10 Powerful BBCD Coaching Questions

to Support Student Success

Question 1: “What brings you in today?”

Why? This question gives the student ownership over their learning in the session and helps activate their brain’s goal-setting and motivation centers, making the process more purposeful and engaging.

Question 2: “What do you like to do?” (or “what’s your favorite class?”)

Why? Greet a student warmly and build rapport to foster a sense of safety and trust that lowers the brain’s threat response. By building rapport with a student, you enable openness, effective communication and better engagement in the conversation.

Question 3: “Tell me about a time you had to make a big decision. What approach did you take?”

Why? This question helps engage the student’s reflective thinking and activates brain areas involved in memory and learning from past experiences. Answering this question encourages self-awareness, builds confidence by recognizing their decision-making skills, and provides a foundation for applying those strengths to current challenges.

Question 4: “How can we break this task into smaller steps?”

Why? Chunking information helps the student break down complex tasks and decisions into smaller, manageable steps, reducing cognitive overload and stress while enhancing focus and motivation.

Question 5: “How did you choose your major?”

Why? This question helps the student access and articulate the underlying brain-based processes involved in their decision-making. It can help both student and advisor recognize the emotions, motivations, and cognitive strategies behind their decision-making.

Question 6: “If you were to start your own business, what would your business do?”

Why? This question shifts focus from limitations to possibilities, fostering a positive mindset that supports goal-setting, engagement, and proactive action aligned with personal values and interests.

Question 7: “What are some small goals that you could set for yourself to learn more?”

Why? This question will help students get started in a low-stakes way with manageable steps. Answering this question also helps in reducing cognitive overload and boosting motivation by activating the brain’s reward system through achievable progress.

Question 8: “Is this what you wanted to accomplish?”

Why? This question helps you check in with the student to make sure you addressed the student’s need. The question also ensures the brain’s clarity and alignment between goals and actions.

Question 9: “What is the first step to begin this in the next day or two?”

Why? This question helps translate ideas and goals into concrete, manageable actions. This question activates the brain’s planning and executive functions, making it easier to move from intention to action.

Question 10: “How will you know you have achieved your target?”

This question helps the student activate their brain’s self-monitoring and goal-evaluation processes. This encourages clarity in defining success, promotes motivation through measurable outcomes, and supports ongoing reflection and adjustment—key for effective, brain-aligned action.

Source: Jaunarajs, I., Pavol, J., McGrain, Z., & Parham, M. (2022). Brain-Based Career Development (BBCD): The neuroscience coaching approach that helps clients take action [Whitepaper]. National Career Development Association Conference

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