1. What is the IB Learner Profile?
The IBO describes the International Baccalaureate® (IB) learner profile as “a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success.”
IB Learner Profile embodies the IB mission of developing internationally minded people, who are respectful of one another, and who will hopefully grow up to become international citizens that will make the world a better place. Specifically, it is a set of 10 attributes that IB students should strive to be, both in the academic environment as well as in their daily lives.
2. What are the 10 attributes of the IB Learner Profile?
1. Inquirers
“We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.”
2. Kowledgable
“We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.”
3. Thinkers
“We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.”
4. Communicators
“We express ourselves con dently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate e ectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.”
5. Principled
“We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.”
6. Open-minded
“We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.”
7. Caring
“We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive di erence in the lives of others and in the world around us.”
8. Risk-takers
“We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.”
9. Balanced
“We understand the importance of balancing di erent aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.”
10. Reflective
“We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.”
*Details of each attribute as mentioned in IB Learner Profile.
3. How can I, as an IB student acquire these traits?
Once you understand each of the 10 attributes, the only thing you need to do is to acquire those traits. But how? Changing your perspective or characteristic isn’t that easy. It’s different from learning a formula, or memorizing a historical date.
Here is a step by step guide on the quickest way to grow into these attributes that are valued in the IB.
Step 1. Set a goal.
First, you should think about “Which trait am I missing now?” If you can’t figure it out for yourself, ask someone who knows you well, such as a friend or a teacher. Once you identify the trait, that becomes your goal.
Step 2. Make an action plan.
This is the step to think about what you should do to become a person with that specific trait. If you’re not sure what you should do, you could also ask your teacher, seniors, or anyone else around you for advice. Once you’ve decided what to do, take action!
Step 3. Reflect on your actions.
After a period of time, look back on your actions during that period. Write down what you could and couldn’t do, and think about ways to improve if you couldn’t do it. This process of “reflection” or “evaluation” is incorporated into the IB academic curriculum and also one of the abilities in the IB Learner Profile (10. Reflective). This step is the most important in becoming the well rounded and respectful character that IB students aim to be.