Parents often ask what the “Action Piece” of IB is. Action is student-generated activities and behaviors that result from their learning experiences at home and school.
Action can be as simple as a Kindergarten student choosing to wear weather-appropriate clothing after learning about the seasons, or as complex as sixth grade students choosing an “exhibition” project to demonstrate their growth through the Primary Years Program (PYP).
Last year, after reading a story about a homeless student, Kindergarteners asked their teachers if they could raise money for homeless children in Fort Collins. The Kindergartners presented to Student Council, and they organized a Penny Drive for the entire school. Bennett raised over $700.00 for the Larimer County Food Bank.
Action can also be an individual decision. Recently a student became aware of a difficult financial situation for another student. She suggested to her teacher that she help the student with reading, as books were not available at home.
Action is NOT something a teacher or parent asks or assigns the child to do. Action can be encouraged, but the students ultimately decide if they want to take action in their world. Adults support students’ action, but it is the student who is enabled to act.
Action is an important element of IB because it empowers the students to be world citizens, and it provides an authentic assessment of students’ learning.
