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DP2 - Interim Reflection Session
What the heck am I getting myself into!?
What the heck am I getting myself into!?
Supervising an extended essay (or multiple essays) can be equal parts enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding! We get to help students pursue research and analysis in a subject they (and we) enjoy, on a topic that intrigues them. As a core part of the IB Diploma Programme, the Extended Essay is a great opportunity for students to develop critical skills they can use at university and beyond and for them to grow into more independent learners.
EE supervisors are expected to spend no more than 5 hours with a given candidate, and this time is spread across many months and both years of the DP. In short, the EE does not add to your day-to-day responsibilities, but comes in smaller, manageable spurts at various points throughout students' DP "careers."
The bulk of our responsibilities come via participating in three required reflection sessions (roughly at the beginning, middle, and end of the EE process) and from giving students formal feedback on ONE draft of the essay. You are not expected to give feedback on more than one draft (and, in fact, we're not allowed to do that even if we wanted to.) It is also normal to hold informal check-in meeting from time to time, perhaps once per month for about 10-15 minutes each time.
Why does my role matter?
Why does my role matter?
The student-supervisor relationship is the backbone of the EE process. It should ideally be a two-way process (rather than the supervisor giving and the advisee receiving.) Our role is first and foremost to support students, and to guide them as needed, particularly when it comes to...
Formulating a topic and a research question
Conducting research in our field (and research that is appropriate for their question / topic)
In some subjects, to help them understand ethical regulations and guidelines set by IB
Providing students with rubric-based feedback on one complete draft (no more, no less) of the Extended Essay
What should I be familiar with?
What should I be familiar with?
The general role of the supervisor (IB's page can be found here.)
The Extended Essay rubric (the base rubric is the same for all subjects, but the interpretation of the criteria varies by subject)
The limitations of what we can do: no direct editing of student work, no providing students with arguments or analysis, etc.
IB's overview of the EE in your subject (choose from the subject groups and subjects on this page from IB.)
Understanding the role of reflection in the IB, and the EE in particular.
How can I be most helpful?
How can I be most helpful?
Resist the urge to answer every question! Students should often be pushed to think of things on their own; better that you two discuss their ideas, rather than have them see you just as a place to get information and feedback.
Encourage planning + organization -- the EE is a great opportunity for students to flex these "muscles," if they have them, and for them to develop those skills if they need extra support.
Encourage students to keep their Researcher's Reflection Space up-to-date -- this can be found in the Extended Essay section on ManageBac. This is not something you need to check, but students' entries and additions to this resource can serve as the basis for some discussion in your reflection meetings or check-in sessions.
Reach out and ask how things are going every so often -- quick chats in the hallway, during a break in class, or checking in after a long period of silence can aid students in keeping the EE in mind and give you some sense of where they're at.
Below is IB's (absurdly large) overview of the EE process, leading up to the start of writing the essay.
IB overview of the EE process (for students)
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