The Learner Profile in action in Chimfunshi

Last week I was away on an Explore Zambia trip in Chimfunshi with some special people from Grade 9 who I have taught and learned from over the last two years in Grade 7 and 8 Language and Literature. Being with these students gave me an opportunity to get to know them even better, and it was delightful to observe over the four days what incredible IB students they are. They displayed all the Learner Profile attributes!

As I sat in the boma on the last evening, I saw three determined students poking at the fire and communicating through laughter and advice on how to keep it going. I listened to some thinkers at a table nearby - a discussion on which of them would make a good leader in different circumstances. Caring was shown when two boys gave each other a hug. A girl stroked a cat.  Another group of students took very little encouragement from Dr. Stewart to settle down in a principled way to attend to some biology reading. And soon everyone was working. And having fun collaborating!

Earlier that day during the Chimpanzee observations, the students showed balance in being able to listen carefully to Mr Stewart sharing his knowledge and giving instructions, and then they had fun chatting and joking. They asked questions (were inquirers) while observing the chimps as researchers. They reflected thoughtfully after walking through the  brachystegia forest and fig tree ravine by comparing the two areas of forest. They were risk takers using ‘long drops’ with a minimum of fuss! They used their prior knowledge to stay upright scrambling over slippery rocks, and they were open minded to the basic accommodations of no electricity!
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They made Dr Stewart and I very proud! And so I present to you - AISL IB learners!

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