Teachers engaged in relevant topics like Digital Citizenship, Assessment, Mathematics Literacy, Differentiated Learning and the roles of Arts and PE in the classroom
The fraternity of International Baccalaureate (IB) schools has been a source of inspiration and an example on sharing of best practices and collaboration not only in India but across the globe. And a recent event hosted by Gurugram-based Lancers International School in which over 400 academicians, teachers, experts and other practitioners came together for an enriching understanding and the importance of effective classroom engagement to educate 21st century learners underscores that culture.
Most of the participants were from 24 IB World Schools in North India and from Nepal Network (NINNS) of IB Schools. The day-long conclave on Sep 21 was designed as a Job‐Alike Session and aimed to build a common understanding among teachers of the best practices in the PYP of International Baccalaureate World Schools.
The session started with a session on understanding resilience with Mrs Parminder Langer, a well recognized educationist. She threw light on mental health and resilience strategies that teachers must use in the classroom to help students in the transition from primary to secondary school. This was followed by interactive discussion.
After this Lancers International School teachers facilitated breakout sessions. These breakout sessions began with a relevant big idea and research study as an important point of discussion. Participants were also invited to enrich the session with sharing of ideas they employ in their own classrooms and schools. Some of the participating schools were GD Goenka, Amity Global, Genesis Global School, Pathways, Scottish High International, K.R. Mangalam, and DPS International.
Teachers engaged in relevant topics like Digital Citizenship, Assessment, Mathematics Literacy, Differentiated Learning and the roles of Arts and PE in the classroom. The session on International‐Mindedness and the Learner Profile highlighted the 10 attributes of the IB learner profile and how it will help learners bring intercultural understanding and respect in our modern world. The Arts in PYP session started with an engaging drama ice breaker, NAME GAME where all the participants had to introduce themselves in a dramatic way. The session on Inquiry, What it Sounds, Looks and Feels like stressed upon student agency where voice, choice and ownership is at the core of learning. It is followed by a discussion on how teachers play the role of facilitators in the learning process when the students are encouraged towards independent and constructive critical thinking.
“We are educating 21st‐century learners with 20th‐century teachers using 19th‐century curriculum. The IB World Schools aim to reduce the education gap by constantly collaborating and engaging in relevant discussions that impact our learners future. We are always excited to host such events for our professional learning communities in the region,” commented Annabelle Villamarin, Primary School Principal of Lancers International School.
“I am sure that the teachers of all participating school have had a tremendous learning experience and they would have plenty of takeaways. At the heart of IB education is collaborationthat strongly brings in the spirit of learning, sharing and respecting diverse ideas. At the end of it, our children will have to be the biggest beneficiaries and that would be a goal achieved”, say the Head of the School, Mr Y K Sindhwani.
The Job‐Alike Session for IB Schools left the teachers with an enriching and informative experience.
