IB Matters

in this episode we talk to Nate Samuelson from Korea International School about his project called Service Snapshots and a course he created called ‘Design Your Impact’. Not only will your students be invited to participate, you are encouraged to replicate Nate’s ideas in your own school or region. Imagine a school district or an IB regional association creating their own version of the Service Snapshots concept. Either way, Nate’s collection of student service projects will serve as a repository of great ideas that might be the spark your students need to develop their own, local service initiative. Service SnapshotsConnect with Nate: nate.samuelson@kis.or.krThe UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's)Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

In this episode we return to speak to Novadene Miller - this time we talk about making effective transitions when changing schools or changing roles within a school. But our conversation ranged widely from teacher skill sets in IB and international schools to how to better include new teachers into the culture of a school. Novadene shares many of her personal experiences as a Jamaican native navigating European international schools. You might be surprised how transferable those experiences are, no matter what your background. Novadene has such a great approach to new challenges and opportunities. She is an inspiration to anyone considering taking on a new challenge in a new place. And, as she says, 'Curate your strengths!'Links provided by Novadene:IB Stories at 50 yearsPeer interactions and service learningInterdisciplinary unitsAchieving Sustainability of Natural Resources and Obtaining Economic Goals. Tourism’s Pandora’s boxRainforest Tourism, Conservation and Management: Challenges for Sustainable ...Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

In this episode we talk to six students and their CAS coordinator from Exeter College in Devon County, England. As the third in a series of interviews with IB students around the world: first in the US (here in Minnesota) and then in India and now the UK, listeners will hear the similarities and the differences in how IB schools introduce CAS and then support students in this core aspect of the IB Diploma Programme. This episode confirms the value of this unique piece of the puzzle in developing students prepared for the world and readying them to be productive, caring and contributing members of their individual communities.CAS Coordinator: Santina MicalizziStudents: Olly Evans, Caelin Berry, Oliver Cook, Amy Dunbavin, Oli Sweeney, Martha KLearn more about CAS on the IB Website.Links from Exeter College:International Baccalaureate (IB) (exe-coll.ac.uk)Childrens Hospice South West | Making the most of short and precious lives across the South West (chsw.org.uk)Devon Connect - Connecting Communities in Devon.Artistica SMEmail IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

This is part one of a series of episodes exploring the role of AI in the future of education.AI is here to stay and we need some tools and a plan to make the most of this transformative technology. Aruj Khaliq from Pakistan shares great ideas to start us on this journey! In this recording Aruj lays out the challenges but also the potential for AI to transform our schools. We discuss the need to rethink some assessments in light of AI’s presence, and Aruj gives us some guidance on how to start discussions with staff and students about AI. Use this form to ask Aruj a question about AI strategies or to provide ideas or feedback for our future AI episodes.Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

In this episode we return to talk to Vikas Pahwa from Shiv Nadar School in Gurgaon, India - but we are actually featuring some of his students who are sharing their CAS experiences. If this sounds familiar to regular listeners, that’s because we are going back to back with CAS related podcasts. Last episode it was students from my backyard in Minnesota. This time the students are from northern India. I’m sure you will be struck by the similarities in student responses and the ways in which CAS experiences have shaped them and had an influence in their future plans. Please listen to both episodes. They really speak to the core values and the mission of the IB in creating a well-rounded education leading to a better and more peaceful world. Featured students: Aishwarya, Gianna, Lakshya, Anvi CAS Coordinator: Mrs Nandini KarThe BConnectt Instagram pageLearn more about CAS on the IB Website.Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

In this episode, we talk to four IB Diploma candidates about their CAS (Creativity, Activity & Service) experiences. Evan Whipple, Jynx Taylor, Lolu Ogunleye, and Audrey Mochama are all seniors at Champlin Park High School in Minnesota. CAS includes both sustained and one-time experiences. As you'll hear, these often lead to unexpected benefits for both the community and the students themselves.  We also speak with their DP Coordinator, Ashley Brown, about how CAS is a key aspect at the core of the Diploma Programme.Here are a couple links from Evan regarding Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation DayThis is part a series of episodes celebrating the successes of IB students and teachers across Minnesota. Learn more about CAS on the IB Website.Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

In this episode we return to talk to Sonia Singh, a school principal at Sreenidhi International School in Hyderabad, India about her school’s initiative to focus on high quality learning. While this may seem like an obvious goal of any school, Sonia has some great advice and suggests a road map to ensure your school, like hers, keeps everyone focused on this critical work in the context of being an IB World School with several other influences, such as local, state, and even national curriculum requirements.Sonia Singh is a renowned figure in education and training, with over two decades of experience. She is currently working as the Principal of Sreenidhi International School. She advocates for student-centric learning, emphasizing progress tracking over grades and connecting classroom lessons to real-life experiences. Sonia's teaching methods blend technology with hands-on learning, tailored to individual needs, and she specializes in various curricula, including CBSE, Cambridge, and IB. Her influence extends globally, improving education standards.Contact Sonia:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniasingh13/Email - soniasingh13@gmail.comEmail IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

In this episode we talk with John Moore from Shaker Heights, Ohio. The Shaker Heights City Schools have made the choice to de-track their schools in an effort to better prepare all their students for success in high school classes, including their robust IB Diploma Programme. Theirs is a pre-K through 12th grade IB district and John speaks eloquently about the need to be true to the IB mission and the IB curriculum framework as they work to lift every student. The journey has been (and continues to be) a challenge. But, John ends with a call to action for all of us to join in this work and gives us the resources to begin our own journey to break structural barriers that hold some students back.Links from John Moore:Washington Post article by Laura MecklerDetracking Board Meeting: Why and HowDetracking for Equity and Excellence by Carol Burris and Delia GarrityIntegrating Classrooms and Reducing Academic Tracking by Halley PotterTeaching While White podcast; Episodes 24-26Shaker Heights City Schools' Equity websiteJohn Moore on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-moore-ph-d-018915a7Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

In this episode we talk to our MN Assc of IB World Schools (MNIB) President, Sarah Wernimont, about the process we used this past year to develop our MNIB mission statement. You’ll hear it was a journey that I found challenging but very rewarding in the end. While we have just begun implementation of the new mission, we are both excited about the path that has been created by this work. I hope you can find pieces of this process useful to you whether you are in an IB Association yourself, or in a school or any other organization needing some direction as you plan your own future work.The new MNIB mission: "We are courageous leaders supporting those in the IB community who are implementing IB programs, building connections, removing barriers, and creating systems that increase access for all.By doing this, young people, families, and educators in the IB community will have a voice, engage in meaningful learning, cultivate their geniuses, and celebrate their successes."Learn more on the MNIB Website There, you'll find some of the ideas our members generated while looking at this new mission.Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

in this episode we return to talk to Novadene Miller. She was a guest in season 2 (episode 18) but she has now moved to a high school in Geneva and speaks about the connected IB classroom. Novadene has a PhD in physical geography, and is an active researcher in her professional field. She brings the world into her classroom and the students into the world. She does this through authentic interdisciplinaary skill building and a focus on transfer skills. She has many examples of collaborations among colleagues, with parents, and with experts in various fields. All the while her goal is to help students build their own knowledge given a rich set of personal experiences. Links:https://ibo.org/50years/ib-stories/community-stories/teaching-service-as-action-in-a-changing-world/ Teaching MYP individuals and societies in a changing world | IB Community Blog (ibo.org)Article for the Independent Schools Network (ISN): https://bit.ly/3qVt6nr  More links: https://bit.ly/3iWIOxBhttps://isn.education/articles/open/how-can-we-teach-students-skills-they-can-apply-beyond-the-classroom/https://journals.openedition.org/etudescaribeennes/5302Book Chapter in ‘ Rainforest Tourism, Conservation and Management Challenges for Sustainable Development’, edited by Bruce Prideaux, Earthscan from Routledge Publishers, 2014. Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

In this episode we talk to author, and IB high school assistant principal, Brad Sever about his new book, ‘Sustainable Project Based Learning’. Brad’s experience in an IB school makes him an excellent resource to help us navigate the intersection of the IB framework of learning and project based learning. Brad’s book provides a sustainable roadmap for teachers to ensure student learning is measured and an intentional part of teacher collaboration. Think of the book as a tool to build school infrastructure that will keep your teachers and IB programmes true to the mission of creating knowledgable, inquisitive, and compassionate learners.Links:Perseverance Education websiteSustainable Project Based Learning websiteSolution Tree websiteTwitter: @BradSeverEmail IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

in this episode we talk to Cody Alderson from the University of New Brunswick in Canada. Cody is the director of the IB Educator Certificate Program at UNB. Cody and I talk about the many aspects of this great partnership between global universities and the IB.If you are looking to get a head start on becoming an IB teacher, or to expand your already awesome IB teaching skills, the IB Educator Certificate program could be a great fit. There are four levels of IBEC, so if you are an undergraduate pre-teaching candidate or an experienced IB teacher, there’s certificate for you. There are even versions for heads of schools.Links:The IBEC Program at UNBFrom the IB website: IBEC Programs around the worldThe IBEC Program at Bethel University (The one in Minnesota that Jon attended)Contact Cody at UNB: cody.alderson@unb.ca Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

When a school makes the effort to become an IB World School through a years-long period of reflection and self evaluation, the entire school agrees to embark on a continuous journey of self improvement. In this episode, we talk to Jaya Sharma, an experienced IB school leader about the school improvement plan required of all IB schools. Jaya shares highlights from her school’s plan and how they engage all stakeholders in the experience. You’ll see that when you focus on a particular area of improvement it kicks off a cluster of academic activities with benefits beyond a single goal.Links shared by Jaya:Link to articles  on linkedIn. https://bit.ly/3ij3KPzhttps://bit.ly/3vMirxsWebinar youtube link:Schoolreformer.com - Competencies & strategies needed to facilitate lifelong learning By Jaya SharmaArticle: Handing over learning to studentsATL/ATT  resources- Padlet Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

In this episode we return to talk with Bhavna Mathew from India about the role of action in the IB. As Bhavna says, Action is BIG! It is through action that we come closest to realizing the vision of the IB founders when they imagined a better and more peaceful world. If you would like to inspire students to take action as a result of your teaching, listen to what Bhavna shares in this conversation and be sure to check out the links in the podcast notes. Especially the ‘Wakelet’ which includes videos and slides you can use with other teachers and your students.Bhavna's WakeletTED Talk: “How Great Leaders Inspire Action.”Examples of 'Action'Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

In this episode of IB Matters we return to talk to Vikas Pahwa from India. Vikas is an experienced DP History teacher and great person to talk about how he implements the ATL skills in the high school. While we often think of ATLs in the earlier grades, Vikas makes a great case for their natural inclusion in higher level courses. We even talk a bit about how teachers should be ready for new ways of teaching as they move on in their careers. Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

In this episode we talk to Afroza Kazi from Dhaka, Bangladesh about her role as a Diploma Programme teacher. While she specifically teaches Language B - English, we get a better understanding of what makes the IB work for so many students. That is, how we put the international in International Baccalaureate. Afroza makes several great suggestions for how to prepare students of all ages to be more internationally-minded and better prepared for life in a global community. Afroza explains how IB languages play an important role in developing internationally-minded students.DP English B Booklist11th Grade reading list for students age 16 - 17Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

In this episode of IB Matters we talk to Rezuan Chowdhury from Daka, Bangladesh. Rezuan, who is a returning guest, has recently moved to a new school as an assistant PYP coordinator. We follow-up our popular ATL series from this summer with some specific ideas from Rezuan. His examples bring the ATL's into focus for those of you working with younger children.Links shared by Rezuan: "Best Practices and challenges in school based professional development in the schools of Maldives and Bangladesh" “Impact of COVID on Online Teaching Platform: Study on IB Curriculum in Bangladesh”"Impact of E learning in the education sector: Challenges and prospects of collaboration in remote learning”Connect with Rezuan:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rez-chowdhury-0147871abTwitter: Rez (@Rez31447712)Whatsapp: +88 1319495278 Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

The IB student experience is much more than the Diploma Programme student completing exams and heading to university with a strong resume of academic accomplishments. The entire IB framework begins preparing students in pre-school and continues to use age appropriate practices to encourage life-long learning, inquiry, conceptual understanding, and global awareness.Our 14 year-old guest, Jiana Shah, has been an IB PYP student since kindergarten and is now a year 4 MYP student preparing to take on the DP in a couple of years. Jiana shares her love of learning, her dreams for the future and her gratitude for what her IB education has prepared her to do. I don't think you will find a better endorsement for the IB than to simply listen to Jiana and to imagine how the world will be a better place with more students like her in it.Learn more about The IB Learner ProfileDo you have a question for Jiana? Contact her by emailing us.Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

This episode is the eighth and final episode in a series of podcasts we are doing on the IB Approaches to Learning Skills (known as the ATL’s) which are at the core of all four International Baccalaureate Programmes. 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. My guests are Adrian von Wrede-Jervis, Nigel Gardner and of course John Harvey who has developed and led this series. With this episode we are taking 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-modelLinking with CASEL - 5 areas of social and emotional competency https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-is-the-casel-framework/Have ATL questions? Ask John using this form. IB Matters WebsiteThe IB Organization has resources on their webpages to support your learning about the ATL skills. Here is one link you may use to explore on your own.Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

This episode is the seventh in a series of 8 podcasts we are doing on the IB Approaches to Learning Skills known as the ATL’s that are at the core of all four International Baccalaureate Programmes. It is our goal to give you a coherent, sustainable, values aligned strategy to implement ATL Skills in your school. This episode features teaching 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 FrameworkWe are also offering an opportunity for interaction. Below, you will find a link to a Google form where you can ask questions. We will take a few minutes at the end of each episode to answer questions you have about the ATL’s in your context. John will continue to respond to your questions after these episodes are produced, so please feel free to pose your questions anytime.SMARTER Goals LinkPOMODORO TechniqueEISENHOWER MatrixExcerpts from the Episode 2 and 3 podcast notes to connect with 'States of mind' and 'Reflection':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 ControlPomodoro TechniqueGuided MeditationDr. Rob Bell's 8 Ways to Build PerseveranceMichelle Borba's 6 R's of Bullying PreventionProf Steve Peters Control Your Inner Chimp5 Levels of Self TalkCarol Dweck’s Growth MindsetIKIGAISMARTER GoalsLance King’s Failing WellEpisode 3 - Thinking Skills In the podcast, John described how he prefers the Gibb's Relective 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.Have ATL questions? Ask John using this form. Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.orgTwitter @MattersIBIB Matters websiteMN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) websiteDonate to IB MattersTo appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.