Approaches To Learning
Skills developed through the MYP Approaches to Learning (ATL) can be categorized as: thinking, communication, social, self-management, and research skills. However, learning skills are interrelated and may also be seen as providing links to the IB Learner Profile and Global Contexts.
A few examples of each type of learning skill are identified below. The curriculum we provide includes strategies for development and self-assessment of these skills. Some of the questions to be answered by students regarding ATL skills are:
- What are my present skills in this area and what evidence do I have of my development?
- What skills can I improve?
- What new skills can I learn?
Thinking skills
How can students think critically, be creative, and transfer skills and knowledge across subjects?
- Critical-thinking skills such as interpreting data, evaluating evidence and arguments, and using models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues
- Creative-thinking skills like designing improvements to existing machines, media, and technologies, generating metaphors and analogies, and making guesses and asking “what if” questions to generate testable hypotheses
- Transfer-thinking skills that include making connections between disciplines, applying skills and knowledge in unfamiliar situations, and changing the context of an inquiry to gain different perspectives
Communication skills
How can students communicate through interaction?
- Give and receive feedback
- Use a variety of media to communicate with a range of audiences
- Share ideas with multiple audiences using a variety of digital environments and media
How can students demonstrate communication through language?
- Read critically and for comprehension
- Make effective summary notes for studying
- Structure information in summaries, essays and reports
Social skills
How can students collaborate?
- Delegate and share responsibility for decision-making
- Exercise leadership and take on a variety of roles within groups
- Listen actively to other perspectives and ideas
Self-management skills
How can students demonstrate organization skills?
- Keep and use a weekly planner for assignments
- Set goals that are challenging and realistic
- Use appropriate strategies for organizing complex information
How can students manage their own state of mind?
- Demonstrate persistence and perseverance
- Practice strategies to overcome distractions
- Practice “failing well”
How can students be reflective?
- Consider content - What did I learn about today?
- Consider ATL skills development - What can I already do? What will I work on next?
- Demonstrate flexibility in the selection and use of learning strategies
Research skills
How can students demonstrate information literacy?
- Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and make informed decisions
- Understand and use technology systems
- Understand and implement intellectual property rights
How can students demonstrate media literacy?
- Seek a range of perspectives from multiple and varied sources
- Compare, contrast and draw connections among (multi)media resources