Examining whether Grading for the Extended Essay (EE) is Conducted Externally?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is an essential part of the IB Diploma Programme, allowing students to delve deep into a topic of their choice and develop invaluable skills.
Each student is assigned a supervisor, typically a teacher from their school, who guides them through the research and writing process. However, it's important to note that the supervisor does not grade the essay. Instead, they provide feedback and ensure that the essay adheres to the IB guidelines.
The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word research paper. It's a significant part of the IB Core, along with Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), collectively enriching the IB experience and fostering a holistic approach to education.
Choosing a topic wisely is crucial for the success of the Extended Essay. Passion for the chosen subject can lead to better research and writing. Creating a detailed plan and outline, and regularly consulting with the supervisor, can help students stay on track.
Revising and refining the Extended Essay multiple times, and seeking feedback from peers or teachers, can help identify areas for improvement. Adhering to the IB guidelines, from formatting to citation styles, is crucial for the success of the Extended Essay.
The Extended Essay is marked externally by IB examiners who are trained to assess the work according to a standardized set of criteria. These criteria assess aspects such as clarity of the research question and methodology, depth of knowledge, quality and originality of analysis, structured formatting and citation, as well as the student's reflection on their research process.
The external marking is important because it provides an impartial, standardized evaluation across all candidates worldwide, preventing potential bias from internal assessment and allowing the IB to uphold rigorous academic standards. The marking scheme followed by the external examiners is rigorous and aligns with the IB's global standards.
It's worth noting that the marking of the Extended Essay does not involve the supervisor in the final grading process. The IB employs experienced educators and experts as examiners for the Extended Essay. Once the Extended Essay is completed, it is submitted to the IB for external assessment.
The Extended Essay can significantly impact a student's final IB score. It's more than just a requirement for the IB Diploma; it's an opportunity to develop invaluable skills that will benefit students in higher education and beyond.
Sources: [1] International Baccalaureate. (2021). Extended Essay. Retrieved from https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/assessment/extended-essay/ [2] International Baccalaureate. (2021). Extended Essay Assessment Criteria. Retrieved from https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/assessment/extended-essay/assessment-criteria/
Engaging in online education platforms or focus groups related to education-and-self-development can further strengthen a student's learning and research skills prior to embarking on the Extended Essay.
To ensure a well-rounded education, some schools incorporate online learning modules into their curriculum for the IB Diploma Programme, fostering a comprehensive approach to education-and-self-development.