OUR APPROACH

Parents and students alike are ready for a new learning dynamic. WonderLab was created to bridge the gaps between public and private institutions, homeschooling, and conventional learning centers that often focus on ”learning to know” facts and figures.

WonderLab’s model focuses on “learning to be” curious, lifelong learners and “learning to do” skills aligned with your passions.  It is built around four foundational questions that Mentor Guides support learners in answering:
  1. Who am I and where am I going?
  2. What skills do I need and which special skill should I master?
  3. How do I prove what I can do?
  4. Who will mentor me, affirm me and hold me accountable beyond the Lab?

Our approach to guiding and inspiring learners comprises three key components:

1. Initial family consultation to identify the gifts and opportunities of the learner

2. Students create an inspired hypothesis and personalized learning playlist to help develop real world skills

LIGHTING THE PATH
Who am I?
Where am I going?

Initial Family Consultation and Membership Plan Selection: A free, half-hour meeting where families define their learning goals and priorities for the next 12 months using WonderLab’s Learning to Know/Do/Be framework. The primary objectives are for the WonderLab Team to understand a family’s needs, answer questions about the model, and determine the extent to which there is a fit.  

We offer monthly membership plans ranging from $200 to $400 that takes the desired scope of engagement and schedule into consideration.

Inspired Hypothesis: Through a series of small group discussions facilitated by Mentor Guides, students reflect on their unique gifts and talents and how they might be used in a way that brings them joy in learning and developing real-world skills.
  • Opportunities and Injustices:  What issues do they care about more than most? 
  • Gifts:  What skills can they perform better than most?
  • Flow:  What activities cause them to feel “in the zone” and lose track of time?

Strengths Explorer Diagnostic: In partnership with Gallup, learners complete the StrengthsExplorer diagnostic designed to help them better understand their individual talents.

A GUIDED JOURNEY
What skills will I need? 
How do I prove what I can do?

Mentor Guide Assignment:
Students choose a Mentor Guide with whom they sign a learning contract and meet in-person and via Skype at a frequency outlined in their membership plan. These part-time professionals model their own love of learning, ask good questions, and provide encouragement and accountability.

Personalized Learning Playlist: Students develop skills through best-in-class online courses and offline learning projects curated from top content providers accessed at home, in the Learning Lab, and though local apprenticeships.

Portfolio: Students design and maintain a digital portfolio where learning goals and progress are captured. Initially useful in securing apprenticeships, the portfolio becomes a valuable tool for college, career and life.

Inspired Interviews and Apprenticeships: Mentor Guides aren't the only resources to help pursue your inspired goal.  Students identify local leaders in their fields of interest who can provide invaluable advice and perspective. 

CONSTANT NAVIGATION
Is this working? 
Where do I go from here?

Inspired Hypothesis Revision: The hypothesis is revisited every month. Is what the student is learning confirming their interests, or leading them in a different direction?

Family Learning Goals Revision: The family gathers quarterly at WonderLab to revisit their 12-month learning goals and priorities, celebrate successes and troubleshoot challenges.

Customer Satisfaction: Every month, a customer satisfaction survey goes out to each family, asking if WonderLab is delivering on its end of the learning contract. An inferior overall rating will trigger a refund of a given month’s membership fee.




We invite you to join WonderLab. Explore our membership options here.