Self-management in the IB Diploma

thesaigonglorynews
Nov 3, 2024
2 min read

Research, thinking and self-management in the IB Diploma - written by Tucker Barrows

There is a lot of talk among students at SSIS about the best pathway for university preparation. While there are arguments for each pathway, it is only the IB Diploma that offers an explicit emphasis on research, thinking and self-management -- arguably the most important skills for students as they prepare for university and the future of work.

Of the top 10 skills reference by the World Economic Forum for 2025, half of them directly link to thinking and problem solving, and the others are closely associated with the ability to manage ones self along with projects in the workplace.

Students in the IB Diploma have the advantage of focusing deeply for two years on these skills in all of their assessments. The opportunity to immerse themselves in specific 'problems' and complete in depth research in all of their subjects is one of the main benefits that universities see in IB students, and one of the main advantages that IB alumn reference over and over each year.

Independent research from the Australian Council of Education Research (2024), recently concluded the the IB students have " have consistent and very high success in receiving offers of application for

university overall and compared to non-IBDP students." The report noted that students gain skills of persistence, thinking and problem solving that provide them with an advantage compared to students who do not take the IB Diploma.

While students have a number of considerations to weigh up as they make their selection for the right pathway for themselves, it's important for students to know the specific IB advantage around these areas as they relate to the future of work.

Students in Grades 9 & 10 should keep some of these things in mind as they begin to think about their course selection over the coming months.

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