Communication Life Skills for Academic Success
What's included
9 live meetings
6 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1 hour per week. Students will be asked to apply the lessons they learn in class to their activities outside of class. Students will be asked each week to reflect on a communication challenge or success they had outside of our class and how they handled it.Certificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Why Take This Class? Students learn many important subjects in school, but what if they don’t have the communication skills to effectively participate in discussions, collaborate with peers, respectfully seek help from teachers, or handle feedback constructively? ****Even the brightest students can face challenges without these essential skills. This class is designed to address that by providing a supportive environment where students can develop the communication tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.**** In this course, students will develop essential communication skills that will help them feel more confident when speaking in class, working on group projects, and delivering presentations. They will learn how to structure their thoughts, express their ideas clearly, actively listen to others, and navigate classroom discussions and conflicts. How is the class structured? The course is divided into weekly sessions, with each session focusing on a specific communication skill. Each class begins with an icebreaker or warm-up activity to encourage participation and build rapport. The core of each session will include interactive lessons, group discussions, role-playing, and hands-on activities. Students will also have opportunities to practice their skills in a supportive environment and receive personalized feedback. Homework may include practicing specific skills or preparing for in-class activities. How do I teach? I use a combination of brief lectures, demonstrations, role-playing, group discussions, and fun communication games to keep students engaged. There will be frequent opportunities for students to participate, whether they’re practicing a short speech, contributing to a group project, or engaging in a debate or discussion. The goal is to create a positive and encouraging learning environment where students can build their skills step by step. My teaching style is supportive, energetic, and focused on making learning fun and practical. I prioritize creating a positive and inclusive environment where every student feels comfortable sharing their ideas. I like to use real-world examples and tailor activities to the interests of the students, ensuring that what they learn can be applied right away in school. I encourage active participation, collaboration, and reflection to help students grow at their own pace.
Learning Goals
Participate in classroom discussions with confidence and appropriately communicate needs and concerns to authority figures.
Understand how to actively listen and engage with others' ideas.
Syllabus
2 Units
9 Lessons
over 9 WeeksUnit 1: Presenting Yourself Effectively
Lesson 1:
Building Confidence in Classroom Participation
Help students become comfortable speaking up in class. Techniques for overcoming nervousness when answering questions in class.
Role-playing classroom participation.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Effective Listening and Responding
Teach active listening skills and how to respond thoughtfully to others. Listening games to sharpen focus. Practice giving thoughtful responses to classmates and teachers. Learn how to stay engaged in discussions and ask meaningful questions.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Presenting with Confidence
Develop the skills needed to create and deliver a great classroom presentation. How to structure a simple presentation (using a familiar topic like a hobby or recent project). Voice projection and body language tips for presentations. Students present a 1-minute topic to practice and learn techniques to organize and deliver engaging presentations.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Impromptu Speaking and Thinking on Your Feet
Help students become more comfortable with impromptu speaking situations, such as answering unexpected questions. Quick, fun impromptu speaking games where students are given random topics to talk about for 30 seconds to a minute.
Group discussion on strategies for organizing thoughts quickly under pressure.
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Communications from Florida Atlantic University
🎉 NEW TO OUTSCHOOL?
Use code ProfessorM20 for $20 off your first class! 💸
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a passionate and engaging educator with various teaching experiences and extensive expertise, and I want to help your child become a confident and empowered communicator!
I have been a Professor of Communication for over ten years. I have Master’s Degrees in Rhetorical Communication and Gender Studies and have taught Public Speaking, Introduction to Communication, Argumentation and Debate, and Interpersonal Communication. At my institution, I created the first special section of our required speech course to help students with anxiety. I firmly believe anyone can be a confident speaker with the right tools and training.
I also have three years of experience teaching children live in an online environment. I have helped elementary-aged children improve their English skills. In addition, I have experience tutoring young adults needing help with writing, editing, and research.
Communication skills are crucial to a child’s success, and I am passionate about helping everyone become better communicators. As a mom of three, I see the need for communication courses, and I see how much my guidance has helped my own children, so allow me to help your child with all their communication needs.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$18
weekly or $162 for 9 classes1x per week, 9 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
3-6 learners per class