Language & Culture Coaching (LCC)

In LCC, multilingual graduate students work toward developing their oral English skills so they can communicate effectively as TAs. In this personalized program, students can choose which areas they want to focus on and receive instruction in a flexible, personal setting.

Students are welcome to participate in coaching regardless of their current TA eligibility. Whether you're a future TA or a TA with years of experience, you're welcome to join us and work on developing your skills and confidence.

Instruction is delivered through a one-unit EDU 198 course.

Students choose one or more of the following tracks each quarter: 

• TRACK 1: Individual Plan

• Meet one-on-one with an undergraduate coach in weekly sessions. Set goals with your coach and work toward meeting those goals. Topics may include TA skills, pronunciation, culture, vocabulary, and related areas. 

  
• TRACK 2: Presentation Skills

• Practice your presentation skills in one-on-one sessions with an instructor and group sessions with other students (one 50-minute session total each week). Learn how to organize and deliver presentations effectively. Note: The date and time for group sessions will be based on the availability of students who sign up for Track 2 and changes each quarter.

  

   

  

• TRACK 3: English for Teaching

• Practice using English for teaching in one-on-one sessions with an instructor and group sessions with other students. Learn how to teach basic concepts, check for student understanding, and handle student questions. Note: The date and time for group sessions will be based on the availability of students who sign up for Track 3 and changes each quarter.

  

   

  

• TRACK 4: American English Pronunciation
• Learn about features of American English Pronunciation through online lessons and receive feedback and guidance on your pronunciation in one-on-one sessions with the instructor. The online lessons are asynchronous, and you can choose the time for your one-on-one sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How do I sign up?
• When registration is open at the start of each quarter, you can register here.
• Which tracks should I sign up for?

• That answer depends on a few different factors such as your student status, your requirements, and your goals. Please see the image below for a summary. You are also welcome to email us with any questions you have or to schedule an appointment to meet with us to discuss your options.

  
• Can I participate for more than one quarter?
• Yes! Many students participate for more than one quarter.
• When do I sign up?
• Registration opens a few days before each term (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Session II). Registration closes at the end of the second week of the term, but you are strongly encouraged to sign up by the first day of the quarter so that you don't miss any sessions.
• What time will I meet with my coach (Track 1)?
• In the pre-registration form, you will share your scheduling availability and some basic information about yourself. After you submit this form, you will receive an email with your weekly one-on-one schedule. 
• How often will I meet with the Language & Culture Coach (Track 1)?
• You will meet once a week throughout the quarter. Each session is 50 minutes. 
• Who are the Language & Culture Coaches?
• The coaches are UC Davis undergraduate students who are trained to support international graduate students on topics in language and culture. They are friendly, attentive, and dedicated to helping graduate students improve and succeed! They come from a variety of majors and backgrounds.
• What would I work on with a coach?
• During your first session with your coach, you will complete a self-assessment, set some goals with your coach, and develop a plan for how you will meet those goals. Topics must be related to your current or future work as a TA and may include pronunciation, vocabulary, U.S. culture, presentation skills, organization, and other related topics.
• Do I have to sign up for the course?
• You must enroll in the course during Fall, Winter, and Spring to participate, but you do not need to enroll in a course during Summer Session II. 
• How is the coaching course graded?
• The EDU 198 course is graded as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
• I'm not a graduate student. Can I still participate?

• Please see the image below for a summary. Please note that visiting scholars and post-docs do NOT need to register for course credit to participate, but they are not eligible to sign up for Tracks 1 or 4. You are welcome to email us with any questions you have or to schedule an appointment to meet with us to discuss your options.

  

   

More Information 

Emily Montgomery

Graduate Program Coordinator, International and Academic English
Global Affairs
(530) 752-6992
edmontgomery@ucdavis.edu