Choosing a topic for the Extended Essay

This is something I worked on a few years ago which is still relevant and I think a good process for helping students choose their extended essay topic. 

​The topic choice can be straightforward for some students as they know what their passions, future careers and which subjects they excel in. For the majority of students, it is a difficult process for them to make the decision of what subject and topic choice they want to pursue. 

I have been fortunate to work in schools where we give the students a lot of choices to select a subject within certain parameters. Currently, these parameters include that it is preferably a Higher Level subject, and they are achieving a certain grade. These are guidelines to ensure students have the tools and the subject knowledge to be successful in that subject. 

Overall, you cannot make a choice for the student. However, you can give them the tools to make an informed choice based on who they are. In life students will have to make tough choices and stick by them, it is important to help students seek out information to make informed choices. It is the opportunity for students to develop skills in academic writing in an area that really interests them and helps them learn a lot about themselves. It is important to make those correct choices.  

To enhance subject selection choice it is also important to engage in subject selection activities such as

• Reading through past papers. This helps students gain a complete understanding of what an essay looks like in the relevant subject as well as the expectations and how the essay aligns to the assessment criteria. 
• Followed up by brainstorming activities, where potential ideas revolving around a subject are explored along with potential research questions. 
• Self Reflection is when students recognise their own strengths, passions and what they want to pursue.
• Being supportive, ensuring you are available to discuss any ideas and issues that students may have,
  

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