Approaches to learning
The International School at Mesa del Sol is an authorized IB World School for its Primary Years Programme and IB Middle Years Programme.
For additional information about IB World Schools, please visit ibo.org
A unifying thread throughout all MYP subject groups, approaches to learning (ATL) provide the foundation for independent learning and encourage the application of their knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.
Developing and applying these social, thinking, research, communication, and self-management skills helps students learn how to learn.
What are ATL Skills?
1. ATL is an acronym for Approaches to Learning.
2. The purpose of ATL skills:
● To help students ‘learn how to learn’.
● Help prepare for meaningful assessment.
● Provide a foundation for learning independently.
● Common language to help reflect and talk about their learning.
3. ATL skills at the MYP level are scaffolded into three stages:
● Novice/beginning—students are introduced to the skill, and can watch others performing it.
● Practitioner/using—students employ the skill confidently and effectively (demonstration).
● Expert/sharing—students can show others how to use the skill and accurately assess how effectively the skill is used (self-regulation)
4. The ATL skills are separated into a 5 part framework. See image below:
For more information about the IB programme please visit www.IBO.org