The IIS Learner
Teachers use a constructivist and collaborative approach to inquiry based teaching and learning. We believe that all students have the capacity for personal and academic growth, and that a positive and reflective approach towards student learning behaviors brings the best outcomes.
We organize teaching according to International Baccalaureate standards and practices, share understandings and work together in a collegial manner.
I-Shou International School is a bilingual community. We believe that additive bilingualism is the best educational practice, and that language is fundamental to learning, thinking and communicating across the whole curriculum.
We emphasise that it is necessary not only to learn language, but also learn about language and through language. We believe that learning best takes place in authentic contexts, and that literature plays a special role in enabling this to happen. The strands of oral, written and visual communication are learned across and throughout all subject areas. We believe that the development of mother tongue language is crucial for cognitive development and the maintenance of cultural identity.
Student learning expectations
Students are expected to be active learners, manage their time and resources, and participate in a learning community.
Be active learners
- Make decisions and take action directed towards improving learning
- Be active communicators and seek clarification and assistance when needed
- Reflect on their learning and utilise feedback received from their teachers
Manage time and resources
- Be punctual and ready for learning
- Complete independent learning activities and meet deadlines
- Use technology for learning
Participate in a learning community
- Be accountable for their actions and choices
- Support and encourage others to succeed
- Work in ways that maximise opportunity and productivity
Approaches to Learning (ATL)
Approaches to Learning skills are at the core of teaching and learning at IIS. All students are expected to be aware of the importance of developing skills that enhance learning. Whilst some subject areas or activities might rely more heavily on specific skills, students will be required to use and develop all of these skills throughout their learning programme.
The ATL skills include the following:
- Communication skills: Exchanging thoughts, messages and information effectively through interaction with others Reading, writing and using language to gather and communicate information
- Collaboration skills: Working effectively with others
- Organization skills: Managing time and tasks effectively
- Affective skills: Managing state of mind
- Reflection skills: Considering the process of learning
- Information literacy skills: Finding, interpreting, judging and creating information
- Media literacy skills: Interacting with media to use and create ideas and information
- Critical-thinking skills: Analysing and evaluating issues and ideas
- Creative-thinking skills: Generating novel ideas and considering new perspectives
- Transfer skills: Using skills and knowledge in multiple contexts
21st Century Skills
- These skills are closely linked to the Approaches to Learning Skills.
Learning and Innovation Skills: The skills associated with creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. - Information, Media and Technology Skills: The skills associated with being able to create, evaluate, and effectively utilize information, media, and technology.
- Life and Career Skills: The skills associated with flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-direction, social and cross-cultural skills, productivity and accountability, leadership and responsibility.
