How you learn is as important as how you are taught

In addition to reflecting at times on how you are taught it is equally, if not more, important to consider how you learn. The IB recognises this in the way it incorporates both approaches to teaching and approaches to learning in the heart of its Diploma Programme diagram.

There is a separate document published by the IB which is available to your teachers called "Approaches to teaching and learning in the Diploma Programme". Both process when done well complement each other.  It is worth remembering that the IB is about lifelong learning so not only students but teachers are also learners. You should be acquiring the skills of learning to not only achieve a good final grade in Diploma Chemistry but also to help you excel in your university studies and later still in the world of work. The focus should be on encouraging you to think for yourself, to question critically and take responsibility for your own learning.

The 'Approaches to Learning' part of the IB booklet focuses on five main skills:

• Thinking skills
• Communication skills
• Social skills 
• Self-management skills
• Research skills

The associated pages look at each one of these in turn from the student viewpoint and also one addition skill - Reflection.