Approaches to Learning (ATL’s)

Educators (and parents) are charged with preparing students for life after school. For some that means university while others will go different route. No matter which path students decide to follow, there are various skills and attributes that need to be developed within them ensuring they experience success in whatever they decide to do.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) has identified five skills (Thinking, Social, Self-Management, Research and Communication) and sub-skills that PYP teachers should strive to develop. These skills are referred to as Approaches to Learning (ATL’s). In the PYP publication Making the PYP Happen, it states, “These skills are valuable, not only in the units of inquiry, but also for any teaching and learning that goes on within the classroom, and in life outside the school”. In doing so, students realize that the skills are not “pigeon-holed” to one discipline. In fact, they soon learn that these skills can be transferred to a multitude of situations. The PYP also believes to enhance these skills, they should be taught in a transdisciplinary manner. Although teachers report on the skills in the context of the units of inquiry, it is important to remember that these skills are utilized in all areas of the curriculum. These ATL skills permeate through the three IB programmes, PYP, MYP and DP.

ATL’s are also at the forefront of the teachers planning for teaching and learning. When planning lessons, teachers develop activities that support the development of ATL’s. Daily opportunities are provided at school for students to practice using ATL’s and to reflect on how they are applying them to their learning. Parents can support student use of these skills outside of school by referring to them with their children. As with any tool, the more purposeful, guided opportunities we have to use them, the more skilled we become in its use.

Dr. Michael Berry
Head of Primary