The focus of the International Baccalaureate pedagogy is on ‘how to learn’ rather than ‘what to learn’. With the rising trend of IB Board in India, the number of schools offering an international curriculum will only grow, says Pramod Sharma
Parents in India are now changing the way they look at learning processes and are moving away from rote learning to more engaging curriculums which are providing learning for life skills. More than 3,900 schools worldwide have so far chosen to teach International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes, with their emphasis on students’ personal development for three to 19-year-old students. Those schools employ over 70,000 educators, teaching more than 1,000,000 students worldwide.
IB programmes define a balanced programme of concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes and actions for children. The focus of the IB pedagogy is on ‘how to learn’ rather than ‘what to learn’. Given current trends in India, the number of schools offering an International curriculum will only grow.
Purpose of IB
The International Baccalaureate (IB) aims to do more than other curricula by developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. The IB programme helps students to ask challenging questions, think critically and develop research skills proven to help them in higher education. IB programmes also encourage students to be active in their communities and to take their learning beyond academic study.
IB Curriculum
The students think about how they learn best. Through IB programmes, IB students ‘learn how to learn’, studying the unique ‘Theory Of Knowledge’ (TOK) course. It is one of the components of the diploma programme core and is mandatory for all students. The TOK requirement is central to the educational philosophy of the DP. They are encouraged to try different approaches to learning and to take responsibility for their own educational progress.
The IB curriculum equips the students with the tools needed to succeed in higher education, such as self-confidence, preparedness, research skills, organisational skills and being actively engaged in their own learning. It is expected that students be compassionate, responsible, innovative, and committed to change not only in India but also in the global environment.
The programme encourages students to think critically and consider both their local and International environment. It is independent of Governments and national systems and therefore able to incorporate best practice from a range of international frameworks and curricula.
Challenges
The biggest challenge in the IB curriculum is in the quality of assignments and not in the amount of work assigned. The IB programme is more practical and application-based. It has a broader spectrum of subjects that lead to all-round development.
While most Indian students do very well in overseas universities, students with an IB background get more chances and do better because of an enriched portfolio, critical thinking skills and research based learning.
International reach
Globally, more than 50 per cent of IB world schools are state-funded. Since 1983, the IB has been recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as an entry qualification (equivalent to the +2 qualification of an Indian board) to all universities in India. In the Asia Pacific region, there are more than 600 schools in 29 countries offering one or more qualifications of the IB.
Benefits of IB Board
(The writer is the principal, Genesis Global School).