Wednesday, September 19, 2018

The Importance of the Learner Profile



As the PYP Coordinator, I have the privilege of visiting classrooms and seeing how teachers and children are diving into their PYP journeys.  After a discussion of the Learner Profile and other elements of the PYP it was thrilling to see teachers taking action!

The Learner Profile is an important element of the PYP. When individuals are able to internalise and demonstrate the ten characteristic traits of the Learner Profile it develops their international mindedness. And as we know, being internationally minded is a shared goal between PIPS and the PYP!



Developing the Learner Profile depends on more than just including it into the written curriculum. In order to express the importance of these traits, teachers need to demonstrate the same values and beliefs they hope children will embody. In addition, teachers must explicitly teach these traits to children. Doing this might seem like a daunting task, but it is possible to implement successfully, even with the youngest of children.

I'd like to take this opportunity to share how one class turned the Learner Profile display into an interactive and meaningful part of the classroom. Not only do the children hear and use the terminology of the Learner Profile, they have the opportunity to reflect on their own actions and behaviours and identify how they have demonstrated one of the traits.

In this LK/UK class the children drew portraits of themselves (also linked to their unit on diversity) to be used as an interactive element of the Learner Profile.



As children considered their own actions they naturally became reflective (one of the ten traits), and became responsible for managing their own behaviour. Children then had the opportunity to explain how they demonstrated a trait and moved their picture accordingly. Additionally, teachers recognised and commended children on actions that demonstrated one of the ten traits and encouraged children to place their portraits accordingly.

You will also notice three yellow stars within the display. This denotes the Learner Profile traits that are the focus for the unit of inquiry. What a great way to draw attention to the traits that are highlighted for this unit!

Developing these traits is not limited to the classroom. We want children to demonstrate being internationally minded in all areas of their lives. Adults can help also reinforce these traits by modelling them and using the language at home. 


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