With the conclusion of the first quarter, MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) moves further into the school year with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IBPYP) still active within its preschool and grade school levels. To get the community’s pulse on the new program, Lifenews surveyed 66 IBPYP students and parents. Results showed that 42.5% prefer the IB Program, 12.1% prefer the traditional way of teaching, and 45.4% would go with either. ”
A highly influential factor in the outcome of the results involves the differences in learning styles between the two programs. While the traditional method is known for its lectures and textbook-based teaching, the IBPYP encourages students to learn by exploration and life lessons. “It helps the students to think and integrate the lessons in their daily life situation,” stated an MGCNLCA parent on the IBPYP program. Many noted a distinct growth in the IBPYP children’s confidence, independence, and openness. This is mainly due to the increase in group works and question-and-answer portions in classes. “There are more group works. I used to like working alone, but now, I find group works a lot more fun,” explained Grade five student Caitlyn Yu.
However, not every student can adjust to the program as well as others. Thus, suggestions for smaller-sized classes in the primary and preschool levels came up to accommodate more reserved individuals and late bloomers. “I feel like they will be more engaged if there is a more personal approach,” a parent stated. They also requested more training sessions on the Toddle app and information on the IBPYP Program.
Moreover, the parents and students alike raised concerns about the lack of a study guide. According to an MGCNLCA parent, “The students can participate more if they can read in advance on the given topic, just like a weekly guide.” Without an outline of the lessons and activities, parents find assisting their children and keeping track of their progress difficult.
Despite the minor struggles of the adjustment period, most of the MGCNLCA community is optimistic that the IBPYP will ultimately benefit their child as it slowly improves throughout the years. Parents have seen the growth and maturity that their children have developed within the first quarter and hope that they will further mature in the coming quarters.
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