This study evaluates the alignment between Diploma Programme (DP) courses, at standard level (SL) and higher level (HL), and comparison courses from the Mexican Bachillerato General (MBG). Specifically, the study compares the following courses from the two curricula along three dimensions: learning outcomes, content alignment and demand.
In the MBG, the compulsory units ensure all students study a broad range of subject areas, while optional units provide the flexibility to pursue individual interests and specialized knowledge.
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DP courses |
MBG courses |
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MATHEMATICS |
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Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL and HL |
Mathematical Thinking Compulsory units
Optional units
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Mathematics: applications and interpretation SL and HL |
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SCIENCES |
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Physics SL and HL |
Natural Sciences, Experimental Sciences and Technology Compulsory units
Optional units
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Selected Topics in Physics I and II |
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Chemistry SL and HL |
Selected Topics in Chemistry I and II |
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Biology SL and HL |
Selected Topics in Biology I and II |
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STUDIES IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE |
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Language A: language and literature SL and HL |
Language and Communication Compulsory units
Optional units
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Specific findings
Learning outcomes
- In terms of learning outcomes, there is high alignment across all of the DP and MBG mathematics and sciences courses examined.
- There is moderate alignment of learning outcomes for the DP language and literature and MBG Language and Communication courses.
Content alignment
- Generally, there is low to moderate content overlap between DP mathematics courses and MBG Mathematical Thinking units. DP SL and HL mathematics courses have greater breadth and depth than the MBG compulsory units. There is moderate content overlap between DP mathematics courses and the MBG compulsory and optional units combined.
- There is limited content overlap between DP biology, chemistry and physics courses and MBG Natural Sciences, Experimental Sciences and Technology units. However, the MBG compulsory and optional science units combined have greater content overlap than the compulsory units alone, particularly with DP SL science courses.
- There is low to moderate content overlap between DP language and literature and MBG Language and Communication units, regardless of whether the MBG optional units are studied in addition to the compulsory units.
Demand
- All DP SL and HL mathematics and sciences courses considerably surpass the demand of the comparison MBG mathematics and sciences courses, for both compulsory units and compulsory and optional units combined.
- DP SL and HL language and literature exceed the demand of the MBG comparison course for the compulsory units. When considering the MBG compulsory and optional units combined, DP SL language and literature is somewhat more demanding than the MBG comparison course, while DP HL language and literature is considerably more demanding than the MBG comparison course.
 courses, at standard level (SL) and higher level (HL), and comparison courses from the...){kind=icon}