Supervisor and you the researcher

Supervisor Check-In versus Reflection

The role of the supervisor

Students and schools should work together to find an appropriately qualified supervisor from the school for each student. It is advisable that supervisors are familiar with the specific discipline involved, or more generally with the problem or issue under study.

The primary responsibility for the essay lies with the student, but the supervisor mentors the student through each stage of the process.

A good student–topic–supervisor fit is likely when the supervisor:

• knows the student well

• shares the student’s excitement and curiosity about the topic

• is comfortable establishing a clear work plan with the student

• follows up with timely feedback.

The supervisor should:

• mentor the student with advice on the skills of undertaking the research process

• encourage and support the student throughout the research and writing of the EE

• guide the student in formulating a well-focused research question that satisfies appropriate legal and ethical standards

• ensure that the student understands the importance of using credible/accurate sources

• check that the student is conforming to any rules stated in the relevant subject guide—for example, he or she is not “double dipping” or using texts that are not permitted.

The supervisor is not responsible for verifying specific content within the student's EE. The supervisor is responsible for verifying that the essay is the student’s own work and that the student has properly acknowledged all her or his sources.

Quick Glance - Role of the Supervisor

Role of the Student

As the extended essay is an important component of the Diploma Programme, and a substantial piece of work, students need to ensure that they understand the expectations of the task and manage their time and workload effectively. The following suggestions are given as guidance to help with the process.

Students are strongly recommended to:

• develop a Researcher’s reflection space as a planning tool

• use the Researcher’s reflection space to prepare for reflection sessions

• share excerpts from the Researcher’s reflection space with the supervisor during the reflection sessions

• choose a subject, followed by a topic, and then think carefully about the research question for their essay

• plan how, when and where they will find material and sources for their essay before deciding on the final topic and research question

• plan a schedule for both the researching and writing of their extended essay, including extra time for delays and unforeseen problems

• record sources as their research progresses using their Researcher’s reflection space rather than trying to reconstruct a list at the end

• make the most of their supervision and reflection sessions by arriving prepared to discuss their work

• have a clear structure for the essay before beginning to write

• check and proofread the final version of their extended essay

• make sure that the version they submit for assessment is the final version with all sources correctly and consistently referenced

• ensure that all requirements are met.

Quick Glance - Role of the Student

UNIS Policy on Subject Teacher versus the Supervisor