DP News: Extended Essay Research and Support

The grade 11 students are beginning to dive into the development of their Extended Essay  (EE) research topics and subjects. Ms. Mulazzi and Ms. Maguire meet with the students once every eight days during the CORE block to provide EE support. The support classes cover a wide variety of academic skills and provide a foundation for this large research essay: getting the most of out of academic databases like EBSCO, integrating quotations, narrowing the topic of study, creating the research question, creating correct citations, evaluating sources, and avoiding plagiarism, among other skills. Grade 11 students have eight support classes scheduled for the first semester and an equal number during the second semester in order to guide and support this significant project. The next grade 11 support class is November 16th, from 8:00am to 8:50am. Ask your grade 11 child about what subject and topics they are beginning to explore!

​The grade 12 students are on the final stretch towards submitting their Extended Essays. This year the IB is piloting a new set of assessment criteria for the Extended Essay (EE). The Extended Essay now requires students to engage in reflection on the research process and document their engagement. The changes in assessment align with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) culminating project, the Personal Project, which emphasizes process over product. Ms. Mulazzi and Ms. Maguire recently led a support class for the grade 12 students in order to properly format and present their research essays. Before the final upload to ManageBac and the final celebration in December, the students are required to complete a viva voce reflection session with their Supervisor and complete reflections about their learning and continued inquiry in ManageBac. Ask your grade 12 child about what they learned from the Extended Essay research process! Stay tuned for details about the Grade 12 Extended Essay Celebration Lunch in December.

Ms. Maguire and Ms. Mulazzi both attended IB workshops this fall to learn more about the new Extended Essay assessment criteria and requirements. AISL teachers act as guidance and support for the students in their role as Supervisors. Ms. Maguire and Ms. Mulazzi also provide information, support, and professional development for the Supervisors, so that they can best support the EE research process. Both Supervisors and students access the DP Extended Essay LibGuide to support this important research essay.