Refelection RPPF

• The IB encourages students to reflect throughout the research process - not just at the end after your paper is finished!

• You will meet with your supervisor a number of times while you are working on your EE, for a total of 3 to 5 hours.  Three of those sessions will be "reflection sessions", meaning that following these meetings you will be required to submit a 150-175 word reflection on the research and writing process of your EE.  Your reflections will be submitted to the IB by our IB Coordinator, using the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF).

• Your 1st formal reflection session will be in the spring of your junior year. The remaining two sessions take place during the winter of your senior year. The 2nd or interim session will take place in December and the 3rd or final session called the Viva Voce will take place in February. Writing a good reflection is important as the three combined reflections count for 19% of your final EE grade from the IB examiner. 

• Source: Susan Trower West Sound Academy

The Second Reflection session usually falls in the latter half of your EE process. Use the prompts below to help guide your reflection and discussion with your supervisor. (Think 175-250 words)

• Do I have a reasoned argument that can be sustained throughout the essay?

• Did I make coherent links between different points made and the evidence presented?

• To what extent have I answered my research question?

• What reasons may have affected my ability to answer my research question?

• If I have been selective in the evidence presented in my essay, can I justify my choices?

• Is there a clear summative conclusion, and does this reflect the discussion that has taken place?

• To what extent do I think I have fulfilled the expectations of the extended essay as a task?

• Has my research resulted in me changing my perspective or views on the topic in question?

• What strategies have I employed that have worked particularly well at this stage of the process?

2nd Reflection - History 

I was finding it hard to come up with a satisfactory counter to the question of accuracy and authenticity which feature prominently in modern readings of her work. Historians ranging from Edward Gibbon and John France to the more direct Howard-Johnson paper which completely challenges her authorship effectively negated my hypothesis entirely. Using Magdalino and Hill as a focus point, I re-read key sections of The Alexiad and mapped out her account against the policital events of Manuel I's reign and quickly discovered some interesting overlaps (building works, military campaigns, relations with the West, etc.). Though occasionally obscure and subtle, the criticisms emerge by means of an unspoken comparison which Byzantine readers of her account would have well understood. This approach is providing me with a suitable counter to the aforementioned criticisms. I have also begun structuring my work accordingly with sections devoted to historical context followed by a section on The Alexiad which compares and contrasts events from Alexius' time with those of Manuel's. I am considering a chapter on the historiographical tradition of Byzantium but may integrate it into the main body in the end.

• An RPPF with Examiner Comments
  With a little guidance, every candidate should be able to score top marks on Criterion E: Engagement, which is based on the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF). Reflection is an art form. And like any art form it can be learned. Below is a rather mediocre RPPF in the left column. In the right column, an experienced examiner has provided comments. Try to learn from these comments before writing your own RPPF comments or commenting on other RPPFs.

Source: Shekou Int School Libguide 

What is the viva voce?

The viva voce is a short conference between the student and the supervisor. It is the recommended conclusion to the Extended Essay process, and lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. 

Why have the viva voce?

The EE supervisor is required to submit a report when your EE is shipped to the IB examiner has been assigned to grade it.  The supervisor can ask questions in the viva voce that will help with writing that report.  This is especially important if the supervisor feels there is a need to check for plagiarism and malpractice in general.  Supervisors are required to confirm the authenticity of the work in any Extended Essay submitted to IB.

The supervisor will use the viva voce to help you:

• Reflect on the successes and difficulties you had when researching and writing your essay

• Reflect on what you have learned

What questions will be asked in the viva voce?

Here are some examples of questions you might be asked:

• What have been the high and low points of the research and writing process?

• In hindsight, would you choose the topic again?

• What were the most interesting aspects of the process?  Did you discover anything that surprised you?

• What have you learned through writing this essay?  

• Having finished your essay, what additional questions did you find that could lead to further investigation?

• Is there any advice you could pass on to someone who has just started work on their EE?

Source: Susan Trower - West Sound Academy