What is the IB Learner Profile?

In Advisory class we began to learn about the IB Learner Profile.  The IB Learner Profile describes a broad range of characteristics and responsibilities that go beyond academic goals in the classroom.  In the MYP, we begin to look at ourselves through the lens of the IB Learner Profile and ask ourselves, “How can I demonstrate each learner profile?  Which learner profiles am I currently practicing?  Which learner profiles should I improve?  How can I continue to improve in all of these areas?”

Below is a Google Slideshow of the 10 IB Learner Profiles.  We tried to explain what each one means and include an example of how one might demonstrate each learner profile in the real world:

When I take a look at myself, I immediately see myself as a risk-taker. I think I’m a risk-taker because I am a teacher, and I need to be brave to constantly speak in front of people. Also, I like to travel around the world and most of the time I am alone, so I believe that by constantly challenging myself with new languages and new places unknown to me, makes me a risk-taker.

I also think that I am a caring person. I really care about my students and that is the main reason I became a teacher. I like to help people. Also, I am usually involved in helping some sort of worthy cause, such as supporting organizations who help animals, conserve nature, or preserve the ocean. For example, I am the advisor for GIN Club, and I help the members try to educate our community into taking action relative to global issues such as “Project Plastic.” I also support organizations like Sea Shepherd which is an organization that fights for the rights of aquatic animals and endangered aquatic species.

I believe I am a communicator because most of my job revolves around speaking to people in verbal and written language. I am also a good listener, which is 50% of communicating. Many of my friends call me or see me when they have a problem because they know I will listen.

One area that I can improve on is becoming more principled. For example, I know that if I make better choices, I could help the environment more. Sometimes, I put effort into my weekly shopping list and it is easy for me to eat a vegetarian diet. If I know that becoming a vegetarian is better for the world (for many reasons), then I should become more principled and concentrate on my choices so that I can also be a person who helps the environment more.

I also think I can be more balanced in my life. For example, sometimes I feel that I am so busy and I don’t make time to exercise as much as I should. I know that exercise is important to live a healthy, long life, so I should definitely make more time in my life to exercise each week – perhaps 4 times per week, minimum. I believe I can do that.

There are many other learner profiles, but for now perhaps I can work on being more balanced and principled and I can continue to practice the other learner profiles that I am already practicing.