Understanding the IB Learner Profile [Enhancing Education with Qridi Core]

The International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile is a cornerstone of the IB educational framework, guiding students towards becoming well-rounded individuals who are prepared to thrive in a globalized world. This article explores what the IB learner profile is, explains its components, suggests activities to develop these traits, delves into the concept of balance within the learner profile, and discusses the benefits of using Qridi Core for classroom displays and overall implementation.
Author

Juhani Katajamäki

What is the IB Learner Profile?

The IB learner profile comprises ten attributes that the IB aims to cultivate in students through its educational programs. These attributes are designed to develop individuals who are:

1. Inquirers: Curious and enthusiastic about learning, with the skills to conduct research independently.

2. Knowledgeable: Understanding and exploring a wide range of concepts, ideas, and issues.

3. Thinkers: Applying critical thinking and creativity to make reasoned, ethical decisions.

4. Communicators: Expressing ideas confidently and collaborating effectively in multiple languages.

5. Principled: Acting with integrity, honesty, and a strong sense of fairness and justice.

6. Open-minded: Appreciating their own cultures and histories, and being open to perspectives, values, and traditions of others.

7. Caring: Showing empathy, compassion, and respect, and committing to service.

8. Risk-takers: Approaching uncertainty with forethought and determination, and being resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges.

9. Balanced: Understanding the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being.

10. Reflective: Thoughtfully considering their own learning and experiences to support personal development.

Download printable Learner Profile badges here

IB Learner Profile Explained

The IB learner profile aims to develop students who are prepared to tackle complex global challenges and act as responsible members of local, national, and international communities. Each attribute plays a crucial role in shaping students' academic and personal growth:

Help students self-assess and follow up their Learner Profile progress with visual aids
Help students self-assess and follow up their Learner Profile progress with visual aids

Inquirers foster a lifelong love of learning.

Knowledgeable students build a robust foundation of understanding.

Thinkers apply critical thinking to solve problems.

Communicators express themselves and collaborate effectively.

Principled individuals act with integrity.

Open-minded learners appreciate diverse perspectives.

Caring students commit to making a positive impact.

Risk-takers embrace new challenges with confidence.

Balanced individuals maintain well-being in all aspects of life.

Reflective learners continually assess and enhance their learning.

IB Learner Profile Activities

Reflecting on one's learning by collecting a digital portfolio of learning evidence builds understanding of the Learner Profile
Reflecting on one's learning by collecting a digital portfolio of learning evidence builds understanding of the Learner Profile

Implementing the IB learner profile in the classroom involves engaging activities that nurture these attributes. Here are some examples:

Inquirers: Encourage students to pursue personal research projects on topics of interest.

Knowledgeable: Organize interdisciplinary projects that require understanding multiple subjects.

Thinkers: Use problem-solving exercises and ethical dilemmas to develop critical thinking.

Communicators: Promote debates, presentations, and multilingual communication.

Principled: Integrate lessons on ethics and moral reasoning in the curriculum.

Open-minded: Explore cultural studies and global issues to broaden perspectives.

Caring: Involve students in community service projects.

Risk-takers: Challenge students with tasks outside their comfort zone.

Balanced: Incorporate physical education and mindfulness practices.

Reflective: Use journals and self-assessment tools for students to reflect on their learning.

Learner Profile activities in the classroom

Making the Learner Profile happen in the Classroom [How can Qridi Core support You?]

With Qridi Core, individual learning paths are made visible, including the Learner Profile

Visual Engagement

Qridi Core allows teachers to create dynamic and visually appealing displays that highlight class- and individual progress with the IB learner profile attributes. This constant visual reinforcement helps students take ownership of their learning and better understand the significance of the Learner Profile in connection with the actual school work.

Interactive Elements

Using Qridi Core, teachers can incorporate interactive elements into their lessons and connect them with the Learner Profile. With the Learning tasks-feature teachers can link their lesson content with the Learner profile they intend to focus on. Students can see these connections and also tag the learning evidence they upload into their digital portfolio to the the Learner profile they themselves think is relevant.

Tagging learning evidence to the Learner Profile attributes.
Tagging learning evidence to the Learner Profile attributes.

Real-Time Feedback

With Qridi Core, students receive real-time feedback on their development in each learner profile attribute. This continuous assessment helps students stay on track and motivated. Parents also stay on track through their own app interface.

Qridi Core gives you data output on students' development with Learner Profile, Key Concepts, Subjects and ATLs.
Qridi Core gives you data output on students' development with Learner Profile, Key Concepts, Subjects and ATLs.

Customization

Qridi Core enables teachers to customize the tasks they give to students to reflect the unique culture and values of their classroom while aligning with the IB framework. The possibility to enhance the learning materials with unique teacher-created content with video, audio, file uploads and images makse learning more tailored to individual students and motivates them better.

Start a free trial of Qridi Core here

Conclusion

The IB learner profile is integral to developing students who are prepared to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex world. By understanding and implementing the IB learner profile through engaging activities and effective classroom displays, educators can foster a nurturing and dynamic learning environment. Qridi Core serves as a powerful tool in this endeavor, enhancing the educational experience and supporting the holistic development of every student.

Further reading:

IBO's page about the Lerner Profile attributes