Personal Project Guide (MYP 2021 2022 Edition Updated):
How to write your IB MYP PP REPORT and get TOP MARKS
PART 1: Structure of 2022 PP REPORT
Your MYP personal project report should demonstrate your engagement with your personal project by summarizing the experiences and skills recorded throughout the process and be presented succinctly.
The report should be presented in three sections, based on the objectives and strands (a) planning, (b) applying skills, and (c) reflecting and provide evidence for all the strands of all criteria.
Max 15 pages (5 pages for each section)
PART 2: Requirements of 2022 PP REPORT
Other requirements laid out in the Personal Project Guide:
To ensure that the written part of the report is clearly legible, each page must have a minimum 11-point font size and 2 cm margins.
Evidence presented in images must be clearly visible at the size submitted.
Audio and video must be recorded and submitted in real-time.
The bibliography is uploaded separately and is not included in the page limit.
Please do not include a title page; if included, it will count towards the page limit.
Criterion A: Planning (5 PAGES)
Criterion A i. states a LEARNING GOAL and explains the connection between personal interest(s) and that goal
Your LEARNING GOAL should be a clear and concise statement/paragraph. Your LEARNING GOAL should be measurable, observable, manageable and meaningful. Your LEARNING GOAL should be an identified action that can be demonstrated in terms of knowledge, skills, and attitudes upon completion of a project.
Your LEARNING GOAL statement/paragraph should then be expanded upon and aim to address some of these key elements:
WHAT skills are you planning to develop through this project?
WHAT knowledge do you hope to increase as you work on your project?
WHY are you doing this (what need will this fulfil? what is the purpose)?
HOW will your learning goal be demonstrated?
WHAT degree of mastery is required to meet this learning goal?
WHAT are you specifically planning to learn through this project?
WHICH strategies might you employ to achieve your personal and academic goals
An excellent idea is to support your learning goal with a well-written project DESIGN BRIEF paragraph. Your DESIGN BRIEF should include some of these key elements:
WHAT are you specifically going to make/build/do/perform?
WHERE will your end product/project be situated (provide context)?
WHEN will your project be completed (Students should set an overall goal that can be achieved within 25 hours).
WHO is your target audience? WHO will see/use your product/project? WHO are the key stakeholders involved?
WHAT materials/resources/tools will be used when creating, making and building your project?
Connect your DESIGN BRIEF and your LEARNING GOAL - explain in a paragraph how the project and learning goals are in sync.
Clearly identify the topic/focus and provide evidence that this TOPIC/FOCUS REALLY INTEREST YOU and that you want to learn more about this topic. This element of the assessment criterion can be addressed by:
Clearly identify your prior learning - identify skills and your level of knowledge of this topic/focus
Considering that Criterion C should be directly linked to this section -- In Criterion A you paint a clear picture of your skill level and knowledge level... then in Criterion C you outline how your skills level has increased and your knowledge has increased. From A to C there should be clearly identified and measurable growth.
Linking your project to classes/courses you have taken in the past to convince the reader that TOPIC/FOCUS REALLY INTEREST YOU (e.g. a global context that your found particularly compelling in Science, a service as action experience that you would like to build on, a specific topic/unit that you found very interesting in Design can wish to explore further, explain how you have learnt piano for 4 years at Jenny's Music School and I and a level 3 and can play 14 songs off by heart and wish to move to level 4 and increase the number of songs in your repertoire 28, etc.)
Convincing the reader that this TOPIC/FOCUS REALLY INTEREST YOU and that you indeed possess intrinsic motivation to work hard on this chosen project.
Convincing the reader that your LEARNING GOAL for the project is linked to a TOPIC/FOCUS REALLY INTEREST YOU.
Providing a list (brainstorm list) and/or diagram (mind map) of all your interests and then explain how you chose TOPIC/FOCUS and it REALLY INTEREST YOU and related LEARNING GOAL from your long list of interests.
The above image demonstrates that I have been playing the Piano and have had a love for music since a very early age.
The above image is a mindmap I created when I was searching for a topic for the Personal Project, this is a mindmap of all my interests.
The above image shows that I am a beginner level with Python coding and my learning goal is to build on this and get to level 3
Criterion A ii. state an intended product and develop appropriate success criteria for the product
DESIGN BRIEF - start with your well-written design brief
Create a list of SUCCESS CRITERIA / DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS specific assessment specifications/criteria for your product. Identify key design specifications; explain WHO will test each specification/criterion; explain HOW each criterion will be measured/evaluated and JUSTIFY each specification/criterion with RESEARCH. (e.g. I will make a video that will be 3-5min -- this will be measured by my supervisor in May and if the video is between 3-5 this will be a PASS, otherwise it will be judged FAIL. According to XXX research 3-5min is the optimal time for a short video because YYY)
Pro-Tip - RESEARCH and find how to measure success for your product (e.g. how to judge a pizza, how to critique a short video, how to measure the success of a piano recital) and use this as a guide when you create your own list of success criteria.
Pro-Tip - create a design specification table with these columns:
Design specification
Explanation of specification
Justification of this specification linked to research
How the specification will be tested, measured and by whom
Criterion C will be directly linked to this section when you evaluate the success of your product.
SpecificationDescription & link to research analysisTest Aesthetics: Modern and MinimalI made this choice because my client likes this style and because he values practicality more than style and he also wants the chair to blend in with many different styles.Testing from the client in which he will give a rating between 1-5 which will be test by looking at the chair in detail.Cost: 900 bahtAccording to research, the average price of a modern chair is about 1000 baht but because they don't care about the materials used to make a chair. The material used can be a lower grade but be cautious that the materials still have to be good enough for the client.Testing by calculating the cost of the material used to make a chair while also keeping track of the budget.ErgonomicsThere are many ways that a chair can be made comfortable. One of these ways is about the materials of the chair. The angle of the chair also matters because it determines how the client sits and also the posture of the client. https://www.chairoffice.co.uk/blog/the-ergonomics-of-a-chair-explained/ https://ehs.unc.edu/workplace-safety/ergonomics/office/Testing from the client to see if the chair is comfortable or not by having the client sit on the chair for a period of time to see if the chair affects the posture or gives any pain to the client.SustainabilityThis chair will be made out of wood because it doesn’t hurt the environment as opposed to plastic which is very harmful to the environment. The chair will also be put together using different types of joints and metal nails and screws. Non toxic glue. But the only place where plastic or rubber will be used is for the stopper so that the chair doesn’t wobble. https://www.mymove.com/home-inspiration/decoration-design-ideas/the-ultimate-guide-to-sustainable-furniture/#:~:text=The%20best%20sustainable%20furniture%20choices%20are%20created%20from%20recycled%20items,for%20furniture%20and%20home%20decor.Testing from the client and creator by researching the sustainability of each material and the consequences of using the material to see if it’s harmful to the environment or not.SafetyWhen building the chair, be sure that there will be no sharp edges, splinters, and any other things that can hurt the client. The chair also has to be stable so that when the client is sitting, he/she doesn’t fall backward. https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/workstation-health-and-safety-desks-chairs-and-postureTesting from the creator and the client by sitting on it to see if the chair has any place which can be considered harmful to the client.FunctionA chair made for sitting in which the chair will be used in the study room or bedroom.Testing from the client where he/she will judge whether the chair suits the surroundings or not.MaterialsThis chair will be made mostly out of wood which can be found in Thailand.Testing from the designer by testing each material and comparing it to other specifications.PracticalityThe chair should be light and portable while also giving comfort and functionality.Testing from the designer and client by doing a series of tests which involve moving the chair around to test if the chair is movable or not.ComfortEven though the chair will be made from wood, the chair will include a cushion which will give the client more comfort. https://www.onyamagazine.com/australian-affairs/comfort-or-practicality-can-you-really-have-both-when-purchasing-office-chairs/Testing from the designer and client by sitting on the chair and giving a rating of 1-5 where 1 is the least comfortable and 5 is the most comfortable
Criterion A iii. present a clear, detailed plan for achieving the product and its associated success criteria.
Your DETAILED PLAN needs a clear reference to TIME &/or your due-dates list. (when will each task take place and how much time is allocated (23rd March | 2hrs)). Create yourself a timeline for completing short- and long-term tasks.
The emphasis is a DETAILED PLAN of how you will create your PRODUCT - NOT a plan to write your report and NOT a plan to meet the learning goal). Your creating the PRODUCT DETAILED PLAN should be a how-to build guide; a step by step guide &/or a to-do list. It should be a clear series of steps leading to the completion of the product. Your plan should so clear and user-friendly that it be able to be understood and followed by a third party.
Pro-Tip - create a table or a Gantt chart or a Timeline or a Flow-Chart or a Table with these elements addressed:
Key steps - easy to understand and doable steps
Your plan needs a clear reference to TIME &/or your due-dates list. ((when will each task take place and how much time is allocated (23rd March | 2hrs)
Materials, Skills and Tools - what materials and tools do you need for each step (sketch several ideas for the main character of my storybook - sketching on paper, with pencils)
The above image outline my detailed plan for creating my product
The above image outline my detailed plan for creating my product
Criterion B: Applying skills (5 Pages)
Criterion B i. explains how the ATL skill(s) was/were applied to help achieve their learning goal, supported with detailed examples or evidence
Above is an image that outlines all the ATL skills (add citation)
Research ATL skills and select each ATL skill that was applied to help you achieve your learning goal.
Identify the specific ATL skills;
explain the skills (link to research);
then provide clear examples/evidence of how you demonstrated and developed the ATL when learning.
1 - ATL Skill of Thinking & Researching - focus on Observation
2 - Observation Skills are the starting point for critical thinking. People who are observant can quickly sense and identify a new problem. Those skilled in observation are also capable of understanding why something might be a problem. They may even be able to predict when a problem might occur before it happens based on their experiences. (citation)
3 - Twice a week I observed my vegetable garden looking for insects, growth, soil quality, moisture blah blah blah and below is a picture of me inspecting the leaves of my coriander plant.
Above is an image me inspecting the leaves of my plant and demonstrating THINKING and RESEARCHING and OBSERVATION skills.
Criterion B ii. explains how the ATL skill(s) was/were applied to help achieve their product, supported with detailed examples or evidence.
Research ATL skills and select each ATL skill that was applied to help you build and create your product. Identify the specific ATL skills; explain the skills (link to research); then provide clear examples/evidence of how you demonstrated and developed the ATL when creating, designing and building your product.
Evidence of the ATLs (Developed and demonstrated)
Evidence might be: visual thinking diagrams, bulleted lists, charts, short paragraphs, notes, timelines, action plans, annotated illustrations, annotated research, artefacts from visits to museums, performances or galleries, pictures, photographs, sketches, up to 30 seconds of visual or audio material, screenshots of a blog of website, self and peer-assessment feedback.
List, explain and identify a range of Self-Management ATL skills - then provide evidence that you have developed/demonstrated each skill. Explain how each specific ATL skill had a positive effect on your Personal Project &/or you as a student.
Examples of research into the ATL skills of self-management skills identified and explained:
https://www.businessphrases.net/self-management-skills/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/self-management-skills
https://www.careerizma.com/blog/self-management-skills/
Research "thinking skills" and identify 3-6 specific thinking skills you developed/demonstrated when working on your Personal Project.
Explain each specific thinking skill, then link this with some evidence of how well you developed/demonstrated these skills, then explain how each skill impacted you as a person OR impacted your project. (e.g. Critical Thinking Skills of Curiosity - explain what this is, identify how you demonstrated this skill and explain how it had a positive impact on your project OR you as a learner/student.)
Here are some thinking skills identified and explained:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/collegesuccess2x30master/chapter/types-of-thinking/
https://open.lib.umn.edu/collegesuccess/chapter/3-1-types-of-thinking/
https://cetl.uconn.edu/resources/design-your-course/teaching-and-learning-techniques/critical-thinking-and-other-higher-order-thinking-skills/
Research "communication skills" and "social skills" and identify 3-6 specific skills you developed/demonstrated when working on your Personal Project.
Explain each specific communication/social skill, then link this with some evidence of how well you developed/demonstrated these skills, then explain how each skill impact you as a person OR impacted your project. (e.g. Empathy - Social Skill - explain what this is, identify how you demonstrated this skill and explain how it had a positive impact on your project OR you as a learner/student.)
A well structured, presented and written PP Report is imperative for top marks in Criterion CIII that focuses on communication skills.
Here are some communication and social skills identified and explained:
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/interpersonal-skills-list-2063724
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/interpersonal-skills
https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/
Criterion C: Reflecting (5 pages)
Criterion C i. explains the impact of the project on themselves or their learning
Revisit your LEARNING GOAL - Was well was it met? Provide evidence that it was met (measurable and observable evidence)
Revisit your prior knowledge level and skills level from Criterion AI then discuss how specific knowledge, from a variety of knowledge areas has increased because of the project. Identify some skills that have increased because of the Personal Project. For top marks, there needs to be clear evidence of growth.
Research "IB Learner Profile attributes", and identify 2-3 LP attributes that you developed when working on your Personal Project, and how this has had a positive impact on you as a student.
Research "IB ATL skills", and identify 2-3 ATL skills that you developed when working on your Personal Project, and how this has had a positive impact on you as a student.
Conclude with a general statement about your growth, as a result of the PP and how the PP has made you a better person and how the world is a better place because of your PP.
Students:
explain the impact of the project on themselves or their learning
support their comments with specific evidence or detailed examples.
Criterion C ii. evaluates the product based on the success criteria, fully supported with specific evidence or detailed examples.
SHOW YOUR PROJECT - share your product here
DESIGN BRIEF - Revisit your DESIGN BRIEF and compare it to the product you completed - did you meet the requirement of the DESIGN BRIEF?
SUCCESS CRITERIA / DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS - When evaluating the product students should use their success criteria. Students should gather evidence to show the success of the product. Their evaluation should focus on what extent they achieved their goal. When evaluating the impact of the project (both the learning goal and the product), students might talk about how it impacted them personally or how it impacted others.
Examples of supporting evidence could include:
evaluation of the product against the success criteria
images showing key features of the product
analysis of the causes for success and/or failure
share data your collected from the test and analyse the data/scores/feedback and explain the data/scores/feedback
Discuss some things you could change/improve to make the outcome even better.
IB MYP COMMAND TERMS
Describe - Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process.
Evaluate - Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
Explain - Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Learning Goal - What students want to learn as a result of doing the personal project.
Outlines - Give a brief account or summary
Presents - Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration.
Product - What students will create for their personal project.
State - Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.