Considered as a whole and at the highest proficiency, MYP approaches to learning represent the skills that students need in order to become self-regulated, intrinsically motivated learners. MYP ATL skills reflect“dynamic, internally controlled . . . processes that positively influence a student’s tendency to approach, engagewith, expend effort on, and persist in learning tasks in an ongoing, self directed manner” (McCombs, 1984).
Using the vocabulary of learning theory, ATL skills can be described as
• cognitive- learner-initiated use and practice of active information-processing and retrieval strategies
• affective (social and emotional)- self-management of mood, motivation, interpersonal relationships andattitudes toward learning
• metacognitive- awareness, understanding and control of personal learning processes.
ATL skills are informed by and support the development of the attributes of the IB learner profile.