Reflective Activity 2
Similarities and differences in the IB learner profile and the four capacities of the CfE: The four capacities of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence and the International Bachelorette learners profile share many similarities and differences.
The main difference being the way that the two are broken down, the IB learner profile is broken down into 10 different categories which IB learners should strive to be by the end of the programme. These 10 attributes are known as the 10 core values which the IB curriculum is very centred around. The CfE capacities are split into four sections (Successful learner, Confident individuals, Responsible citizens and Effective contributors), with sub headings underneath to explain how learners meet each of the capacities, the CfE in very much centred round these four capacities. The IB learner profile focuses more on the leaners using their skills in the wider world. Not just learning how to work with their peers, but leaning how to work with all kinds of people from all different cultures around the world. This is different to the four capacities which focuses more on personal development within learning.
Even with their differences both the four capacities of the CfE and the IB learner profile share a lot of similarities. Both outline what they want the learners to achieve and what their expectations are of them. With the IB learner profile including good communicators. Saying that they want their pupils to be able to express themselves appropriately and be able to listen to what other have to say. The four capacities say similar under effective contributor, when it states that learners should be able to participate in group tasks both listening to what others have to say and making useful contributions. Throughout the four capacities and 10 core values there are other similarities like this to be drawn on.
Both are set as guidelines to educators of what their pupils are to achieve by the end of their education with them. However, the 10 core values are more pinpointed and specific about exactly what it is the children have to learn and what skill set they should achieve. With the four capacities they are not as specific and therefore teachers do not need to be as vigilant as there are more ways to meet these four capacities.
Personal experience and observation of the IB learner profiles attributes in my own education and teaching practice:
One attribute that is in the IB leaner profile that I have noticed in my own teaching practice is being open- minded. This compares to when I myself was in education, different cultures were not often talked about. After being out in some schools recently I have notice there is a much great push for talking about different cultures. This is part of acceptance of everyone and something which the IB leaner profile highlights. Another area is communication again going back to my own primary education having a second language was something you didn’t start to learn till the end of primary school. Now in schools they like to introduce a second language to children as early as primary one. This helps children communicate not only in their own community but to the wider world. To have a second language is so important and it is something the IB learner profile has already noticed and other curriculums (CfE) are starting to notice to. The IB learner profile is something that is seen often now in most schools without even knowing what it was. It has not been until reading about it recently that I realised exactly what it is and that I have been using and seeing these attributes throughout my whole education career.
