Which IB Learner Profile best describes you? And why?

Do you think you are an inquirer? Or are you knowledgeable, a thinker, a communicator, principled, open-minded, caring, a risk-taker, balanced and reflective? 

These ten traits are called the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile. It defines the qualities learners need to become internationally minded people. In this way, it inspires and motivates learners to develop themselves into well-rounded global citizens. As an IB school, Canadian Academy incorporates these attributes into our lessons. For example, in elementary school, every unit features one or more of the IB Learner Profile attributes. Our students can make connections between what they learn and the qualities they want to develop through the unit.

Over the last couple of weeks, we spoke with our students and asked them the question 'Which Learner Profile do you think describes you best?' We were delighted to hear the students’ profiles and examples of their choice.

G6 student: 'I am caring because I help my friends when they get hurt and encourage them in sports.' 

G6 student: 'I think I am caring. When some kids were having a hard time, I gave them some hints, like the answer, but I did not tell them the answer.' 

G9 student: 'I am a risk-taker because I like to challenge myself to new things. I am also caring because I make sure everybody is included and they are feeling fine.'

G9 student: 'I am an inquirer. I like to ask questions, and I like the concept of learning new things.' 

G12 student: 'I would say balanced. I tend to do a lot of sports and afterschool activities and I try to balance that the best I can with what I do for work and what I do for fun myself.'

It is always lovely to hear students talking about their strengths - they are already demonstrating that they are reflective - one of the learner profiles! Exploring each learner profile and digging deeper into the meanings of each helps the students describe themselves and their own qualities more accurately. We look forward to seeing how our students will further develop their profiles as well as their understanding of their learning and themselves this year.