IB Matters

Send a text Gavin Kinch has been on an IB journey which began as a classroom teacher and has led him to be appointed the IB School Leadership Council chairperson. Along the way, he has developed a philosophy of mentoring younger teachers through their own professional journeys. He talks about the 'classroom teacher' to 'school teacher' transition. Gavin is the Principal of ACS, an IB school in Singapore which has close to 200 IB graduates every year. As he says, there is a great team of experienced educators who have taken on roles as 'school teachers' to guide such a large group of motivated students. He also has a podcast (linked below) called the Global Ed Podcast to share stories of his school leadership heroes; those who have faced impossible obstacles and helped their students continue learning. Global Ed Podcast S1E1 From Kiev Gavin on linkedIn Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text The IB educational framework is designed to provide students with knowledge, skills, and attributes that will serve them throughout their lives. Our guest, Arjun Malhotra, is a high school junior (DP year 1) who has experienced an IB education since elementary school. Our conversation touches on the many ways Arjun has developed his sense of place in the world, honed his academic skills, and initiated his strong desire to make the world better. He gives much of the credit to his continuum of IB education but I'm sure you will recognize that he has a strong support network of family, friends, and teachers to guide him. Links to connect with Arjun and his work: LinkedIn profile Arjun's non-profit 'Earth's 911' Instagram Email: arjunmalhotra2009@gmail.com Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text Maksud Alam is a dynamic young IB leader working at Swostishree Gurukul IB World School in Kathmandu, Nepal. His school is only the second in Nepal to offer the MYP and one of 7 schools in Nepal to offer the IB, so far. There are several others in the candidate phase right now. We talked about the challenges and the rewards when building a programme from the ground floor in a new school, and in an area without many potential collaborators nearby. Maksud came to his IB coordinator position with experience as a PYP teacher so he understood the many ways an IB educator must rethink how they approach educating the students in their care. Our conversation touches on how he helps teachers and parents learn about the IB framework of education and the philosophy behind teaching and learning in the IB. Its always fun to hear how IB educators around the world share a common language, common struggles, and common mission. Swostishree Gurukul IB World School Maksud Alam on LinkedIn Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text Michael Dunn, known as the man behind Theoryofknowledge.net is our guest on this first episode of our 5th season. Michael grew the most popular TOK website on the internet, organically, from a wish to share what he was doing in his own classroom in Peru. It eventually became what it is today, a highly respected, and much used, resource for teachers around the world. You'll find teachers in all subjects using these materials to teach critical thinking no matter the age of their students. Michael's dream is to have these materials used outside the IB context because the lessons to be learned span every educational system and bring lifelong value to those who experience this kind of teaching and learning. I hope you are inspired by Michael's interview to explore the resources linked below. Many people subscribe to his free monthly newsletter and then checkout the mini-lesson samples to get ideas and to begin their TOK journey. Others become members to access the 20 mini-lessons posted each month and the classroom-ready TOK courses. Michael has now added options for the non-DP teacher in each mini-lesson. Main page Membership Matt Warren's article (referenced in the podcast) Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text Returning guest, Rezuan Chowdhury and the head of his school's governing board, Rifat Abedin, speak about becoming one of very few PYP schools in Bangladesh. They detail the rationale from the parent's perspective and the process from the PYP coordinator's perspective. We also learn about the training their teachers have undergone and the plans for expansion and even future MYP and DP goals for their very new school. Rezuan has been a regional leader even before his school's authorization. He has hosted free meet-ups with teachers from all over the region and even the world. Use his social links below to connect with him. He's been on the podcast 5 times now and is a great resource. Links: Rezuan's LinkedIn Rezuan on Facebook Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text While this is, technically, a quickcast to promote speakers and vendors at the #IBGC2025 in NOLA, its really an introduction to the IB North Americas' excellent initiative designed to encourage greater IB DP and CP participation. So, please use the overview shared by Phil Evans and the numerous links, to begin exploring how your school community could embrace a philosophy that all students deserve an IB education. Who wouldn't want a student-centered pedagogy with inquiry, intellectual rigor, research and concept driven learning and instruction as the overall system for their students and teachers? We also introduce Phil's excellent podcast 'Education by Design'. Check out the links below or find it wherever you get your podcasts. Links: School-wide adoption resources To contact Phil or Chad at IBO To explore the research on school-wide adoption Research on the value of IB education Education by Design blog Phil on LinkedIn Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text Continuing our series of quickcasts leading to the 2025 IB Global Conference in New Orleans, we feature Kognity, an IB partner organization. Chris Barres and Sian Steggles tell us about Kognity and their digital teaching and learning platform. Kognity will also host a session entitled, 'Digital Dilemma! What do we really want from digital resources?' at 2:00 on Wednesday, July 16th in the St. Charles and Lafayette rooms. Links: Kognity.com Free interactive trial of Kognity RSVP to the Happy hour on Wednesday, July 16th celebrating their 10 year anniversary Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text This is the third of several 'Quickcasts' to introduce listeners to vendors and presenters at the 2025 IB Global conference in New Orleans. Here, we speak with Amnah Ejaz of Kialo Education, an online discussion platform. It's available free and will be featured in a booth at the upcoming IB Global conference in New Orleans. They are also hosting Michael Dunn of TOK.net who will be speaking at a session entitled: 'Critical thinking in a polarized world'. His session will be in the St. Charles & Lafayette rooms at 11:15 Thursday, July 17th. If you are unable to attend, please check out the links below and/or look up the presentations after the conference on the IB website. Links: Kialo Education Demo of Kialo at work Theory of Knowledge.net Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text This is the second of several 'Quickcasts' to introduce listeners to vendors and presenters at the 2025 IB Global conference in New Orleans. This episode features Robert Kohnert, a coordinator of advanced programming in Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). Robert uses his experience in MPS to drill down into what is working and what could be improved to help students who take up the Diploma Programme. He has three steps to share with attendees: how to get students into the DP classes, how to encourage them to take the exams, and, of course, how to help them be successful in those exams. Robert will be presenting on Thursday, July 17th at 2:00 in Gallery 5 on the second floor. If you are unable to attend and want to learn more about Robert's work, check out the slide deck available after the conference from IB, or reach out to me (link below) and I can share it with you. Link: The 2025 IBGC NOLA program Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text This is the first of several 'Quickcasts' to introduce listeners to vendors and presenters at the 2025 IB Global conference in New Orleans. This episode features Rachel Bodily, co-founder of Eblana Learning. We did a full podcast with Rita Bateson the other co-founder a few months ago. Check that out here. Rachel gives a sneak peek at the session they are offering at the IBGC 2025 and talks about the mission of Eblana Learning. We also talk about the free upcoming Eblana session at the MNIB Summer Conference in August. If you are going to New Orleans this summer, be sure to stop by the Eblana booth to meet Rachel and Rita and then attend Rita's session on Wednesday, July 16th at 2:00 in Gallery 2. Links: Eblanalearning Rita Bateson on LinkedIn Rachel Bodily on LinkedIn The 2025 IBGC NOLA program The MNIB Summer conference registration page that includes the two-day Eblana sessions. There is limited space available. Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text Returning guest Novadene Miller is a skilled and motivational teacher. She draws from her experience earning a doctorate in Geology to bring multiple perspectives and resources to the classroom. In this episode she shares how her Humanities students build cross-disciplinary skills like critical thinking, collaborative skills, and research skills while engaging in many different activities both in and out of the classroom. She also talks about the many resources that can be used beyond the typical books and internet searches so often relied upon. Each example shows how the IB framework gives her students the space to inquire and be curious about the world around them and to give voice and value to their own ideas. Novadene's links: LinkedIn IB Blog posts: Teaching service as action , Teaching MYP Ind. & Soc. in a changing world Article for the Independent Schools Network (ISN) Additional ISN articles: Teaching skills applied beyond the classroom , Celebrating World Children's Day in your Classroom Novadene's research: Achieving Sustainability of Natural Resources and obtaining Economic Goals. Tourism's Pandora's box Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text Do you need to get your teachers official IB training that doesn't break the bank? Did you know that schools can request specific subjects and categories of training that come straight to you? In this episode, Casey Strecker of Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) and I go over the advantages of in-school workshops. We talk about how to order them, the responsibilities of the host school, and how to use them to get your staff the training that fits your school's needs. Note: The 'blended' model we talk about in the podcast is currently available only in the America's region but all regions support school-requested workshops in multiple formats. These are not just for individual schools. IB Schools Associations, neighboring schools, and whole school districts are using this option to create economical learning opportunities that fit their budgets and schedules. IB Workshops and Services (pdf 25-25 catalog) IBO Professional Development MNIB Summer Conference Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text The MAGIC-T model is at the center of education at the Prem International School in northern Thailand. Creative director of the school, Alex Soulsby explains just how using arts and culture as a focus works so well in an IB continuum school for all ages and IB Programmes. He shares how visiting arts and culture practitioners bring their perspectives directly into the curriculum and themselves take advantage of the school's resources available in return. There is resource exchange between the school and their visitors that works to strengthen both parties. www.alexsoulsby.com LinkedinherehereAlex' school: Prem International School, Chiang Mai Thailand Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text Rita Bateson has been part of MYP evolution since the days of the 'Next Chapter'. Today, she is still engaged in the Enhanced MYP and has researched how AI is going to influence the Approaches to Learning (ATLs) in all IB Programmes. Along with Rachel Bodily, they have co-founded Eblana Learning which is a central repository of resources, training, consultancies and both online and in-person courses. Rita’s LinkedIn Eblana Learning LinkedIn Rita’s Substack Rita Bateson is a respected educator, author and mentor with over 20 years of experience in international education. She has held key roles in international education, including Senior Curriculum and Assessment Manager at IB Global Headquarters and founding Head of Secondary at Nord Anglia International School in Ireland. A renowned curriculum developer and textbook author, she is also a seasoned workshop leader and consultant. Rita currently serves as the Director of Education and co-founder of Eblana Learning, where she focuses on helping schools harness AI’s potential ethically and with confidence, drawing on her deep IB expertise and practical insights. Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text Our guest, Chaahat Dhall, from Fountainhead School in Surat, India has some great ways she engages her MYP students. From human libraries, to silent debates, to advisory circles and beyond, Chaahat shares some of the many resources she uses throughout the year. Chaahat was also one of Jiana Shah's MYP teachers, so you can learn from one of the teachers who influenced Jiana as she developed her skills as an MYP student. The list of resources Chaahat has shared is too extensive for these notes, so I will include some here but the entire list can be found on our website. Links from Chaahat: (More on our website) Human Library Publishing Partner A platform that encourages dialogue and understanding through personal storytelling and unique perspectives.Oxfam Hunger BanquetThe Moral Machine A platform for exploring ethical dilemmas and decision-making through AI simulations.Use of Moral Machine A guide on integrating The Moral Machine into classroom discussions and activities.Information Is Beautiful - Current Events Visualizes current events and data in a compelling and accessible manner. An interactive event designed to raise awareness about global hunger and inequality through experiential learning.Ted Ed Helps educators create engaging lesson plans using TED-Ed content.Globalia A great resource for maps and visual representations of global topics.IQB (Inspiring Inquiry) Resources and tools to promote inquiry-based learning in classrooms. Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text Jiana Shah is back, two years after we first spoke. Then, she was a 14 year old 9th grader looking forward to the end of the MYP and the beginning of her Diploma Programme journey. Jiana began in the PYP as a kindergartner and is now a Diploma Programme junior well on her way to completing her entire school experience as an IB student. This makes her an excellent person to talk to about the rollercoaster experience as she navigates the challenges and accomplishments of the IB student. What I love about this conversation is how Jiana can follow the thread of experiences in the PYP and MYP as they continue to influence her activities today. Often, it is the non-curricular activities which have the greatest influence. We also spoke about all three areas of the DP core: the Theory of Knowledge, CAS, and the Extended Essay. Each has enriched her experience and she makes a good case for their placement as requirements of the Diploma. We have already made plans to continue the conversation and follow Jiana as she completes the Diploma and makes her way to university. She is certainly a great example to other young people and serves as an inspiration to students and adults looking forward to a future with more IB students like Jiana in the world. Here is a link to her earlier episode (S3:E9) Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text Smriti Sajjanhar from Genesis Global School shares her expertise in using Play-based Learning (PBL) with students in her PYP school. She shares great anecdotes telling how PBL has transformed the way students learn and even think about their learning. Teachers, students, and parents engage in open-ended explorations without preset objectives for the children. These sessions result in often surprising results - and that's the point. Kids learn things and go on adventures, inside and outside the classroom, that pay off in their subject area learning and in their sense of what they can accomplish when they get to pick their own play options. Smriti's LinkedIn page Links Smriti shared: https://humanperformance.ie/the-properties-of-play/https://caps.umich.edu/article/your-play-personalityhttps://www.facebook.com/share/r/Y8cBGdNonUoUMhiq/?mibextid=W40cHY​ Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text We are releasing several quick casts featuring presenters at the IB Global Conference in Washington D.C. July 25-28, 2024 Use the hashtag #IBGC2024 to see what's happening on social media Session title: Optimizing the IB Personal Project with student-led mentorship This session is on Saturday, July 27th at 2:00 p.m. in Chinatown M3 Our guest, Hoonseok Ho (a MNIB MYP Coordinator) summarizes his session. Hoonseok: Speaks of the journey his school, Sejong Academy, has been onSsummarizes the sessionTalks about what he's excited about in this session.Who is the target audience?What he hopes attendees walk out with.Contact Hoonseok: hoh1@sejongacademy.org Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text We are releasing several quick casts featuring presenters at the IB Global Conference in Washington D.C. July 25-28, 2024 Use the hashtag #IBGC2024 to see what's happening on social media Session title: Humanizing Personalized Learning in the MYP. - This session is on Saturday, July 27th at 11:15 a.m. in Georgetown M1 Our guests, and MNIB teachers, Sami Peterson and Danielle Vanderlinde summarize the session. Together, they: Briefly summarize the sessionTalks about what they're excited about in this session.Who is the target audience?What they hope attendees walk out with. Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Send us a text We are releasing several quick casts featuring presenters at the IB Global Conference in Washington D.C. July 25-28, 2024 Use the hashtag #IBGC2024 to see what's happening on social media Towards school-wide adoption: increasing access for all students. This session is on Saturday, July 27th at 11:15 a.m. in Archives M4 Our guest, Melissa Cuculich, summarizes her session with her co presenter Renee Illhardt. Melissa: Briefly summarizes the sessionTalks about what she's excited about in this session.Who is the target audience?What she hopes attendees walk out with.Remy Lamon will be running the same session in French on Saturday, July 27th at 11:15 am in Howard M1 and Ricardo Chiaradia is presenting in Spanish on Friday, July 26 at 3:45 p.m. in Gallaudet M1 Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.