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Jess Heaney, Clara Hiskey, Rebecca Ellerington, and Louise Anderson

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for students who are starting their extended essay as part of the International Baccalaureate ( IB) Diploma Programme. It will also be helpful for teachers supporting their students as they complete this process. The course is also suitable for people completing independent research projects as it aims to develop essential research project skills, such as critical thinking, research and academic writing. You can use the hashtag #FLIBextendedessay to talk about this course on social media.

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for students who are starting their extended essay as part of the International Baccalaureate ( IB) Diploma Programme. It will also be helpful for teachers supporting their students as they complete this process. The course is also suitable for people completing independent research projects as it aims to develop essential research project skills, such as critical thinking, research and academic writing. You can use the hashtag #FLIBextendedessay to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • Choosing a topic and a research question
  • Finding sources
  • Time and project management
  • Critical thinking
  • Writing effectively
  • Preparing to write

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Reviews summary

Effective guide for ib extended essay

According to learners, this course serves as a highly effective and practical guide specifically tailored for students undertaking the IB Extended Essay. Students found it provides a clear structure and breaks down the daunting research project into manageable steps. Many reviewers highlighted the valuable guidance on selecting a topic and formulating a precise research question as particularly helpful. The sections on finding credible sources, managing time effectively, and improving academic writing skills were also frequently praised. While some students noted that the course provides a strong foundation but may require supplementary research or subject-specific guidance, the overall consensus is that it offers essential support and makes the Extended Essay process feel much more achievable.
Good foundation, but not always exhaustive.
"Provides a solid foundation for the EE, but I needed to do additional research for my specific subject area."
"Good general advice, but might not be detailed enough for very complex or niche topics."
"It's a great starting point, but don't expect it to cover every single detail of every subject's EE requirements."
Provides useful time and planning tips.
"The time management section provided practical strategies for staying on track with my EE."
"Helped me plan out my EE schedule effectively and manage my workload."
"Offered useful advice on managing a long-term academic project like the Extended Essay."
Offers help with topic, question, sources.
"The guidance on choosing a topic and formulating a research question was particularly helpful..."
"Excellent tips on finding credible sources for the essay and evaluating their reliability."
"Learned how to refine my initial ideas into a focused and researchable question for my EE."
Helps make the complex task manageable.
"It breaks down the daunting task of the Extended Essay into clear, manageable steps..."
"The structure of the course is very clear and easy to follow, making the EE less intimidating."
"Made the whole EE process seem much less overwhelming by dividing it into logical parts."

Career center

Learners who complete The IB Extended Essay: Managing your Research Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The IB Extended Essay: Managing your Research Project.
Provides a step-by-step guide to writing a thesis. It covers all aspects of thesis writing, from choosing a topic to writing the final draft. Eco world-renowned author and scholar, and his book is full of insights and advice on how to write a successful thesis.
Classic text on project management that provides a comprehensive overview of the field. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn about project management or improve their skills.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the research process, covering everything from formulating a research question to presenting findings. It's an excellent starting point for high school and undergraduate students to gain a broad understanding of what research entails. It is widely used as a textbook in introductory research and writing courses. The latest edition incorporates contemporary research practices and the use of digital tools.
Equips readers with the tools to identify and challenge misinformation, particularly in the context of data and statistics. It's a timely and practical guide for developing critical thinking skills relevant to the digital age and navigating misleading information. Highly recommended for all audiences.
A foundational text in research methods, this book offers a clear and accessible comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. It's crucial for undergraduate and graduate students to deepen their understanding of different research paradigms and design choices. is commonly used as a core textbook in research methods courses across various disciplines. The fifth edition provides updated discussions on research proposals and ethical considerations.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing in the sciences. It covers all aspects of scientific writing, from planning and drafting to revising and editing. Schimel is an expert in the field of scientific writing, and he provides clear and concise instructions on how to write effective scientific papers.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing in engineering and science. It covers all aspects of engineering and science writing, from planning and research to writing and editing. Day is an expert in the field of engineering and science writing, and he provides clear and concise instructions on how to write effective engineering and science papers.
The authoritative style guide for a wide range of academic disciplines, this manual must-read for anyone writing research papers, theses, or dissertations. It provides essential guidelines for formatting, citation, and scholarly communication. It standard reference tool and often required textbook in academic programs. The 7th edition includes updated guidance for online sources and accessibility.
Practical guide to project management that is full of insights and advice. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to manage projects more effectively.
Practical guide to agile project management that is full of tips and advice. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use agile methods to improve their project management skills.
Comprehensive guide to project management that provides answers to common questions. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management or solve specific problems.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the research process. It covers all aspects of research, from planning and conducting research to writing and presenting research findings. The authors are experts in the field of research, and they provide clear and concise instructions on how to conduct effective research.
Carl Sagan's बुक powerful defense of science and reason against pseudoscience and irrationality. It introduces the 'Baloney Detection Kit,' a set of tools for skeptical thinking and evaluating claims. This is an inspiring read for all audiences, particularly relevant for navigating misinformation in the contemporary world.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing literature reviews. It covers all aspects of literature review writing, from planning and research to writing and editing. Galvan is an expert in the field of literature review writing, and he provides clear and concise instructions on how to write effective literature reviews.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing in history. It covers all aspects of historical writing, from planning and research to writing and editing. Tosh is an expert in the field of historical writing, and he provides clear and concise instructions on how to write effective historical papers.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing in the sciences. It covers all aspects of scientific writing, from planning and drafting to revising and editing. Kornblihtt is an expert in the field of scientific writing, and he provides clear and concise instructions on how to write effective scientific papers.
Julia Galef introduces the concepts of 'soldier mindset' (defending your beliefs) and 'scout mindset' (seeing the world as it is). This framework is excellent for understanding the psychological barriers to objective critical thinking and offers strategies for adopting a more open and accurate perspective. Highly relevant for all levels.
Authored by prominent figures in the critical thinking movement, this book provides a framework and tools for applying critical thinking concepts to various aspects of life. It's a practical guide for developing critical thinking as a habit and is suitable for a wide audience, including professionals.
This recent book offers practical strategies for improving decision-making and avoiding common mental traps. It translates complex ideas into accessible advice, making it valuable for a broad audience, including professionals seeking to enhance their practical critical thinking skills in daily life and work.
This sourcebook is an in-depth guide to the process of analyzing qualitative data, offering a wide range of methods and techniques. It is essential for graduate students and researchers conducting qualitative studies to deepen their analytical skills. The fourth edition includes updated visual displays and significantly revised chapters, making it a valuable reference tool.
This guide provides students with an introduction to the key ethical considerations and challenges in research. It covers topics such as academic integrity, data management, consent, and responsible conduct of research. It crucial read for all students undertaking research to understand their ethical obligations. The third edition offers updated case studies and discussions.
Definitive guide to conducting case study research, a widely used qualitative methodology. It covers the design, conduct, and analysis of case studies with numerous examples. It's an essential resource for researchers utilizing or planning to use case study methodology. The sixth edition integrates applications to show how the methods are implemented in practice.
Explores the ethical and social implications of data science through an intersectional feminist lens. It's highly relevant for contemporary discussions in research regarding bias, power, and inequality in data collection, analysis, and representation. It's a must-read for researchers working with data who want to engage with critical perspectives and consider the social impact of their work.
Focuses specifically on mixed methods research, which combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. It provides a detailed understanding of the designs and procedures involved in conducting mixed methods studies. It key resource for researchers interested in or conducting studies using this increasingly popular approach. The third edition offers updated examples and guidance.
A practical guide focusing specifically on the crucial task of conducting a literature review. is highly relevant for students at all levels who need to master the process of searching, evaluating, and synthesizing existing research. It serves as a useful reference tool throughout a research project. The latest edition covers both traditional and systematic approaches.
Focused on critically appraising research literature, this book is particularly useful for students and professionals in health sciences and related fields. It provides practical guidance on understanding research papers and evaluating their validity and relevance. The 6th edition offers updated discussions on various study types and biases.
This widely used textbook in critical thinking courses at the college level. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject, covering topics such as argument analysis, deductive and inductive reasoning, and fallacies. It includes numerous exercises to practice critical thinking skills and solid reference tool for students and instructors.
Provides a comprehensive overview of how to critically evaluate media messages, which is essential for understanding how sources can be biased or manipulated.
A classic introduction to how statistics can be manipulated and misinterpreted. is essential for anyone who needs to critically evaluate statistical information, a common element in many fields and everyday life. While older, its lessons remain highly relevant for developing a skeptical eye towards data presented in various contexts.
Focused on writing in scientific disciplines, this book provides practical strategies for clear, concise, and effective scientific communication. It is essential for students and professionals in science and technical fields who need to publish their research. It serves as a useful reference for improving writing skills. The fourth edition offers updated content and examples.
Dan Ariely's work delves into the irrationality of human behavior and decision-making through experiments. provides fascinating insights into the systematic errors we make, which is highly relevant for understanding the psychological barriers to critical thinking. Useful for undergraduate students and professionals.
A widely used textbook for introductory logic courses, this book covers both formal and informal logic. A strong understanding of logic is fundamental to critical thinking. is most suitable for undergraduate students and can be a valuable reference for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the mechanics of valid reasoning.
This textbook provides a theoretical and practical introduction to research methods specifically within the field of communication. It covers quantitative, qualitative, critical, and performance research methods with practical examples. It's a valuable resource for students in communication studies seeking to understand and apply research methodologies in their field. The 4th edition offers updated content and resources.
This engaging book critically examines the misuse and misrepresentation of science and statistics in the media and by various claims. It helps readers develop critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate research findings and understand the importance of robust methodology. While not a methods textbook, it's a valuable supplementary read for anyone engaging with research or scientific information.
Provides an accessible overview of essential research methods, covering both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It is suitable for beginners and undergraduate students needing a broad understanding of the fundamentals of research. The 11th edition includes updated content and visual aids to enhance learning.
This classic book provides a concise guide to the fundamentals of writing. It covers topics such as grammar, punctuation, and style. While it is not specifically designed for academic writing, it can be a helpful resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
While not strictly a critical thinking book, 'Influence' is essential for understanding how we can be influenced by others. Recognizing these principles of persuasion is vital for critically evaluating messages and making independent decisions. is highly recommended for professionals and anyone interested in the psychology behind decision-making.

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