Extended Essay
What is the Extended Essay (EE)?
A research paper with the aims of…
engaging students in an independent research project with intellectual initiative and rigour.
developing students’ research, thinking, communication and self-management skills.
student reflection on their learning throughout the research and writing process.
What is the role of reflection in the Extended Essay (EE)?
The focus throughout the extended essay is the process by which they complete it. Reflection demonstrates the rationale of student decisions, shows authenticity and intellectual initiative, and demonstrates engagement in the progress throughout. A key criteria that is graded for the extended essay is a student's engagement and is considered in the overall marks a student can receive on this core component of the International Baccalaureate Programme.
There are 2 ways of reflection that students will be expected to engage in...
Informal Reflection: Students are expected to participate in a Researcher's Reflection Space (RRS). This is an area in which they can upload artifacts, quick reflections, etc. about their process. This helps support supervisors get a full picture of their engagement and give them appropriate marks on engagement.
Formal Reflection: Students submit a Reflection Planning and Progress Form (RPPF) to the IB that will give a formal overview of their engagement. There are 3 mandatory meetings that require reflections that must be no more than 500 words total. The final reflection, also known as the Viva voce, is when students will meet with their supervisors after their final paper is done and thus conclude their extended essay process.
This assignment is linked below in the "Required Submission Forms" called "EE Reflection Log (RRS)" and "EE RPPF" (coming soon...).
Who is involved in the Extended Essay and what is their role?
The student: the key element. Selects a topic of interest and carries out the extended essay. Keeps track of the RRS and the RPPF.
The EE Coordinator: will be a support for supervisors and students, set deadlines and maintain organizational elements for submissions.
Individual EE Supervisors: you will be assigned a supervisor based on your topic selection. This person will meet with you minimum of 3 times and help guide you through the EE and reflection. May NOT edit your paper.
IB Librarian: support in locating and managing resources.