Developing the Skills You Need to Tackle the IB

It is more important for students to know how to learn than just knowing what they need to learn. The IB programme is about lifelong learning – students and teachers learn how to inculcate the necessary skills in themselves. Students need the skills to not only achieve a good final grade in the IB Chemistry subject, but they need to transfer these skills to their learning in university. Simply memorising the information that they need to know is not enough – rather, students need to think for themselves and ask questions critically.

Important skills you need to develop in the IB:

Thinking Skills

The definition of thinking encompasses acquiring knowledge, comprehending knowledge, and applying them to the questions at hand. There are some more higher order thinking skills such as analysis, evaluation, and creation. When students sit for their IB Chemistry papers, they will be asked to do three things – (1) state a definition or fact, (2) apply this knowledge in a straightforward situation, and (3) analyse, evaluate, and determine how to solve a problem by selecting the relevant information or method. Your thinking and learning must be structured to fit these objectives – as you can see, rote memorisation is not enough.

Communication Skills

Good IB Chemistry students need to communicate to others their findings. Communication is about making others understand what you are trying to say. Students need to draft their IAs and proofread these documents so that they project their ideas in a clear and concise manner. When putting forward arguments, whether in writing or orally, students must do so in a convincing manner and take note of opposing viewpoints. Communication is also not only about speaking, but also about listening well to what others are trying to say to you.

Reflection

Reflection is one of the most integral skills in the IB. Students need to understand how they think and use their higher level thinking skills to understand the basics. Students need to think about how old knowledge links to new information they found. Furthermore, reflection does not only involve about thinking about the things that have gone right, but also about thinking of ways you can improve upon what you have done now. The last aspect of reflection also involves thinking about how your research is useful in a local and international context.

Research Skills

Research skills are highly important as they are used in all of the IB Diploma subjects. Students need to undertake a Chemistry IA which will make good use of the skills required. Research requires students to think in a methodical way – students need to think about their research question and the scope of their work, along with the apparatus and methodology they need. Their methodology should be as detailed as possible and should not skip any vital steps. Students should learn how to do this sort of research before they undertake a university degree – these research skills will last for not only the IB programme, but even beyond that.

Get a 7 for IB Chemistry (HL/SL) with the IB Chemistry Clinic today!

As the name suggests, the IB Chemistry Clinic does not only fix a student’s grades - it helps students with critical components of the IB Programme, namely the Internal Assessment (IA) which is worth at least 20% of a student’s grade and their Extended Essay (EE) in Chemistry.

The IA and EE are a non-negotiable part of the Chemistry curriculum - without them, students will not be able to graduate with an IB Diploma. However, there are many difficulties associated with conducting experiments for the IA and EE - many replications are required and the standard for the final deliverable - the research report - is high. Students need to undertake statistical testing and present their final results coherently and concisely.

Although the IB school provides mentors for the EE and teachers at school can guide students through their IA, attention to each student is often limited in a classroom setting and many students are left to figure things out by themselves. This results in difficulty completing internal deadlines on time, especially when a student needs to juggle all their 6 subjects and the additional components of the IB, along with their CCAs and other commitments.

The IB Chemistry Clinic is here to answer all your questions - whether it is about content knowledge or fixing errors in your experimental setup as you undertake your IA journey, our skilled tutors with a strong background in Chemistry research and 30 years of experience teaching Chemistry are here to help!

Contact us at +65 9616 1651 to book your slot today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to study for IB Chemistry?

Firstly, knowing the syllabus for IB Chemistry (either HL or SL) will help the student revise. Next, try practising with past year IB papers to get used to the exam format. If there are questions students do not know how to answer, they can revise the concepts regarding the question to help them answer them or clarify with a tutor or teacher.

What do you do in IB Chemistry?

IB Chemistry consists of exams at the end of the IB programme and an Internal Assessment where the student needs to perform independent research and experimentation and write a report regarding their methodology and findings.

How do I start giving tuition in Singapore?

Approach various tuition centres and ask whether they have tuition job openings. Alternative, aspiring tutors can join Telegram groups advertising tuition job and assignment opportunities.

Is IB Chem difficult?

Chemistry is one of the hardest IB subjects as students must be good at conceptual understanding of the topics tested as well as good at conducting independent research and writing. 

Is chemistry the hardest IB subject?

Chemistry is one of the hardest IB subjects, along with IB History, and IB Maths Analysis and Approaches.

Is IB chemistry or biology harder?

IB Chemistry is ranked as more difficult as IB Biology, but both subjects require a different set of skills which students may find equally hard.

Is IB chemistry harder than A Levels?

The A Level exam is more difficult than the IB exam, but IB involves the Internal Assessment (IA) which features independent research which could be harder than the A Level exam.