Every IB Math student generates a wealth of work — notes, problem sets, reflections, and ideas for the Internal Assessment (IA) or Extended Essay (EE). But without organization, much of that effort gets lost. That’s where a personal math portfolio comes in: it’s your living record of growth, understanding, and achievement.
This guide shows how to build your own math portfolio using RevisionDojo’s Notes + IA/EE Guide framework. You’ll learn how to collect evidence of learning, link it to IB criteria, and use it to strengthen both your internal and external assessments.
Why Build a Math Portfolio?
A personal portfolio helps you see math not as a list of topics but as a journey of ideas. It’s a space to connect theory, problem-solving, and creativity.
Creating one helps you:
- Track progress across the IB course.
- Identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Generate ideas for your IA or EE.
- Build a resource for revision and reflection.
- Prepare for university-level study habits.
Universities and IB examiners both value students who can reflect thoughtfully on their mathematical learning — a portfolio proves that skill.
Quick Start Checklist: Math Portfolio Essentials
Before you start building, make sure you’ve got these essentials ready:
- Digital or physical structure:
Use a dedicated folder, notebook, or digital workspace (like RevisionDojo’s Notes system). - Sections for each area:
Algebra, functions, calculus, probability, statistics, and vectors. - IA and EE workspace:
A separate section for research ideas, notes, and drafts. - Reflection pages:
Space to write short summaries after each topic. - Growth tracker:
A page or spreadsheet to log improvements in exam scores or understanding.
Once you’ve built the framework, your math learning becomes a visible story.
The RevisionDojo Portfolio Framework
RevisionDojo’s Notes + IA/EE Guide turns portfolio-building into a systematic process. It organizes your notes and reflections into three main sections: Concepts, Applications, and Reflections.
1. Concepts
This is your learning archive.
For each topic:
- Write concise summaries of formulas and methods.
- Include one or two examples you’ve solved.
- Highlight key definitions in your own words.
Each concept page should answer three questions:
- What is the main idea?
- How is it used?
- Why does it matter?
This structure aligns with how IB examiners assess conceptual understanding.
2. Applications
Here, you connect theory to real-world problems.
- Solve exam-style questions.
- Include personal investigations or simulations.
- Add notes on where the math applies in physics, economics, or data analysis.
This section often generates IA inspiration, as patterns and ideas emerge naturally.
3. Reflections
At the end of each unit, write a short reflection:
- What did I find challenging?
- How did my understanding change?
- What connections can I make to other topics?
Reflections turn your portfolio into a learning diary — an invaluable tool for revision and IA writing.
How to Align Your Portfolio with IB Assessments
For the IA:
Your portfolio becomes a source of ideas and a record of methods.
Use it to:
- Identify topics you enjoy.
- Review successful approaches from classwork.
- Collect data or formulas relevant to your research.
Many top-scoring IAs grow directly from earlier reflections or curiosity recorded in a portfolio.
For the EE:
If you plan to write a math-focused Extended Essay, your portfolio helps you:
- Narrow broad ideas into specific research questions.
- Track sources, formulas, and progress.
- Avoid repetition and maintain focus.
For Final Exams:
When exams approach, your portfolio acts as a structured revision guide.
You’ll have concise summaries, solved examples, and reflection notes — all in one place.
How to Organize Notes for Long-Term Learning
Follow this system when building each portfolio page.
- Title & Date
Keep everything organized chronologically. - Concept Summary (5 lines max)
Write what the topic is about in your own words. - Example Problem & Solution
Show one clear, worked example. - Common Mistake Alert
Write one pitfall or misconception you’ve seen. - Real-World Link
Note how this concept appears in real applications. - Reflection Box
Add one short comment about what you learned.
This method ensures every page demonstrates both understanding and growth.
Integrating IA and EE Work into Your Portfolio
Here’s how to make your portfolio double as an IA/EE workspace.
Step 1: Idea Capture
Whenever you find a topic that interests you, dedicate a page to brainstorming:
- What question am I curious about?
- What mathematical approach could explore it?
- What would I need to research further?
Step 2: Mini Investigation
Do a short version — 2–3 pages of analysis, graphs, or data modeling.
If it works well, expand it into a full IA or EE project.
Step 3: Reflection Log
Record what went well and what was difficult.
This habit improves self-awareness and helps during final drafting.
Example Portfolio Sections
To inspire your structure, here’s how some students organize their math portfolios:
- Section 1: Algebra & Functions
- Key formulas and graphs
- Transformations summary
- Practice reflections
- Section 2: Calculus
- Derivative rules, applications, integration examples
- Notes from HL option content
- Section 3: Statistics & Probability
- Formula list and worked questions
- Real-world data analysis examples
- Section 4: Vectors & Geometry
- 3D equations, scalar products, and IA examples
- Section 5: Personal Projects
- IA brainstorming and EE drafts
- Concept extensions or optional research
By dividing sections clearly, your portfolio becomes your personalized IB math textbook.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Collecting without reflecting.
Notes are useful only when you connect them to understanding. - Overloading pages with formulas.
Focus on clarity — your future self should understand it instantly. - Ignoring organization.
A messy portfolio is difficult to use later. - Neglecting real-world connections.
Always link math concepts to context — it strengthens IA ideas. - Treating it as an assignment instead of a resource.
Your portfolio is for you, not for marks. Make it something you enjoy using.
Weekly Portfolio Routine
Here’s a simple 4-step cycle for keeping your portfolio updated.
Day 1: Add Concepts
After each lesson, summarize one concept in your own words.
Day 2: Add Applications
Solve one practice question and include it.
Day 3: Reflect
Write 3–4 sentences on what you learned and why it matters.
Day 4: IA/EE Exploration
Add one new idea or note for future projects.
This rotation ensures your portfolio grows organically alongside your learning.
How This Builds Long-Term Skills
Maintaining a portfolio builds transferable academic habits:
- Organization: managing notes and reflections effectively.
- Critical thinking: connecting ideas across topics.
- Communication: expressing mathematical reasoning clearly.
- Metacognition: understanding how you learn best.
These are exactly the qualities IB examiners and universities look for.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What format should my math portfolio take?
Digital or handwritten both work. Digital makes linking and organization easier; handwritten helps retention. Choose whichever encourages consistency.
2. How often should I update it?
At least once a week. Short, regular updates build far more value than occasional large ones.
3. Can I use my portfolio for the IA?
Yes — it’s a great place to collect ideas, examples, and mini-investigations. It keeps your IA process documented and authentic.
4. What if I fall behind on entries?
Don’t stress. Pick one topic to summarize and restart your routine. Portfolios are about reflection, not perfection.
5. How does RevisionDojo help?
RevisionDojo’s Notes + IA/EE Guide provides templates for concept summaries, reflections, and project planning so you can build and maintain your portfolio efficiently.
Final Thoughts
A personal math portfolio is more than a study tool — it’s a record of your intellectual growth. It turns your IB Math journey into a story of progress and curiosity.
By using RevisionDojo’s Notes + IA/EE Guide, you’ll create a structured, reflective portfolio that helps you learn deeply, plan effectively, and express your mathematical thinking clearly.
RevisionDojo helps IB Math students build organized portfolios, generate IA/EE ideas, and master reflective learning through guided templates and structured note systems.
