Juliet Sizmur and Rachel Cunningham—National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)-UK
The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) conducted an investigation into the teaching and learning benefits of the IB MYP in the UK. The aim was to provide a rich qualitative picture of the programme implementation in the UK, including the impact of the MYP on non-scholastic attributes such as international mindedness and civic engagement, classroom learning environments and school culture. The research design included a comparison of IBMYP, GCSE and IGCSE curriculum and assessment documents, online surveys of teachers, students and parents, and four detailed qualitative case studies. The documentary review reveals that the curriculums cover similar content, but with some notable differences. Teachers, students and parents were overwhelmingly positive about the programme and its benefits, although did acknowledge some challenges, especially in regard to public recognition in the UK. Findings from the study also suggest that the MYP in the UK promotes a valued teaching style and school ethos, develops students as independent learners, critical thinkers and active citizens, encourages involvement in local and global communities, positively impacts school culture and classroom environments, promotes feedback and reflection, and is engaging and motivating for students and teachers. Furthermore MYP students demonstrate greater awareness of global issues, greater interest in understanding other cultures and greater self efficacy and sense of civic responsibility (local and global) than other students in the UK.
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