Approaches to Learning

Through approaches to learning (ATL) in IB programmes, students develop skills that have relevance across the curriculum that help them “learn how to learn.” ATL skills can be learned and taught, improved with practice and developed incrementally. They provide a solid foundation for learning independently and with others. ATL skills help students prepare for and demonstrate learning through meaningful assessment. They provide a common language that students and teachers can use to reflect on and articulate on the process of learning. IB programmes identify five ATL skill categories, expanded into developmentally appropriate skill clusters. (MYP: From Principals To Practice, 2008). 
 
In IBDP Chemistry, Topic 2 is part of our first unit. We used this topic to introduce and practice three ATL skills which absolutely fundamental to being successful in the Diploma Program: 
Communication – Collaborate with peers and experts using a variety of digital environments and media, reading, writing, and using language to gather and communicate information. 
Research – Collecting, organizing, interpreting, and presenting information.
Self-Management – Organization, plan short, and long-term assignments; meet deadlines, create plans to prepare for summative assessments (examinations and performances), use appropriate strategies for organizing complex information. 

How did we do it?

1. Find and consider the learning objectives from the DP Chemistry Guide for topic 2. 
2. Consider what kind of product we can use to communicate our understandings. Since Mitali was not at school, she decided to use PowerPoint online to be able to work on the same slides at different times.  
3. Plan our time so we have the goal in sight and make the best use of the time.  
4. Work together to research the topic, making sure the information we find meets the DP Chemistry Topic 2 Learning Outcomes. Dillon and Mitali shared the learning outcomes to make better use of their time.
5. Work together and make the presentation. Dillon was at school but Mitali was not, so they had to communicate and overcome the time barrier and distance barrier. 

These are the same skills we will need to be successful when we study for summative assessments, when we complete our IAs, when we review for our Final DP exams, when we apply for College or University, when we want to know how to cook something, create a goal and accomplish it, figure out how to play a new instrument by ourselves.