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Approaches to Learning (ATL)

Go to Approaches To Learning (ATL) Resources

Approaches to Learning (ATL): Summary

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Approaches to Learning (ATL) are a set of skills and strategies that aim to help students become self-regulated, lifelong learners. The ATL skills are designed to be integrated into the curriculum and applied across all subject areas. There are five categories of ATL skills:

Thinking Skills:

Critical-thinking skills (Analyzing and evaluating issues and ideas).

Creative-thinking skills (Generating novel ideas and considering new perspectives).

Transfer skills (Using skills and knowledge in multiple contexts).

Reflection/metacognitive skills (re)considering the process of learning).

Research Skills:

Information-literacy skills (Formulating and planning, data gathering and recording, synthesizing and interpreting, evaluating and communicating)

Media-literacy skills (Interacting with media to use and create ideas and information)

Ethical use of media/information (Understanding and applying social and ethical technology)

3. Communication Skills:

Exchanging-information skills (Listening, interpreting, speaking).

Literacy Skills (Reading, writing and using language to gather and communicate information [oracy]).

ICT skills (Using technology to gather, investigate and communicate information).

4. Social Skills:

Developing positive interpersonal relationships and collaboration skills (Using self-control, managing setbacks, supporting peers).

Developing social-emotional intelligence ( Managing emotions and building positive relationships).

5. Self-Management Skills:

Organization skills (Managing time and tasks effectively).

State of Mind (mindfulness, perseverance, emotional management, self-motivation, resilience).

Source: ibo.org

ATL Diagram

PYP Approaches to Learning (ATL) Poster

PYP ATL Poster

Purpose of ATL

Understanding A TL

Detailed Explanation of ATL Skills in Eight Podcasts

These episodes by IB Matters are part of a series on the IB Approaches to Learning Skills known as the ATL’s that are at the core of all four International Baccalaureate Programmes.  John Harvey and the host will, in these eight episodes, try to give you a coherent, sustainable, values aligned strategy to implement ATL Skills in your school. They want to help you build your team of coordinators, teachers, librarians, and support staff.

Episode 1: the IB Approaches to Learning

Episode 2: States of Mind

In this podcast, John described how he moved some of the skills around to optimize teaching 'States of Mind' in the different IB Programmes. Here is a link to his spreadsheet so you can see how he did it: John Harvey's States of Mind Continuum Framework

Here are the 11 models John suggested. Take a look and pick one or two (or more) that fit you and your school. Links to each model can be found in the Continuum Framework document.

Locus of Control

Pomodoro Technique

Guided Meditation

Dr. Rob Bell's 8 Ways to Build Perseverance

Michelle Borba's 6 R's of Bullying Prevention

Prof Steve Peters Control Your Inner Chimp

5 Levels of Self Talk

Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset

SMARTER Goals

Lance King’s Failing Well   

Monroe's Motivated Sequence

Episode 3: Thinking Skills

In the podcast, John described how he prefers the Gibb's Reflective Cycle. You can learn more using this link .

John also mentioned the 'Thinking Skills Across the Continuum' document he has compiled. Here is a link to that document. Be sure to check out all the tabs in the spreadsheet to access Critical thinking, Creative thinking, Information transfer, and Reflection & Metacognition.

Episode 4 : Research Skills

In the podcast, John referred to the Big 6 and Super 3 models for building research skills. Here is a link to explore more.

Episode 5 :  Communication Skills

In the podcast, John referred to the Thinking Pathways 'Ladder of Feedback' model for building communication skills. Here is a link to explore more.

He also referred to the Verbal Signposts activity. Here is a link to the pdf document which can also be found in the MYIB site.

Episode 6 :   Social Skills

In the podcast, John referred Belbin Team Roles model for developing social skills Here is a link to learn more.

Here is the list of the nine Belbin Team Roles:

The Social roles: Resource Investigator, Teamworker and Co-ordinator

The Thinking roles: Plant, Monitor Evaluator and Specialist  

The Action or Task roles: Shaper, Implementer and Completer Finisher

Episode 7 :  Self-Management Skills  

In the podcast, John Harvey described how he moved some of the Self-management Skills around to optimize teaching 'States of Mind' in the different IB Programmes. Here is a link to his award-winning spreadsheet so you can see how he did it: John Harvey's States of Mind Continuum Framework

Episode 8 :  How to Make the ATL's Work for You and Your School

This episode is a sort of panel discussion looking at the big idea of using approaches to learning as a framework within IB to deliver the promise of an IB education as captured in the IB mission.  The panel guests are Adrian von Wrede-Jervis, Nigel Gardner and John Harvey who has developed and led this series. With this episode the panel takes time to look at what might be missing, what might be done better, and what each of you in an IB school can do to make the Approches to Learning more useful to your teachers and students.

From Nigel: Integrating ATLs with concepts - here is the link to the framework that I was referring to: https://www.repurposedlearning.com/post/the-my-place-in-the-story-model

Linking with CASEL - 5 areas of social and emotional competency https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-is-the-casel-framework/ . Also see SEL Page and CASEL Section

   ( Y o u can check out all the IB Matters Podcasts Here. )

Approaches to Learning (ATL) Alignment

Student Personal ATL Learning Plan Example

This set of five ATL skills playbooks, produced by Toddle , is designed to help you target specific skill indicators in your teaching and learning processes. The playbooks collate exciting ideas for skill-based activities that can be aligned with subjects or used independently for homeroom and other learning spaces.

How to Use the Playbooks 

Each playbook contains printable strategy or activity cards aligned with 50+ skill indicators within the five ATL skill clusters

Cards are written in student-facing language and also link to templates, worksheets, and graphic organisers students can readily use 

Each card also indicates a learner profile attribute that can potentially be developed through the activity; educators may encourage students to reflect upon the same.

Thinking skills playbook helps develop the ability to think critically and creatively, and transfer knowledge across disciplines.

ATL Descriptors - PYP

ATL Descriptors: EY-G12

ATL "I Can" Statements

ATL "I Can" S tatements : 

ATL Skills Continuum

K-8 ATL Continuum 

Approaches to Learning (ATL) Resource Toolkit

Here are some strategies that can help to build ATL skills curated by Alison Yang . While the Toolkit is targeted for MYP teachers, you will find that many of the resources are very applicable to the PYP, especially upper elementary.  Select each ATL by selecting a tab at the top of the spread sheet. It's truly a bountiful resource! 

Note: The skill indicators are merely suggestions by the IB. These skills are not the definitive or exhaustive list of ATL skills. Schools are not required to cover them all. Instead, the important point is for schools to consider their own contexts, reflect on their school missions and develop their own continuum of approaches to learning skills that can prepare students for the future. 

Strategies must be used intentionally and practice deliberately. When choosing the strategy to explicitly teach specific skills, we need to consider our subject-specific objectives, the complexity of summative assessment, desired learning outcomes, and age appropriateness.

Also see another version by Lenny Dutton ( Direct Download )

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Podcast: Interview Sonya Terborg About the Approaches to Learning (ATLs)

Angeline Aow interviews Sonya Terborg about the Approaches to Learning (ATLs).  Sonya has been a PYP educator since 2003 when she began working with 2nd Grade students at Bonn International School and has since worked as an art teacher, homeroom teacher, and technology integrator. Sonya is currently teaching MYP Design at Nanjing International School. Sonya is a PYP workshop leader and has worked with the IB on developing the PYP Blog and on several projects in relation to the PYP Enhancements. Her interest lies in challenging ideas and seeking understanding in how we can best “do school”. To find out more about Sonya and her work, you can follow her on Twitter or check out her website .

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