‘This journey has deepened my understanding of the IB MYP and DP curricula’

Drawing on five years of experience, this facilitator shares thoughtful insights on nurturing research skills within the IB framework, with a strong focus on inquiry, academic honesty, ethical research practices, and learner agency across the MYP and DP curriculum. Her approach encourages students to grow into principled, reflective, and independent researchers. Meet Ms Sonali Wadhwa, IBMYP/DP Biology Facilitator at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park. 

In a candid interview, she shares core research competencies every IB learner should develop.

How has your journey been?  

Over the past five years at the school, my journey has been enriching and insightful. It has been a phase of continuous learning, deepening my understanding of the IB MYP and DP curriculum and their core components. Active involvement in authorisation and evaluation cycles further strengthened my grasp of IB philosophy and practices.  

How do you define ‘research skills’ within the context of the IB curriculum?

Research skills form the heart of the IB curriculum, encompassing information and media literacy. They enable students to frame meaningful questions, source reliable information, analyse data critically, evaluate findings, and communicate results ethically through proper academic practices and citations.

What core research competencies do you believe every IB learner should develop?

I believe that proper citation and academic honesty are paramount, followed by inquiry, evaluation of credible sources, and the critical synthesis of information to arrive at evidence-based conclusions.

Share an example of a recent unit where research skills were embedded meaningfully.

Recently, in the Biotechnology unit, students explored the topic of GMOs and their ethical implications, thereby strengthening their research, analysis, and communication skills. Earlier, in the Cells unit, they investigated organ donation and related ethical issues, while in the Viruses unit, they examined recent global viral diseases and preventive measures.

What digital tools or resources do you find most effective for teaching research skills?

Platforms like Google Scholar, PubMed, JSTOR, Semantic Scholar, and online encyclopedias are most effective for information gathering. Tools like EasyBib support accurate citations, Excel aids data analysis, and NotebookLM is useful for summarising information.

How do you support students who struggle with open-ended inquiry or independent research? 

Scaffolding works best for students. I incorporate short sessions on formulating research questions using appropriate variables and scientific terminology, supported by clear rubrics. I begin with pre-selected resources before moving towards fully independent research, and guide students with exemplars for better understanding.

What rubrics, checklists, or IB-aligned criteria do you use to track progress?

For the IBMYP, I use the science-specific rubric, Criterion B (Inquiring and Designing) and Criterion C (Processing and Evaluating Data), to track the research process. For the IBDP, IA-aligned rubrics focusing on research design, data analysis, conclusion, and evaluation are used. Additionally, I employ specific checklists for research question clarity, variables, method design, and referencing in extended essays.

What challenges do you face with plagiarism, AI misuse, or incorrect referencing? How do you address them?

Today, students often rely heavily on AI-generated responses and may copy information without proper citation. I address this by consistently emphasising academic honesty, using plagiarism-checking software, modelling correct citation practices, and guiding students on the ethical use of AI for brainstorming and idea generation with referencing, rather than for producing complete final work.

How do research skills support the development of IB Learner Profile attributes?

Research skills contribute to the development of all ten IB Learner Profile attributes, nurturing inquirers through question-driven learning, thinkers through data analysis, communicators through structured reporting, principled learners through academic honesty, and reflective learners through evaluation of methods. They also foster balanced learners through effective time management, risk-takers by encouraging exploration of new ideas, and promote open-mindedness and caring by valuing diverse perspectives and emphasising ethical inquiry.

What advice would you give to new IB educators teaching research skills for the first time?

First and foremost, research skills should be integrated into daily lessons rather than treated as a separate unit. Second, academic honesty and referencing must become regular habits through everyday tasks. Finally, starting small, encouraging curiosity, and allowing students to make mistakes as part of the learning process are essential.