ted-ed club FAQs

What happens during a typical TED-Ed Club meeting?
Students will meet in a large group to discuss the week’s topic and watch a short TED Talk. They will then divide into small groups to work on specific skills like research and public speaking. The last two meetings will take place at the JMU Student Success Center where students will be recorded as they practice their full TED Talk. This will prepare them for the final presentation.

What is the final presentation?
At the end of the 12-week session, each student will have completed a short 3-5 minute TED Talk. Their talk will include a speech and a visual presentation. They will then have the opportunity to give their TED Talk in front of their families and other members of the community.  It will be recorded and available to share on-line.

What is the time commitment?
We meet each week for 12 weeks for 2 hours. In addition to that, students can expect about 30 minutes to an hour of work at home each week. 

What if I miss a meeting?
Because the lessons for the TED-Ed Club are cumulative, it can be difficult for students who miss more than one or two meetings to complete their final presentation in a timely manner. However, we also understand that students are very busy and will have occasional conflicts. We will do our best to make sure that participants have a chance to catch-up on missed lessons, though it may mean more “homework.”

Do parents have to stay with their children during TED-Ed Club meetings? Is the Museum open for younger siblings at that time?
This is a drop-off program and parents usually walk their children in and then leave until pick-up time. Since this is a special after-hours program,  the Museum will not be staffed for open play during club sessions.