Essential Agreements - part 1

Over the past couple of weeks I've been invited to lead PYP workshops in a couple of different countries.  While it hasn't yet been possible to find a time that works for myself and my school, I have started reflecting on what kind of workshop leader I would eventually like to be.  At our training last month we talked about drawing up essential agreements for us as leaders.  This is what we came up with as being essential for leading a successful workshop, based on the IB Learner Profile:

Communicator
We will communicate clearly and effectively, making use of the different modes of communication and accounting for a diverse range of participant needs.

Knowledgeable
We will be well prepared in advance with the knowledge to meet the objectives and context of the workshop and the knowledge of how to access further information if needed.

Risk-Taker
As risk-takers we will run our workshops through wikis, try new things and be flexible with results. 

Caring
We will show empathy, sensitivity and respect for risk-taking peers. 

Open-minded
We will listen to and respect others' ideas. We will recognise the diversity of thought as a resource rather than a challenge. 

Principled
We will share and model essential agrements with participants. We will show respect towards different points of view / cultures through the use of respectful language. Word choice is important! 

Thinkers
As workshop leaders, we will model and encourage higher level thinking through questioning, utilizing visible thinking strategies, sharing problem solving stratefies, making connections to practice and theory and analyzing comments and connections. 

Inquirer
Workshop leaders strive to create an environment that models the inquiry cycle through provocations, promoting wondering and questioning and making internal tensions transparent. 

Balanced
As balanced workshop leaders we will address a variety of learning styles, collaborative vs individual learning time and personalities.

Reflective 
We will use knowledge and feedback to monitor and adjust our workshops to meet the needs of learners. 


Photo by Streuwerk