Approaches to Learning are deliberate strategies, skills and attitudes that permeate the IB teaching and learning environment. They supports the IB belief that a large influence on a student’s education is not only what you learn but also how you learn. The ATLs focus on teaching students how to learn and this has always been a part of IB teaching, but now the IB is providing more explicit support for teaching these skills.
The focus on ATL will improve the quality of teaching and learning across the programmes and may result in more engaged teachers and students.
The IB Approaches to Learning skills are as follows:
To ensure the Approaches to Learning are embedded into the learning culture they are supported by the Approaches to Teaching (ATT) that include pedagogical strategies that are:
Those students who are aspiring to apply to a university undergraduate degree programme will be registered for the Full IB Diploma whereby they:
Universities in over 90 countries recognise the IB Diploma and it enables students to gain entrance to the most competitive universities around the world where admissions staff recognise the academic rigour of the IB. In the United Kingdom, it is a highly regarded alternative to A levels while in the United States, recognition of the IB Diploma is growing rapidly and many institutions will award first year credit for success on IB courses.
Universities look favourably upon IB Diploma students as the curriculum model develops a balanced variety of skills. These include ‘cognitive skills’ such as analysing and synthesising data and being able to partake in critical thinking with intellectual thought and insight.
Students also develop ‘affective skills’ such as persistence and perseverance, developing resilience and working independently or as part of a team.
IB Diploma students will be intellectually courageous within the range of subjects that they study and will be equipped for a greater choice of undergraduate degree programmes.
The skill-set that Diploma Programme students develop, especially through experiencing the IB ‘Core’ are highly valued by universities. Employers are also increasingly looking for these affective skills such as flexibility and adaptability, which is something all Diploma Programme graduates are able to offer.
Further details on University recognition of Diploma Programme subjects in different countries:
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is widely recognised throughout the world for its rigorous academic programme that prepares global citizens for the best universities in the world.
IB DIPLOMA AT NAIS HK
