Are you looking for a brain-friendly and enjoyable way to improve your English? Look no further than Neurolanguage Coaching!  Our unique approach combines professional coaching with neuroscience (i.e., how the brain functions, reacts, and learns) to maximize your language learning potential. With a certified Neurolanguage coach by your side, you can customize your coaching sessions to suit your individual learning style, explore your potential, and gain confidence. Contact us now to learn more and begin your language adventure with Neurolanguage Coaching. Your brain will thank you!

How is the program different from traditional language teaching?

The difference in Neurolanguage Coaching comes from:

• how the material is delivered using a non-directive relaxed, curiosity arousing, interactive process
• how the Neurolanguage coach keeps the learner engaged, motivated, valued, and committed
• how the Neurolanguage coach facilitates brain connections through associations, and encourages long-term retention of the material
• how the Neurolanguage coach builds rapport and dialogues with the coachee so that the brain is never triggered into a threat response

Who is this program for?

All students are welcome to register, both undergraduates and graduates. Priority, however, will be given to students who speak English as a non-dominant language.

What students are saying about how they benefited from participating in the program:

"For me, it feels like therapy and an English session combined. The program differs from others because it tackles multiple competencies simultaneously. The one-on-one sessions allow for exercising listening and speaking skills while practicing grammar, writing, or giving presentations, in addition to providing techniques for feeling confident or relieving stress and anxiety, as defined by the student with the coach."  

Nicole Brognoli Goularte, Master's Student, Urban Studies Program

"The Neurolanguage program I think is specific to help me to improve my English. It is just one instructor with one student and some of the problems I met are very personal to me, My coach's suggestions and advice for my questions is only for me, not other students, so I think it is a much better way rather than other teaching methods."

Aixin Zhang, Undergraduate student, Statistics

What if I still have questions? 

Contact EAL Services Coordinator Tim Mossman at tmossman@sfu.ca

What is Neuroplasticity?

In addition to professional coaching, our approach helps students understand that our brains are malleable and can change, a process known as neuroplasticity. According to Dr. Andrew Huberman, neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to change its connections, enabling us to progress from finding things difficult to performing them reflexively (i.e., without conscious thought; automatically). While young brains are highly adaptable, adults can also take actionable steps to improve this plasticity.

How can I boost my brain's ability to learn?

One crucial factor in optimizing neuroplasticity is getting enough quality sleep, including both regular sleep and what Dr. Huberman calls Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR). During these restful periods, the brain undergoes plasticity and consolidates information, leading to improved memory retention and academic performance. See this video to learn more. For university students aiming to enhance their academic abilities, it's essential to prioritize sleep and work on improving sleep quality. By learning how to fall asleep and stay asleep better, students can boost their brain's ability to learn and remember information, ultimately benefiting their academic achievements.

How can improve my academic performance?

To improve neuroplasticity and academic performance, Dr. Huberman recommends approaching learning in 90-minute blocks, knowing that the initial 5-10 minutes may be challenging but will improve over time. This aligns with the natural rhythms of our 90-minute sleep cycles throughout the day.​​​​​​ Understanding the concept of neuroplasticity can be especially helpful for university students, as it emphasizes the brain's incredible adaptability and capacity to learn. This realization can motivate students to believe in their continuous potential for growth and improvement throughout their academic journey. For those interested in more information about neuroplasticity, check out this video, the Neuroscience of Learning (3 minutes) to explore the topic further.