The Extended Essay (EE) supervisor plays a vital role in guiding students through one of the most challenging components of the IB Diploma Programme. Acting as a mentor, advisor, and quality controller, the supervisor helps ensure that students engage in authentic, independent research while adhering to IB expectations. Let’s explore the 10 key responsibilities of an EE supervisor.
Introduction: Why the EE Supervisor Matters in the IB Diploma Programme
The supervisor is crucial in helping students:
✅ Choose and refine a strong research question
✅ Stay on track with deadlines and requirements
✅ Develop critical thinking and research skills
✅ Maintain academic honesty
A well-supported EE journey leads to deeper learning and greater student success.
Responsibility 1: Help Students Choose and Refine Their Research Question
Supporting topic selection aligned with IB requirements
The supervisor assists students in selecting a focused, manageable topic that suits the subject area and meets IB’s scope and criteria.
Ensuring ethical and academic standards are met
Supervisors ensure the question adheres to IB guidelines on legality, safety, ethics, and academic integrity.
Responsibility 2: Provide Ongoing Encouragement and Guidance
Advising on resources, data collection, and analysis
Supervisors suggest suitable resources, support data collection strategies, and guide students in analytical methods without taking over the process.
Supporting correct documentation and citation practices
They help students understand how to cite sources properly and avoid plagiarism.
Responsibility 3: Maintain Communication With the EE Coordinator
Monitoring progress and addressing issues collaboratively
Supervisors keep the EE coordinator informed about student progress and any concerns.
Keeping up with timelines and deadlines
They ensure students meet key milestones and stay on schedule.
Responsibility 4: Conduct the Three Mandatory Reflection Sessions
Purpose and structure of the RPPF sessions
Supervisors guide students through the three formal reflections:
- Initial reflection: topic and plan
- Interim reflection: progress and challenges
- Final reflection (viva voce): concluding thoughts
Encouraging authentic reflection and critical thinking
These sessions help students consider their learning, decisions, and development.
Responsibility 5: Read and Give Feedback on One Draft
Focusing feedback on assessment criteria
Supervisors provide constructive feedback that helps students align their work with IB’s assessment standards.
Balancing support with student independence
They advise but avoid over-editing or rewriting the essay to maintain student ownership.
Responsibility 6: Ensure Academic Honesty and Authenticity
Verifying that the work is the student’s own
Supervisors are responsible for checking that the essay reflects the student’s independent effort.
Addressing concerns about plagiarism or excessive support
They report any issues to the school’s IB coordinator to ensure integrity.
Responsibility 7: Guide Time Management and Planning
Helping create realistic work schedules
Supervisors support students in creating timelines that balance research, writing, and reflection.
Encouraging adherence to deadlines
They remind students of deadlines and encourage steady progress.
Responsibility 8: Participate in the Viva Voce (Final Interview)
Celebrating the student’s achievement
The viva voce is a chance to acknowledge the student’s hard work and growth.
Reflecting on the research and learning process
It provides a final opportunity for discussion of challenges, discoveries, and reflections.
Responsibility 9: Encourage Critical Thinking and Independent Research Skills
Promoting analytical thinking and problem-solving
Supervisors challenge students to think critically about their sources, evidence, and arguments.
Helping students own their research process
They foster student independence, ensuring the final essay represents the student’s work.
Responsibility 10: Uphold IB Rules and Assessment Standards
Ensuring the essay meets IB expectations
Supervisors act as guardians of quality, ensuring essays comply with formatting, citation, and content standards.
Acting as a quality controller for process compliance
They help students meet formal requirements while maintaining academic honesty.
FAQs on the Role of the Extended Essay Supervisor
1️⃣ How much feedback can a supervisor give on the EE?
Supervisors may give comments on one complete draft but cannot edit or rewrite the essay.
2️⃣ What are the mandatory reflection sessions?
Initial, interim, and final reflection (viva voce) sessions, documented in the RPPF.
3️⃣ Can the supervisor choose the EE topic for the student?
No — the topic must reflect the student’s interest, though the supervisor can guide refinement.
4️⃣ How does the supervisor ensure academic honesty?
By monitoring work, discussing progress, and reporting concerns about authenticity.
5️⃣ How many hours of support can the supervisor provide?
IB recommends 3–5 hours of supervision time, including reflection sessions and feedback.
Conclusion: The Supervisor as Mentor, Guide, and Quality Controller
The Extended Essay supervisor plays a crucial balancing role — offering guidance and encouragement while safeguarding the student’s independence. By supporting ethical research, critical thinking, and academic rigor, supervisors help students succeed in producing meaningful, authentic work.
