The IB learner profile has a range of human abilities and responsibilities, all of which go beyond academic achievements.
Apparently, IB requires you to be conscious of these abilities. Also, it requires you to acknowledge a personal commitment to help all students to uphold self-respect and uphold the dignity of people in their surroundings and the world around them.
In this guide, we explain all the concepts of the IB learner’s profile, so you can understand what they are, as well as how they apply to you.
Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
- The learner profile describes a range of human capacities and responsibilities to help you respect the world around you, other persons, and yourself.
- According to IB, its students to be inquirers, communicators, thinkers, principled, knowledgeable, caring, open-minded, risk takers, balanced, and reflective.
Understanding the IB Learner Profile
The abilities and responsibilities set forth by IB demonstrates the organization’s long-term vision of the diploma program.
Apparently, IBO’s aim is to inspire and motivate students, while promoting unity for a common goal.
IB achieves its unification purpose by developing a community of like-minded people who share the guardianship of the planet and by creating a better and a more peaceful world.
The IB learner profile requires you to be a:
1. Communicator
The ability to communicate is a fundamental skill that forms the bedrock upon which humans establish relationships and interact with one another.
It’s crucial for smooth functioning in various contexts, ranging from educational sessions to task completion.
Accordingly, being a proficient communicator entails having the confidence and creativity to articulate oneself effectively.
It also involves the ability to use various languages and communication channels to convey information and collaborate with other people.
2. Inquirer
An inquirer is someone who seeks information about a person or thing. It is a means of obtaining valuable insights from multiple sources about an individual or an object.
In the context of the IB learner profile, the concept of being an inquirer involves possessing the necessary curiosity and skills to ask questions, conduct research, and demonstrate independence in learning.
As an inquirer, you have to cultivate a love for learning because it’s a valuable skill.
3. Thinker
To be a thinker means you’re an IB student who applies creative and critical thinking to approach, analyze, and solve complex problems.
Additionally, it means you have the ability to make reasonable and ethical decisions when there is a need to do so.
4. Principled
A principled student has a high level of integrity and honesty, both within and beyond the school setting.
They possess a deep sense of respect, fairness, and justice not only for themselves but also for various groups and societies.
Aspiring to become a principled IB student involves acknowledging the existence of others and the importance of communities surrounding you.
This journey involves developing enough integrity to take responsibility for your actions and understanding the impact of those actions.
5. Knowledgeable
To be knowledgeable means to be intelligent and well informed.
Your aim should be to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge to explore ideas, issues, and concepts that hold local and global significance.
As you become more knowledgeable throughout the IB program and beyond, it becomes easier for you to gain a balanced understanding of various disciplines and issues.
6. Open Minded
An open-minded person is someone who does not allow the differences they observe in others to provoke them easily.
Instead, they learn to accept people for who they are, regardless of their beliefs or ways of doing things.
According to the IB Learner Profile, students should be receptive to the values, perspectives, and traditions of other individuals and communities while also appreciating their own personal histories, personalities, and cultures.
By being open-minded, an IB student can easily seek, evaluate, and comprehend different points of view and easily facilitate their growth from such experiences.
7. Risk Taker
Taking risks involves engaging in something without prior knowledge of the outcome, which can either meet or fall short of expectations.
In terms of the IB Learner Profile, a risk-taker approaches unfamiliar and uncertain situations with bravery.
They possess the courage to venture into new roles, strategies, and ideas, and they are unafraid to express and defend their beliefs.
8. Caring
A caring person is an individual humane enough to show concern and kindness for the well-being of others.
Students enrolled in the IB program should show compassion and empathy, not to mention respect the feelings and needs of other people.
Furthermore, they should be willing to commit to the service of others and be willing to make a difference in the lives of others and the environment.
9. Balanced
You must seek to appreciate and understand the significance of intellectual, emotional, and physical balance.
With a proper optimization of these aspects, you can easily achieve a higher level of personal well-being, as well a show appreciation for the well-being of other people.
Ensuring an existing balance in the difference aspect of life also accounts for recognizing and accepting the independence that you have with other people and with the world in which you live.
10. Reflective
There’s more to being reflective than just having the ability to consider your learning and personal experiences.
It also means having the ability to understand what makes you stronger and accepting your limitations so that you can best learn and develop yourself as a person.
Related Readings
- IB vs University: How Do They Compare?
- Can You Do Well In College If You Take IB?
- Should I Study IB or Advanced Placement?
- IB vs A-Levels: Here’s How They Compare
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the IB Learner Profile Important?
The IB learner profile is important because it provides a long-term educational vision for every student enrolled in the program.
Ideally, the attributes focus and inspire the work of a community because students, teachers, and parents alike come together for a unified purpose.
2. What Does It Mean to Be a Thinker in IB?
A thinker is an individual who can come up with ideas that are not only creative but also more useful than what already exists.
Their creative and critical thinking enables them to identify and approach challenging problems, as well as make ethical and reasonable decisions.