Toddle presents

The IB Middle East Meet

Virtual PD for IB educators in
English & Arabic

April & May, 2024

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PYP | May 4
MYP | April 20
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4 min read

Nurturing Lifelong Learners:
Inquiry & ATLs in the PYP

Saturday, May 4, 2024 | 16:00 – 18:15 GMT+4

Many PYP educators often struggle to understand the intricacies of planning for student-led inquiry. Questions such as, “Which inquiry method is most effective for these learners?” and “How can we identify the ATLs and Learner Profile attributes that will drive this inquiry forward?” frequently arise.

Ali Ezzeddine and Cindy Blackburn, experienced PYP practitioners, are prepared to share practical tips and strategies to address these questions. Join us to discover the power of various inquiry approaches and learn how to integrate ATL skills and learner profile attributes to foster deep inquiry.

Please note: Both sessions will be available in Arabic and English.

Session 1

Integrating ATL skills & the learner profile in PYP

16:00 – 17:00 GMT+4 (60 min)

PYP units of inquiries come alive when we have intentionally planned for depth when selecting each element. How do we ensure that the ATL skills and learner profile attributes (LPAs) selected for a unit are not only preparing students for academic success, but for life? Join Cindy Blackburn to discover how a well-rounded curriculum is key to helping students become proactive learners and global citizens. You’ll leave with practical tips on how to weave ATL skills into your lessons and pair them with LPAs for a truly impactful learning experience.

In this session, you will:

  • Explore how the Approaches to Learning set the stage for lifelong learning
  • Learn to intentionally combine ATL skills with LPAs when planning for inquiry
  • Get strategies to integrate these skills and values to make learning relevant and exciting for your students
Cindy Blackburn
Session 2

The power of different inquiry types in the PYP

17:15 – 18:15 GMT+4 (60 min)

Every PYP classroom is unique, and so is its inquiry! So what type of inquiry would help ignite curiosity and facilitate student-led learning in your classroom? Join Ali Ezzeddine as he guides you through practical applications of the different inquiry methods and shares success stories. Gain a deeper understanding of various inquiry approaches, enhance inquiry-driven lesson planning, and empower students to become lifelong learners.

In this session, you will:

  • Develop proficiency in implementing different types of inquiry
  • Get practical strategies to integrate inquiry techniques into lesson plans
  • Foster an engaging learning environment that promotes curiosity and critical thinking skills in your students
Ali Ezzeddine
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Know your speakers

MYP Curriculum Design: Balancing Service as Action and National Standards

Saturday, April 20th, 2024 | 16:00 – 18:30 GMT+4

Navigating the demands of teaching national education standards alongside the MYP can seem like a tightrope walk. Additionally, the essence of the IB philosophy is to nurture global citizens through meaningful Service as Action. How do we navigate this complexity, ensuring our teaching not only meets rigorous standards but also helps students connect with the world and their communities?

This event is designed to address this pivotal question through two interactive workshops. The first session focuses on embedding Service as Action within the MYP framework, enhancing student engagement and global citizenship. The second session delves into the practicalities of aligning the MYP curriculum with national education standards, leveraging innovative tools like AI for a cohesive educational experience. Join us to transform your approach to teaching and learning, fostering a well-rounded and community-focused MYP programme.

Session 1

Connecting Service to the MYP Approaches to Teaching and Learning

16:00 – 17:00 GMT +4 (60 min)

How are the Approaches to Learning, the Approaches to Teaching and Service as Action all related? Explore the integration of Service as Action into the MYP, enhancing global citizenship and community engagement. This workshop, led by Dr. Fatma Odaymat, offers practical strategies for embedding service learning deeply within unit planning, aligned with the MYP’s Approaches to Teaching and Learning. Discover how to create impactful learning experiences that connect your students to their global and local communities.

At this session, you will:

  • Understand the framework of Service as Action and its learning outcomes in the MYP
  • Unpack how the Approaches to Teaching and Learning are connected through Service as Action
  • Explore ways to support global and local connections through applied learning experiences
  • Build a robust service learning programme within the MYP framework
Dr Fatma Odaymat
Session 2

Integrating the MYP curriculum with National Education Standards

17:15 – 18:30 GMT +4 (75 min)

Facing the challenge of aligning the MYP curriculum with national standards? You’re not alone in this difficult task! Dr Maged Abdallah will help you uncover strategic approaches essential for smooth implementation of the curricula. You’ll see successful examples of integration and understand the positive impact it can have on student learning. You will gain insights on how AI can support you in curriculum development, and revolutionise the way you design your teaching and learning experiences.

At this session, you will:

  • Master effective integration strategies to align the MYP curriculum with national standards
  • Assess the impact of integration on teaching and learning
  • Utilise AI tools to facilitate and enhance curriculum design
Dr Maged Abdallah
Register now

Know your speakers

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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Ali Ezzeddine
Ali Ezzeddine is an educational consultant and trainer in various educational fields. He is a certified international trainer from Lynn Erickson Institute to lead concept based workshops and international educational consultant for the International Baccalaureate Organization. Ali is an experienced primary educator and fluent in Arabic, French and English. Aside from teaching, he loves children’s literature and he is a published author. He visits schools to lead training, consult with faculty or just to share his writings with the students.
Cindy Blackburn
Cindy has a Masters of Education in Teacher Leadership and has worked as an PYP educator and coordinator internationally for the past ten years. She currently works as the Director of learning and engagement at Toddle and specialises in developing resources to support teachers and leaders in honing their practice and understandings, to make the PYP simple, actionable, and above all else, joyous.
Cindy Blackburn
Cindy has a Masters of Education in Teacher Leadership and has worked as an PYP educator and coordinator internationally for the past ten years. She currently works as the Director of learning and engagement at Toddle and specialises in developing resources to support teachers and leaders in honing their practice and understandings, to make the PYP simple, actionable, and above all else, joyous.
Ali Ezzeddine
Ali Ezzeddine is an educational consultant and trainer in various educational fields. He is a certified international trainer from Lynn Erickson Institute to lead concept based workshops and international educational consultant for the International Baccalaureate Organization. Ali is an experienced primary educator and fluent in Arabic, French and English. Aside from teaching, he loves children’s literature and he is a published author. He visits schools to lead training, consult with faculty or just to share his writings with the students.
Dr Fatma Odaymat
Fatma Odaymat has a BS in Biology and is a Medical Doctor by training. She also holds a Masters in Public Health, a certification in Education Leadership and a Masters in International Education Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Before joining the world of International Education, she was involved in developing and managing education and health programmes for children of all ages in Africa and the Middle East. As a United Nations Officer, a consultant and Head of School she designed and managed programmes in Mental Health, Service Learning, Child Labor, Education in Emergencies in addition to designing training programs for teachers and administrators and working with governments on the ratification of education policies.
Dr Fatma Odaymat
Fatma Odaymat has a BS in Biology and is a Medical Doctor by training. She also holds a Masters in Public Health, a certification in Education Leadership and a Masters in International Education Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Before joining the world of International Education, she was involved in developing and managing education and health programmes for children of all ages in Africa and the Middle East. As a United Nations Officer, a consultant and Head of School she designed and managed programmes in Mental Health, Service Learning, Child Labor, Education in Emergencies in addition to designing training programs for teachers and administrators and working with governments on the ratification of education policies.
Dr. Maged Abdallah
Dr. Maged Abdallah is an experienced educator with a strong commitment to providing quality education. Currently serving as the MYP and DP Coordinator at Kuwait Bilingual School, Dr. Abdallah has a Ph.D. in Teacher Preparation and over two decades of teaching experience. He has worked in educational institutions in Egypt, UAE, and Kuwait, contributing to the growth and excellence of the education system.

As an active member of the educational community, Dr. Abdallah actively participates in various capacities. He facilitates workshops, leads programs, reviews quality assurance, and examines the Middle Years Programme (MYP). He is dedicated to his professional development and actively engages in training programs and workshops. You can learn more about Maged on his website, http://edumaged.com.
Dr. Maged Abdallah
Dr. Maged Abdallah is an experienced educator with a strong commitment to providing quality education. Currently serving as the MYP and DP Coordinator at Kuwait Bilingual School, Dr. Abdallah has a Ph.D. in Teacher Preparation and over two decades of teaching experience. He has worked in educational institutions in Egypt, UAE, and Kuwait, contributing to the growth and excellence of the education system.

As an active member of the educational community, Dr. Abdallah actively participates in various capacities. He facilitates workshops, leads programs, reviews quality assurance, and examines the Middle Years Programme (MYP). He is dedicated to his professional development and actively engages in training programs and workshops. You can learn more about Maged on his website, http://edumaged.com.
Kevin Nielsen
Currently the IB Diploma Coordinator at the Canadian International School, Bangalore. Kevin has been involved with the IB for 20 years across 4 continents, both in the MYP and DP. During his time as an educator, Kevin has held several positions of responsibility for History and TOK. He is also a certified Erickson and Lanning CBCI instructor for concept-based education.
Shameek Ghosh
Shameek is currently working as the Diploma Programme coordinator at Xian Liangjiatan International School, Xian, China. He has 17 years of teaching experience in various schools globally and he has been teaching in China since 2016. He has taught Environmental Systems and Societies, Biology and Theory of Knowledge, ATLs, and CAS and holds a variety of leadership positions in a number of subject areas. He has a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Nottingham, UK, and the IB Leadership Certificate.