‘Ownership Over Learning’ within an International Education

It may have become common practice for schools to employ a one-size-fits-all approach to learning, with an education that is delivered through adhering to a standardized curriculum. Yet, studies prove that ‘ownership over learning’ yields higher results. This modern educational method encourages students to better understand who they are as learners and utilise all the resources available to enhance their learning, and ultimately themselves.

The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) understands that a uniformed classroom may leave little room for individual focus, possibly distracting from the unique capabilities of its diverse range of students. The school realizes the importance of acknowledging how these individuals learn, with a consideration for their varying pace, strengths, weaknesses, and interests. 

An ISKL teacher’s role is one of collaborating with students to develop learning patterns that consider these specific target areas, implementing a program that is both flexible and encouraging in its approach. It is one that caters for the future goals of a student with their voice and choices being at the forefront, encouraging them to build a base of learning with a sense of ownership. Once they inadvertently engage with subjects and activities that have meaning to them, as individuals, their passions are organically translated into success. With the guidance of teaching staff who understand their personal needs, students adapt and are empowered in achieving results in their chosen fields to become:

• Motivated and energized learners

• Engaged in their learning

• Self-directed learners with an increasing sense of agency, autonomy and responsibility

In addition to the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement program, ISKL offers two innovative study pathways, PRAXIS (Grade 9) and the Pursuits Program (Grade 11 and 12), which focus on enhancing student agency and self-directed learning.

ISKL mirrors these insights to provide an education, whether it be through the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, its innovative PRAXIS and Pursuits Program, or a hybrid program that unearths a deeper understanding of the lifelong skill of responsibility. It ensures creative, critical, and effective communication so that each individual is afforded the opportunity to become confident forward-thinking citizens in a modern world; one that is being reshaped by technology and globalization, the geopolitical and economic landscapes as well as students’ own competencies and dispositions.

It is only when children engage in an ‘ownership over learning’ that educators are able to nurture their unique potential and identify ways in which they learn.  The benefits include:

• A student-centered learning environment that empowers them to be embedded in a system that appreciates their own talents.

• An increase in collaboration and cooperation between teachers and students that results in sharing, exchanging and exploring ideas.  

• A positive attitude towards learning, absorbing a growth of knowledge in a safe and secure environment.  

• An investment in time and effort into participating in creative, sporting or musical passions beyond the traditional, academic classroom.

• Trusting that there is value in learning beyond the academic curriculum through endeavors that aid responsibility, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and time management.  

ISKL’s robust Learning Resource department provides students with an inclusive environment to foster skill development and provide students with additional support when needed. The multidisciplinary team constructs individually tailored instructional plans, with each student receiving a strength-based Student Success Plan (SSP) based on their personal needs. They are also offered life skills courses, social skills instruction and modified academics that fosters skill development and adopts confidence.  A child’s self-advocacy is integral in the success of this program as their goals are regularly monitored through progress reports to determine their degree of participation in the mainstream curriculum, specialist classes (art, music, and physical education) and co-curricular activities.  

ISKL advocates that through their guidance and commitment to education, all members of their student body will foster a range of skills and values to build meaningful relationships that contribute to their community and result in independent and fulfilling lives.  

For parents wishing to explore an education at ISKL for their child, please click this ebook link to learn more about “Unpacking ISKL’s Curriculum: Learning Stories.”  

Established in 1965, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) has become known as a center of excellence in the world of international education. ISKL is a co-educational, private, non-profit school responsible for the learning journey of over 1,600 students aged 3-18 years representing more than 65 nationalities at its campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

ISKL offers a robust international curriculum that combines leading North American educational frameworks with global best practices. The curriculum recognizes that students are on a lifelong learning journey and is driven by ISKL’s purpose to prepare our students for life itself, as we believe in the importance of helping students to shape their own paths, supporting them in discovering their passions, developing their competencies, and having an ethical impact on the world.

ISKL is accredited internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS), and in the United States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). ISKL has a strong focus on service and sustainability across its divisions and is a member of the Eco-Schools organization and the Green Schools Alliance.