Approaches to Learning

Through Approaches to Learning (ATL) classes in the MYP, students develop skills that have relevance across the curriculum and that help them “learn how to learn”. ATL skills provide a solid foundation for learning independently and with others and provide a common language, which students and teachers can use to reflect on the process of learning.

The focus of ATL in the MYP is on helping students to develop the self-knowledge and skills they need to enjoy a lifetime of learning. ATL skills empower students to succeed in meeting the challenging objectives of MYP subject groups and prepare them for further success in rigorous academic programmes such as the DP.

In the MYP, we concentrate on five ATL skill categories, which provide students with general ‘tools for learning’:

  1. Communication
  2. Social
  3. Self-management
  4. Research
  5. Thinking

While ATL skills are not formally assessed in the MYP, they contribute to students’ achievement in all subject groups and teachers provide students with regular, specific feedback on the development of their ATL skills.

(Adapted from IB Principles into Practice 2014)