Approaches to Learning (ATLs) at a Glance
















In the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, Approaches to Learning are integrated into the curriculum to help students become a well-rounded, informed and responsible global citizen. Listed below are a few prompts which parents and guardians can use to help promote ATLs at home. 


Approaches to Learning 

Examples of questions 

Thinking skills

Students analyse ideas and explore creative solutions to solving real world problems.


I wonder what would happen if you…..?

I wonder why you chose….?

Why do you think….?

How do you know….?

What do you think made this happen?

Communication skills

Students use diverse media to express their ideas and share their thinking with others.


Will you tell me about what you are doing?

What happened when you…..?

How could you share your learning with…? (talking, drawing, writing, presentations)

Research skills

Students have systems for finding and sharing their questions and understandings. 

I wonder what would happen if you….

How can we find out more about….?

What do you think will happen next…?

Self-management skills

Students learn to manage their time, tasks, and emotions successfully.


What might be another way to solve this problem?

Is there another way to try this?

What might be your next step?

Social skills

Students develop empathy and the skills to engage successfully in a learning community.


Can….. do anything to help?

Can….. join in?

How could ….. Help you solve this problem?

What would…... do in this situation?

When you have finished with the …., can … have a turn?



To learn more: 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exploring transdisciplinary themes in the PYP

Image
Transdisciplinary Themes  Learning in the PYP is guided by six transdisciplinary themes. Each theme is selected for their relevance to the real world. Themes are structured to support transdisciplinary learning. Students explore the six themes each year of the program with the exception of Early years (EY3&4, Kindergarten) who explore four themes to allow more time for organized and creative play.  The descriptors for each theme are listed below. Who we are   Inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; person, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; and human relationships.  Where we are in place and time  Inquiry into our orientation in place and time; personal histories; the discoveries and explorations of humankind; and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations.  How we express ourselves  Inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values.  How the wo...
Read more

IB PYP Terminology: Tips for PYP Parents

Image
As an important part of your child's learning community, you can play an active role in helping your child grow, supporting both their ability to take charge (Agency) and their understanding of different ideas (Conceptual Understanding). Whether it involves the more structured learning connected to their schooling or the spontaneous, unplanned learning through play, exploration, and life experiences; these strategies will help you empower your child to become a lifelong learner with a sense of agency. Supporting Your Child's Conceptual Understanding: Tips for PYP Parents   Value Process   How did you do that?  Why did you do that?  What strategy did you use?  Harness the Power of Key Concepts (These questions work for everything and every time.)  Form: What does it look like?  Function: How does it work?  Connection: How is it connected to other things?  Change: How does it change?  Causation: Why is it like that? Why is it the way ...
Read more

Promoting inquiry at home

Image
Student inquiry is one of the essential elements of the PYP (Primary Years Program).  Inquiry is an approach to learning that involves investigation, reflection, examination and research.  Inquiry-based teaching and learning lets students make decisions on what they would like to learn about a particular topic or concept and gets students to ask questions rather than absorb facts. In the IB,  inquiry-based teaching and learning are  imperative to developing a self-motivated student (student agency) .   Personal inquiries allow students to  focus on their own interests . Personal inquiries are designed to motivate students and help them become passionate about a topic or idea. Personal inquiries help students in developing a deep level of knowledge and can even  inspire students to take action .  Parents and guardians can help promote personal inquiries at home. Listed below are a few ideas to get the inquiry cycle off the ground at home....
Read more