AGIS Conference 2024 Potsdam

Our student body is very diverse, however assessment often still follows the principle of "one size fits all". In this workshop we will explore different methods and experiences for assessing student learning. We will start with a short overview of the means of action and expression in the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework and why choice, not only during our lessons but also in assessments, is important for our students. Then we will share best practices and examples and put our thinking into practice by adapting a current assessment.

This will be split into two presentations:

Session 1 (9:45-10:45)
Jennifer Fueckel and Hyunji Son will present from a Bonn International School context:
Based on collaboration and co-teaching between Learning Support and Science in Grade 6, this session will go through our successes integrating Grade 6 students into “secondary”, as they navigate new challenges such as: MYP rubrics, new technologies (ipads and apps), unfamiliar secondary class routines and study skills. We will talk about this in two stages: the initial “transition stage”, and the later “academic learning stage”.
In the initial 'Transition' stage, we focus on acclimating students to the unfamiliar, finding ways to make MYP rubrics and assessments not so overwhelming to students, guiding through new technologies, and class routines. We use different Co-teaching models and provide scaffolds for their first steps into a more complex academic environment, in discussion across all grade 6 teachers in the school to achieve common language (using PEEL paragraphs, 3-close reads… etc across all subjects).
The subsequent 'academic learning' stage propels Grade 6 forward, refining the transition experience. We will open the session to discussion on what has been successful in your classroom.
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will:
- Navigate Grade 6 transitions seamlessly through practical, stage-specific approaches.
- Establish successful co-teaching strategies with different modules and engaging activities.
- Feel confident in integrating technology to enhance classroom instruction.
- Master the application of MYP science rubrics for effective assessment for Grade 6.
- Implement and maintain consistent class routines for a positive learning environment.
- Equip students with essential study skills through innovative teaching methods.
- Effectively utilize resources such as interactive vocabulary tools and graphic organizers.

Homeroom Concept from PYP to MYP
Session 2 (11:15-12:15)

In this session we will focus on the following:
-Homeroom Concept and Community Building 
-Collaborative Planning and Reduced Assessments
-Simplifying Feedback and Enhancing Transparency 

Besides being extremely fun, Improv Comedy games reveal (and revel in) the playfulness of the English language and is a rich application of the Communicative Approach to language learning. Improvisational comedy games and role-plays are rooted in cooperative interplay, inventive story-telling, group-mind collaboration, extreme listening, character-work, dialogue development and the willingness to take risks, to accept failure and to connect to our sense of humor. Games commonly played in improv comedy workshops and shows (such as 'Whose Line is it, Anyways?') have been re-tooled to the language learning experience and will focus on grammar points, vocabulary building, politeness and different language skills such as meetings and presentations. Naturally, Comedy Improv techniques will also be introduced, so participants can enjoy the thrill of Applied Improv Theory: in other words, you will laugh and learn at the same time. These exercises are cross-disciplinary, and can be applied to many other subjects as well. This approach will give teachers some fresh options to offer students. This workshop gives credence to the concept that creative play CAN be combined with learning: a true School of Fun. The final hour will be spent 'performing' these games for each other for fun and laughter.

Extra: Brian Kapell has been performing, directing, producing and teaching improv comedy and theater for 39 years and is one of the founders of short-form improv comedy. He is a founding member of the performing groups ComedyShorts, and has built and operated comedy clubs in the USA and Germany. Brian has always applied improvisational exercises into his teaching, including during his 12 years working with deaf communities all over the USA. He currently teaches Secondary Drama, directs school musicals and teaches Sign Language after school at Berlin International School.

Participants will learn a selection of improvisational comedy games that are embedded with a feature of English language learning. Everyone learns the basics of comedy improvisation techniques which will provide the groundwork for collaborative, group-mind storytelling. Teachers will be able to take these games into the classroom to create more interactive, playful English language learning sessions that thrive on creative communication. The laughter will prove that we can bring the fun into the learning process. Participants will experience the funnest language learning lesson ever.

Besides being extremely fun, Improv Comedy games reveal (and revel in) the playfulness of the English language and is a rich application of the Communicative Approach to language learning. Improvisational comedy games and role-plays are rooted in cooperative interplay, inventive story-telling, group-mind collaboration, extreme listening, character-work, dialogue development and the willingness to take risks, to accept failure and to connect to our sense of humor. Games commonly played in improv comedy workshops and shows (such as 'Whose Line is it, Anyways?') have been re-tooled to the language learning experience and will focus on grammar points, vocabulary building, politeness and different language skills such as meetings and presentations. Naturally, Comedy Improv techniques will also be introduced, so participants can enjoy the thrill of Applied Improv Theory: in other words, you will laugh and learn at the same time. These exercises are cross-disciplinary, and can be applied to many other subjects as well. This approach will give teachers some fresh options to offer students. This workshop gives credence to the concept that creative play CAN be combined with learning: a true School of Fun. The final hour will be spent 'performing' these games for each other for fun and laughter.

Extra: Brian Kapell has been performing, directing, producing and teaching improv comedy and theater for 39 years and is one of the founders of short-form improv comedy. He is a founding member of the performing groups ComedyShorts, and has built and operated comedy clubs in the USA and Germany. Brian has always applied improvisational exercises into his teaching, including during his 12 years working with deaf communities all over the USA. He currently teaches Secondary Drama, directs school musicals and teaches Sign Language after school at Berlin International School.

Participants will learn a selection of improvisational comedy games that are embedded with a feature of English language learning. Everyone learns the basics of comedy improvisation techniques which will provide the groundwork for collaborative, group-mind storytelling. Teachers will be able to take these games into the classroom to create more interactive, playful English language learning sessions that thrive on creative communication. The laughter will prove that we can bring the fun into the learning process. Participants will experience the funnest language learning lesson ever.

Join us for “Personalized Learning: Using Actionable Data to Build a Data Culture,” a condensed 2-hour workshop designed to empower educators with essential skills in data literacy and effective data visualization. Led by experts from Frankfurt International School, this session will provide participants with practical insights into using Google Workspace tools to create meaningful visualizations and dashboards that enhance personalized learning.

The workshop will cover key components of building a data culture within educational settings, including understanding the basics of data literacy, creating clear visual representations of student achievements, and designing interactive dashboards for real-time insights. Participants will learn how to integrate data seamlessly into their teaching strategies, fostering a school-wide culture that values data-informed decision-making.

Attendees will leave with the confidence to interpret diverse data sources, craft intuitive visualizations, and implement dynamic dashboards that provide actionable insights into their classrooms. This session aims to transform data from a daunting challenge into an invaluable ally in personalized learning and teaching strategies, equipping educators to become champions of data-driven education.

Workshop Outcomes:

Attendees will gain:

    •    Insights into data literacy for informed educational decision-making.
    •    Strategies for fostering a data culture within schools.
    •    Skills in creating effective data visualizations to communicate student progress.
    •    Proficiency in designing interactive dashboards using Google Workspace tools.

Participants will be inspired to embrace data-informed practices that enhance personalized learning and teaching strategies in their schools.

I am excited to welcome you to our EE Stammtisch! Instead of a formal lecture, this gathering offers a relaxed environment to connect with fellow EE supervisors and coordinators. Together, we will:

- Discuss different approaches schools take to the EE process
- Share insights on overcoming challenges in the EE process
- Explore effective strategies to support our EE students
- Exchange best practices and resources

This is a wonderful opportunity to build a supportive network and establish an AGIS EE working group.

In this workshop, we will dive into some of the key components of personalized learning: translanguaging, collaboration, and inclusion. Participants will learn more about translanguaging and see various examples of how it can be effectively implemented. We will learn how wordless media can create powerful, inclusive learning opportunities for all learners. We will also explore ideas for celebrating the diversity of our learners and making multilingualism more visible in school. Participants will have opportunities to collaborate and work on their own personal translanguaging and wordless media projects that they can apply directly to their own school.  We will also investigate how systems and structures can support inclusion and promote collaboration. We will share how our school has changed our educational framework to intensify the collaboration between members of the support team and between teacher teams in order to optimize personalized, inclusive learning.  The goal of this workshop is for participants to feel inspired and prepared to support multilingual learners in their own schools. There will be hands-on activities and opportunities to develop meaningful lessons and plans to use in your own practice. We hope you join us for an interesting and enriching day of learning together!  

What the attendee can expect to come away with: A better understanding of what translanguaging is and how it can be used in practice; Ideas for multilingual approaches to lessons and meaningful learning opportunities; Plans and ideas for ways to implement translanguaging in the attendee’s own school; Tools and a framework for using wordless media to support learning; Inspiration for how to move forward in attendee’s own school in terms of structure and collaboration.

I am excited to welcome you to our EE Stammtisch! Instead of a formal lecture, this gathering offers a relaxed environment to connect with fellow EE supervisors and coordinators. Together, we will:

- Discuss different approaches schools take to the EE process
- Explore effective strategies to support our EE students
- Exchange best practices and resources

This is a wonderful opportunity to build a supportive network and establish an AGIS EE working group.

In this workshop, we will dive into some of the key components of personalized learning: translanguaging, collaboration, and inclusion. Participants will learn more about translanguaging and see various examples of how it can be effectively implemented. We will learn how wordless media can create powerful, inclusive learning opportunities for all learners. We will also explore ideas for celebrating the diversity of our learners and making multilingualism more visible in school. Participants will have opportunities to collaborate and work on their own personal translanguaging and wordless media projects that they can apply directly to their own school.  We will also investigate how systems and structures can support inclusion and promote collaboration. We will share how our school has changed our educational framework to intensify the collaboration between members of the support team and between teacher teams in order to optimize personalized, inclusive learning.  The goal of this workshop is for participants to feel inspired and prepared to support multilingual learners in their own schools. There will be hands-on activities and opportunities to develop meaningful lessons and plans to use in your own practice. We hope you join us for an interesting and enriching day of learning together!  

What the attendee can expect to come away with: A better understanding of what translanguaging is and how it can be used in practice; Ideas for multilingual approaches to lessons and meaningful learning opportunities; Plans and ideas for ways to implement translanguaging in the attendee’s own school; Tools and a framework for using wordless media to support learning; Inspiration for how to move forward in attendee’s own school in terms of structure and collaboration.