What ID coaching really looks like (and why it’s a game changer)
You’ve done the self-paced courses and read instructional design blogs. But the wheels fall off somewhere between learning theory and learner journeys. An ID coach could be just the support you need to bring it all together. Keep reading to learn what instructional design coaching actually looks like and how it can help you connect your skills to your knowledge.
Why would I need an ID coach?
Working alongside a working instructional designer is the best way to help you connect the dots. That’s because they work in the field every day – and they’ll help you avoid common pitfalls.
A good coach will help you:
- Untangle messy thinking
- Spot what’s working
- Make smart design decisions
- Explain your design choices
Who needs an instructional design coach?
Coaching is most useful when you’ve got just enough knowledge to be dangerous (but not enough to feel confident). Maybe you’re building a portfolio but unsure how to explain your thinking. Maybe you’re getting feedback but don’t know what to do with it. A coach helps you connect the dots between what you could do and what actually works – and helps you make smarter choices, faster.
When is the right time for ID coaching?
Your instructional design coach will ask smart questions to pressure test your thinking. This will help you make clearer, more confident decisions. That means the best time to work with a coach is when you’re knee-deep in the work. That way, you can action feedback in the moment and bring your vision to life (instead of daydreaming about what could have been).
It doesn’t matter whether you’re building your first portfolio, juggling conflicting stakeholder opinions, or translating theory into a clear solution. Coaching gives you the strategic edge to move forward with confidence.
Coaching baked in
We’re such big fans of ID coaching, we’ve baked it into our Professional Certificate of Instructional Design. You’ll get three one-on-one sessions with a senior ID who gets what you’re trying to do, and can help you do it smarter.
Hungry for more?
We love this so much, we wrote the full guide. Check out Instructional Design IRL: A guide for industry pros, BY industry pros. It’s packed with everything you need to know if you’re planning to make instructional design your bread and butter.
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Explore the Professional Certificate in Instructional Design to turn up the heat in your ID career.
FAQS
An instructional design coach is a mentor, sounding board, and strategic guide. They help you sharpen your thinking, stress-test your work, and bridge the gap between theory and practice. Whether you’re building a portfolio, navigating feedback, or levelling up your process, a coach helps you design smarter – and with more confidence.