The individual investigation not only allows students to demonstrate their skills in scientific research but, in conjunction with the collaborative group 4 project, also provides a positive opportunity for teachers and students to address meaningfully, and to develop to a significant extent, the five categories of approaches to teaching and learning recognized by the IB that can be found in the “Executive summary” of Approaches to teaching and learning across the Diploma Programme (2012). The five categories are:

• research skills

• communication skills

• thinking skills

• social skills

• self-management skills.

Some of the issues to be addressed when considering how to facilitate the individual investigation so that it becomes a positive opportunity for individual development are:

• whether the student is sufficiently prepared in terms of skills and knowledge to address the investigation in a meaningful and positive manner

• whether sufficient material and human resources are available to support the individual investigations

• how the teacher can ensure that the student works independently in designing, conducting and reporting the findings of the individual investigation.