As part of our commitment to learner success in the IB program, I wanted to update you on some of the home learning policies that we have implemented as facilitators. It was becoming apparent that new learners in the IB program were becoming overwhelmed by the volume and rigor of the diploma requirements. In response, we talked to a sample of the Juniors and Seniors to see where they were struggling most..
Learner statement: “We are finding it impossible to manage our workload as assignments are set last minute and due in the next day.”
Solution: IB facilitators will not set homework or out-of-lesson tasks that are due the next day. The only exception to this is on Thursdays when some Math, Physics, or Biology work can be set on Thursday and due in on Friday. In all other cases, learners will be given at least two days to complete their work, and usually longer.
Learner statement: “I was up until 3 a.m. finishing one piece of work because I wanted it to be perfect.”
Solution: Facilitators will make it clear how long a piece of work is meant to take, and after learners have spent that much time on it, they can stop.
Learner statement: “I don’t always realize how much work I have because it isn’t always put on Echo.”
Solution: Homework will always be put on Echo.
It is also important that learners work to use their free blocks responsibly, and that they devise a realistic timetable that incorporates time to sleep and sharpen the saw. it is also important to remember that this course is a two year learning journey. The course is planned and delivered with this in mind, so learners are going to find obstacles in their paths. Please reiterate to your learner that they should always talk to their facilitators or to me when the obstacles begin to feel insurmountable. We very much want them to succeed, and we recognize that the course is a challenge.
Our next parent committee meeting will be on October 16th at 9 a.m. in the Village. Please let me know if you would be willing and able to attend either this meeting or a later meeting at 6 p.m. on the same day. I would like to see if there is sufficient demand for the evening. abbie.neall@scvi-k12.org
Please contact me to discuss ways in which the IB can enhance your learner’s education. My email address is abbie.neall@scvi-k12.org if you have any questions.
Thank you!
Abbie Neall
IB Diploma Coordinator