agency within your learning journey; finding your own study rhythm, building confidence and reflecting on your development and experiences.

By building a strong foundation for your study habits and self-awareness, coaching can help you get the most out of your study progress.

Coaching takes place in a safe and confidential environment, where your privacy and boundaries are respected.

When and How Does Study Coaching Happen?

You’ll meet with your study coach at least once per semester for a one-on-one conversation. During these sessions, you’ll talk about:

Your study progress so far.
Your study plan for the upcoming semester.
Any challenges, questions or support needs you might have.
Keeping an overview regarding ECs. (The Osiris study credits administration)

2. Additional one-on-one conversations can be scheduled, attuned to individual needs. Feel free to drop a request any time.

3. Coaching will also be offered in group workshops, where learning aspects, such as feedback, time management, organization skills, etc, will be addressed.

Who Does What? – Roles in the KABK Well Being Support System

There are several people at KABK who can support you — each with a different focus.

In a nutshell:

Teachers: focus on academic content and artistic development

Head of the department & Coordinator focus on academic content and artistic development as well as study adjustments and case management.

Study Coaches: focus on wellbeing in the scope of study process and progress.

Student Counsellor: focus on personal challenges that affect your study trajectory.

Student Psychologist: focus on (Short-term) mental health support.

Confidential Adviser: focus on support with unwanted behavior.

Study coaches may refer you to one of those mentioned support professionals, when needed.