The IB approaches to learning skills (ATL) are grounded in the belief that learning how to learn is fundamental to a student’s life in and out of a school context. In broad terms, IB programmes support learners in developing:
Approaches to Learning (ATL) and their associated sub-skills empower students of all ages to become agentic, self-regulated learners who take ownership of their educational journey. PYP teachers play a critical role in this process by collaboratively planning diverse and meaningful opportunities to develop these skills. Through both implicit and explicit strategies, ATL development is seamlessly integrated into learning experiences, extending beyond the programme of inquiry to enrich students' growth across various contexts. This intentional focus equips learners with the tools they need to think critically, act independently, and adapt confidently.
In the MYP, Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills are central to empowering students to achieve subject objectives while fostering deeper self-awareness and metacognition. These skills enable learners to not only understand their personal learning processes but also transfer their knowledge and abilities to new and varied contexts, equipping them for real-world challenges. By embedding ATL skills into everyday classroom practices, students gain a clearer understanding of the competencies they are developing, allowing them to define their learning journeys, take ownership of their progress, and set meaningful goals. For ATL skills to have a lasting impact, school ensure their development is intentionally woven across all subject areas through thoughtful curriculum planning and strong collaboration among teaching teams. This approach not only creates a shared language for teaching and learning but also cultivates lifelong learners.
In today’s fast-paced and dynamic world, skill development is essential for equipping students to tackle real-world problems and adapt to rapid changes—capabilities that content knowledge alone cannot provide. In the Diploma Programme (DP), Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills play a vital role in fostering independent thinkers who critically engage with global issues. These skills align closely with assessment objectives across subjects, such as research skills for Internal Assessments, the Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge (TOK); critical thinking for analyzing arguments and interpreting data; communication skills for effective presentations and essays; self-management for balancing workloads and meeting deadlines; and collaboration for group projects and the CAS program. By promoting metacognition, enabling the transfer of learning to real-world contexts, and encouraging lifelong learning, ATL skills bridge the gap between theory and practice, supporting holistic and personalized learning. To maximize their impact, ATL skills is integrated across all subjects through explicit instruction, collaboration among teaching teams, and regular reflection, ensuring students are not only academically prepared but also ready to thrive in a complex and interconnected world.