Does the International Baccalaureate "Work" as an Alternative to Mainstream Schooling?

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: International College Students' Experiences in the United States and Home: Perspectives From East Asia

Abstract

Across East and Southeast Asia, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is expanding. More students from affluent local families are “opting out” of mainstream schooling to pursue the DP in the private-sector, which is marketed as a distinctive skill-based education that prepares students for university. This study investigated how DP alumni reflect on their education as preparation for universities in Hong Kong. An online survey (n=734) found that DP alumni self-perceived greater capacities than non-DP alumni in communication, creativity, critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, global-mindedness, leadership, and time management. In interviews (n=42) DP alumni discussed how their educational experiences “worked” in developing skills. However, they perceived that students from mainstream schools were often better prepared for university pedagogy and assessments.

Authors

• Ewan Wright, The Education University of Hong Kong

• Moosung Lee, University of Canberra