Reflective Project

What is the reflective project?

The reflective project is one of the four elements that make up the core programme unique to the CP. Focusing on the process as much as the product, it is an independent piece of work that focuses on an ethical dilemma stemming from the student's career-related studies. Most importantly, the reflective project really is the culmination of a multitude of skills the students have developed throughout their CRS, DP subjects and the other elements of the core.

The Reflective Project

The reflective project is ...

one of four compulsory components of the CP
produced over an extended period of time totalling 50 hours
built upon a research question which provides the focus for the whole project
focused on research, thinking, writing and communication skills at a complex level
centred on an ethical dilemma from and ethical issue connected with the student's career-related study
a written essay of up to 3000 words or shorter written essay + additional format
accompanied by a separate document called the RPPF where students must produce three reflections up to 1000 words
assessed in two ways: the process the student went through and the product they produced
assessed by 5 assessment criteria: A: Focus and Method, B: Knowledge and Understanding, C: Critical Thinking, D: Communication and E: Engagement and Reflection
marked by the school, externally moderated by the IB who will ask for a sample dependent on size of cohort.

A little more on the Options ...

The Options

It can be tempting to consider one option easier than the other; what is right for the student must come first and care should be taken to guiden them to make a choice that will give them the most rewarding...

Similar to the DP Extended Essay in the way ...

compulsory element of the core needed to obtain the full CP (like the Diploma)
it uses 5 assessment criteria but with slightly different headings and mark allocation.
it is produced over an extended period of time
it is built on a research question (the RP addresses an ethical dilemma specifically) that must meet the scope of the word and project allowance
it is an extended piece of work that focuses on research, thinking, writing and communication skills at a complex level.
it is accompanied by a separate reflection document called the RPPF - however CP students can write up to 1000 words

A little more on the the whole projects ...

Assessing the reflective project: exemplars

There are different ways of interacting with the reflective project as explored in Giving feedback and Supervising too. This page will build in additional resources that are pertinent to understanding...

Key differences though are ...

the word limit: 3000 words for Option 1 (not 4000 like the EE) with the RPPF making up to 1000 words extra
the formats: in an echo to the Personal Project of the MYP, students can choose to make a tangible product in addition to a written report. Options include film, play, podcast, presentation
the focus and purpose: students concentrate on their Career-related Study rather than one of their HL DP subjects. Whilst interrogative and centred around crititcal thinking like the EE, the focus is upon an ethical dilemma

A little more on how to support the reflective project ...

Supervising

Supervisory sessions can be made more dynamic with user-friendly activities and tools to support discussions. Students can receive up to five hours of supervisory support throughout the reflective project...

The Reflective Project process at a glance

The 7 stages of the reflective project process

1. Identify an issue directly linked to the student's career-related study.

2. Pinpoint an ethical dilemma which arises from the issue.

3. Show an awareness of the ethical dilemma.

4. Identify the key community.

5. Examine differing viewpoints.

6. Develop a personal and relevant evaluation of the ethical dilemma.

7. Reflect continuously at key points in the process.

Key resources to support each stage
1. Identify an issue directly linked to the student's career-related study. Starting the project Students need to take ownership of their reflective projects; this page is about kickstarting the reflective project and establishing the Researcher's Reflection Space with recognising the usefulness... Applied Ethics The IB learner profile characteristic of 'principled' requires students to develop responsibility not only for their actions but the consequences as well. Applied Ethics is most immediately associated...
2. Pinpoint an ethical dilemma which arises from the issue. Ethical dimensions, issues and dilemmas. Finding a suitable ethical issue and dilemma to analyse critically is at the centre of the reflective project process. However a student also needs to be able to understand the ethical ramifications of... Creating a Research Question Without the right research question, there is a limit to how successful the whole reflective project can be. Yes, students will still have the opportunity to employ ethical, critical and reflective thinking...
3. Show an awareness of an ethical dilemma Ethical Thinking At the heart of ethical thinking is the ability to consider the dynamics of people, actions and consequences in a balanced way. Developing ethical thinking is a complex process that takes time not just... Starting discussions and debates A key way to develop confidence in personal and professional skills and foster curiosity is through continuous debate and discussion about the world around us. A PPS teacher's main hurdle is keeping resources...
4. Identify a key community Planning and process management The student's planning skills, throughout the reflective project experience, must not to be overlooked. This ensures that the process does not just become about the final piece but is seen as an opportunity... Intercultural Understanding Students explore the significance of cultural identity and diversity as the ability to understand and appreciate multiple cultural perspectives leads to highly effective and empathetic people within personal...
5. Examine differing viewpoints Ethical Thinking At the heart of ethical thinking is the ability to consider the dynamics of people, actions and consequences in a balanced way. Developing ethical thinking is a complex process that takes time not just... Exercises in Empathy Understanding empathy can be tricky - least of all differentiating it from sympathy. Through the work of neuro psychologists and academics, we explore its definition and real world application. Students...
6. Develop a personal and relevant evaluation of the ethical dilemma Critical Thinking Critical thinking can sound scary and unattainable for students but it is a lot more accessible than they imagine. Returning to the learner profile to consider the inquirer and communicator can prompt... Understanding Truth Here, we start to chip away at the idea of truth and how finding it in today's world demands highly developed critical thinking tools. Whilst the intention is to provide sources to prompt inquiry from...
7. Reflect continuously at key points in the process Reflective Thinking Reflection is generally seen as an exercise in looking back on what has been done. The part that is missed out is to use this knowledge to shape what can be done in the future. This is how reflection... Personal Development The personal development of the student is clearly paramount in the CP. This page introduces the theme for students to find their motivation, vision and 'buy-in' they need for their CP course and life... Self assessment The stage between between receiving feedback from their supervisor on their only draft and producing the final piece can often lose momentum, especially when there is a long summer holiday in between....

Further Support

The site has three key areas for the reflective project. The Core: The Reflective Project takes you through each stage of the process as given above. However there is also a Skills section very much aligned to the Approaches to Teaching and Learning at the heart of all IB programmes but explores what makes the reflective project unique in terms of ethical, critical and reflective thinking. Lastly, it goes without saying that the reflective project is dependent on the Personal and Professional Skills course for preparing students to be independent in the skills they will need to use for this project.

Skills

The reflective project demands students develop a number of complex skills. It can be hard to juggle especially with every student's needs different from the next. Find here accessible lesson ideas to...

Core: Personal & Professional Skills

Personal and Professional Skills is a compulsory component of the CP core: a 90 hour course of personal and professional transferable skills for students to develop over the two years of the CP course....