Date & Time: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2 p.m. ET
Elementary students thrive when learning is active, hands-on, and driven by curiosity. Inquiry-based learning (IBL) experiences grounded in the design process help young learners develop critical thinking, creativity, confidence, and a growth mindset—key dispositions that directly support district priorities such as student engagement, social-emotional learning, and positive learning behaviors during the school day.
In this 30-minute Ed Talk, participants will explore how engineering and maker-style enrichment encourages persistence, collaboration, and productive struggle. The presentation will also examine why after-school time is uniquely positioned to support this work.
Key Takeaways
- Molding Learning Behaviors: Enriched experiences that boost engagement, SEL, and peer interactions while encouraging students to take more academic risks
- Instructional Reinforcement: How these enrichments reinforce instructional goals without adding pressure to the school day
- Beyond The School Day: How after-school time programs support this work while strengthening attendance, behavior, and overall student readiness to learn
- District Alignment: Practical insights for aligning these hands-on experiences with district goals to maximize impact
Speakers
Dr. Stella Kemp, Senior Director of District Partnerships, AlphaBEST
Matt Noble, CEO, Galileo Learning
Pamela Briskman, Vice President of Education, Galileo Learning
Sponsored by
