What is it like to be an Extended Essay Supervisor?

By Nishtha Saraf

The Extended Essay is a 4000 word essay that every IBDP student has to write over the two years of their course. This is usually on a topic of their choice and largely led by their interest. It is by far one of those aspects of the IB that is capitalised on to attract students. As someone who did the IBDP myself I can say with full confidence that the EE process is something that definitely stands the test of time for the student. It makes the research and writing process in university seamless. 

However, as a supervisor there is much to take note of. In your time period as an EE supervisor there are some types of students you will encounter. The super enthusiastic ones who need little to nothing from you only guidance. The hardworking ones who are not the best writers but willing to compensate for that with their research and actioning all your feedback. The one who is a good writer but will do all the work last minute. The student who struggles with writing and is lazy with their research.The one who struggles to remember what is going on. However the most lethal one is those who are addicted to AI for all their answers. The advice for the supervisor is completely different for each category of student. 

However, there are some common threads that in my opinion every EE supervisor should be aware of: 

1. The IB Guide is your holy grail. 

2. The student needs support. 

3. What to do if it is not your expertise. 

4. Some procedural aspects to be aware of. 

5. Section if you are a supervisor for the first time. 

1. The IB Guide is your holy grail

I cannot emphasise it enough- read the general and your subject specific aspect of the IB Guide. Everything you need to know is there! As the EE coordinator, of course, I am happy to answer any questions however, a good place to start is the IB Guide. It lays down everything from expectations, processes and results. As the supervisor, the student will look to you for answers, troubleshooting and problems. Even though the guide has been signposted to the students in reality most of the time they have not looked at it. 

With our current year 12s, there is now a newer version of the markscheme. Hence, it needs to be assured that the marking process is understood by both us and them. To ensure this not only is the sixth form team running drop down days but also, addressing this during tutor time. However, the reality of the situation is that you as supervisors will be the ones marking these essays. Therefore, it is essential that you look through the guide. 

Some EE supervisors say that they print out the guide and keep it handy going into supervisor meetings. However, in a world of Control+F it is much easier to just know where you have it in the deep google drive before the meetings. In the IB world it is considered best practice to actually bring up and model the use of the IB guide to the students. 

2. The student needs support 

Even though the students are in sixth form and we are preparing them for the ‘outer world’, to produce good research they will need your help. All of us have done two degrees to be here, if not more. You are the best person to guide them about how to do research because you will share your personal anecdotes with them. All the tricks we apply for Ks3 and Ks4 apply in a similar way for Ks5. These students are doing this process for the first time and most of them are stressed, overwhelmed, anxious and exhausted. They are juggling their six subjects, university applications, EE, Theory of Knowledge and CAS. 

Realistically, the enthusiastic students and hardworking students are either very good at asking for help or finding the answers themselves. The good writers will somehow make it through. However the last three categories really need the chasing up and the support. They barely will check their emails so will need you to remind them and explicitly state what the expectations are. 

3. What to do if it not your expertise

It is but natural that some of the topics will be outside your content area of expertise. Let me reassure you that it is okay, you have the expertise in the subject area as a whole. You can guide them with the structure. You can hold them accountable for them meeting deadlines. If you want of course you can do some research about the topic. This can range from youtube videos, articles, blogs etc. This will definitely help you in fact checking their writing but it might also help you give the students recommendations. If you do go out of your way, it will be much appreciated by the student. 

4. Some procedural aspects to be aware of

1. You will have three meetings with your student. 

2. Your managebac will be created so make sure you log in and activate that. This is where you will access the students' essays. 

3. In addition to the essays, the students also have to write three reflections. They often forget about that. To make these reflections meaningful encourage them to write it after each of the meetings. 

4. I will keep sending you updates signposting different aspects that need to be completed. 

5. It will be communicated that the students are expected to write their first drafts over the summer. 

6. If you are leaving the school at the end of the year, please make sure you check in with the student and lay down their scaffold for their summer. 

5. If you are a supervisor for the first time

Firstly, thank you so much for trying this out. I know that it is intimidating and seems like another thing to do. If I am being honest I really hope you enjoy the process. The best place to start is to read the guide to understand the process. Please always ask questions if you are stuck. No question is too obvious. I am happy to set up a meeting and discuss it further if you prefer to ask a question in person. I am here to help :)