IB Approaches to Learning (ATL) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ATL skill category is most directly applied when a student uses a graphic organizer to map relationships between concepts?
- Communication skills
- Thinking skills (Correct answer)
- Self-management skills
- Social skills
Correct answer: Thinking skills
Graphic organizers are tools for organizing and visualizing information, which falls under thinking skills in the ATL framework.
Question 2: A student notices they feel anxious before exams and starts using breathing exercises to manage stress. Which ATL skill cluster does this reflect?
- Collaboration skills
- Research skills
- Affective skills (Correct answer)
- Communication skills
Correct answer: Affective skills
Affective skills within the self-management category include strategies for managing emotions, mindfulness, and resilience.
Question 3: In the IB's ATL framework, 'transfer skills' are classified under which broader category?
- Research skills
- Thinking skills (Correct answer)
- Communication skills
- Social skills
Correct answer: Thinking skills
Transfer skills—applying knowledge and understanding in unfamiliar situations—are part of the thinking skills category.
Question 4: Which scenario best illustrates the use of 'information literacy' as an ATL research skill?
- A student presents findings clearly to classmates
- A student evaluates the credibility of online sources before citing them (Correct answer)
- A student sets a study timetable for the week
- A student resolves a conflict with a group member
Correct answer: A student evaluates the credibility of online sources before citing them
Information literacy involves finding, evaluating, and using information ethically and effectively, which includes assessing source credibility.
Question 5: The IB ATL framework is designed to be used across which contexts?
- Only within DP core components like TOK and the Extended Essay
- Only in MYP years 4 and 5
- Across all IB programmes and subject groups (Correct answer)
- Primarily in PYP transdisciplinary units
Correct answer: Across all IB programmes and subject groups
ATL skills are a cross-programme feature of the IB, intended to be developed and applied across all IB programmes and subject areas.
Question 6: A student working on a group project agrees to complete a specific section but fails to deliver on time. Which ATL skill area most needs development?
- Thinking skills
- Self-management skills (Correct answer)
- Communication skills
- Research skills
Correct answer: Self-management skills
Accountability and time management are components of self-management skills in the ATL framework.
Question 7: Which ATL skill is demonstrated when a student asks clarifying questions during a seminar to deepen understanding?
- Affective skills
- Collaboration skills
- Communication skills (Correct answer)
- Organization skills
Correct answer: Communication skills
Asking questions to clarify and extend understanding is an active listening and communication skill in the ATL framework.
IB Approaches to Learning (ATL) 2
Which ATL skill category is most directly applied when a student uses a graphic organizer to map relationships between concepts?