General Interest, Block 4: Saturday 11:15 to 12:45

A Conversation with Jean-François Rischard

Room: Michigan A and B

presented by Jean-François Rischard, Former Vice-President for Europe, World Bank

Jean-François Rischard, world-renowned speaker and author, will pick up where his general session left off, facilitating a dialogue about the urgent need for new approaches to global problem-solving. This session will give members of the IB community a chance to discuss issues and share ideas with Mr Rischard, covering a broad range of topics including how we can work to cultivate students’ understanding of the significance of education in a global context.

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College Admissions in An Ideal World

Room: Ontario

presented by Ted O'Neill, Dean of Admissions, University of Chicago

Does the college admissions process really need to be so crazy? With record number of applicants, universities are admitting a smaller percentage than ever. Some students apply to 20 colleges or more, and spend thousands of dollars on private college counseling. Add in early decision, early action, a student loan scandal, and the normal stress of senior year, and you have a volatile mix. But Ted O'Neill, one of the most respected and outspoken deans of admissions in North America, believes the process need not be so difficult. We challenged him: if he were able to change whatever he wanted, what changes would he make? How can we work together to move towards a saner, fairer and more balanced system.

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Applying to Oxford University as an Undergraduate Student

Room: Mississippi

presented by Peter Mitchell, Professor of African Archaeology/Tutor and Fellow in Archaeology, University of Oxford/St Hugh's College

Oxford University is actively seeking to recruit more talented international students for its undergraduate body and, in particular, wishes to boost applications from North America and from those taking the IB. This session explains why such students should consider applying to Oxford and provides information on the kinds of degree and unique forms of teaching offered by this world-class institution. It also explains the application process that candidates must follow and offers guidance on the completion of application forms, the kinds of offers made by Oxford Colleges and the format of interviews held each year in Vancouver and New York.

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Sharing Internationalism: Equity, International Mindedness and Diversity

Room: Mayfair

presented by Gary Little, Associate Superintendent, Vancouver School District
Andy Krawczyk, Principal , Vancouver School District

A key tenet of all three International Baccalaureate Programmes is found in the IB mission statement: "...aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect." The purpose of the breakout session is to demonstrate the critical relationship between school and district in meeting the shared goals of equity, diversity and international mindedness. The presenters will focus on three initiatives of significance that involve district and school in Vancouver. Practical and poignant, sharing internationalism likely raises as many questions as it provides answers. This workshop will provide focus and hope for the work that we do together.

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Theory of Knowledge for Adults

Room: Columbus A&B

presented by Steve Hreha, Diploma Programme Coordinator, Champlain Regional College

We talk a lot about this thing called Theory of Knowledge (TOK), but do we really know what students experience in their TOK classroom? If you ever wondered, here is your chance to find out. A master of TOK teacher will facilitate a "typical" TOK discussion, based on a short reading that will be provided during the session. This session provides a chance to refine your critical thinking skills, to find your voice, and to get a peek behind the scenes at one of the most compelling features of an IB education. This session will be limited to a maximum of 25 participants.

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Teaching Internationalism Through the Socratic Seminar

Room: Ohio

presented by Jerry Chris, Diploma Programme Coordinator/ TOK Teacher, Mission Viejo High School

Is your school seriously engaged in international mindedness or do you rely on "Taco Tuesdays" and flags in the hallway to fulfill the requirement? The Socratic Seminar format allows students the opportunity for true international understanding in every classroom, whether it be Math HL or PYP Social Studies. This methodology, which many consider the pinnacle of student centered learning, guarantees an open-minded inquiry into global issues. Basic instruction and a sample seminar will be offered in this workshop.

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Introducing IB's New Identity

Room: Superior B

presented by Andrew Bollington, Strategic Planning Director, International Baccalaureate
Sandra Coyle, Marketing and Communications Regional Manager, International Baccalaureate

Come and learn more about IB's new identity! The research, design and messages behind the IB's new look will be presented. Video interviews, new brochures and a new IB video will be used to tell the story behind "What can I Be?". A question and answer session will be held after the presentation to answer any questions you may have about the new identity.

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