If you’re slogging through the IB program, you already know that Internal Assessments (IAs) are a major piece of the puzzle. These aren’t just any assignments; they play a critical role in determining your final grade. But what’s the scoop on how these IAs actually get graded? Let’s break it down: who’s doing the grading, what moderated marks are all about, and how RevisionDojo can help you nail those top scores.
Who Grades the IAs?
Internal Grading: Your IAs are first graded by your subject teachers. These teachers use specific IB criteria to assess your work, ensuring that all aspects of the IA requirements are met. This involves evaluating various elements such as your understanding of the topic, analytical skills, coherence, and presentation. Teachers receive detailed training and guidelines from the IB to ensure they are well-equipped to grade your IAs according to the standardized criteria. Because your teachers have seen your progress throughout the course, they can provide a comprehensive assessment of your abilities, offering a personalized understanding of your work within the context of your overall performance in the subject.
Moderation: Once your teacher has graded your IA, the process doesn’t stop there. To ensure fairness and consistency across different schools and regions, the IB employs a moderation system. Here's how it works:
- Sample Selection: The IB randomly selects a sample of IAs from each subject in your school. This sample usually represents a range of grades (high, medium, and low) given by the teacher.
- External Moderation: These selected samples are sent to external moderators who are trained by the IB. These moderators are experienced educators who have an in-depth understanding of the IB’s standards and expectations. They re-evaluate the samples to ensure that the teacher’s grading aligns with the global IB standards.
- Adjustment of Marks: If the moderators find discrepancies between the teacher’s grades and the IB standards, they may adjust the marks. For example, if a teacher has graded too leniently, the moderator will adjust the scores downwards for the entire class to bring them in line with IB expectations. Conversely, if the teacher has been too harsh, the scores may be adjusted upwards.
This moderation process ensures that all students are assessed on an equal playing field, regardless of where they study. It maintains the credibility and uniformity of the IB diploma, ensuring that a grade in one school is equivalent to the same grade in another, anywhere in the world.
How RevisionDojo Helps You Get the Best Grades in Your IAs
Now that you know how your IAs are graded and moderated, let’s talk about how RevisionDojo can help you shine. RevisionDojo is a comprehensive platform designed to support IB students through every step of their Internal Assessments. It offers detailed guides that demystify the IA criteria, helping you understand exactly what the examiners are looking for. Step-by-step instructions make the daunting task of starting and completing an IA much more manageable, breaking it down into clear, actionable steps.
Additionally, RevisionDojo provides high-scoring examples and templates, which can be incredibly insightful for structuring your own work. The platform also allows you to receive feedback on your drafts, either through peer reviews or professional assessments, which is crucial for refining your analysis and improving your overall presentation. Moreover, with tools to help you manage your time effectively, you can ensure that every part of your IA is thoroughly planned and polished, avoiding the stress of last-minute cramming.
Finally, RevisionDojo’s practice exercises and revision tools reinforce your learning, helping you fine-tune your skills and submit an IA that meets the highest standards. By leveraging these resources, you can significantly enhance the quality of your IAs and maximize your chances of achieving top grades.
