Winter 2022 schedules to be posted soon
Communicating with Confidence Learning Labs
The Labs are an exciting, student-led, technology-assisted program designed to engage and prepare students for their next adventure. Grounded in social-cognitive theories and experiential-learning principles, students will gain confidence through a process of Learning, Doing, and Leading!
3 Communicating with Confidence Labs for 4-12 grades
1. Learning Lab for Grades 4 - 6
1. Learning Lab for Grades 4 - 6
1. Learning Lab for Grades 4 - 6
In "How STEAM Works" Lab, students will learn foundational communications and leadership skills while exploring STEAM topics (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and learn how things work!
2. Learning Lab for Grades 7 - 12
1. Learning Lab for Grades 4 - 6
1. Learning Lab for Grades 4 - 6
In "STEAM Careers & Innovations" Lab, students will learn foundational communications & leadership skills while discovering new advancements and innovations in science & technology.
3. Learning Labs for Grades 7-12
1. Learning Lab for Grades 4 - 6
3. Learning Labs for Grades 7-12
In "STEAM Careers & the Environment" Lab, students will learn foundational communications & leadership skills while discovering new advancements and innovations in science & technology.
What Are students and parents saying?
Evelyn, Student
After completing the Learning Lab during the summer of 2021, Evelyn shared this story in the fall. (The content has been paraphrased for brevity.)
"I recently joined a club called Cyber Patriots/Cyber Security at my school. You could apply to be an Officer. I applied to be a Secretary and had to give a speech in front of 80+ people!! I was very nervous, but I did my best. I found out people voted for me, and I was elected as 1 of 2 secretaries! I think the Communicating with Confidence Learning Lab really helped me a lot in giving my speech and having enough confidence to do so, so thank you!"
Angela, Student
"One thing I've learned is that it is better to learn how to communicate correctly sooner rather than later, as the use of communications will always remain an important part of our future."
Makhayla, Student
"Learning to take initiative, learning about how to be confident with speaking, and learning how to give feedback in a way that others can use to help themselves."
Evelyn, Student
The Learning Lab allows for students to expand and develop their communications skills while in a safe environment so that even if they're nervous or make a mistake, it's ok, and they know no one will judge them for that. It allows students to have fun while learning and to think deeply about STEM topics and practice their writing skills when preparing their speeches using the Communicating Outline Checklist.
Sanaa, Student
The Learning Lab has been a great experience! Some of its key benefits are that it has helped me to educate myself on various topics. The feedback givers are great as well because they help you to understand what areas you need to work on.
Daniel, Student
I enjoy how it's structured. How there are certain things that we do every day, the games. How we get to learn about new things every day with the speeches.
Leticia, Parent & Teacher
The Learning Lab "has many benefits, but the main one is helping to build public speaking confidence in students."
Our Partners
Student expectations and protocols:
Lab Protocols
At the Learning Lab, our goal is to empower students to be effective communicators, unleashing their potential and creativity. Our Mission is to create a supportive environment in which students develop these important life skills. To ensure that your student(s) will achieve the expected performance outcomes, please review the following guidelines:
- Jazz hands are a universal sign language that offers positive feedback and applause. During online meetings, we use jazz-hands frequently to offer feedback.
- Computer cameras should be ON at all times to connect and engage with their peers.
- If the student has to leave the room, they may turn their camera off. If a student’s camera is off, it signifies the student is not in the meeting room.
- Turn iPhones, iPads and any other devices off, to limit distractions.
- Use the Mute and Unmute function as appropriate to minimize disruption during the meeting. This helps cut down on background noise, and accidental disruptions.
- Choose your own view:
- Gallery View or Speaker View
- Pin someone’s video to make the main picture.
- Speakers should pin the Timer before you are introduced.
Students will be expected to attend every Lab to maximize their learning experience, unless there is an excused absence communicated 12- 24 hours in advance. If there is a no-show or student decides to drop after the second session, there will be a partial or 50% refund. Our facilitators and staff have invested a significant amount of time to plan a successful and productive Lab for your students.
Students will be encouraged to speak about topics that interest them and when possible include talks about subjects, assignments or projects they are learning about in school.
Students will have access to the Learning Lab documents and worksheets to help them work efficiently and effectively.