What is International Baccalaureate program?

22 Jun What is International Baccalaureate program?

The International Baccalaureate  (IB) or formally known as the International Baccalaureate Organization offers education for school going students that focuses on making the classroom a student-centered area, where the critical thinking of the student improves and the student is able to be an independent learner. IB teaches it students how to ask the right questions in the real world, how to differentiate between fact and fiction and how to succeed by being life-long learner. IB’s mission since its origin in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland is to create a better world through education.  This teaching methodology has its presence in over 150 countries around the world.  Research plays a vital role in ensuring that their teaching methodology is effective and up-to date. IB conducts its own researches and partners with leading universities and research institutions around the world to ensure that they give the best quality education to students around the world. IB offers four programs in a student’s educational life and they are the Primary Years Program for students from 3-12 years of age, Middle Years Program for students between the ages 11-16 years, Diploma Program for students between the ages of 16-19 years and most recently introduced, career-related program which aims at addressing international educations to the needs of students. This program provides the students with career-related education.

Advantages of IB

• The classes in a school that follows IB methodology are challenging and exciting. They focus on communication skills, thinking, writing and experimenting.
• The education is rigorous and highly comprehensive created based on a global perspective.
• Teaching standard requirements to be an IB teacher are extremely high.
• IB gives the students an edge over other students who haven’t had an IB education in colleges, universities, etc.
• The academic potential of students in all areas are developed fully, including co-curricular areas.
• IB education is a universally recognized world-class credential.
• IB emphasizes on applied and comprehensive knowledge, rather than mere book learning.
• It also gives a chance for the student to compete in international arenas and have high standard of education.
• Any change in any form of teaching which a part of IB, goes through rigorous research and trial, to ensure that it is highly effective.
• IB students are known to have a strong academic, social and emotional personality and know how to differentiate between fact and fiction.

Disadvantages of IB

• The work that a student and teacher receive from an IB form of education is immense and it is highly necessary that the students and teachers know how to organize their and time and do not procrastinate.
• Hard to score in an IB examination, as the questions are much more comprehensive and can only be answered correctly after giving a lot of thought.