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Differentiation in
the PYP

Personalising inquiry for every learner

30 November 2024 | 12:00 pm GMT| Virtual conference
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Toddle
3 min read

Differentiation in the PYP: Mission Impossible? Not anymore!

As PYP educators, we’re all about student-centred, personalised learning. But finding that sweet spot between sticking to our plans and meeting each learner where they are can be a challenge. That’s where our virtual masterclass comes in!

Join differentiation and PYP leaders, Carol Ann Tomlinson and Cindy Blackburn as they share how to blend differentiation with inquiry, dive into assessments to enhance differentiated instruction, and share how AI can be a powerful tool to make learning more meaningful for each student.

Session 01

Differentiation and guided inquiry: Five elements for student (& teacher) success

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm GMT | 60 minutes

Join Carol Ann Tomlinson, a renowned expert in differentiation, as she explores the dynamic relationship between guided inquiry and differentiated instruction. Carol will guide you through the essential role of curriculum in identifying the knowledge, understandings, and skills that form the foundation of inquiry. 

In this session, you will:

  1. Discover how an invitational learning environment can foster deep, meaningful learning.
  2. Learn how formative assessments can help teachers and students track progress toward mastering learning goals.
  3. Discover instructional practices that cater to diverse student strengths, readiness, interests, and learning preferences.
Carol Ann Tomlinson
Session 02

Creating an assessment culture

01:15 pm – 2:15 pm GMT | 60 minutes

Dive into the diverse world of assessments within the PYP and discover how a culture of ongoing, process-focused assessment naturally supports differentiation. Join Cindy Blackburn as she guides you through PYP’s unique approach to assessment and shares practical examples of how continuous assessment can drive and enhance differentiated instruction.

In this session, you will:

  1. Explore the PYP’s process-focused approach to assessment and its role in supporting differentiation.
  2. Understand how a culture of ongoing assessment fosters continuous growth and learning for every student.
  3. Learn strategies to celebrate and support individual student learning journeys through effective assessment practices.
Cindy Blackburn
Session 03

Leveraging AI for differentiation

02:15 pm – 3:00 pm GMT | 45 minutes

Join a panel of superstar Toddle AI users as they showcase practical examples of how they use AI to personalise learning for their students This session will dive into specific strategies and tools within Toddle AI that can make differentiation more manageable for everyday classroom use, helping you tailor learning experiences to meet individual student needs efficiently.

In this session, you will:

  1. Discover practical strategies for using AI to personalise units and learning experiences.
  2. Explore specific tools within Toddle AI that simplify differentiation in day-to-day classroom activities.
  3. Learn how to efficiently tailor learning experiences to meet the diverse needs of individual students.
Layal Tayara
Nour Sayegh
Riwa Chatila
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Disclaimer - This webinar is organised independently of and not endorsed by the IB. Toddle's events and webinars are organised to enable exchange of practices and ideas within the educator community and are not a replacement for the IB official workshops. Views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their personal views and should not be construed as official guidance by the IB.

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Carol Ann Tomlinson

William Clay Parrish, Jr. Professor Emeritus, University of Virginia School of Education & Human Development

Carol Ann Tomlinson is a leading expert in differentiated instruction and a renowned educator, author, and speaker. With decades of experience in teaching and research, she has inspired countless educators around the world to create inclusive and responsive classrooms that meet the needs of all learners. Carol is best known for her work on differentiation, which focuses on adapting instruction to address students' varying readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles. She has authored numerous books, including The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners, and continues to advocate for personalised, student-centered learning practices.

Cindy Blackburn

Director of Learning and Engagement, Toddle

Cindy Blackburn holds a Master’s in Education in Teacher Leadership and brings over a decade of experience as a PYP educator and coordinator on the international stage. Currently serving as the Director of Learning and Engagement at Toddle, Cindy is dedicated to empowering teachers and leaders by crafting resources that make the PYP accessible, actionable, and, most importantly, joyful. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex concepts into practical strategies, ensuring educators are supported in refining their practice and deepening their understanding of the PYP framework.

Layal Tayara

PYP Coordinator, International College, Lebanon

Layal Tayara serves as the PYP Coordinator at International College in Ras Beirut, Lebanon. She holds a Master's degree in Education with a specialty in Mathematics and Sciences. With over 20 years of experience in education, she has taught all elementary classes and middle school up to grade 7. In her current role as PYP Coordinator, which she has held for four years, she demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the Primary Years Programme. Fluent in English and French, in addition to her native language of Arabic, Ms. Tayara oversees the PYP in both the English and French streams. Her expertise in IT integration has been instrumental in enhancing the implementation of the PYP through the effective use of technology and differentiated instruction. Ms. Tayara is passionate about inquiry-based teaching, ensuring that all students understand what they are learning and construct meaning from their experiences. Dedicated to continuous professional development, she regularly attends webinars and workshops to adopt new strategies that positively impact student learning. Additionally, her organizational skills contribute significantly to her effectiveness as a coordinator.

Nour Sayegh

Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher, International College, Lebanon

Nour Sayegh is a Grade 5 homeroom teacher at International College in Beirut, Lebanon, holding a Master's Degree in Education with a specialization in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Education. With over seven years of experience teaching Grades 3–5, Nour has developed a strong focus on delivering inquiry-based lessons in Math, English, Science, and Social Studies. Committed to differentiation, [Name] tailors instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, fostering an environment that encourages curiosity and critical thinking in the classroom.

Riwa Shatila

Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher, International College, Lebanon

Riwa Chatila holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Lebanese American University (LAU) and a teaching diploma from the American University of Science and Technology (AUST).She began her career in education as a Student Life Coordinator, dedicating three years to enhancing student experiences and promoting well-being. Riwa then joined an IB school, where she spent two years in the Learning Diversity department, developing inclusive educational practices and individualized learning plans. Currently, she serves as a Grade 2 homeroom teacher at IC, where she is passionate about inspiring young minds and fostering their academic and personal growth.