In recent years, we have observed a significant gap in how we approach education in primary years: while teaching strategies and outcomes are frequently analyzed and discussed, much less attention is given to how students actually learn and how they contribute to their own success. This realization led us to write our first book about Approaches to Learning (ATL) in the Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Too often, the emphasis is placed on what teachers do in the classroom—their methods, strategies, and techniques—without considering the essential role that learners play in their own educational journeys. If we aim to cultivate self-sufficient, proactive, and empowered learners who take ownership of their learning, we must teach them how to learn effectively and provide them with ample opportunities to practice these skills.

This book was born out of our commitment to fostering students who are not just passive recipients of information but active participants capable of setting their own goals, monitoring their progress, and adjusting their behaviors and objectives as needed. It is the first in a series of resources designed to support both teachers and students in developing reflective practices and guidance for self-monitoring, ultimately helping students grow into independent, lifelong learners.