LibGuides: CAJCS Extended Essay Guide: RESEARCHER'S REFLECTION SPACE

What is the Researcher’s Reflection Space?

The Researcher’s Reflection Space (RRS) is a place for students to record details and comments about their progress. Students should also use the RRS to identify challenges and as a discussion point during their meetings with their supervisor. It is recommended that they use the Extended Essay journal on ManageBac for their RRS.

Rather than just record what the students have been doing, it’s important to add their personal comments, what do they think about the material they have encountered and how does it help them with their studies?

The RRS is a place to record their reflections on their learning but is not simply a diary of what they have done.

Students should use the RRS to:

· Create MindMaps

· Respond and evaluate source material

· Make links to DP subjects, including TOK and CAS

· Demonstrate planning and progress

· Identify setbacks and challenges

· Record thoughts and feelings

· Record questions they wish to discuss with their supervisor

Pages from the RRS should be included in the appendix to your essay. These pages, along with your RPPF, can help the examiner award marks for Criterion E: Engagement.

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RRS

The role of the RRS

Created by students to support their engagement in the planning and decision-making process,

The RRS helps to develop critical and evaluative thinking skills.
It is also a planning tool that helps to scaffold the development of approaches to learning skills and conceptual understandings that occur throughout the research process.
Additionally, the RRS tracks the evolution of thought as it relates to the development of an argument.
It helps the student to personally connect to the topic and may motivate them in meaningful ways to successfully complete the extended essay.
Finally, supervisors will be able to more effectively authenticate the student voice in that the RRS links directly to elements that will eventually be found in the essay itself.
The RRS is intended to make the entire supervision process more meaningful. Insights and information recorded in the RRS are expected to form the basis for and find direct expression in the essay, reflection sessions and Reflections on planning and progress form.
Students are expected to share excerpts from the RRS in discussions with their supervisor.