Agency and concept-based learning

Explore the foundations of IB, the student profile, student agency, and concept-based learning to transform your teaching practice.

About the course
How can we transform our teaching practice to empower students and promote deeper, more meaningful learning? This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the foundations of the International Baccalaureate (IB), with special emphasis on developing student agency and concept-based learning. Over four sessions, participants will explore the IB philosophy, the student profile, strategies to promote agency, and the design of concept-based learning experiences.
How it works
You will join a group of 2 to 5 colleagues, and as a group, you will meet 4 times, either in person or online, at a time you all agree on.
Join a circle
Organize your study group with colleagues during the match period.
Agree on a schedule
Decide the most convenient time for your sessions, online or in person.
Join and collaborate
When the session arrives, connect with your colleagues and complete the activities together.
What's included
Requirements
- Be an active educator
- Interest in international education and IB
- Willingness to transform pedagogical practices
- Availability to participate in sessions
Course syllabus
Session 1: IB Foundations
- • Understand the mission, vision, and theoretical foundations of the IB
- • Identify how IB principles translate into effective pedagogical practices
- • Develop strategies to implement IB foundations in daily practice
Session 2: The IB Student Profile
- • Explore the 10 attributes of the IB student profile
- • Design strategies to promote these attributes in the classroom
- • Develop teaching proposals for the integral development of the student
Session 3: Student Agency
- • Understand the concept of agency (voice, choice, and ownership) in learning
- • Identify strategies to empower students
- • Develop a set of tools to promote student agency
Session 4: Concept-Based Learning
- • Differentiate between content-based and concept-based learning
- • Design learning experiences that promote conceptual understanding
- • Create lesson proposals that foster inquiry and transfer
Meet the instructor

Mónica Naranjo
Specialist in international education, with extensive experience in implementing International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs and leading teacher training. With over 20 years of experience in international school settings, she has supported school communities as a teacher, coordinator, consultant, workshop leader, and evaluator. Her approach focuses on developing student agency, fostering cultures of inquiry and critical thinking, and promoting concept-based, student-centered learning.
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