Abot Tala Self-Directed Learning Center will run the 3rd block of its online program for teens ages 12-18 from October 19 to December 19, 2020.
The first week, October 19-23, will be our Teen-Led Week. For classes that will be extended from block 2 (Aug-Sept) to block 3 (Oct-Dec), the teens will lead the review sessions to prepare everyone for their classes with their mentors which will start the week after. Teens can also offer special classes that week or they can also start meeting with their clubs. New members of Abot Tala will also get to meet the four members of our mentoring staff during our first week. This will also serve as our free trial week if your teen would like to see if Abot Tala is the community for them.
All of our formal classes will start the week of October 26-30. The block will culminate with a Christmas party and block presentation on December 19.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?
This program is ideal for teens who are looking for a community that encourages Interest-Led Learning. We welcome teen homeschoolers, unschoolers, and those who are taking a gap year, especially during this global pandemic.
WHAT ONLINE PLATFORM WILL THE TEENS USE?
We’ve set up a virtual Abot Tala teen center on Slack. Think of it as a teen hub where teens get to hang out to chat, share music, art, book and video finds, and more through the different non-class channels where they can talk to the teens and mentors in our community anytime they want to.
On Slack, they’ll have the channels (think of it as rooms) of their different classes and they’ll have access to it anytime throughout the program. When it’s time for their class, their mentor will post the link to their Zoom meeting within their class channel and from there, they’ll have an hour-long session.
HOW DOES THIS SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING PROGRAM WORK?
Our teens get to choose and join the classes they’d like to be part of based on their interests and curiosity. They have the freedom to design their schedule for the week around the classes they’ve chosen, so they’d also have time to collaborate with other teens and work on their passion projects and homeschool requirements (if they have a homeschool provider). When they join our classes there won’t be any quizzes or tests, nor will they be graded. The motivation to be part of a class is purely to learn and not to earn grades.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE CLASSES AND WHAT ARE THE CLASSES THIS BLOCK?
For over a year now, here’s what we’ve been doing: A few weeks into the current block we ask our community of teens what they want to learn and what classes they want to have for the next block. During our second block, we had three brainstorming sessions with our teens to find out which classes they’d like to extend and what new classes they’d want to have for our third block. Based on the classes and topics that they suggested, we look for mentors who are either industry practitioners or are passionate about the topic and would like to invest in our teens’ lives through non-traditional teaching ways. Here are the classes the community asked for:
FEES
What the fee includes: Access to all classes that are available on the day(s) they’ve signed up for including our Community Huddle every Monday at 9 am and all of our activities/sessions during our daily Community Hour from 3-4 pm and all of our Friday sessions. Teens also have access to different teen-led clubs.
Those who sign-up for full-time membership (4 days, 3 days, and 2 days a week) are matched with a mentor whom they have one-on-one advisory sessions once a week. During these sessions, they get to talk about how their classes and activities are going, what keeps them busy, what projects they’re working on, whatever direction they wish to take, and more. Fulltime members may also join the live online classes of our partner Liberated Learners centers across the USA.
Meanwhile, for those who’d like to join us but would only want to choose per class basis, the fee is 3,200 per class for the whole block (8 sessions x PHP400 per session). They will only have access to the channel/room of the class they signed up for.
MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
- If you have any questions or clarifications about the program, you may email us at abottala.ph@gmail.com or call/text 09152864494.
- Once you’re ready to sign-up, click here and fill up our sign-up form.
- Expect an email to confirm your registration and to schedule a family meeting.
- Family Meeting (for new members only)
- An invitation to our Slack workspace will be sent to your teen so they can start to get to know the community through the non-class channels.
- Expect your invoice and our bank details via email.
- Once payment has been made (via online transfer or Paypal), please email us a copy of your proof payment.
- After we’ve received a copy of your proof of payment, we will add your teen to his/her class channels on Slack.
HERE’S MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLASSES:
MONDAYS
Community Huddle
The only hour in the week where all of our teens are in one place! During huddles we have activities, both mentor and teen-led, to help us get to know each other better. We also get to talk about community updates, as well as questions and issues they may have about the program. This is also when we consult the teens about certain decisions we make for the community. The Community Huddle is open to all members of Abot Tala, even if they didn’t sign up to attend on Mondays.
Math Gym B (Arithmetic, Pre-Algebra) with Ericho Fuentes
This math class covers pre-algebra topics such as integers, fractions, percentages, and basic geometry. The objective of this course is to equip the learners with basic, practical mathematics knowledge that will prepare them for real-life applications and higher mathematics. This course will be administered asynchronously while utilizing online resources from Khan Academy and Tutorials in Taglish to address the varied learning paces and levels of the members of the class.
The Cultural Exchange with Joyce Buen
There’s more to traveling than just being a tourist. In this world cultures and geography class, we will explore countries and cultures that aren’t often talked about in mainstream media. We will also be meeting people from around the world who will share all about their cultures so that we know what everyday life is like on the other sides of the world.
Graphic Design with Chep Melchor
This class focuses on digital arts. From understanding concepts used in the design industry to executing them in practice, students and participants of this block will come out more versed in graphic design. The module will be broken down into theoretical discussions and workshop sessions.
(Requirements for the class: computer/Ipad/tablet, installed Adobe Photoshop or any comparable software, mouse/trackpad/Apple pen)
[H]istorya: World Edition with Dustin Ancheta
This is an 8-Session crash course in World History from the perspective of the East going West. It is designed as a series of thought-provoking lectures on events that shaped the world into what we see today from the eyes of Asia moving to Europe and even to the Americas. Expect discussions on religions, plagues, weapons, war, politics, governance, and everything else that tells the story of humanity!
TUESDAYS
Basic Filipino Sign Language with Pauline & Cristina Guanzon
Learn the basics of FSL. If you’ve never taken a sign language class, this is a good starting point. FSL is English-based (not Tagalog), and is largely based on ASL just with some localization to Filipino culture.
Music Theory with Ericho Fuentes
This class is designed for informally trained, intermediate-level musicians who want to have a better understanding of notes, scales, chords, and other musical concepts. The students will also be guided on how to use these theoretical concepts in their own playing.
*Please note that Basic FSL and Music Theory are simultaneous classes. Teens will have to choose which class they’d like to attend.
Advanced Filipino Sign Language with Pauline & Cristina Guanzon
If you’ve learned the basics of FSL, this class will help you level up how you communicate in Sign.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly with Mich Alagao
A crime and ethics class where students learn about ideas in criminology and ethics and how these relate to everyday life. Students will be asked questions and given scenarios that encourage critical thinking and reflection.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly alternates weekly with Scriptorium
Scriptorium with Mich Alagao
A writing class and workshop where teens can hone their essay writing skills.
Math Gym A (Algebra, Geometry, Pre-calculus) with Ericho Fuentes
This class covers algebra, geometry, and precalculus. This course will be administered asynchronously while utilizing online resources from Khan Academy and Tutorials in Taglish to address the varied learning paces and levels of the members of the class. This course is recommended for teens who are considering a career in science, engineering, and finance.
WEDNESDAYS
Imagination’s Edge: Leveled up! with Owie dela Cruz
Throughout the block, the teens will be working on 4 projects. One session will be allocated to discussing scenarios/hypothetical questions. After which the class will be grouped either by pairs or small groups and they’ll be tasked to work on a project based on the scenarios and questions discussed. They’ll be expected to present their work at the next session. This class aims to stretch the teens’ imagination. They’ll be encouraged to run free and go wild with the projects they’ll come up with. They will also be mentored on how to present their ideas.
Survey Says (Data and Statistics) with Ericho Fuentes
Business sales, science experiments, basketball games – basically all activities in the world – are describable with numbers. This class will teach the members statistics, the science of gathering data, and transforming them into insightful information that can guide businessmen, scientists, sports analysts, etc. in making informed decisions about their endeavors.
Basic Japanese with Jennifer Kim
This class is for beginners in the Japanese language. It is designed to equip students with basic proficiency in reading, speaking, listening, and writing Japanese. By the end of the course, students are able to recognize and write all the syllabic characters (Hiragana and Katakana) and some basic Kanji characters, read short words and phrases, speak simple sentences needed for daily conversation using the polite grammatical form, and appreciate Japanese culture.
*Please note that Survey Says and Basic Japanese are simultaneous classes. Teens will have to choose which class they’d like to attend.
Siklab: Hikayat sa Pagbasa ng Noli Me Tangere with Icia Encinas
Madalas iniisip ng mga tao na mahirap basahin ang nobelang Noli me Tangere dahil napakahaba nito. Ano nga ba ang kahalagahan ng pagbasa sa nobelang naisulat mahigit isang daang taon na ang nakaraan? Sa maikling kurso na ito sismulan ang pagsuri at pagbasa ng unang bahagi ng nobela. Sino si Crisostomo Ibarra? Bakit ganoon Ang ugali no Maria Clara? Ano Ang nagyari Kay Elias at Sisa? At bakit ba mahalagang balikan at suriin ang ganitong mga nobela? Kung gusto niyo masagot ang inyong mga katanungan, samahan ninyo ako at ating hihimayin at paguusapan ang nobelang umantig sa puso ng mga mamamayan. Alamin natin kung bakit hanggang ngayon napapanahon pa rin pagusapan Ang mga akda ni Dr. Jose Rizal. (Kailangan para sa klase na ito ang librong Noli Me Tangere na isinalin ni Virgilio S. Almario. Mabibili ito sa Adarna House gamit ang link na ito: Noli Me Tangere)
Production Management with Joyce Buen
Ever wondered how your favorite shows come to life? This class will give you a glimpse of what happens in the creation of a show by showing you all the different production departments behind it! Every week, we’ll have guest experts to share the different parts of theatre production from artistic planning, lights and sounds, costumes and makeup, and more! The teens will simulate show-building, by conceptualizing and planning their own show with each one focused on the department of their interest!
THURSDAYS
Digital Painting with Stuart Paul Dee Yang
This class will discuss how to do digital illustrations using photoshop, character creations, and colorization. (Class requirements: Computer/Ipad/tablet, installed Adobe Photoshop or comparable software, pen mouse or Apple pen.)
Voice Acting and Audio Production with Gabe Gabriel
This class will cover voice acting techniques and basic sound editing. (Class requirements: A recording device and a sound editing program.)
The Daily Planet with Mich Alagao
Teens will talk about and reflect on the latest events, breaking news, and whatever is going on in the world.
Psychology with Nikole Delene Lim
It is by understanding one’s behavior that we are able to open our minds. This class introduces key concepts of Psychology, different disciplines and types of Psychology, and a better understanding of your own self and the people around you.
COMMUNITY FRIDAYS
These are classes and sessions that are free of charge for any teen who is part of our current block. It’s our way of making sure that there’s one day a week that’s fully available to all of our members so we can build a stronger community of self-directed learners.
Game Development with Ramil Saavedra
Through this 8-week course, de-stress and let your imagination run wild as you learn how to design & make your own video games.
Magkwentuhan Tayo! with Owie dela Cruz
Isang oras ng kwentuhan tungkol sa kung ano man ang gustong pag-usapan ng mga kabataan sa klaseng ito. Layunin nitong masanay at maging komportable ang mga kabataan na makipagkwentuhan gamit ang Filipino at Taglish.
(It’s a full hour of conversation about whatever the teens want to talk about. The goal is to get the teens comfortable and confident in conversing in Filipino and Taglish)
Test Prep Study Group with various mentors
This is our way of supporting and helping our teens who are independently homeschooling or unschooling prepare for whatever state-administered tests they need to take like the ALS A&E test or the PEPT. As they study as a group for a major test, they’re given a certain peace of mind that they’re doing what they can with friends to prepare for something big.
Ready, Set, Draw! with Diane Gabriel
One hour of just letting our creativity flow freely through sketching and drawing.
Safe and Sound Hour with Paul and Julie Rohrer
This is our mental health support group for teens. It’s a full hour dedicated to creating a safe and sound space by supporting each other. Our facilitators aim to give our teens hope and they help them make brave and healthy steps forward as they navigate through overwhelming situations. For more info please visit www.facebook.com/safeandsoundformentalhealth
Pop-up Classes & Workshops
The Abot Tala team will be inviting different resource speakers to talk about topics that would possibly interest our teens. These sessions will be open to teens who are not part of the community for a minimal fee.
Daily Community Hour Sessions from 3-4 pm.
These sessions are available to all of our current members, no matter what day they’ve signed up for.
Club/Org Hour (Mondays)
This is when teens can meet with clubs and organizations.
Relationships 101 with Owie dela Cruz (Tuesdays)
Learn more about how to navigate through personal relationships. This class will talk about teens’ questions about relationships. We believe that it’s better to talk about it openly so that they can get the guidance they want and need. Throughout the class, they’ll also meet different guests who will share their stories and nuggets of wisdom about relationships.
Relationships 101 alternates weekly with “What If….”
“What If….” facilitated by different Abot Tala mentors (Tuesdays)
Have you ever thought “What would happen if I was mugged/attacked/lost in the woods?” In this class, students will learn some practical advice for tough situations that they might (hopefully not) find themselves in.
Teen-led Classes (Wednesdays)
We love empowering our teens by encouraging them to teach classes about their different interests and passion. This is their hour. They’re in charge and we’re excited to see what they’ll come up with.
Game Show Hour with Ericho Fuentes (Thursdays)
History, Science, Art, Movies, and anything under the sun, really. Lead your team to victory in the weekly Game Show Hour — our version of your typical Quiz Night!
To read about our mentors, click here.
For more photos of our past activities, visit our Instagram account here: https://www.instagram.com/abottala/
For more information or to set an appointment for an online family meeting with us, call or text 0915-2864494 .
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