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Hi everyone! My name is Corita Silapan. Please call me Corita.

Currently, I am based in Jakarta, Indonesia. I've been living in this beautiful country for almost 20 years now.

Before getting introduced to PYP, I was a preschool teacher in a Montessori school and a primary teacher in a Singapore school. It was in 2007 that I first got involved in PYP. I have been a PYP teacher for 17 years now. I am also a face- to-face workshop leader and a site visiting team member. I have also been an online workshop facilitator since 2013. I enjoy collaborating with many experts like you from all over the world.

Outside work, I am a simple mom to two adorable girls. I value FAMILY TIME. I make it a point to spend quality time with my husband and kids especially on weekends.

As a workshop facilitator, it always excites me to be assigned to workshops like this one. It gives me a chance to learn with and from great educators around the globe. So, I am really looking forward to having this learning journey with all of you.

I can’t wait to meet you all on July 20!

Corita

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Kindly post your name, current school role, your story as an educator, your expertise, professional passions and the general contributions you can make to your team.

If you are a new PYP teacher, please reflect on your understanding so far - how this school experience differs from others you may have had.

Engage by writing a post, uploading photos or drawings or adding a video.

Looking forward to meeting you all here (initially :-)).

Best Regards,
Corita

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https://blogs.ibo.org/blog/2015/12/19/a-room-with-a-view-to-learning/

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Classroom design is about more than colourful walls, polished desks and stylish furniture. A University of Salford study of more than 3,000 students discovered that a "well-designed classroom" has a substantial impact on learning. The effect may be most profound among PYP and MYP-age students, though the principles of good design are applicable across all ages.

In addition to good lighting, air quality, temperature and sound, researchers found that outdoor space can stimulate a range of different developmental areas: as well as encouraging social skills including empathy, it may positively affect cognitive and physical development.

Student input is important, too. The study identified a sense of ownership as one of the top three influencing factors of classroom design. When students feel ownership of the classroom, through displays of their work, this can lead to greater participation and involvement in the learning process.

Colourful environments have significant effects on learning and wellbeing, according to the study. Plain surroundings tend to under-stimulate students, which can lead to restlessness and difficulty concentrating. Over-use of very bright colours, however, can also negatively impact learning, so it's important to strike a balance in terms of visual complexity.

Goodbye, rows of desks!

Three years ago, a professional development conference inspired Adam Turner, a PYP teacher at Prairie Waters Elementary School, Canada, to transform his classroom. Where previously students sat at rows of desks, they now sit in groups at large tables, or on a carpeted area with cushions and two comfortable chairs, depending on discussions. "Our discussions are much more enriching," says Turner. "More often, students don't sit at their desks."

Meanwhile, Ben Toettcher, Director of educational company Skola Group, based the classroom design of Newland College, UK, on a Harkness-inspired round-table set-up. Desks with seating for 14 MYP students are arranged in an ellipse - or oval shape - with a console in the middle, similar to a boardroom. Teachers can switch between direct instruction, using the console, and whole class discussions.

"The main feedback we get from students is that they feel they are heard," says Toettcher. "Since we opened the school at the start of September this year, certain students have become visibly more confident. Parents are especially happy that, with this set-up, it is impossible for their children to feel lost in a class and disengaged."

Asking the students

Harnoop Bhogal, PYP Coordinator, and Olivia Shilvock, PYP teacher, both at the International School of Siena in Italy, have asked their grade 5 class to redesign their classroom for a unit on identity and learning styles.

To see how they learn best for different activities, the room has been sectioned into different zones, including a daylight area; a comfortable seating area with clipboards; a personal display space where the students can add objects throughout the unit; a music station with headphones; and a mathematics area, which is sometimes split to include a science area.

"The students have shown a very sensible approach to the new space," says Shilvock. "I did think that they would all want to sit on the cushions and fight over the headphones but they are already showing different preferences and making suggestions. Some went straight for the mathematics area and started to 'play' with the items there, some went straight to the light area and said they loved it, some went for the music. It was a lovely reaction."

But careful consideration has to be given to the display of certain objects. A study led by the University of Washington discovered that symbolic objects can reinforce gender stereotypes and can cause diversity and inclusivity difficulties. For example, researchers suggested that prominently displaying pictures of past US presidents - who are uniformly white and male - represented a negative stereotype for females and minorities.

Resisting change

Although change is exciting, it isn't always easy.

There is an adjustment period at the beginning of each year, says Turner. Not having a designated storage spot at their desk or a set seat each day is a shock for many new students.

But, as they become accustomed to their environment, students question how they learn best. "Most students gain a better understanding of when is a good time to sit in groups and work or when they need to focus on their own and find a quiet spot," says Turner. "We reflect on which subjects and learning times are best in big groups at a table, and which are best in their own individual realm."

Flexibility must be a key design requirement within school builds, according to the University of Salford study. Classrooms with clear breakout zones were found to have a positive impact on learning. But separate zones, away from the classroom, appear to be ineffective.

Turner rearranges his classroom depending on the lesson. "The large tables allow students to work in groups with ample room, as well as act as good 'staging areas' for sharing work. If we need a large space to convene for class discussions and activities, the tables are easy to move," he explains.

"When students recently shared their mid-unit assessment, we made a 'circle' of the tables - presenters on the inside, observers around the outside."

Teachers no longer feel they are tied to a one-size-fits-all classroom. For many, the traditional row of tables facing a chalkboard is no longer fit for purpose. As well as looking creative, comfy seats on a colourful carpet might be the beginning of a more collaborative way of working.
Tell us how you've changed your classroom and how this has impacted your students' learning: email editor@ibo.org

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Classroom design is about more than colourful walls, polished desks and stylish furniture. A University of Salford study of more than 3,000 students discovered that a "well-designed classroom" has a substantial impact on learning. The effect may be most profound among PYP and MYP-age students, though the principles of good design are applicable across all ages.

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https://blogs.ibo.org/sharingpyp/?s=Revising+central+ideas:+Adopting+a+transdisciplinary+perspective&submit=Search

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Day 2 reflection: I used to think but now I think...

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Day 2 reflection: I used to think but now I think...

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For example: "What do you think inspired the writer to come up with such designs? (perspective)

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Please post your photograph(s) below. In the comment section, type a question and classify your question into one of the seven key concepts.

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Please post your photograph(s) below. In the comment section, type a question and classify your question into one of the seven key concepts.

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https://blogs.ibo.org/sharingpyp/?s=Developing+approaches+to+learning+(ATL)&submit=Search

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Ladder Activity: Please upload your work below.

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Ladder Activity: Please upload your work below.

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Ladder activity: use this template. Upload your work below

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Ladder activity: use this template. Upload your work below

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Hello Ms. Corita, and also everyone those who join this workshop!

My name is Yessy Andini Gitawati, but my famous nick name that more people know is Ms. Echi, :D so just call me Echi. :)

I'm originally came from Bandung, since I was born until now I still living my life as a Bandung city people.

After I graduated from college, I feel so lucky to got an opportunity to work in an international school in Dago area, it was called Stamford School, and change to Global Prestasi School recently. I was working there from 2013 until 2019 as a PE teacher.

And now I'm a PE teacher in this awesome school, SD Tunas Unggul. What a pleasure to be able join this school.

I'm a married woman, unfortunately I haven't get any child yet, hopefully soon. :)

But, anyway I'm so happy with my busy life, so thankful for that, Alhamdullilah...

From this workshop I hope I can understand more about how to be a PYP teacher, and get to know more about what should we do as an educator in PYP world, especially in PSPE lesson, since I'm a PE teacher. :D

Many thanks in advance Ms. Corita, hope to get as many as new lesson and experience with you in the workshop.

See you soon... :)

Warm Regards,

Echi

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Hello Ms. Corita!  My name is Wahyu Andriyansyah, you can also be called Wahyu.
I am a teacher at Tunas Unggul Elementary School, I have worked as a teacher for 3 years and I joined Tunas Unggul in 2022, meaning I have been teaching at Tunas Unggul Elementary School for 2 years.

I teach music. I like music, I can sing and also I can play several instruments (Guitar, Piano, Cello). On the other hand, I am a musician (arranger, composer, songwriter, performer but not singer hihi).

I was born in Bandung, February 25 1995. I am the youngest, I have an older brother. Now I live in Cimahi City with my father, and I really enjoy my life.

This is my first time taking part in Making the PYP happen, I am very excited to be one of the participants. I can't wait to sit down with my colleagues to learn and explore more about Making the PYP happen..
So, see you there,
Pleased to meet you.. :)

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Hi Miss Corita, my name is Irma Septiani. Currently I teach Islamic studies in grade 5. This year is my 6th year teaching at SD Tunas Unggul.

I look forward to exchanging ideas and insights with you!

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Hello Ms. Corita.

My name is Ia Kurniasih. You can call me Ia. I am an ICT teacher. I am also the IT Coordinator of Toddle for the past 6 months. We just joined Toddle.

I have been teaching at Tunas Unggul as an ICT teacher since 2006. Last year SD Tunas Unggul decided to join IB and I was very excited. I want to apply the IB ways in teaching because for a long time, I have been using the old ways in teaching.

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Hi, Miss Corita. My name is Yayat Nurhayati, you can call me Oyat. Now, I am teaching at grade 4 as an English teacher. While I was studying at college, I started teaching as English private teacher in one of the institutions in Bandung. Then, I applied to Tunas Unggul primary school after I graduated.

I like English and I love learning new languages. In Tunas Unggul, we work as teaching team and we always cooperate to arrange the various and interesting learning activity for the students.

This in my first time join PYP workshop. Thank you for this chance. See you ^_^

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Hi Ms. Corita..

My name is Nurmaya Khoerunnisa, you can call me Maya. For 2 years I teach English in grade 1, and now I as a homeroom teacher in grade 1 too.

I'm so grateful to join this school which help me a lot to have new insigth and experience to growth. Hope this workshop help me to know more about learning in IB school.

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Hello, my name is Amalia Aini. Usually, people call me Amel. I live in Ujung Berung. Previously, I graduated from the majoring Biology at UIN Bandung. Before teaching at this school, I had taught in junior and senior high schools, but now I prefer teaching in elementary school because I feel happy when meeting children.
Now, I have been teaching at Sekolah Tunas Unggul since 2021. At this school, I have learned many new things, including pedagogy, communication, and language. I feel that this school is very focused on student development because students are assessed not only by their final results but also by their progress.

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Hello Ms. Corita. my name is kartika, you can call me Tika. i'm a mother and teacher at SD Tunas Unggul. can't wait to see and sharing with you :)

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Hi Miss! Im Islamic Teacher in Tunas Unggul Primary School, my name is Ichsan Chandra Kirana, but you can call me Ihsan. I've worked here after 4 years since 2020 when the pandemic of covid 19.

Actually, I've been a teacher since 2015 when I graduated from my boarding school. I've expertise in Islamic Education especially in islamic historical. My professional passion is Islamic Teacher.

I just only know about PYP in this school.

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Hello Ms. Corita! My name is Mister Dadan, you can calme Mr. Dadan. I teach Physical Education all grade in Tunas Unggul School. Nice to meet you!

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Hello Ms. Corita! my name is Ai Purnama, you can call me Ai.

. I'am teach in grade 2, I've worked in here after 2 years. My professional passion is sains teacher.

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Hello Ms. Corita, my name is Yuni Srihartika. Currently I am a homeroom teacher of grade 5. This is my sixth year here in SD Tunas Unggul. Actually my dream wasn't to be a teacher, but I am vlad now I am, especially here in SD Tunas Unggul where I can learn and develop my skill.

Nice to meet you, :)

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bismillah...

hi Ms Corita ...

my name is Apip Ansurulloh Sidiq you can call me Apip .now i teach Islamic Studies in grade six in Tunas Unggul.

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Why the presence of this tree affects our sustainability -connection