Christian Chiarenza
Expert in the IB Diploma Core, ATL's, and Diploma Coordination
I am currently offering a range of workshops designed to target specific needs of schools. My aim is to build a relationship with schools to clarify the objective of the workshop and follow up on progress as needed. We focus on how to best use an understanding of the IB Core to reach curricular targets across the curriculum. For PD to be effective it needs to be able to offer more than a pre packaged one off show that ticks the box of a schools need. It has to be ongoing and targets hearts and minds of the faculty to be effective. I would like to say that no two workshops I offer are alike, since no two schools are alike. I bring an indepth understanding of the IB Core and the ability to make meaningful connections to individual school contexts. I have worked in all 3 IB regions, so I know how diverse schools are. I have been involved in curriculum reviews for TOK and CAS, so my understanding of the core is broad. I have more than 10 years experience as DP Coordinantor, so I understand the context in which the Diploma is run. I have been a workshop leader for the IB for 12 years, so I know how to works with facult, but more importantly, I pride myself in being able to make connections with people, so I will not be a talking head in front of your faculty Given the current climate, I have also been developing online workshops that target specific aspects of the new TOK Curriculum. See the section below in services.
Bio
With 20 years IB Experience, as a Diploma Programme Coordinator, Workshop Leader, and TOK curriculum developer, I have spend my career focusing on how to most effectively run an IB Programme and deliver a TOK course. Of special interest is understanding assessment, and how to help student achieve their full potential within the IB assessment model. I have worked at schools in Ecuador, Chile, Boston, Hong Kong, New Delhi, Chang Mai, Singapore, and Barcelona.
Services
Theory of Knowledge Workshops for TOK teachers
This workshop aims at working with TOK teachers and the DP Coordiantor to overcome challenges specific to the school. Assessment is the focus, along with pedagogical strategies for teaching the essay and themes of knowledge. The new TOK Curriculum offers new opportunities for teachers to effectively link their subjects to TOK. We will also focus on the TOK Exhibition and how to help students avoid the pitfalls of a new assessment. It is encouraged that you invite TOK teachers from other schools to attend this workshop.
Theory of Knowledge workshops for non-TOK Teachers
How can TOK help you to guide students to success in your subject? The focus of this workshop is to look at relationships between the aims of objecitives of TOK those of the the rest of the DP Programme. We look at the role of common language and how understanding certain parts of the TOK course can help teachers access some of the most complex parts of their own curriculum.
1-on-1 Consultation with Coordinators
These sessions are open. It is an opportunity to spend a day working with the IB Coordinator, and others as needed, to create a strategy for their school. It might be working with a new coordinator on the fundamentals of the IBDP, or with an experienced Coordinator who wants to find a solution to a much more specific issue at their school or simply prepare for the school's next IB Evaluation visit.
Harnessing the power of the IB Core to improve student learning
The IB Core holds the roadmap to success in the IB Diploma Programme. Understanding how each elements works in cooperation to develop critical thinking skills and help students create more purposeful work can allow your students to reach their full potential. My core workshops are customoised for the needs of your school, focusing on ensuring entire faculties understand the role of each part of the IB Core and developing a strategy to help integrate that understanding into teacher's planning and reflection. These workshops are unique in that I focus on the improtance of working with the school before the workshop begins to plan objectives and after the workshop ends in order to reflect upon success and plan a path forward. Good PD is ongoing and cannot be effective with out setting a clear objective and reflecting on success against that target.
NEW: Online consulations with TOK teachers
The purpose of my Mini Workshops Online is to provide concrete answers and clarity to TOK teachers who are trying to wrap their head around the new TOK Curriculum. I am offering a selection of 90 or 180 minute workshops on a variety of topics, allowing schools to do as much, or as little, PD that they need in TOK.
What is included in each workshop?:
The format is to gather online with TOK teachers. In order to facilitate the development of an effective strategy for TOK teachers, the session will be co-constructive. In all workshops, I will provide slides containing essential information organised in a way that makes it comprehensible to teachers. I will also provide some pedagogical strategies that go with each theme. We finish by working together to see how we can integrate the learning into the teachers classroom and planning documents.
In 180 minute workshops, there is additional time spent on a theme of the school’s choosing. For example, in the workshop on options, the school might want to take a closer look at one specific option. Or in the workshop on the essay, we can integrate a moderation session to the workshop.
When will they be held?
Given the nature of these workshops, they can be held anytime of the year and in any timezone. I am based in Europe, but can be flexible as to the time of day in which workshops are held. Given that these workshops are done from the comfort of our homes, they can also be easily completed during times that teachers are not in class, thus having no impact on teaching time. Sessions should ideally be booked at least 2 weeks in advance, especially in the case of 180 sessions.
Can we do multiple sessions?
Yes, as many as you like. The idea is you simply choose the workshops you need, and leave out the ones you don’t.
Can I combine themes into one workshop to save money?
Yes, you can. However, the more topics you fit into a 90 minute session, the less time we will have to spend on each topic. However, each school is different and I hope to be able to mold my workshops to meet the needs of your school. You may also choose to have a 90 or 180 minutes session that covers all components of the course in an overview.
Menu of workshops
How do the WOKs fit into the new curriculum
Introduction explaining why WOKs removed and how they are still there
Should we refer to them directly?
Pedagogical Ideas
The TOK Exhibition
Why the basic relationship between TOK and the real world is still very much a part of this IA
Understanding each part of the IA
Assessment in the Exhibition
Teaching the IA
Writing TOK Essays
Teaching students to write purposeful essays
How much scaffolding to provide
Understanding assessment and what distinguishes an A from a B
Ethics in the new curriculum
Can we still teach the classics?
What is the purpose of teaching ethics in context?
Pedagogical ideas
Teaching options
Understanding each option
Some possible criteria for choosing the right option
Can (or should) I teach all the options, but more generally?
Options and assessment.
The Core Theme
What is the core theme?
Beginning, end, or both
Core theme and assessment
The new Framework and TOK Across the Curriculum (Appropriate for for full faculty)
Advantages of a simplified framework
Using the framework in subjects
PD with your DP Faculty
The framework and assessment
How subject teachers and help in the essay
Testimonials
"The key take away from the workshop? To be frank alomst EVERYTHING. Seriously"
TOK for TOK teachers in School Workshop
"Christian was able to talk about very complicated material, but made it seem simple. His understanding of the IB and ability to talk and listen to us was highly appreciated"
ATL Workshop
"His insignts on unpacking the essay were very useful, giving students guidance to undertake a producitve approach while providing a framework offers support to everyone while allowing high flyers to run with it."