#onlinepd

[missdydaniel]

Making the PYP Happen: Module 2

Learning Engagement 1: Transdisciplinary learning programme of inquiry

At TMTC, learning is not confined by traditional subjects but is supported and enriched by them. Each one of the transdisciplinary themes encompasses the universal understandings common to all human beings. They are open enough to embrace a variety of perspectives and content areas.

For example, during literature classes, students explore ways in which we discover and express ideas, our feelings, nature, different cultures, beliefs and values, creativity, and our appreciation of aesthetics. These stories are deeply explored by asking students conceptual questions. Through exploring different stories around the world, students develop a layered understanding of themselves and the connections they have with the rest of humanity. Through languages, they explore new vocabulary that helps them create poems while getting to know well-known authors of the 20th century.

Best practices in a transdisciplinary environment do not compartmentalize learning, but rather explore content within the context of inquiry.

Teachers in TMTC practice involvement and collaboration which is a requirement in transdisciplinary learning. We shift away from the comfort zone of working individually by sharing ideas with each other for the purpose of integrating learning experiences. This results in building meaningful and enduring understandings for students.

Learning Engagement 2: Concept driven curriculum

Our team chose to collaborate on the following related concepts and central ideas. We also decided to show the connection or continuity of transdisciplinary learning among the PYP grade levels.

Coming up with a coherent and well-aligned POI does not happen overnight. It is a process of continuous reflections and modifications, and it involves collaboration among staff members of the school community.

Here is a sample of our collaboration on the transdisciplinary theme (how we organize ourselves). We chose the unit (movie-making) for 6th to 8th graders. We also focused on how the central idea can be integrated into all the subject areas.

Learning Engagement 3: Approaches to learning

Here are my ideas on the challenges we face in the modern education which also reflect my teaching experiences for the past eight years.

Generally speaking, modern problems require modern solutions. Effective teaching nowadays requires the possession of diverse or transdisciplinary skills. However, the process is never just the teacher's responsibility. Motivation and support should mainly come from the learners and their parents.

(please continue to Module 3)

[missdydaniel]

Making the PYP happen: Module 1

Learning Engagement 2: Developing global citizens through the learner profile

I think the easiest way to make the students understand the aimed attributes towards holistic development is to simplify them in child-friendly language. Moreover, I believe that in order to effectively teach students the required attributes, teachers should also possess the same qualities.

Learning Engagement 3: Embedding international-mindedness

We can develop INTERNATIONAL MINDEDNESS in our students through the ff. strategies: 1. Multilingualism or learning a new language can improve your cognitive skills and mental wellbeing. One school where I worked had over 10 nationalities in its community! It is now common for many children at international schools to leave primary school speaking 2 or more languages. 2. Gap years and international travel (for older students) are seen as positives on a CV, demonstrating adaptability, flexibility, and collaborative skills. 3. Global politics, worldwide environmental issues, and dramatic population movements across continents have become part of our everyday lives. If we want our children to grow up to be innovators and leaders in positive global change, then embedding these topics in the curricula is a must. 4. Exploring new countries and cultures through reading stories from around the world. In a safe and encouraging learning environment, these stories invited discussion and celebration of our similarities and differences, they encouraged empathy for our fellow human beings and sparked a spirit of wonder and curiosity about the world around us. 5. You can also watch foreign films or world documentaries together, volunteer at local shelters, take part in environmental work, and visit local places of worship. 6. Multiculturalism through social media brings the benefits of international living wherever we are. Explore and encourage them to talk about their world and what they perceive to be reality - is this the same reality that's being perceived by children growing up in Brazil or Cambodia, Russia, or the Middle East?

Learning Engagement 4: The role of language

Let me simplify the role of language in promoting and provoking international-mindedness and transdisciplinary learning using the Connect-Extend-Challenge chart:

(please continue to Module 2)

[missdydaniel]

Making the PYP happen: Coffee Corner

Let me begin with something Ms. Laura, our school head, said that I agree deeply:

"It doesn't matter if the pacing is slow as long as the students understand the lesson well."

Sometimes we need to slow down in order to move the learning in the room. Let the students “learn at their own pace”. Learning without transfer is not learning at all. It's something that most forget when pressured to meet deadlines.

Let me use the Visible Thinking routine See, Think, Wonder to reflect on my understanding of the PYP at this point.

I SEE that this experience is far different from the previous ones that I had teaching in Cambridge and K-12 schools for the past eight years. Despite the stress of online teaching due to the coronavirus pandemic, my colleagues and I are doing our best to learn everything we need to know through this intensive training that is mainly focused on fostering the students' holistic development. The IB PYP framework is definitely our new norm.

I THINK that this will be an unforgettable learning experience and a dream come true for us, lifelong learners. This experience will promote teamwork and stronger collaboration as we focus on the same goal.

I WONDER if I have the skills and patience to implement the curriculum the way it is supposed to be.

(proceed to Module 1)