Coaching for Cognitive Competence

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By Sarah Lyman Kravits, LifeBound Director of Training and Certification | Nov 11, 2025

Fighting the Drift to Subcognition

There is no lack of alarm around the threat that use of AI poses to learning — especially when college-level rigor demands effort and time that may or may not seem like a worthwhile investment to students approaching college transactionally. In a recent New York Times opinion article, University of California, Irvine philosophy professor Anastasia Berg warns against "subcognition" and risking the loss of our ability "to master diverse concepts, to follow an intricate argument, to form judgments, to communicate those to others...our capacity to think."

As a coach I repeatedly see the desire to check a box and to earn points or a particular grade (a performance goal orientation) fighting with the effort it takes to pursue deeper understanding that permits effective application (a learning goal). One of the tactics I use is to query students on their learning experiences to find which they feel most proud of or use repeatedly. When an easy out (with a quick hit of success-driven dopamine) is available through the use of genAI, it can be tough to make the case for putting in effort in the present for a distant and nebulous reward. However, when a student has an opportunity to consider what they've gained when they have pushed through discomfort and confusion and errors, they may be more able to look ahead at where that level of work may be worth the reward.

Consider questions such as these to encourage students to consider the value of maintaining their cognitive capacity:

What learning accomplishment are you most proud of?
Tell me about something you do well that you worked hard and long to learn (could be athletic, driving, musical, baking, anything). What was the journey like? What have you gained?
What do you want to know well for your career that would be worth hard work and time right now?
How do you feel about yourself when you think about something you know or do well?
What academic accomplishment has given you the most satisfaction this semester? The least? What made the difference?
How do you want to use your mind in the workplace? Where are you using it at that level now? Where do you want to level up your effort and focus to prepare for a successful career?

Connect with LifeBound and other coaches to expand your capacity to support student thinking.

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Make 2025/2026 the Year Coaching Solves Higher Ed’s Toughest Challenges

Higher education is grappling with unprecedented challenges—rising mental health crises, the need for greater career readiness, and the unfortunate reality that many students struggle to secure meaningful employment or are let go shortly after starting. These issues affect not only individual students but also university outcomes like enrollment, retention, and long-term institutional success.

By equipping your staff with coaching training, you can help students build resilience, achieve meaningful employment, and address many challenges that universities face today. Allocate your budget toward LifeBound’s training options this year and plan ahead to ensure your institution is prepared to address these critical needs effectively. Let’s create a campus-wide culture of coaching and make an impact!

LifeBound offers multiple ways to train academic coaches, faculty, or staff:

3-Day Virtual Coaching Course

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December 11, 12, 15

Time: 3 days, 6 hours each

Format: Online

Cost: $1,500 per person. Contact us about group rates.

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A flexible, 15-hour program designed for those who want to deepen their skills at their own pace. The course dives deep into foundational and advanced coaching techniques as well as motivation, resilience, career readiness, cultural competence and coaching diverse student populations, and includes private sessions with a LifeBound Coach. Institutional packages are available for group training.

Choose Your Own Dates!

Time: 15 hours (self-paced), plus 3 hours with LifeBound Coach

Format: Online

Cost: $1,500 per person. If you’ve already completed the 1-Day or 3-Day program, email contact@lifebound.com to receive a discount code for $500 off the new Self-Paced Course. Contact us about group rates.

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LifeBound Certification Program

For coaches ready to take their skills to the next level, the LifeBound Certification Program offers an in-depth dive into advanced coaching practices and strategies, culminating in certification as a LifeBound Coach.

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Cost: $5,000 per person

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Let’s make 2025/2026 a year of transformation for your institution and the students you serve!

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