Three years ago IICS introduced Self-Directed Learning Time into Grades 11 and 12. Not only was this a schedule change for DP students and teachers, but it was also a significant shift in the school culture. Faculty were asked to give up instructional time with students and develop more innovative ways of delivering the curriculum.
Despite the many obstacles and false-starts along the way, the response from both students and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. SDLT has now been introduced into the homeroom structure in Grades 7 through 10, and MYP teachers are also devoting up to one third of their remaining instructional time to SDLT.
This workshop will share the story of SDLT at IICS in an attempt to help other interested schools introduce such an approach as smoothly as possible.
Joe Lumsden
Originally from the North East of England, Joe Lumsden moved to Turkey in 1998 and have been working at Istanbul International Community School for the past thirteen years.
Originally from the North East of England, Joe Lumsden moved to Turkey in 1998 and have been working at Istanbul International Community School for the past thirteen years.
After spending his first years teaching English A, Humanities and Theory of Knowledge, he then worked as DP Coordinator, MYP Coordinator and Secondary Vice Principal before taking up his new role this year as Secondary Principal.
I have also enjoyed running MYP workshops, examining for the DP, and participating in CIS/NEASC accreditation teams in various countries.
Patricia Hermes
Patricia Hermes has been an international educator for 25 years working at 6 schools on 3 continents.
Patricia Hermes has been an international educator for 25 years working at 6 schools on 3 continents.
She is currently DP/CAS Coordinator at IICS where she also teaches DP Economics. Patricia was part of the DP team that introduced SDL to IICS and presented previously at CEESA on how SDL can be utilized to promote DP aims and objectives.
Gary Percival
Gary Percival is head of English at IICS, where he has taught MYP and DP English, Language B, Theatre Arts and ToK.
Gary Percival is head of English at IICS, where he has taught MYP and DP English, Language B, Theatre Arts and ToK.
He helps also to coordinate the self-taught Language A program. He has been teaching internationally, both in schools and universities, for the past 20 years.