LibGuides: CAJCS Extended Essay Guide: FINAL REFLECTION-VIVA VOCE

Final Reflection Session (Viva Voce)

The viva voce is a short interview between the student and the supervisor, and is the mandatory conclusion to the extended essay process. Students who do not attend the viva voce will be disadvantaged under criterion E (engagement) as the Reflections on planning and progress form will be incomplete.

The viva voce is conducted once the student has uploaded the final version of their extended essay to the IB for assessment. At this point in the process no further changes can be made to the essay. The viva voce is a celebration of the completion of the essay and a reflection on what the student has learned from the process.

The viva voce should last 20–30 minutes. This is included in the recommended amount of time a supervisor should spend with the student. The reflection on RPPF should be not be more than 200 words.

Protocols for completing and submitting the Reflections on planning and progress form

PURPOSE OF VIVA VOCE

an opportunity to ask the student a variety of open-ended questions to elicit holistic evidence of the student’s learning experience.
an opportunity for the supervisor to confirm the authenticity of the student’s ideas and sources.
an opportunity to reflect on successes and difficulties encountered in the research process.
an aid to the supervisor’s comments on the Reflections on planning and progress form.

During this interview session supervisors might ask:

Here are some examples of what might be asked at your viva voce. Before the meeting it is advised you think about these questions and themes. Be proactive and engaged in the process by being able to elaborate on your thoughts.

What conclusions did you arrive at during your research for your EE?
Did anything surprise you?
What would you consider to be the most (and least) rewarding aspect of your research and writing process?
What contradictions did you find?
How did you incorporate them into your paper?
What did you learn about your topic?
What were some of the challenges you encounter during your research and writing process and how did you overcome them?
How successful you’ve been with regards to answering your research question?

HOW IS CRITERIA E MARKED

Markband	Level descriptor
0	The work does not reach a standard outlined by the description or a RPPF has not been submitted.
1–2	Engagement is limited: Reflections on decision-making and planning are mostly descriptive. These reflections communicate a limited degree of personal engagement with the research focus and/or research process.
3–4	Engagement is good: Reflections on decision-making and planning is analytical and includes reference to conceptual understanding and skill development. These reflections communicate a moderate degree of personal engagement with the research focus and process of research, demonstrating some intellectual initiative.
5–6	Engagement is excellent: Reflections on decision-making and planning are evaluative and include reference to the student’s capacity to consider actions and ideas in response to challenges experienced in the research process. These reflections communicate a high degree of intellectual and personal engagement with the research focus and process of research, demonstrating authenticity, intellectual initiative and/or creative approach in the student voice.

CRITERIA E - MARKING & EXAMPLES

HOW TO ACE YOUR EE REFLECTIONS

RPPF FORM

Following this final session, the student is required to complete the last student comment section of the Reflections on planning and progress form, sign and date it and submit it to their supervisor, who must then add their own comments, sign and date the form. The supervisor must then upload the form into the ecourseworksystem, confirm the authenticity of both the form and essay, and submit them to the IB for assessment as one portfolio. A blank or unsubmitted RPPF will score a 0 for criterion E.

WRITING YOUR FINAL REFLECTION

The final reflection meeting encourages you to consider and evaluate the wider implications of your learning journey. Therefore, do not just consider the outcome of your research findings and conclusion, but also how the overall process has made you more self-aware of your personal strengths and academic development needs. Questions to help you with such reflections include;