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Detailed Information from the IB:
The Extended Essay places great emphasis on student engagement and reflection. The Assessment Criteria specifically reflects this, according up to 6 points for the reflection process, which is documented on the RPPF (Reflections on Planning and Progress Form).
The RPPF is meant to assess the ability of students to reflect honestly on their process - to show what they have learned, what they felt, the problems they faced, and how they overcame them. Here is the mark band for excellent responses (5-6):
Engagement is excellent.
Reflections on decision-making and planning are evaluative and include reference to the student’s capacity to consider actions and ideas in response to challenges experienced in the research process.
These reflections communicate a high degree of intellectual and personal engagement with the research focus and process of research, demonstrating authenticity, intellectual initiative and/or creative approach in the student voice.
Excellent engagement does not mean you had a smooth process, or even that your final essay was exceptional. Rather, it means that you committed your time and energy to the EE, fostered a positive relationship with your supervisor, met deadlines, and showed an ability to think on your feet and overcome obstacles. Think of your ATLs - these are the qualities the IB is looking for within your RPPF.
You will also note that there is a space on the RPPF for your supervisor to comment. This is where the "positive relationship with your supervisor" part comes in. If you have been respectful, proactive, and engaged, your supervisor will be eager to comment positively on your EE journey. If you don't demonstrate these qualities - if you miss meetings and deadlines, disregard advice, and fail to treat your supervisor with respect - it will be hard for them to advocate for you on this form.
Her is a link to Exemplary Reflections written by AISB students. You will also see my comments, which are meant to show you what worked so well about these reflections. At the top of the pages, there are links to the various IB pages where they have discussed what each reflection session should look like, and how to prepare.