Researcher's reflection space
Student reflection in the extended essay is critical. Effective reflection highlights the engagement of the
student in an intellectual and personal process and how this has changed the student as a learner and
affected the completion of that individual’s essay. For those students who have completed the Middle
Years Programme, the researcher’s reflection space (RRS) can be compared to the process journal. The IB
considers this to be a central component of a successful research process as it:
• supports student learning, thinking and critical analysis throughout the research process
• helps to stimulate discussions between the student and supervisor
• aids the reflection process.
Source:IBO
The nature of the RRS
Use of the RRS is strongly recommended as it will allow the student to more clearly articulate and
understand their decision-making process. It supports learning, thinking, critical analysis and evaluation,
and contributes not only to the development of a successful extended essay but also to skills and
competencies for pathways beyond the Diploma Programme.
The RRS is a personal learning environment that can be either a physical or virtual support tool. It is a
space in which students are able to record reflections on what they are reading, writing and thinking. The
use of the RRS will help students to prepare for their reflection sessions with their supervisors and inform
the discussions that take place. In preparing for their reflection sessions students could use their RRS to:
• record their reflections
• respond to artefacts, such as photos, newspaper clippings, twitter feeds, blogs, and so on
• respond to prompts and questions that may arise in the students’ subject areas, TOK classes or other
aspects of the Diploma Programme
• create MindMaps®;
• record emerging questions.
The idea of the RRS is not new and many students already keep research journals in the planning,
researching and writing phases of their work on the extended essay. Encouraging students to develop
a RRS will provide benefits in terms of the management of their workload and focus on their extended
essay.
Source:IBO