Confessions of a PYP Teacher
This podcast is for any teacher who is seeking for ways to enrich the learning in their classroom without breaking the bank. We will explore the simple steps on how to turn the traditional learning experience into one founded on practices of the PYP in 10 to 20 minute episodes. The PYP is part of the International Baccalaureate program, which focuses on developing the whole child by allowing students to create their own meaning from learning. If you’re not a PYP teacher, don’t worry. We’ll be sharing ideas that can be applied to your learning setting, because good practice can be used anywhere. https://thinkchat2020.weebly.com/podcast
Confessions of a PYP Teacher
C149: Specialist and Supporting Teachers: Understanding the Role of Conceptual Understanding
Hey friends. Welcome back.
It’s been a minute or two since we last connected, but here we are—episode twelve of our specialist and supporting teachers series. And this one? It’s a big one. Today, we’re diving into what I believe is the beating heart of deep learning in the IB: conceptual understanding—and more importantly, how it shows up in your space.
This is the question I hear all the time:
"Lu, I’m a PE teacher."
"I support EAL learners."
"I’m in the science lab once a week—am I really supposed to design around concepts?"
YES. A thousand times yes.
Your subject, your space—it’s filled with rich, meaningful ideas. And when we frame those ideas through concepts, we give learners the opportunity to build understanding that sticks—understanding they can transfer and apply long after they leave your room. So, yes. It applies. But let’s talk about how.
Also, I have a quick update. If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been hiding, I’ve been in the zone—leading workshops, collaborating with incredible educators, and building something that’s bringing me so much joy: the Learner Agency Guide. I’m talking theory and practice. A guide and a workbook. It’s general for now, but a version just for you—our specialists and support educators—is on the way. I just need time, space, and many cups of hot cocoa to do it right.
For a written blog post and other resources, visit: https://thinkchat2020.com
Thanks for listening! Please find us on LinkedIn @lugerlach, Instagram @thinkchat2020, Threads @thinkchat2020, and Bluesky @thinkchat2020.bsky.social.
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