B: Applying Skills

In the personal project, students should be able to:


i. explain how the ATL skill(s) was/were applied to help achieve their learning goal

ii. explain how the ATL skill(s) was/were applied to help achieve their product.


Approaches to Learning Skills

Through ATL in the MYP, you have been developing skills that help you “learn how to learn”. You will use these skills during your personal project, will document them, then finally reflect on them in the report.

Approaches to Learning Skills by Category

Thinking Skills

Thinking Skills.pdf

Self-Management Skills

Self-management skills.pdf

Research Skills

Research skills.pdf

Social & Communication Skills

Social & Communication skills.pdf

Gathering Evidence

The ATL skills will help you reach your product goal and your learning goal. Gathering evidence of how you used the ATL skills will also support your reflection at the end of the project.

Formats can be digital or hard copy, written, visual or verbal, and may be gathered across a variety of platforms such as notebooks, portfolios, folders, blogs, social media feeds or voice memos.


Here are some tips:

  • Use any format (or formats) that work for you.

  • Reflect regularly about what ATL skills you have used recently.

  • Keep a record of your reflections and include supporting evidence and examples.


Your evidence doesn't have to be all writing or written reflections. You can document your progress using:

  • visual thinking diagrams

  • bulleted lists

  • charts

  • short paragraphs

  • notes

  • timelines, action plans

  • annotated illustrations

  • annotated research

  • pictures, photographs, sketches

  • screenshots of a blog or website

  • self- and peer-assessment feedback.

Process Journals: B

Selecting Your Supporting Evidence

At the end of the personal project, you will select pieces of evidence to demonstrate the ATL skills that have had the most impact on your project.


  • One piece of evidence must support your analysis of how ATL skill(s) were applied to extend their learning goal.

  • Another piece of evidence must support your analysis of how ATL skill(s) were applied to achieve their product.

  • You may find it helpful to evaluate your product before selecting the examples of the ATL skills to include in your report.


Examples of supporting evidence could include:

  • a series of inquiry questions (research skills)

  • sample correspondence with the project supervisor (communication skills)

  • screenshot of daily reminders or alerts to complete personal project tasks (self-management)

  • reflection about resolving a conflict (social skills)

  • summary of prior learning that is relevant to the project (thinking skills).