Studio AO3
Critical Thinking is the best tool not only to do well in the exam...but also to be ready to face the world ahead of you...
In this section you will find steps to help you develop AO3 abilities with the aim to develop Higher Order Thinking Skills [HOTS], throughout your BM journey
DEVELOP BM SKILLS WHILE BUILDING HOTS & AO3 MUSCLES
Ground ZERO
STEP 1: Understand BM Assessment Objectives Structure
The slides provide a comprehensive outlook on each assessment objective [AO]
AO1—Demonstrate knowledge and understanding
AO2—Demonstrate application and analysis
AO3—Demonstrate synthesis and evaluation [Higher Order Thinking Skills HOTS]
AO4—Demonstrate a variety of appropriate skills
STEP 2: Connect AO3 & HOTS to Bloom’s Taxonomy
“Bloom’s taxonomy of six educational objectives (Bloom et. al., 1956)—knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation—is probably the best-known framework on thinking” (IBO©, 2014). The IB programmes draws on Bloom’s taxonomy (with some modifications) to influence higher order thinking, shifting away from rote memorization and superficial understanding.
Keep an eye for the signal: BE A CRITICAL THINKER [AO3] throughout the BM units
BE A CRITICAL THINKER [AO3]
Examples of AO3 Questions:
Recommend, evaluate and justify suitable forms of business organization in particular circumstances
To what extent does evolving role and nature of CSR impact on business aims and objectives?
With reference to two motivation theories, examine the motivation of workers at company xyz
Discuss the effectiveness of company's xyz leadership style
Evaluate company's xyz production method in retaining employees
Recommend whether company's xyz should launch the new product
Justify whether tracking employees & collecting consumer data is ethical or unethical
With reference to an organization of your choice, discuss the ways in which culture can promote or inhibit change
Upper LEVEL
STEP 3: Know important tips to develop your AO3 & HOTS skills
← The slides discuss key tactics to develop and demonstrate the requirements of AO3 and develop BM skills
Whether in writing or in discussion, here is a checklist summary:
Understand the demands of the question or decision making
Effectively use BM terminology
Substantiate your answers with reasoned arguments
Use evidence by showing explicit connection to the case study (or real-life example), and proper citing
Be clear and explicit - add specific details that help connect ideas, or help explain an idea (avoid being general)
Be balanced, always show two side to every argument (use transition words such as: however, on the contrary, on the other hand, etc.)
Identifying cause and effect (use transition words such as: consequently, therefore, as a result, etc.)
Be reflective on limitations
Use softer language to avoid expressions of certainty
Avoid the use of 1st person ("I", "we", us")
Develop insight by drawing connections to real-life concepts, such as, change, culture, innovation, etc. [CUEGIS]
Develop insight by drawing connections to individual & society: internal & external factors and stakeholders
Develop insight by drawing connections to other subjects of study (Econ, Psych, ESS, Biology, TOK, etc.)
STEP 4: Connect AO3 & HOTS skills to IB's Grade Descriptors
The slides also help you link the skills you develop with IB group 3 grade descriptors to better assess your progress
*Grade Descriptors are used for assessing IB candidate's PG (projected and predicted grades)
The TOOL SHED
STEP 5: Understand the 10-point AO3 Rubric. Apply this rubric to assess your response. Highlight the claims that best represent your answer and provide comment.
↓ New Syllabus (first exam 2024) ↓
STEP 6: Download a copy of a self-evaluation sheet (or work with the document posted to you directly in Google Classroom)
STEP 7: Continuously assess & reflect on your work and feedback provided to you by your teacher.
Self assessment is an important process to take ownership of your learning and development.
Teacher's feedback is a direct tool to help point our progress and areas of improvement. Consider keeping a journal to keep track of:
Areas of strengths
Areas of improvement
SMART Goals
Action plans (reminders, To-dos, etc.)
↓↓ Download a copy of this worksheet ↓↓
The GYM
Remember ↓ [Slide 18 in Understanding AOs] ↓
Every Step Matters: From your practice, peer-review, teacher's feedback to your ongoing self-assessment, it is all part of your development
In BM class you have opportunities to develop AO3 muscles through:
Discussions & Debates [i.e., Ethical Debate, Cultural implication, etc.]
Case Studies Analysis [i.e., Kodak, Bonobos, Starbucks, etc.]
BM Exam Gyms practices [Throughout the BM units]
Research Portfolio & IA [Analysis of an organization of your choice]
You are encouraged to monitor and assess your progress through ongoing self-assessments and reflections. Consider keeping a journal
The LOUNGE
Never Ending Step: Be Curious!
Be Proactive in both Active & Relaxed learning and be amazed how far it can take you...Case studies are an effective way to develop a contextual deeper understanding of the material learned in BM.
Learn from observations, browse multiple sources online, and watch Netflix!
For posted case studies videos, journals, articles & news channels, click ⬇
