IB learner profile
The aim of all IB programmes is to cultivate globally minded individuals who, understanding our common humanity and shared ownership of this celestial planet, help nurture a better and more peaceful world. This is my summary of the IB Learner as it applies to the language curriculums! For the official IB Learner profile, visit IBO's learner profile website by clicking the link below.
IBO Website IB Learner Profile Website:
www.ibo.org/benefits/learner-profile/
IBO Website IB Learner Profile Website:
www.ibo.org/benefits/learner-profile/
As IB learners we strive to be:
INQUIRERS
We question everything. We are curious creatures and develop skills for both inquiry and research. We understand how to learn independently and in a group setting. We learn with fervor and enthusiasm and maintain our love for learning the rest of our lives.
As language students you learn with your fellow classmates. Being in a communal setting aids the development of stronger vocabulary and better speaking skills because you hear how your they pronounce words according to the day's lesson. You get to hear the mistakes you make and correct them. You take initiative outside of the classroom to learn your vocabulary, grammar structures, and complete assignments at home and question your instructor why certain words are spelled a certain way or why some words are cognates. This is the Language B Inquirer in a nutshell.
As language students you learn with your fellow classmates. Being in a communal setting aids the development of stronger vocabulary and better speaking skills because you hear how your they pronounce words according to the day's lesson. You get to hear the mistakes you make and correct them. You take initiative outside of the classroom to learn your vocabulary, grammar structures, and complete assignments at home and question your instructor why certain words are spelled a certain way or why some words are cognates. This is the Language B Inquirer in a nutshell.
Knowldgeable
As language B learners we develop and utilise a conceptual understanding, exploring our collective borrowed knowledge across a wide range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have both local and global importance.
When learning a new language you are introduced to new cultures and new ways of thinking; new ways of seeing and understanding things. You apply what you learn to other aspects of your life both as an individual and a scholar. You begin to understand connections and connect the dots to questions you have wondered all your life! Language, mathematics, the sciences you name it... they are all interlinked.
When learning a new language you are introduced to new cultures and new ways of thinking; new ways of seeing and understanding things. You apply what you learn to other aspects of your life both as an individual and a scholar. You begin to understand connections and connect the dots to questions you have wondered all your life! Language, mathematics, the sciences you name it... they are all interlinked.
thinkers
We utilise critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take appropriate and responsible action on complex problems. We display initiative in making rational, reasoned and ethical decisions.
As language learners we look at the implications of our pronunciation of certain words or how we introduce and direct ourselves to other people. We are conscious to use formal and familiar language with the appropriate parties and when when traveling, ensuring you think before you speak and take into consideration the culture you immerse yourself in.
As language learners we look at the implications of our pronunciation of certain words or how we introduce and direct ourselves to other people. We are conscious to use formal and familiar language with the appropriate parties and when when traveling, ensuring you think before you speak and take into consideration the culture you immerse yourself in.
communicators
We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in several other ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
As language students we learn a second language to not only expand our understanding of our world as a globally interconnected ecosystem, but to further our ability to communicate in more ways than one. With the passage of time, you will become a natural and you will be able to communicate and understand people from different francophone countries... hopefully that is the goal here! In addition, you will open your world to being able to communicate across social media with people all over the world.
As language students we learn a second language to not only expand our understanding of our world as a globally interconnected ecosystem, but to further our ability to communicate in more ways than one. With the passage of time, you will become a natural and you will be able to communicate and understand people from different francophone countries... hopefully that is the goal here! In addition, you will open your world to being able to communicate across social media with people all over the world.
principled
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people all around the world. We take responsibility for our words and actions and their underlying consequences.
As language students you will develop an understanding of what is deemed acceptable and what is not deemed acceptable in the target language. You act responsibly and communicate appropriately taking into account the social norms and practices in places and regions where the target language is spoken. Our words and actions have consequences and we must own up to them when we do wrong; acknowledge the problem and find ways to move forwards with a deeper understanding.
As language students you will develop an understanding of what is deemed acceptable and what is not deemed acceptable in the target language. You act responsibly and communicate appropriately taking into account the social norms and practices in places and regions where the target language is spoken. Our words and actions have consequences and we must own up to them when we do wrong; acknowledge the problem and find ways to move forwards with a deeper understanding.
open-minded
We appreciate our own cultures and personal histories as well as those of others with a critical point of view. We understand, value, and respect the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a wide range of opinions and are willing to grow from those experiences.
As language students you learn the subtleties that make a culture unique. You learn about new traditions and experiences and appreciate their value. You understand the diversity in language means there is diversity in social customs and traditions and you appreciate them for what they are.
As language students you learn the subtleties that make a culture unique. You learn about new traditions and experiences and appreciate their value. You understand the diversity in language means there is diversity in social customs and traditions and you appreciate them for what they are.
caring
We demonstrate empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives and in the world around us.
As language students we empathise with those who had a different upbringing than our own. We understand that we are all responsible for the language we use and how we communicate with others.
As language students we empathise with those who had a different upbringing than our own. We understand that we are all responsible for the language we use and how we communicate with others.
risk-takers
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
It takes courage to raise your hand when you have a question or do not understand a concept or idea being taught in the language learning environment. You have the gaze of your classmates and the fear that you will disappoint your instructor if you do not understand at first. Language learners are risk takers because we all make mistakes learning a new language... but in making those mistakes we learn what not to repeat and we become better communicators and better learners. Ask for help! Learning a language is like climbing a summit; it is not easy but the end result is absolutely worthwhile.
It takes courage to raise your hand when you have a question or do not understand a concept or idea being taught in the language learning environment. You have the gaze of your classmates and the fear that you will disappoint your instructor if you do not understand at first. Language learners are risk takers because we all make mistakes learning a new language... but in making those mistakes we learn what not to repeat and we become better communicators and better learners. Ask for help! Learning a language is like climbing a summit; it is not easy but the end result is absolutely worthwhile.
balanced
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives —intellectual, physical, emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognise our interdependence with one another and with the world in which we live.
As a language student, especially in the times of Covid-19, we tend to forget that in order to retain what we have learned... there needs to be balance. You need to take time for yourself and indulge in your guilty pleasures whether that be taking a break from language studying to watch a movie or taking up exercise. By taking time for yourself, you do not overwhelm yourself with knowledge and are more likely to enjoy learning and retain what you have been taught. This is especially true in a foreign language learning environment. It can be a daunting task watching a foreign language film and not understanding what they are saying because their flow is too fast or they speak in a different accent that you are not accustomed to. Be balanced and watch films with subtitles and enjoy just listening to the new sounds and surely but surely you will pick up the cadence and your language skills will improve. Language learning takes time! DO NOT RUSH IT! Or maybe you get tired that no matter how many times you repeat a word and its translation you seem to forget when asked. Take a break and listen to music even if you do not know all the words you can sound out the phonetics and dance before you resume vocabulary memorisation. Take plenty of breaks and have fun with learning a new language. Don't take it too seriously that you begin to loathe the learning process.
As a language student, especially in the times of Covid-19, we tend to forget that in order to retain what we have learned... there needs to be balance. You need to take time for yourself and indulge in your guilty pleasures whether that be taking a break from language studying to watch a movie or taking up exercise. By taking time for yourself, you do not overwhelm yourself with knowledge and are more likely to enjoy learning and retain what you have been taught. This is especially true in a foreign language learning environment. It can be a daunting task watching a foreign language film and not understanding what they are saying because their flow is too fast or they speak in a different accent that you are not accustomed to. Be balanced and watch films with subtitles and enjoy just listening to the new sounds and surely but surely you will pick up the cadence and your language skills will improve. Language learning takes time! DO NOT RUSH IT! Or maybe you get tired that no matter how many times you repeat a word and its translation you seem to forget when asked. Take a break and listen to music even if you do not know all the words you can sound out the phonetics and dance before you resume vocabulary memorisation. Take plenty of breaks and have fun with learning a new language. Don't take it too seriously that you begin to loathe the learning process.
reflective
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experiences. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
As language learners we reflect on our individual upbringings to recognise that language learning and acquisition takes time. It does not happen overnight that you become fluent in a language. You persevere and keep trying and keep learning. When we grow up we gradually learn the language we currently speak. It takes years of development and learning that cannot be taken for granted...so when you think to yourself man... I am stupid because I cannot memorise this sentence structure or conjugation. DONT! Think back to yourself as a toddler, you were barely able to communicate but you did not give up; you persisted and now you have an arsenal or words under your belt.
As language learners we reflect on our individual upbringings to recognise that language learning and acquisition takes time. It does not happen overnight that you become fluent in a language. You persevere and keep trying and keep learning. When we grow up we gradually learn the language we currently speak. It takes years of development and learning that cannot be taken for granted...so when you think to yourself man... I am stupid because I cannot memorise this sentence structure or conjugation. DONT! Think back to yourself as a toddler, you were barely able to communicate but you did not give up; you persisted and now you have an arsenal or words under your belt.
foreign language acquisition and the ib learner profile
I hope you take into consideration the points I made throughout this presentation of the ten (10) attributes that make up an IB Learner.
This was such a therapeutic experience because I was transported back to my time as an IB student many many years ago.
These attributes make up a true IB learner and these attributes will follow you throughout your life. I remember when I started learning French I just wanted to be the best there was; the best student my teacher had ever had, and to a certain extent you can argue that I was.
My passion and love for all things French only grew with time and when I started the IB Diploma Programme as a 16 year old, I put so much pressure on myself to outdo everyone else that I did not take into consideration that we only learn and become more intelligent and more capable when we lean on one another for support and aid.
This is why I started IB French Survival Guide, because I know and understand that not everybody has such a nurturing and positive experience learning and I want people to take away that acquiring a second language can be both fun and challenging but doable if you have the right support system. Question everything, communicate your uncertainties, keep an open mind, care for your fellow students (they are going through the same thoughts and emotions that you are going through right now). Do not be afraid to take risks or to make mistakes; embrace them because that is how knowledge is formed. Reflect on every experience and interaction and balance play with learning.
Make sure to comment below how you will apply the IB learner profile to your language learning!
This was such a therapeutic experience because I was transported back to my time as an IB student many many years ago.
These attributes make up a true IB learner and these attributes will follow you throughout your life. I remember when I started learning French I just wanted to be the best there was; the best student my teacher had ever had, and to a certain extent you can argue that I was.
My passion and love for all things French only grew with time and when I started the IB Diploma Programme as a 16 year old, I put so much pressure on myself to outdo everyone else that I did not take into consideration that we only learn and become more intelligent and more capable when we lean on one another for support and aid.
This is why I started IB French Survival Guide, because I know and understand that not everybody has such a nurturing and positive experience learning and I want people to take away that acquiring a second language can be both fun and challenging but doable if you have the right support system. Question everything, communicate your uncertainties, keep an open mind, care for your fellow students (they are going through the same thoughts and emotions that you are going through right now). Do not be afraid to take risks or to make mistakes; embrace them because that is how knowledge is formed. Reflect on every experience and interaction and balance play with learning.
Make sure to comment below how you will apply the IB learner profile to your language learning!