Navigating a New MYP Teaching Journey: Essential Elements for New Educators joining the MYP.
Whitney Edmondson
Learning and Teaching Lead: Curriculum Maths Raha KCC at Raha International School
With the end of summer marking our return to classrooms, my thoughts invariably turn to the new educators embarking on their MYP journey. The blend of excitement and overwhelm that accompanies this phase resonates with my own early experiences. I can vividly recall my initiation into teaching MYP Maths, a time when a multitude of key concepts and elements were presented to me. During those initial weeks, I found myself attempting to master them all simultaneously, often inundating myself with the process.
In this blog I break down 5 key elements of teaching MYP which I wish I had focused more on at the beginning of my MYP teaching journey.
Are you stepping into the role of an MYP teacher with a strong interest in inquiry-based learning? You're in the right place, but you might be wondering where to begin. Let me guide you through the process: start with simplicity and avoid the quest for perfection from the start. Remember, teaching is a dynamic journey, and unexpected turns are all part of the experience. Kick-start your approach by incorporating open-ended questions, research projects, and student-driven investigations to ignite critical thinking and nurture engagement. A remarkable aspect of this method is the excitement students feel as they uncover answers ahead of schedule. Craft questions that remain open-ended, encouraging various interpretations. Collaboration within your teaching team is essential—tap into the wealth of collective knowledge and expertise, and don't shy away from trying innovative techniques. Ultimately, the path of inquiry involves embracing the familiar while unearthing the new.
2. Navigating MYP Assessment: A Guide to Effective Teaching and Learning
In the realm of MYP teaching and learning, assessments take on a new dimension – encompassing criteria, strands, rubrics, and task sheets. Managing this array of information can seem daunting, particularly if you're transitioning from a more conventional educational setting. Yet, consider this a realm of creativity awaiting your touch. No need to start from scratch; leverage the collective wisdom of your colleagues. Brainstorming with your peers can ignite a plethora of innovative ideas. When uncertain, take a formative approach, testing the waters and fine-tuning for the future. In your pursuit, draw from existing textbooks and resources, adapting them to align with your chosen topics and student profiles. If your institution already has assessments in place, using them as a foundation can provide invaluable insights into assessment formats. Remember, patience is key – don't hesitate to seek clarification and explore further by delving into my blog on authentic assessments for added inspiration. Your MYP teaching journey is marked by progress, questions, and the gradual unveiling of effective assessment strategies.
3. Unlocking the Power of Interdisciplinary Teaching
When it comes to MYP teaching and learning support, embracing interdisciplinary teaching (IDU) emerges as a valuable strategy. By collaborating with educators from different subjects, you tap into a rich repository of MYP experiences. The magic of IDU unfolds when a minimum of two subjects join forces, and at times, the excitement soars as additional disciplines participate. Each grade embarks on a transformative journey through one IDU per year, summing up to five across their MYP voyage. While your first year might not involve teaching an IDU, your engagement and learning opportunities remain boundless. IDUs serve as an avenue to vividly demonstrate to students how subjects intricately intertwine, with skills from one domain enhancing performance in another. Witness the connectivity flourish and watch students thrive through the interplay of subjects, leaving an indelible imprint on their MYP experience.
4. Integrating Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills
In the realm of MYP teaching and learning support, Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills form the bedrock of your instructional unit. They serve as the essential framework upon which students construct and hone their learning capabilities. An optimal approach I recommend involves spotlighting approximately 2 or 3 ATL skills per unit. This strategic focus enables you to periodically revisit and evaluate student progress, witnessing tangible advancements in their skill utilization. ATL skills play an instrumental role in nurturing students, propelling them on their journey toward adeptness and autonomy in learning. As a dedicated MYP educator, you can enrich your teaching prowess by seamlessly weaving ATL skills into your curriculum. This strategic integration serves as a guiding beacon, steering students toward academic excellence and enduring mastery.
5. Embracing Global Context and Related Concepts Integration
When it comes to MYP teaching and learning support, the integration of Global Contexts and Related Concepts plays a pivotal role. These elements enable students to grasp the broader narrative within the unit and aid in shaping the statement of inquiry. Navigating their nuances might seem complex initially, but here's my advice for new educators: collaborate with your grade team. Dive into discussions about the rationale behind selecting specific concepts and explore ways to effectively incorporate them into the unit's fabric. Here's a tip from my experience: provide students with the unit's content and the definition of the concept. In groups, let them brainstorm various ways to manifest the concept through their existing skill set. Then, add an element of excitement by having them choose a suitable global context. Engage in conversations about the key skills required for their assessment. For projects grounded in real-life applications, guide them toward a compatible Global Context. Flexibility is key—play with ideas and tap into the wisdom of your experienced colleagues. If your unit plan is robust, several concepts can align, depending on your preferred approach to driving learning.
As a new teacher to the MYP you might feel overwhelmed with different elements along with the fact you have potentially relocated countries! Use your department to ask questions and make the most of the training the IB has to offer.
Any questions or feedback please feel free to drop me a message! Wishing you the best of luck for this school year and your journey in the MYP.
Whitney Edmondson
16th August 2023
Head of Secondary - Collegiate International School
1yRuba Jeshi