Written by: Maitreyi Singh, Edited By: Saachi Varghese
Made by Chidambara Avudaiappan
Why are IB learner profiles so important? What is the significance of them at GIS?
The IB learner profiles are a set of significant skills and attributes students must possess to fulfill crucial commitments in life which are beyond academic success.
At GIS, the IB learner profiles have an immense significance on students’ development . Students receive positive referrals for showcasing IB learner profiles during the year. After every year students from grades 6-10 yield IB learner profile award(s) for consistently demonstrating a learner profile. Therefore, encouraging all students to portray the profiles.The incorporation of learner profiles in our school makes us more responsible and teaches us how to take ownership of our learning, helps us become better leaders, guides us to a path of personalization, makes us more authentic, and encourages self-awareness.
Staff Interview
In an interview with Mr.Simon, the principal of GIS, he stated that the learner profiles are important because this set of values runs throughout all IB programmes, from the youngest children in PYP, through to our 18 year old Grade 12s. According to Mr.Simon, the profiles are directly linked to the curriculum and the IB staff are well aware that balance is important and that students must be eloquent communicators, inquisitive students and curious learners. The planning of the curriculum and even the individual lesson plans all include connection to the Learner Profiles and what makes the IB so unique. The school follows its own proposed culture (In GIS we consider Respect, Trust and Ambition as our main culture) and is well aligned to the Learner Profile, this will have benefits for students on a daily basis. For example, behavioural policy can reflect the Profile and what should be inherent in an IB student. GIS is overt in its communication, therefore we make regular mention of the IB Learner Profiles as an important part of school life for the students of GIS. School reports mention the Profile and indicate its importance as well. The IB Learner profiles play an important role in academic and social well-being by following a proposed culture, as mentioned before, which is well aligned to the Learner Profiles. This has benefits for students on a daily basis. In the interview, Mr.Simon also mentioned that he feels he portrays the learner profiles: Principled & Communicators, however in the near future he aims to show more traits of a risk-taker.
According to the head of the middle years programme, Ms. Amanda Murphy, “The Learner Profile is important because it outlines the type of learners we would like our students to be. The profile shapes the youth of GIS by providing an overview of the person. What I mean is that the profile is not just about the academics (thinking, knowing, communicating and inquiring), but also about being a good person (caring, principled and reflective); while also developing the individual as well (risk taking, being balanced, being open-minded). The fact that the profile concentrates on developing the whole person is what makes it unique and therefore important. I think GIS encourages all aspects of the profile by allowing students opportunities to develop themselves beyond the classroom (e.g Week without Walls and Service to others)”. She feels she is good at portraying principles, but wants to work more on being balanced!
To get a better understanding of the learner profiles I’ve interviewed a few learner profile ambassadors of last year (Inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, open-minded, caring, and reflective) and recorded their responses so all of us can work towards becoming better people, and implementing more learner profiles daily.
Inquirer, Arnav Sanghi
Why do you think it is important for everyone to exhibit traits of an inquirer? | “I think being an inquirer is very important as it is a tool that helps students enhance their learning. When you inquire about a subject you are showing a willingness to learn and dig deep into that topic.” |
How would you describe an inquirer? | “I think one has to be curious to learn more and show persistence by not giving up easily when seeking answers.” |
What did you do to become a successful inquirer? | “For the subjects that I was passionate about, I asked questions and in my own time researched about it to enhance my knowledge on the topic.” |
How has becoming a better inquirer improved your attitude and commitment towards learning? | “It has surely made me more independent when conducting research and made me more curious in my classes.” |
What are few tips you would give for students who aspire to be better inquirers? | “Don't be afraid to ask questions about a topic, even if they might sound dumb and when researching an answer use multiple sources which help you get the best idea or answer.” |
Knowledgeable, Nourhan Ibrahim
Why do you think it is important for everyone to become knowledgeable? | “I think that, when it comes to the IB, there’s a focus on developing “life long learners” and as students, it’s crucial for us to retain past knowledge that we’ve learned in order to continue our pursuit of knowledge and learning journey throughout the IB and after we graduate.” |
How would you describe a knowledgeable person? | “I think the main quality that allows a person to be truly knowledgeable is commitment. Whether that be a commitment to learning in spite of any obstacles, commitment to gain new knowledge or a commitment to build upon and further develop current knowledge.” |
What did you do to become a successful and knowledgeable person? | “I’d like to think that what set me apart from others as a successful ambassador of the Knowledgeable Learner profile was my wholistic approach to knowledge. I really tried to ensure that I learned and benefited as much as possible from all of my subject areas. Regardless of whether they are directly related to my desired career. Identifying and developing the transferable skills that are highlighted in each subject helped me truly benefit from every lesson.” |
How has becoming a knowledgeable person improved your attitude and commitment towards learning? | “Being knowledgeable has, of course, allowed me to better persevere in my learning and provide me with a drive to keep going regardless of any challenges that I have to overcome. “ |
What are few tips you would give for students who aspire to become more knowledgeable, and exhibit traits of knowledgeable people? | “I would say that the most important thing is not to set limiting beliefs for yourself. There is a very fine line between something being difficult to learn and impossible to learn and once you recognize that and are able to distinguish the difference you’ll be able to better approach your own learning and develop into a more knowledgeable version of yourself.” |
Thinker, Fatima Imran
Why do you think it is important for everyone to become a good thinker? | “I think it’s very important for everyone to exhibit traits of being a thinker because we have to critically or creatively think before every action that we perform every day. For example, if you were to write a script for drama, make an art piece or a piece of music, you would have to think creatively and critically about what you are creating. You have to make a message or something you want to tell your audience through your piece of art, which is thinking critically, and then you have to creatively think how you are going to portray this message to your audience.” |
How would you describe a good thinker? | “Someone who is a thinker is always, well...thinking. They critically think about every discussion they make, and what consequences it might have on others or themselves. They always try and extend the guidelines they have been given, completing what was asked of them yet also clearly demonstrating their understanding of a specific topic and skills they might have.” |
What did you do to become a successful thinker? | “Well, whenever I had a project or assignment I had to complete, I tried to extend the guidelines I was given. I always tried to think outside the box. For example, last year in grade 6 we had to make a poster to spread awareness about an animal or plant. I tried to make my message as clear as possible. Everything down to the colors and meanings! For example, the medical symbol on my poster was colored white to represent lung cancer. I had to use my creative and critical thinking, on how to design the poster itself.” |
How has becoming a better thinker improved your attitude and commitment towards learning? | “Whenever I demonstrate my thinker skills in my work, I am able to extend the guidelines which I have been given. Whenever I think critically about a piece of work that I am working on, I look for ways to improve it. I am able to extend my understanding of the topic. “ |
What are a few tips you would give for students who aspire to be better thinkers? | “A tip for becoming a better thinker is that you should always think outside the box. Try and always find ways that you can show your creativity through your work. Also, before making any decision, think critically about it. Are there any consequences that might affect you or others? And then follow through with it if it seems to be the right decision.” |
Communicator, Matteo Forni
Why do you think it is important for everyone to exhibit the traits of a good communicator? | “I think if you can communicate with many people you don't even know, or someone shy you may make them feel better and happier. You can also help people shy grow and make them part of the community. I remember yesterday we needed to answer questions in groups and I tried to help everyone be a part of the project.” |
How would you describe a good communicator? | They are able to help other people, they are not shy, they are not scared to talk to new people, they are always ready to make you feel happy. |
What did you do to become a successful communicator? | “I remember one day at school I was in ELL and this guy was about to go back to live in his home country Japan, so I started to tell him good things and try to make him better, it didn't seem that he was a lot happier but I think at the end he felt better.” |
How has becoming a better communicator improved your attitude and commitment towards learning? | “It has helped me because I know that I'm always ready to talk, help others, or maybe even if I need to do a speech I will know what to say. I can just improve if I don't remember some parts of the speech.” |
What are a few tips you would give for students who aspire to be better communicators? | “Try to talk with new people, make new friends, use every opportunity to stay in a group, Stay with your family, and talk more." |
Why is it important for everyone to exhibit traits of a principled person? | Being principled helps you take more ownership of your life, and helps you understand what’s ethical, what’s not, and act accordingly to ensure that you act fair and unbiased to everyone. |
How would you describe a principled person? | Someone who has a strong work ethic is eager to diminish the unjust and takes responsibility for their mistakes. |
How does becoming more principled improve students’ attitudes and commitment towards learning? | Having a strong work ethic ensures students submit their work on time and are academically honest. Then, taking ownership of your mistakes helps you reflect on your area of improvement easily and improve next time. |
How can students become more principled? | Stand up for what you think is right, and if you know what you’ve made which affected yourself or others, be honest and take responsibility for what you’ve done, and learn from it. Also, if you know something unjust is happening try to stop it or inform someone in power (ex. In school if someone gets bullied, inform a teacher). |
Open-Minded, Naya Nassri
Why do you think it is important for everyone to exhibit the traits of an open-minded person? | “I believe it's important to portray open-mindedness because it helps you maintain a positive mindset. Exhibiting open-minded traits helps you grow as a person and makes the world an overall better place. In addition, when considering other perspectives and trying to understand other people's points of view, you are creating a safer environment, especially in an IB school.” |
How would you describe an open-minded person? | “A person who portrays the open-minded IB learner profile possesses accepting and non-judgemental qualities. Accepting people for their opinions, putting themselves in another individual's shoes when necessary, having empathy, and hearing others' ideas are all characteristics that are exhibited by an open-minded person.” |
What did you do to become a successful, open-minded person? | “Throughout my years at GIS, ensuring that I keep an open mind has always been important to me. When the feel a tendency to have unconscious bias while hearing different opinions, I retrace my thoughts and consider that specific individual's perspective, as well as making sure that I keep myself aware of implicit bias that may lead to wrong judgment. Additionally, putting myself in others' shoes has helped greatly to keep an open mind. As I practiced this, I gained a more positive mindset and became more interested in what others have to say.” |
How has becoming more open-minded improved your attitude and commitment towards learning? | “Keeping an open mind while learning has consistently improved my commitment and attitude towards my school work. Demonstrating the open-minded IB learner profile helps you develop a beneficial way of thinking. Approaching my work with open-mindedness and eagerness to learn has helped me step out of my comfort zone, keep a positive mentality, and gain insight and understanding on the topic. “ |
What are few tips you would give for students who aspire to become more open-minded? | “A few tips that I would give to students who aspire to portray the open-minded IB learner profile are thinking positively with good intentions, putting yourself in others' shoes to better understand their point of view, and having the will to consider new opinions and perspectives on different topics. When feeling an urge of anger or frustration due to a disagreement with someone, remind yourself to stay calm and observe their beliefs and perspective. Desiring to become better at keeping an open mind is already a great start!” |
Caring, Jana Al Ballany
Why do you think it is important for everyone to exhibit the traits of a caring person? | “It is important for all members of the community to be caring to one another to show kindness, live, and support and create a healthier and more connected culture within the community.” |
How would you describe a caring person? | “Kindness, empathy, sympathy.” |
What did you do to become a successful, caring person? | “I work on showing my care to others through my actions and got involved in so many different projects with visions and goals to make a difference in peoples’ lives in many different ways.” |
How has becoming a more caring person improved your attitude and commitment towards learning? | “It has helped me become more aware of the people around me and new opportunities for me to explore in my learning by communicating with new people and getting to know them!” |
What are a few tips you would give for students who aspire to become more caring? | “1) Always take opportunities where your expertise could be used or where you can help in any way 2) Always be kind and caring to people- you never know what someone might be going through 3) Make connections and get to know people!!” |
Why is it important for everyone to exhibit the traits of a risk-taker? | Taking risks helps you overcome your fear and create new opportunities for yourself. |
How would you describe a risk-taker? | Someone who is eager to challenge themselves daily. |
How has becoming a risk-taker improved students’ attitudes and commitment towards learning? | Taking risks helps us analyze our abilities in different areas and aids us to create opportunities for ourselves so we can improve. |
How can students become risk-takers? | Whatever you do, remember that failures will happen and that's fine as long as you learn something. Also, in the process of taking risks remember to be authentic because doing something just because someone else is doing it won’t give you full satisfaction. |
Why is it important for everyone to exhibit traits of a balanced person? | It helps you improve all aspects of life (academic, social, health, etc). |
How would you describe a balanced person? | A well-balanced person must be physically and mentally fit, have good intellectual ability, excellent emotional stability and more. A balanced person doesn’t work tirelessly… They work productively. |
How has becoming a more balanced person improved students’ attitudes and commitment towards learning? | Leading a balanced life helps them focus on aspects of life, and work more productively. Therefore, it makes them more efficient when working. |
How can students become balanced? | To become a balanced person or to know whether you are balanced or not, first assess your life. If you focus on one aspect of life too much, then you don’t have a balanced life. Now, to become balanced you need to set goals and be determined to fulfill them. Set goals for your relationships, academics, physical being, spiritual alignment, school life, and so on. |
Reflective, Rhea Makhlouf
Why do you think it is important for everyone to exhibit traits of a reflector? | “It’s important to be reflective so you can improve upon yourself and your skills. Being able to acknowledge your past mistakes is crucial to bettering yourself in the future.” |
How would you describe a good reflector? | “A person exhibiting my learner profile would have the ability to accept constructive criticism, be able to recognize their strengths and weaknesses and adapt these to be more successful in the future.” |
What did you do to become a successful reflector? | “I made sure to always take my teachers’ criticism and use it to improve. I also self-reflected on past tests and essays and analyzed what was good and what could be improved. I would take all this into account when doing similar tasks so I don’t repeat my mistakes.” |
How has becoming a better reflector improved your attitude and commitment towards learning? | “It’s improved my commitment and attitude towards learning by helping me consistently refine my skills and be more prepared.” |
What are a few tips you would give for students who aspire to become better at reflecting? | “I would say that it’s important to always accept constructive criticism and use it in a positive way instead of discarding it. I would also be more serious about the reflections that teachers ask you to do in class. It’s more valuable than you would think and can seriously help you when doing other similar tasks.” |
All the responses above show tips and effects of incorporating the learner profiles on a daily basis. We have included responses from successful ambassadors of last year, the principal of the school and head of the middle years programme. Every learner profile is significant in transforming our lives and all of us have the opportunity to make a change in not just ours but others lives as well. The responses also show how learner profiles help us become more committed to our learning.
Let’s make a difference and incorporate the learner profiles into our daily routine.
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