The IB learner profile - Mathematics
Attribute
Mathematics
Caring
Can mathematics help us to become more caring? Can we use mathematics to help
others? Is a caring learner better at learning mathematics than a learner who doesn’t
care? How can we show that we care about our learning in mathematics classes?
Principled
Why is it important to be honest in Mathematics? Is it possible to be dishonest with
Mathematics? What is ethical when you are faced with a difficult problem you have
been asked to solve? Where do ethics fit into mathematics?
Openminded
How open-minded are you about mathematics? How many ways are there to solve a
problem in maths? Is the way we learn mathematics in school the only way to approach
Mathematical issues? Are you ready to listen to the mathematical strategies of others?
Risk-takers
Mathematics is about numbers – wrong number, wrong answer – where is there any
chance of being a risk-taker when doing mathematics? How can you be a risk-taker in
mathematics? Is it better to take a mathematical risk or to accept defeat?
Balanced
How balanced are your views about mathematics? How do you make sure you are in
the best condition you can be for learning in mathematics? How do you learn best in
mathematics? Are there better ways?
Inquirers
Of what relevance is maths to our lives? If we can describe something mathematically,
then we can manipulate it – what can you describe mathematically? Where is the
beauty in Mathematics? Is mathematics natural or human-made? What can’t be
described mathematically? Can you be creative with mathematics?
Knowledgeable
Does being good at mathematics make you more knowledgeable? What do you need to
know from Mathematics? What knowledge in mathematics is useful elsewhere? Can
mathematical knowledge help build a better you or a better world?
Thinkers
What thinking skills do we use in mathematics? Can these skills be used elsewhere? Is
the study of mathematics a creative process? Could the knowledge and skills I gain
through mathematics help me make important decisions? Could the study of
mathematics change the way I think about things?
Communicators
Can I express myself mathematically? Is mathematics a universal language? What
communication skills does the study of mathematics help me to develop and can these
be used elsewhere? How good am I at communicating what I know in the best possible
way in mathematics? How well do I work as part of a team? Do I take advantage of
learning from others in class?
Reflective
Do you review your ideas about mathematics regularly? Do you check through your
work before handing it in and consider the way you have tackled or presented you
work? Do you read through the teacher’s comments on your work when it is returned
to you? Do you review what happened in the last lesson before you go to the next? Do
you learn from your mistakes? Do you learn from those of others?