The Reflection Process

Criterion E of the Extended Essay assesses your reflection and engagement in the entire process. The reflection process is so important, that Criterion E accounts for 6 points, or 18% of your total Extended Essay grade. You will complete the Reflection on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF) in three separate sessions, following formal reflection sessions with your supervisor.

The RPPF is a total of 500 words, divided among the three formal reflection sessions (initial, interim and viva voce).

Preparing for the first reflection session

As preparation for your first reflection session, you should do the following.

• Think about subjects and areas of particular personal interest and do some initial background reading into a subject and topic of their choice.

• Using this as a starting point, explore a variety of possible research topics.

• Undertake further background reading and begin to gather information around your area of interest. This exploration should give rise to a variety of topics and questions that you can consider for further research. At this stage it is important that you consider the availability of reliable and valid sources for the topic under consideration. All of this should be recorded in your Researcher’s reflection space.

• Begin developing a research proposal which might include a MindMap® of ideas, an annotated article or preliminary bibliography. Additionally, you must already be thinking in terms of the following questions.

• Is my topic appropriate for the subject I am considering?

• Why am I interested in this area and why is it important?

• What possible questions have emerged from my initial reading?

• Are there any ethical issues that I need to consider?

• What possible methods or approaches might be used for research in this area and why?

Writing your reflection

From the IB Guide:

It may help supervisors to think in terms of the three mandatory reflection sessions corresponding to the three levels of reflection.

Students are expected to demonstrate how their understanding of the research process has developed while undertaking the EE.

They may move through the three levels of reflection as they undertake each mandatory reflection session.

• Session 1—more descriptive reflections

• Session 2—more analytical

• Session 3—evaluative

There is a 500 word total limit (includes all three reflections).

Suggestion: 150/150/200. Or 120/180/200.

Make every word count: avoid padding (I did this because...), give precise examples.

Tie in IB Learner Profile qualities.

Let your passion and personality shine through!

Read the Criterion E rubric carefully.

Focus on the process, and don't be afraid to share problems and imperfections.

Talk about your questions, unexpected outcomes, challenges and your analysis of how you handled them.

Entering Reflection #1 in Managebac

You will find the Reflection on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF) under the Planning and Progress tab in your Managebac account.

After you have your first formal reflection session with your supervisor, you will write your Initial reflection.

Note that your reflection locks automatically after five minutes and you will not be able to change it.

I recommend writing a draft elsewhere, then copying it into the RPPF form in Managebac once you have it the way you want it.

Your supervisor will read your reflection, date it, then lock it.

Recommended length for your initial reflection is 120 to 150 words.

Remember the levels in Criterion E: descriptive, analytical, evaluative.

Preparing for the interim reflection session

In preparation for the interim reflection session, you should have:

• attempted to refine a focused and appropriate research question

• significantly deepened your research and recorded pertinent evidence, information or data in the Researcher’s reflection space

• reviewed and consolidated the methodologies you are using

• formulated arguments based on the evidence that you have collected

• added to the working bibliography for your research.

Preparing for the final reflection (viva voce)

Your supervisor would have already read the final version of your essay which you uploaded on the e-coursework system. You should bring the following to this session:

• extracts from your RRS that illustrate how you have grown as a learner through the process of reflection

• a willingness to share your personal experience and to discuss the skills and development of conceptual understandings that you have acquired through the completion of the extended essay.