Learning Labs are a time to…practise or work on something specific.
These sessions focus on working one aspect of language or communication. Learning Labs let you practise things like asking and answering questions, giving opinions, disagreeing diplomatically, modal verbs, speaking conditionally, specific vocabulary,…the list goes on.
Most Learning Labs are stand-alone activities (i.e. one-offs), and may be repeated. Take a look at the Agenda for each session to see what we’ll be doing.
If there is something you would like to work on or have an idea for a Learning Lab, just send a message to services@babelcom.com with the subject field: Learning Lab request.
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Phrase Bank groups are a time to…develop useful tools to support your communication (and learning).
The objective behind the Phrase Bank groups is to bring people with similar communication requirements together to create useful reference tools as a team.
The existing Phrase Bank groups are: IT, Human Resources, Production, and Finance. If you would like to join one of these groups, or suggest a new Phrase Bank group, please send a message to services@babelcom.com with the subject field: Phrase Bank request.
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Web Classes are a place to…cover language needs.
The Web Classes are now a part of The English Works Club. They have Webinars, Learning Labs, and TalkTime activities that focus on acquiring and consolidating the language (whereas the regular Club activities focus more on communication and competencies).
The activities in the Web Classes are modular, in that the Webinars, Learning Labs and TalkTime sessions in a given week are related. Each session is repeated twice in the same week.
There are two stages in the Web Classes:
Group B – This group is for people with communication stages of Dependent or earlier. Please do not go to the activities for Group B unless you are previously invited.
Group C – This group is for people at a Dependent/Semi-Autonomous stage.
However, some people at a Semi-Autonomous stage might find the Web Classes helpful to reinforce and consolidate a shaky base in the language. If you feel that the Web Classes might benefit your learning, please tell us by sending a message to services@babelcom.com with the subject field: Web Class request.
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Consultation Corner is a place to…get some guidance.
Not sure which activities are best for you? Looking for a resource to support your needs? Not sure where or how to start your learning? Need a little push? If you would like some help, Leah will be available to guide you. For the time being, you will find a Consultation Corner session open on Fridays mid-morning.
(NB: If the scheduled time is impossible for you and you are interested in a Consultation, feel free to send Leah a message.)
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Techno-tips with David is a time to…take advantage of technology.
Some of you have expressed interest in knowing how to exploit the tools you have available but don’t necessarily know how to use comfortably. These sessions are focussed on tips and tricks for things like Office, or online tools.
You will find Techo-tips with David on Tuesdays at 11am.
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And of course, we still have our original activities:
Webinars are a time to…learn.
If you have got a need, a webinar just might have the answer!
Webinars share knowledge, ideas, or suggestions for common needs.
You will generally see a given webinar offered 2 months in a row, and rotating at different times of the day.
If there is something you would like to have covered in a Webinar or have an idea for one, please tell us by sending a message to services@babelcom.com with the subject field: Webinar request.
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TalkTime is an opportunity to…simply, speak.
You can join us when you want and for as long as you want. But just make sure you join us!
Some TalkTime sessions have a suggested topic, while others are meant to be completely spontaneous, but the objective is always the same: to practise speaking (…and listening, of course).
TalkTime sessions are great if you are looking to get more comfortable speaking and interacting in a group. They are also great for maintaining your English (e.g. when you really can’t dedicate much time to learning, or when you don’t use it often enough and don’t want to lose it).