Parvin Peivandi, IB Reflection, Nov. 27th, 2014
Learning about the ATL skills in IB education, got me reflecting on my own practice and how much did I considered these skills in designing my unit plans before? I think the most remarkable aspect of the IB education is its systematic approach and in developing the important skills that students need to function well in society. IB education emphasizes both on self-reflection as well as the teachers’ reflection. Some of the great ATL skills that I like to consider in my unit plans are self-reflection skills, organization skills, collaboration skills, creative thinking skills, critical thinking skills and Affective kills.
Affective skills seem more challenging for me as I ask myself how can I design a unit plan in which this ATL skill is considered: How can students manage their own state of mind? This is the area that I feel I need to do research more and studies in order to help my students better to improve themselves.
I think considering all the ATL skills as approaches to learning and also Approaches to teaching (ATT) in IB education makes the IB education distinct and separate from the non-IB education, the education that makes the future generation more responsible and risk takers to solve the problems of the world. This got me reflecting on my huge responsibility as well to make my skills and knowledge in a great level to satisfy my student’s needs.