Reflections and Suggestions for IB Students

The IB (International Baccalaureate) is an educational framework that is recognized internationally and is fit for children between the age groups of 3 to 19 years.

Most IB schools have an inimitable educational background along with top-notch facilities to enable IB students to attain all-around development through participation in extracurricular activities along with academics.

There are many perks of being an IB student which include exposure to different backgrounds and cultures, all-around development through extracurriculars, and the ability to be prepared well for college and university.

However, as compared to other boards available in India, IB might seem like a tough nut to crack because of the sheer number of assignments or research involved and thus requires constant dedication and proper use of time by the students to be able to perform well.

The constant workload by means of internal projects and research papers is a necessity that keeps learners on their toes.  All these things can seem a little overwhelming and IB students may feel intimidated by it, so it is the duty of the parents to help their wards in dealing with the workload and help them pave a successful path for them.

The parents need to follow some tips to help their children perform well. There are certain things that the parents can do to ensure that the performance of their child improves. Trying to understand and assess the IB subjects in detail by parents can help children make better and informed decisions and choices.

The IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) consists of DP core and six subject groups. The DP core consists of three important components which aim to expand the learner’s educational experience and challenge them to apply the attained skills and knowledge.

Also Read: Top 40 Global IB Schools

The three core elements of IBDP are

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE

The IB student tries to understand the nature of knowledge and goes to the roots to understand the sources of claims made.

THE EXTENDED ESSAY

This is a 4000-word paper written by the students on their own through independent research.

CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY, SERVICE

The student is required to finish a project which incorporates all three concepts.

Along with the core elements IBDP has six subject groupings-

• Studies in language and literature
• Language and acquisition
• Individuals and societies
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• The arts

These subject groups have many different courses within them. IB Students are required to choose courses from amongst- studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts.

They also have the choice to opt-out of the arts course and study an additional science, individuals and societies or a course in languages. The students are needed to take at least 3 (maximum 4) subjects at Higher Level (HL) which takes 240 teaching hours and the rest at Standard Level (SL) which takes 150 teaching hours.

Another important aspect that needs to be considered to enhance the performance of the children is to chalk out a timetable or create a study schedule. Since it can be difficult to memorize two years’ worth of work students will require regular revision.

One way to do it is to look up the syllabus for each subject and list up all topics you feel are important and require your special attention when revising. Go through these to keep concepts crisp in the mind when closer to exams, crossing them off as you proceed.

While allotting time for studies, care must be taken to allow breaks, holidays, rest, entertainment so that you can evenly pace your child’s studies and revision without hampering their growth in other fields.

Next, whatever time is available for studying must be distributed. Keep in mind whether the subject is High Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL) and how difficult the child finds a particular subject.

Lastly, make a schedule that is flexible and allows for relaxation so that when the learner takes a break, he/she feels rejuvenated.

Parents can also choose to enroll their children in IB tuitions online which can help them boost their knowledge base. Since schools cannot provide individualized attention to every child, online tuitions come a long way in providing relief to many children and parents alike.

Online tuitions are a one-on-one basis interaction where teachers guide the students and keep the check on their progress. Parents are also given periodic reports or updates of their pupil’s performance and the problem areas. The children can directly seek answers and clarification of their doubts. This gives these students an extra edge over the others.

Most online tuitions are available at reasonable costs and with availability a flexible schedule, the students can avail of the services even after normal working hours during the day. The stress of having to commute to one place from the other is also completely eliminated.

Therefore, in the wake of the pandemic where life depends on restricting oneself from external exposure one can avail such services because we need to move ahead taking into stride the current situation and taking all steps necessary to still excel in the field of education.

Parents must also review the exam preparation of their children. Preparation is extremely important to get a good score and certain things need to be kept in time during preparation. Make sure that your child has a planned schedule that is organised keeping in mind not just deadlines but also time for a little exercise and relaxation.

A set pattern of studying that involves activities like short walks in the middle to destress or doing an activity off-screen which interests the learner while preparing for internal assessments which can later be applied for exams.

Overstressing might ruin the performance hence taking breaks becomes mandatory. Study subjects according to the time available and focus on each according to the level of difficulty.

Ensure that your child is off-screen during the period of examinations as it can lead to distraction or even panic as they might discuss unnecessary things with their peer groups and feel underprepared. Solving exam papers can help students gain confidence in themselves and their preparation.

Most importantly, children need to be motivated by their parents so that they feel confident and not stressed about appearing for the exams. IB Students must learn out of this experience as the goal of IB is to teach the way of life and not just conduct exams alone.

The IB provides education to learners from age group 3 to 19 by way of four programmes. These courses stress on learning and critical thinking to make students independent.

Major exams conducted under IB Board annually are Diploma Programme and career-related programme in two sessions- in November and May.

In lieu of the pandemic, like many other boards, IB too decided to cancel May 2021 exams and award students with coursework marks. Class 12 students’ grades are to be evaluated based on internal assessment.

Exams lead to a lot of nervousness, but this nervous energy can be channeled by students while studying, however it can lead to stress in the whole family.

Children require a stable and caring environment for optimum efficiency. Getting them tutors if needed is another way to help them structure their study patterns.

Parents must encourage their children to pursue their interests and hobbies when they feel that they are getting overworked. The presence of the parents in the background during these times for help in research, revision, and proofreading come a long way for many kids. To conclude, IB aims at all-round development of the students and promotes holistic growth.

Few people may find it competitive which is because it provides many opportunities and is a door to endless career trajectories.

There research and investigation carried out at school for exams and assessments enables students to perform well at college and university levels.

Parents must therefore ensure that children do not overburden themselves and seek help in the form of online tuitions and help fix the schedule for their children that provides options for them to destress but also at the same time evenly distribute their syllabus so that they can prepare for the exams and assessments and have their revision.

It is important to keep a check on the screen time of the children to ensure good health for them. The IB board provides flexibility in the choice, of course, is that one wishes to pursue.

Therefore, it becomes the utmost responsibility of the parents to provide that ability to their children to freely choose what interests them and not enforce their own decisions on them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the role of parents in helping their children succeed in the IB?

A: Parents can play an important role in supporting their children through the IB program. This may involve creating a conducive environment for studying, providing emotional support, encouraging good time management and study habits, and helping their child to find balance between academics and other activities.

Q2: How can parents help their child prepare for IB assessments?

A: Parents can support their child’s preparation for IB assessments by providing a quiet and organized study space, ensuring their child has access to relevant study materials and resources, helping them to create a study plan, and encouraging them to review their work regularly.

Q3: Should parents be involved in their child’s IB coursework?

A: While it is important for parents to support their child’s learning, it is generally recommended that they do not become too involved in their child’s IB coursework. Parents can offer guidance and feedback, but it is ultimately up to the student to complete their assignments and assessments independently.

Q4: What can parents do to help their child manage stress during the IB program?

A: Parents can help their child manage stress during the IB program by encouraging them to engage in healthy activities such as exercise, ensuring they get enough sleep, and encouraging them to take breaks when needed. They can also encourage their child to seek support from teachers, counselors, or other professionals if needed.

Q5: How can parents support their child’s transition into the IB program?

A: Parents can help their child’s transition into the IB program by familiarizing themselves with the program and its requirements, encouraging their child to ask questions and seek guidance, and helping their child to set goals and create a plan for success. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement throughout the process.

Further Reading: 

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