It Takes Time

Day 2 of the IB PYP p.d. workshop at our school was both longer and and more involved. This was not surprising since the emphasis was on planning. Getting teachers together in similar grades, the workshop leaders (Nathalie and Jason) led the groups through the PYP Planner. While new to some, and familiar to others, the PYP Planner was used by all to construct new units of study in a collaborative setting.

The most noticeable element of this process was that this sort of planning requires an investment of time. It was a rewarding and enhancing exercise, but also time-consuming. The need for setting aside planning time for grade teams, subject teachers, and trans-disciplinary teachers was evident to all. There is no shortage of will amongst staff members to accomplish the laudable goals of the IB program. I dare say, staff  at excellent schools throughout the world are similarly inclined to achieve their program objectives. The difference is that with IB, the planning process is by necessity, collaborative in nature. To my mind that is an important element given that historically teacher planning has often been an individual pursuit. Yet, the rewards for planning in teams, small groups, and amongst colleagues are considerable.

No doubt the end product will be superior for the entire school community: students, teachers, family, and staff. It simply takes time.