Reading is a process of decoding symbols for the intention of constructing or deriving meaning. It is a means of communication and sharing information and ideas. Readers use a variety of strategies and techniques to assist with the decoding and comprehension of symbols. This process requires continuous practices, development and refinement to master. There are people who seek the assistance of reading improvement coaches to achieve better results in reading.

A reading improvement coach is a person who is helps in the development of the cognitive process of reading of other people. A coach, often a tutor, is a postgraduate student or a lecturer who is assigned to conduct a seminar for undergraduate students. A private coach is a person who teaches a specific subject or skill to a single or group of students. They are often privately hired and paid by the student or the student's family. Coaching may be done at home or any place conducive for learning. There are also tutorial centers where students go to hone their reading skills instead of having a coach come over.

The reading improvement coach assists in the development of sub-lexical and lexical reading. Sub-lexical reading involves the association of characters or groups with sounds or by using phonics learning and teaching methodology. The lexical reading, on the other hand, involves acquiring words without attention to the characters that compose them. It uses the whole language learning and teaching methodology.

Reading is rated by reading for memorization, reading for comprehension, and skimming. There are different types of tests used for the development of reading skills such as sight word reading, nonword reading, reading comprehension, reading fluency, and reading accuracy. Some tests make use of some of those mentioned all at once.

Online coaching is another way for a student to receive help from a reading improvement coach. Sessions are done through an application that was programmed for such activities where the student and coach can communicate. Online coaching has been gaining popularity due to the convenience it brings to the students.

Tips on getting the most out of a coaching session

• Meet your coach in a place where you are most comfortable. It can be in the library, in a cafe, or a park. You will be able to finish a lot more and learn more if you feel comfortable with your surroundings.
• Always bring your notes and the necessary tools for learning such as books, class notes, a laptop.
• Always be on time for a coaching session and keep studying afterwards for maximum retention.
• Do not be nervous when asking your coach about something related to the lesson. He or she may be able to help you understand a point better than just keeping the question to yourself. Make your needs direct and do not waste time.
• Coaches should never do your homework. They are there to help you understand and to learn, but not to write your paper or do your solution for you.