The Reflection Process

As of 2018, the IBO requires a reflection process as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IBO calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are mandatory, and they're part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research processes.

According to the IBO, the purpose for these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." In other words, these meetings are in place to allow your supervisors to give you feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your own research processes.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short interview (20-30 minutes) between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report (which factors into your EE grade). The topics covered in your viva voce are:

• A check on plagiarism and malpractice

• Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties

• Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then sent to the IBO to be awarded levels.

Understanding the Types of Reflection

Interim Reflection

What does the examiner look at to determine Criterion E?

• All three reflections

  • Evaluative

  • Reference to student actions

  • Response to challenges

  • Intellectual AND personal engagement

  • Speaks to the process of research

  • Authenticity, intellectual initiative and.or creative approach

  • Sounds like YOU!

• Supervisor comment

  • Fills the gaps of the RPPF

  • Provides insight into paper that may/cannot be see by the examiner