The book examines the transformative potential of integrating academic coaches into online higher education. The study focuses on the relationships between the coach and the instructor, and between the coach and the student, and explores how this role improves the learning experience, increases engagement, and contributes to student success in large or accelerated online courses.
Research Question
How does the integration of academic coaches affect students’, instructors’, and coaches’ perceptions of learning effectiveness and support in large online courses?
Connection to the Coaching Field
The study defines the academic coach as a figure who provides individualized support, tailored feedback, motivation, and mentoring, in contrast to a traditional teaching assistant.
Importance and Innovation
The study is innovative in presenting a “teaching team” model, in which the coach bridges the gap between the instructor and the student in a digital environment and provides social presence and human connection that reduce feelings of isolation.
Research Method and Data
The study uses mixed methods, including quantitative surveys of hundreds of students (for example, 799 students in Chapter 11), in-depth interviews with instructors and coaches, and analysis of student evaluations over several years (2020–2024).
Main Findings
- Integrating coaches leads to higher student engagement and greater satisfaction with learning.
- Students especially value rapid, personalized feedback and the availability of a “live” person in the course.
- Instructors can focus more on improving academic content because coaches help manage ongoing communication and support.
APA: Watkins, H. E., & Williams, R. F. (Eds.). (2026). Academic Coaching in Modern Online Education. IGI Global