Introduction to the IB Diploma Programme

This subject is not offered in 2014.

125 additional study hours

Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the HDisability Liaison Unit websiteH: Hhttp://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/H

This subject introduces participants to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP),as a philosophy and framework for learning and teaching. It examines the essential elements of the DP curriculum including concepts of balance and flexibility, and taught, written, overt, hidden and assessment components that underpin the programme. Participants will focus on developing understandings of international education, the centrality of the Learner Profile to the Hexagon Model as well as exploring theoretical and pedagogical implications for how students learn in the Diploma Programme and the importance of critical engagement and thinking. Essential DP standards will also be explored.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the philosophy underpinning the International Baccalaureate programmes and in particular the Diploma Programmes;
• Articulate the centrality of the Learner Profile to the DP Hexagon model and the implications for learning and teaching in the Diploma programme;
• Explore the pedagogy of critical engagement and thinking and how this shapes the curriculum;
• Articulate theoretical understandings and pedagogical implications of operating a curriculum that has a clear internationalist ideology;
• Demonstrate understanding of the relationship of assessment to learning and teaching.

Two written essays of 2,500 words each, addressing:

• the role of the IB Learner Profile or the implications of the DP Hexagon for teaching and learning in senior school and subject areas (Due Week 7)
• pedagogical implications of operating a curriculum that has a clear internationalist ideology (Due week 12).

There is one hurdle requirement:

• Students are required to maintain a personal reflective journal that records their responses to the readings in this subject to demonstrate understanding of the theoretical perspectives of the IB PYP and the realities and constraints of implementing these aspects of the PYP in schools. A summative reflection should be provided as a conclusion. The Journal should demonstrate student’s ability to identify key theoretical understandings expressed in the literature and critically reflect on and analyse these in relation to the implementation of the IB PYP. To enable students to meet the requirements for a pass in this subject, the Reflective Journal must be brought to classes and handed in for non-graded assessment.

Woolfolk, A. & Margetts, K. Educational Psychology. Pearson Education: Frenchs Forest, 2007.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should have:

• Demonstrate essential knowledge and understanding of the philosophy of IB Education programmes and the position of the Diploma Programme in the continuum;
• Comprehend the intellectual, social and psychological aspects of their work with learners and synthesise theory and practice;
• Understand the key concepts of curriculum that underpin the IB Diploma Programme;
• Evaluate and use constructive criticism of their own work and of the institutions in which they teach.

"International Baccalaureate" is a registered trademark of the International Baccalaureate Organization