An Examiniation o fthe effect of Risk-taking as Defined by the International Baccalaureate Organiztion (IBO) Primary Year Program (PYP) on Students' Active Particiaption in Their Own Academic Learning
Graduation Date
Spring 2002
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madalienne F. Peters, EdD
Abstract
This project examines the effectiveness of one aspect of International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Primary Years Program (PYP) student profiles, that of risk-taking. Does the explicit teaching of risk-taking have an effect on students’ active participation in their own academic learning? Subjects for the study include a multiage classroom of 20 first and second graders in an International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Primary Years Program (PYP) accredited charter school, in a Northern California setting. Data was gathered using a variety of methods including; student self-assessment, student interviews, responses from lessons imbedded in the unit planners, various settings of teacher observations and teacher self-reflection on his own risk-taking during this period.
Implications reflect the effectiveness of the International Baccalaureate Organization Primary Years Program to deliver on their educational promises. The implications extend to the practicality of such additional curriculum activities in the high-pressured standards based curriculum of California. Educational leaders may need to recognize the value of these attitudes and student profiles as an essential component of a student’s education.
In addition some schools may be considering the advisability of becoming an accredited International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Primary Years Program (PYP) school. This research offers indication of the processes and effects that accompany the changeover to an International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Primary Years Program (PYP) school.