From Mentor to Mastery: The Techy Teacher's Insights

MYP Command terms are specific words or phrases used in IB assessments and teaching to clearly define the depth and complexity of the learning tasks or questions being asked of students. What? Command terms are instructional words that tell students exactly what is expected of them in an assessment or task. These terms are consistent across all MYP subjects and help ensure clarity in communication and expectations. Examples of command terms include: Define : Provide the precise meaning of a concept or term. Describe : Give a detailed account of something. Explain : Provide reasons or justifications for something, showing connections. Evaluate : Make an appraisal by weighing the strengths and weaknesses. Each subject in the MYP uses these terms tailored to their context (e.g., Science, Math, Individuals and Societies). Why? Clarity and Consistency : Command terms ensure students clearly understand what they are expected to do. This reduces ambiguity and fosters better alignment between...

As an MYP educator, I know how important it is to make learning meaningful for students. Global Contexts are not just a part of the MYP framework, they are the key to connecting what students learn in the classroom to the world around them. Whether you are new to the MYP or looking to refresh your approach, here is a simple breakdown of what Global Contexts are, why they are valuable, and how you can use them in your teaching. What Are MYP Global Contexts? Global Contexts are themes that help students connect their learning to real-world issues. They give purpose to what we teach and allow students to explore big ideas and challenges that matter. Here are the six Global Contexts: Identities and Relationships : Who am I? How do I connect with others? Orientation in Space and Time : How has the world changed over time? Where do I fit in? Personal and Cultural Expression : How do we express our creativity and culture? Scientific and Technical Innovation : How do science and technology imp...

The MYP Service as Action (SAA) program is a key part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). It encourages students to go beyond the classroom and engage in meaningful service activities that benefit the community . SAA helps students become active, compassionate, and globally minded citizens . More Than Just "Service" SAA is more than just doing something for others. It's about working with communities to understand and address their needs. This approach ensures that service activities are relevant and make a real difference. Types of Service Activities: • Direct Service: This involves providing direct assistance, such as tutoring or serving meals. • Indirect Service: Students can support organizations or initiatives indirectly, like fundraising or raising awareness. • Advocacy: Speaking out about important issues and promoting positive change is another form of SAA. • Research: Investigating and analyzing issues helps students better un...

The Middle Years Programme (MYP), designed for students aged 11-16, emphasizes inquiry-based learning, actively engaging students, and connecting their learning to the real world. This blog post will guide you through creating effective and engaging MYP units. Stage 1: Establishing the Conceptual Framework This stage is about establishing a big-picture framework for your unit by answering two key questions: • Why are students learning this? • How does this learning connect to the world and their communities? Key elements of Stage 1: • Unit Title: A catchy and engaging title to capture student interest. • Global Contexts: Provides real-world relevance and meaning to the unit content. Choose one of the six global contexts: ◦ Identities and relationships ◦ Orientation in space and time ◦ Personal and cultural expression ◦ Scientific and technical innovation ◦ Globalization and sustainability ◦ Fairness and development • Key Concept: A broad, universal idea that transcends subjects. Each s...

The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a unique and challenging educational framework. If you're a new teacher embarking on this exciting journey, it can feel overwhelming. But don't worry! With the right approach, you can navigate the MYP with confidence and success. Here are a few tips to help you get started: 1. Understand the Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning: The Learner Profile: Familiarize yourself with the 10 Learner Profile attributes (e.g., Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Communicators). These attributes guide instruction and assessment, encouraging students to develop holistically. Approaches to Learning (ATL): The MYP emphasizes the development of essential skills like communication, research, thinking, social skills, self-management, and affective skills. Integrate ATL skills into your daily lessons. 2. Embrace Inquiry-Based Learning: Student-Centered: Shift your focus from teacher-centered instruction to student-centered inquiry. Encourage students to ask quest...

  Leadership is not just about titles or positions; it's about inspiring and guiding others towards a common goal. Whether you are a seasoned Coordinator or just starting your leadership journey, understanding the foundational principles is crucial for success.     This blog post will explore five key principles that form the bedrock of effective leadership: 1. Discipline: The Cornerstone of Leadership Discipline is not about rigidity; it's about self-control, consistency, and the unwavering commitment to execute plans. Disciplined leaders are able to resist distractions, stay focused on their goals, and make tough decisions when necessary. They set clear expectations for themselves and their teams, and they consistently strive for excellence in everything they do.     2. Vision: The Guiding Light A clear and compelling vision is essential for any successful leader. It provides a sense of direction, motivates teams, and aligns everyone towards a common goal. ...

Have you ever thought about how English, Science, and Physical health and education are all connected? In the International Baccalaureate (IB) MYP, we don't just learn subjects in isolation. We explore big ideas by connecting different subjects. This is called interdisciplinary learning . Instead of just memorizing facts, we learn by: Asking big questions: We start with questions like "How do our food choices impact our health?" and explore many different answers. Working together: We learn from each other by sharing ideas, working in groups, and discussing different perspectives. Building our own understanding: We actively explore topics, conduct research, and create projects to build our own knowledge. For example, if we're learning about nutrition, we might study the science of how our bodies digest food in science class, analyze how media portrays food and body image in language arts class, and even create a healthy recipe book in our home economics class. ...