Our Pedagogy-First Approach

Here is a framework that categorises pedagogies based on their primary focus and how they might apply to different subject areas. 

Inquiry-Based Learning

• Focus: Encourages students to ask questions, explore, and investigate.
• Approach: Student-driven exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Applicable to: All subjects, especially science, social studies, and language arts.

Concept-Based Learning

• Focus: Emphasizes understanding broader concepts rather than isolated facts.
• Approach: Thematic units, interdisciplinary connections, deeper comprehension.
• Applicable to: All subjects, particularly humanities and sciences.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Integration

• Focus: Encourages students to question the nature of knowledge.
• Approach: Interdisciplinary exploration of knowledge questions, reflective discussions.
• Applicable to: All subjects, particularly in the Diploma Programme.

Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills

• Focus: Develops essential skills like thinking, research, communication, social, and self-management.
• Approach: Skill-building activities integrated across the curriculum.
• Applicable to: All subjects and educational levels.

Transdisciplinary Learning

• Focus: Integrates multiple subject areas into a cohesive learning experience.
• Approach: Projects and units that cross traditional subject boundaries.
• Applicable to: Primary and middle years, projects involving real-world issues.

Holistic Education

• Focus: Develops the whole child—intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and ethical.
• Approach: Balanced curriculum that includes arts, physical education, and well-being.
• Applicable to: All educational levels.

Learner-Centered Approach

• Focus: Tailors education to individual student needs and learning styles.
• Approach: Differentiated instruction, personalized learning plans.
• Applicable to: All subjects and educational levels.

Differentiated Instruction

• Focus: Adapts teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Approach: Varied instructional strategies, flexible grouping, ongoing assessment.
• Applicable to: All subjects and educational levels.

Constructivism

• Focus: Students build knowledge through experience and reflection.
• Approach: Active learning, hands-on activities, inquiry-based projects.
• Applicable to: Science, mathematics, humanities.

Global Mindedness

• Focus: Encourages awareness and appreciation of global issues and cultures.
• Approach: International case studies, multicultural literature, global projects.
• Applicable to: Social studies, language arts, international education.

Reflective Practice

• Focus: Encourages self-reflection to improve learning and teaching.
• Approach: Reflection journals, self-assessment, peer feedback.
• Applicable to: All subjects, particularly in project-based learning.

International-Mindedness

• Focus: Cultivates a global perspective and respect for diversity.
• Approach: Incorporating international content, encouraging language learning, fostering global awareness.
• Applicable to: Social studies, language arts, international programs.

Action-Oriented Learning

• Focus: Encourages students to take action on issues they care about.
• Approach: Community projects, service learning, activism.
• Applicable to: Social studies, environmental science, service programs.

Collaborative Learning

• Focus: Encourages teamwork and collaboration among students.
• Approach: Group projects, peer learning, cooperative activities.
• Applicable to: All subjects, particularly in project-based and interdisciplinary learning.

Critical Thinking

• Focus: Promotes the analysis and evaluation of information and arguments.
• Approach: Debates, problem-solving tasks, critical questioning.
• Applicable to: Humanities, sciences, Theory of Knowledge (TOK).

Metacognition

• Focus: Helps students think about their thinking to improve learning strategies.
• Approach: Reflection activities, self-assessment, goal setting.
• Applicable to: All subjects, particularly in independent learning.

Service Learning

• Focus: Combines learning objectives with community service.
• Approach: Service projects tied to curriculum goals, reflection on service experiences.
• Applicable to: Social studies, environmental science, community engagement programs.

Authentic Assessment

• Focus: Evaluates students through real-world tasks and performances.
• Approach: Portfolios, project-based assessments, presentations.
• Applicable to: All subjects, especially those involving applied learning.

Visible Thinking Routines

• Focus: Makes thinking processes explicit to deepen understanding.
• Approach: Thinking routines, visible thinking charts, reflection tools.
• Applicable to: Humanities, arts, sciences, Theory of Knowledge (TOK).

Here is a framework that categorises pedagogies based on their primary focus and how they might apply to different subject areas. 

Content-Focused Pedagogies

• Direct Instruction
• Lecture-based teaching
• Textbook-centered approach

Applicable to: All subjects, especially those with large bodies of factual knowledge (e.g., history, science)

Inquiry-Based Pedagogies

• Inquiry-Based Learning
• Problem-Based Learning
• Scientific Method

Applicable to: Science, mathematics, social studies

Project-Based Pedagogies

• Project-Based Learning
• Design Thinking
• Maker Education

Applicable to: STEM subjects, art, social studies

Collaborative Pedagogies

• Cooperative Learning
• Peer Tutoring
• Jigsaw Technique

Applicable to: All subjects, particularly useful in language arts, social studies

Individualized Pedagogies

• Differentiated Instruction
• Personalized Learning
• Adaptive Learning Technologies

Applicable to: All subjects

Experiential Pedagogies

• Experiential Learning
• Field Studies
• Simulations and Role-Play

Applicable to: Science, social studies, language learning, physical education

Technology-Enhanced Pedagogies

• Blended Learning
• Flipped Classroom
• Gamification

Applicable to: All subjects

Constructivist Pedagogies

• Discovery Learning
• Guided Discovery
• Constructionism

Applicable to: Mathematics, science, social studies

Skill-Focused Pedagogies

• Critical Thinking Instruction
• Information Literacy
• 21st Century Skills Framework

Applicable to: All subjects

Assessment-Driven Pedagogies

• Formative Assessment Strategies
• Standards-Based Grading
• Performance-Based Assessment

Applicable to: All subjects

Social-Emotional Pedagogies

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
• Mindfulness-Based Education

Applicable to: All subjects, often integrated across curriculum