thespinarose.com

The start of a new year is the perfect time to take stock and set clear goals for success in IB Psychology. 

Both teachers and students can benefit from reflecting on progress so far and refocusing their energy on what really matters in the months ahead. 

Here are some practical strategies to ensure a strong start to the new term.

Refocus on the Syllabus

A thorough understanding of the syllabus is vital for success in IB Psychology. 

For IB1 students, the focus should be on building familiarity with the syllabus topics and the exam papers they will face. 

Why not start the year with a fun true-or-false quiz to test their knowledge of key syllabus concepts?

For IB2 students, this is even more critical. 

By this stage, they should know the syllabus inside out—so much so that they could teach it to others. 

Encourage them to practise this skill by organising opportunities to present to younger students considering IB Psychology. 

Not only does this reinforce their knowledge, but it also builds confidence and motivation.

Addressing Gaps in Knowledge

Identifying gaps in knowledge is a crucial task for both IB1 and IB2 students as they enter the new year. 

A full audit of their understanding is an excellent place to start. 

For example, students can categorise each topic into three areas:

Green - I know this well.

Amber - I know this but need to work on it.

Red - I don’t know this at all.

For IB2 students, addressing these gaps now is essential to avoid last-minute panic as exams approach. 

Here is a Paper 1 audit sheet to help with this process - IB Psychology - Paper 1 Audit Sheet.docx

Teachers can support by reviewing the results to identify common struggles and adapt lesson plans accordingly.

Setting SMART Targets

Once gaps are identified, students should be guided to set SMART targets for improvement:

Specific: Define exactly what needs to be achieved (e.g., “Learn and revise the studies for localisation of function”).

Measurable: Ensure progress can be tracked (e.g., “Be able to write a complete SAQ in 20 minutes”).

Achievable: Set goals that are realistic given the time and resources available.

Relevant: Focus on areas that will have the most impact on performance.

Time-bound: Set a clear deadline (e.g., “Master this topic by the end of January”).

This approach not only empowers students to take control of their learning but also equips them with valuable self-management skills for life beyond school.

Reflection for Teachers

The new year is not just for students to reflect; it’s a critical time for teachers too. 

For IB1 classes, reflection helps identify where students are thriving and where they’re struggling, allowing teachers to tweak lesson plans and provide targeted support. 

For IB2, it’s about addressing major gaps and ensuring students are exam-ready by May.

A Positive Start to the Year

January is a fresh start—a chance for students and teachers to re-energise and refocus. 

By revisiting the syllabus, identifying gaps, and setting SMART targets, you’ll empower your students to reach their potential while honing essential skills for the future. 

Let’s make this term productive, inspiring, and successful.

Happy New Year, and here’s to a fantastic term ahead!

Thes

Future articles in this series:

• Collaborative learning.
• Using technology to aid learning.
• How to master concept-based learning.