From September 7 to 9, 2016, International College through its Educational Resource Center hosted a series of IB PYP in-Cooperation workshops. The workshop Making the PYP Happen in the Classroom, was presented by Miss Lina Mouchantaf and Mrs. Dala Sadek. This workshop, for administrators, coordinators and teachers who are working in schools where the program is being implemented, introduces the basic philosophy and framework of the program. Assessment in the Early Years presented by Mrs. Ghada Maalouf helped participants develop understandings about the role of assessment within an early years constructivist classroom. Participants looked at the connection between assessment and concept-driven learning and the relationship between assessment and documentation. Inquiry, presented by Mrs. Roula Hajj Ismail, participants looked at how the PYP framework provides opportunities for all learners to engage in relevant and significant inquires through the transdisciplinary themes and in single-subject classes leading to reflection, new inquires and deeper understanding. Strategies like chalk talk, clock partners, the frayer model, and circle of viewpoints support the different stages of the inquiry cycle. Exit card ideas for reflections were also addressed, introducing us to PMI, NEWS, the Traffic Light Routine and many more. “All in all, it was an enriching learning experience and a quintessential resource for teaching techniques throughout the year.”
The workshops were attended by IC Preschool and Elementary faculty, teachers from other Lebanese schools and from international schools in the Arab region, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the Emirates.
