ATL means Approaches to Learning.
The "Approaches to Learning" (ATL) is a framework developed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) organization. It is an integral part of the IB program and is designed to help students develop the skills they need to become independent learners, critical thinkers, and responsible members of a global community.
Thinking Skills: The ability to creatively and critically analyse, apply, evaluate, synthesize, conceptualize, contextualize, reason, and solve problems
Critical Thinking: Analyzing and evaluating issues and ideas.
Creativity: Thinking of new and innovative ideas.
Problem-Solving: Finding solutions to complex problems.
Decision-Making: Making informed and responsible decisions.
Communication Skills: The ability to produce and interpret messages effectively.
Listening: Actively and empathetically receiving information.
Speaking: Expressing ideas clearly and coherently.
Reading: Understanding and interpreting various forms of communication.
Writing: Communicating ideas effectively in written form.
Social Skills: The ability to participate and collaborate with others whilst showing awareness and respect for other cultures, varying points of view, and individual differences.
Collaboration: Working effectively with others toward a common goal.
Teamwork: Contributing positively to group dynamics.
Interpersonal Skills: Building positive relationships with others.
Conflict Resolution: Managing and resolving conflicts constructively.
Self-Management Skills: The ability to set goals, manage time and tasks effectively, and manage your state of mind, self-motivation, resilience, and mindfulness.
Organization: Planning and managing time effectively.
Goal Setting: Setting and working toward personal and academic goals.
Perseverance: Demonstrating resilience and commitment.
Ethical Decision-Making: Making choices aligned with ethical principles.
Research Skills: The ability to determine the extent of information needed, locate and access information, organize and evaluate information, and use and share information effectively, efficiently, and ethically.
Information Literacy: Locating, evaluating, and using information effectively.
Media Literacy: Understanding and using different forms of media.
Independent Inquiry: Conducting independent research and inquiry.
Self-Reflection: Reflecting on one's own learning and growth.
ATL instructional statement
In order for students Objective (selected Criteria), students ……. (unpacking the ATL skills). The skills that will be taught and practiced is …… (scaffolding tool).
▪ Direct instruction:
teacher-centered, presentation of preparatory material
Implicit Learning: Learners remain unaware of the learning that has taken place, although it is evidence in the behavioral responses they make. Thus, learners cannot verbalize what they have learned.
Explicit learning: Learners are aware that they have learned something and can verbalize what they have learned. (Ellis,2009, p.3)
Indirect instruction:
student-centered involvement through observation and investigation
- problem solving, case studies, inquiry, reading for meaning, reflective discussion, concept mapping, concept formation
Approaches to Teaching
Inquiry-based teaching
Description:
Inquiry-based teaching is an approach that emphasizes student engagement in the learning process through questioning, investigation, and exploration. Rather than providing students with direct answers, teachers encourage them to ask questions, conduct research, and discover solutions. This approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a sense of curiosity.
Characteristics:
Student-generated questions drive the learning process.
Emphasis on research skills, investigation, and analysis.
Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through the inquiry process.
Learning is often contextualized and applied to real-world situations.
Concept-driven teaching
Description:
A concept-driven approach to teaching focuses on central ideas or overarching concepts within a subject. Instead of memorizing isolated facts, students explore and understand the fundamental concepts that connect various topics. This approach aims to deepen students' understanding and promote transferable knowledge.
Characteristics:
Exploration of key concepts that underpin the subject matter.
Emphasis on understanding relationships and connections between ideas.
Integrates interdisciplinary perspectives.
Encourages critical thinking and application of concepts to different contexts.
Contextualized teaching
Description:
Contextualized teaching involves presenting content within a meaningful context, making it relevant and applicable to students' lives. This approach recognizes that learning is more effective when students can see the real-world implications and applications of the concepts being taught.
Characteristics:
Integration of real-world examples, scenarios, or case studies.
Emphasis on connecting theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
Provides a framework for understanding how concepts are applied in different contexts.
Enhances student engagement and relevance of learning.
Collaborative teaching
Description: Collaborative teaching involves students working together in groups or pairs to achieve common learning goals. This approach emphasizes the development of teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills. Collaboration fosters a sense of community and encourages diverse perspectives.
Characteristics:
- Group projects, discussions, and cooperative learning activities.
- Emphasis on communication and teamwork.
- Encourages sharing of ideas and collective problem-solving.
- Promotes a supportive learning community.
Differentiated teaching
Description: Differentiated instruction is an approach that recognizes and accommodates the diverse learning needs and preferences of students. Teachers tailor their instruction to address varying levels of readiness, interests, and learning profiles within the same classroom.
Characteristics:
- Varied instructional strategies and materials to meet individual needs.
- Flexible grouping based on student abilities or interests.
- Personalized learning plans and assessments.
- Focuses on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Informed by assessment
Description: Teaching informed by assessment involves using ongoing assessments to guide instructional decisions. Teachers regularly gather data on student progress, understanding, and learning preferences, then adjust their teaching methods accordingly. This approach ensures that instruction is responsive to the needs of individual students.
Characteristics:
- Continuous assessment through formative and summative methods.
- Regular feedback to inform instructional adjustments.
- Personalized learning goals based on assessment data.
- Promotes a responsive and adaptive teaching approach.