MastaLearn awards independently verified, evidence-based professional development credentials — autonomous preparatory courses for classroom practitioners. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education or the International Baccalaureate Organization. Cambridge IGCSE and IB are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
IB DP Psychology HL/SL: Experimental IA Execution, Research Ethics & SAQ/ERQ Grading Calibration
Psychology attracts high student numbers (~13,000+ SL candidates), but non-psychology teachers often struggle to grade Short Answer Questions (SAQs) and Extended Response Questions (ERQs) according to strict mark schemes.
MastaLearn Focus
Conducting simple experimental psychology IAs, evaluating biological and cognitive approach studies, and scoring ERQ command terms.
Enrollment
Study plan & payment
8-week self-paced course · pay in full or spread the cost over 3 monthly installments.
Secure Stripe checkout. Installment plans are charged monthly and close automatically once every installment has been paid — no hidden interest.
MastaLearn awards independently verified, evidence-based professional development credentials — autonomous preparatory courses for classroom practitioners. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education or the International Baccalaureate Organization. Cambridge IGCSE and IB are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Module 4 · Portfolio Capstone Studio
Capstone: the Digital Teaching Portfolio
Submit the final version of all three portfolio components here. Use the mentor feedback from Modules 2, 3 and 4 to make your corrections, then resubmit each corrected artifact. Every final submission is marked by an experienced practitioner within 5 hours — if it is still unmarked after that, the AI assessor grades it and publishes feedback. These final marks count towards your Portfolio Capstone Studio module grade.
2-Week Scheme of Work
A two-week unit plan for a specific IGCSE/IB/CBC subject, mapped to official syllabus and assessment objectives.
Submitted in Module 2
Portfolio · Submit in Module 2
2-Week Scheme of Work
A two-week unit plan for a specific IGCSE/IB/CBC subject, mapped to official syllabus and assessment objectives.
Differentiated Lesson Plan
A full lesson plan evidencing support for diverse learners: tiered tasks, scaffolds and extension pathways.
Submitted in Module 3
Portfolio · Submit in Module 3
Differentiated Lesson Plan
A full lesson plan evidencing support for diverse learners: tiered tasks, scaffolds and extension pathways.
Marked Student Sample
A student sample paper graded according to official mark schemes, with detailed, actionable teacher feedback.
Submitted in Module 4
Portfolio · Submit in Module 4
Marked Student Sample
A student sample paper graded according to official mark schemes, with detailed, actionable teacher feedback.
Course Learning Path
2/4 modules structuredWork through each module in order. Every module lists its topics and objectives; each topic opens an interactive lesson with a curated video and image, sub-themed learner-centred text, your AI Tutor, a 10-question quiz, a 10-question CAT and a 10-mark group discussion. Module portfolio submissions are marked by an experienced practitioner within 5 hours — if not, the AI assessor grades them — and your corrected final versions in the Capstone Studio count towards the last module grade. Your topic grades average into your module grade, and your module grades average into your final course grade.
- 1
Module 1 — Programme Framework & Assessment Design
1. Unpacking the DP Psychology Syllabus and Core Command Terms
- Interpret the IB DP Psychology curriculum structure and assessment objectives.
- Categorize command terms according to the required cognitive demand for SAQs and ERQs.
2. Deconstructing IB Mark Schemes: Principles of Standardization
- Analyze official IB assessment criteria for both paper 1 and paper 2 components.
- Identify common pitfalls in applying qualitative mark schemes to student responses.
3. Bridging Assessment for Learning and IB Summative Requirements
- Construct student-facing rubrics that align with formal IB examiner criteria.
- Translate complex IB assessment standards into actionable feedback for classroom learning.
4. Mapping the Two-Year Scheme of Work
- Design a coherent instructional sequence that integrates IA preparation with theoretical content.
- Balance the depth of biological and cognitive approach studies with assessment preparation.
5. Establishing Professional Standards for Portfolio Documentation
- Organize classroom artifacts into a professional evidence pack demonstrating pedagogical competence.
- Refine self-evaluation strategies for the upcoming oral readiness review.
- 2
Module 2 — Internal Assessment & Moderation Standards
Portfolio: 2-Week Scheme of WorkThe topic list for this module is being prepared.
Module overview lessonLog in to submitPortfolio · Submit in Module 2
2-Week Scheme of Work
A two-week unit plan for a specific IGCSE/IB/CBC subject, mapped to official syllabus and assessment objectives.
- 3
Module 3 — Applied Classroom Practice: Conducting simple experimental psychology IAs, evaluating biological and cognitive approach studies, and scoring ERQ command terms.
Portfolio: Differentiated Lesson Plan1. Mastering the IB Command Term Taxonomy
- Classify common IB DP Psychology command terms by their cognitive demand level.
- Align command terms with specific assessment objective (AO) requirements for SAQs and ERQs.
2. Decoding the Mark Scheme: From Examiner Criteria to Classroom Rubrics
- Translate abstract IB official mark schemes into user-friendly, student-facing formative rubrics.
- Identify the specific 'trigger' phrases in mark schemes that signal top-band performance.
3. Calibration Workshop: Marking Biological and Cognitive Approach ERQs
- Apply official mark schemes to grade anonymized student candidate scripts within a one-mark margin of error.
- Justify grading decisions using evidence-based rationale derived from examiner reports.
4. Scaffolding Inquiry: Teaching Research Ethics and Experimental IA Execution
- Design instructional scaffolds for the experimental IA to support student ethical decision-making.
- Demonstrate how to move students from passive content absorption to active experimental design.
5. Designing Differentiated Lesson Plans for Mixed-Ability Psych Classrooms
- Integrate tiered tasks and extension pathways into a single 60-minute lesson plan.
- Create a lesson structure that addresses both content delivery and the development of exam-ready writing skills.
6. Building a Differentiated Lesson Plan
Interactive templateDraft your differentiated lesson plan in the interactive template: fill each section, tier your tasks for support, core and extension learners, import pasted or uploaded content, and export as PDF, Word or PNG.
Open the interactive templateModule overview lessonLog in to submitPortfolio · Submit in Module 3
Differentiated Lesson Plan
A full lesson plan evidencing support for diverse learners: tiered tasks, scaffolds and extension pathways.
- 4
Module 4 — Portfolio Capstone Studio
Portfolio: Marked Student SampleThe topic list for this module is being prepared.
Module overview lessonLog in to submitPortfolio · Submit in Module 4
Marked Student Sample
A student sample paper graded according to official mark schemes, with detailed, actionable teacher feedback.
Full Course Blueprint
Placeholder framework · 20 componentsCourse Title
IB DP Psychology HL/SL: Experimental IA Execution, Research Ethics & SAQ/ERQ Grading Calibration (DP HL/SL)
Course Description
A MastaLearn portfolio-based certification course for educators of Experimental IA Execution, Research Ethics & SAQ/ERQ Grading Calibration, aligned to syllabus code DP HL/SL. This course develops verified classroom competency in Conducting simple experimental psychology IAs, evaluating biological and cognitive approach studies, and scoring ERQ command terms. Graduates leave with an employer-ready Digital Teaching Portfolio rather than a certificate of attendance.
Course Rationale / Justification
Psychology attracts high student numbers (~13,000+ SL candidates), but non-psychology teachers often struggle to grade Short Answer Questions (SAQs) and Extended Response Questions (ERQs) according to strict mark schemes. MastaLearn addresses this gap by preparing teachers not just to deliver content, but to evidence real classroom competency against official standards — exactly what hiring schools screen for.
Course Objectives
- Interpret the official International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) frameworks, syllabus documents and command words governing Experimental IA Execution, Research Ethics & SAQ/ERQ Grading Calibration.
- Apply mark schemes and assessment standards with examiner-level accuracy.
- Design inclusive, active-learning lessons demonstrating Conducting simple experimental psychology IAs, evaluating biological and cognitive approach studies, and scoring ERQ command terms.
- Convert official mark schemes into student-facing rubrics and actionable feedback.
- Compile a portfolio evidence pack that proves classroom readiness to employers.
Learning Outcomes
- Unpack the syllabus and assessment objectives for Experimental IA Execution, Research Ethics & SAQ/ERQ Grading Calibration into an actionable teaching plan.
- Mark sample candidate responses to within one mark of calibrated standards.
- Deliver a differentiated lesson that shows Conducting simple experimental psychology IAs, evaluating biological and cognitive approach studies, and scoring ERQ command terms.
- Produce a two-week scheme of work mapped to official content and assessment objectives.
- Defend portfolio decisions in an oral readiness review.
Course Competencies
- Syllabus and command-word interpretation for DP HL/SL
- Mark-scheme analysis and script calibration
- Differentiated lesson and scheme-of-work design
- Assessment for Learning: rubric construction and feedback quality
- Portfolio documentation and professional self-evaluation
Target Audience / Entry Requirements
IB DP, MYP and CP teachers and coordinators, including general-subject teachers assigned to IB courses and new programme coordinators. Entry requirements: a recognised teaching qualification (or final-year B.Ed./PGDE standing), access to a classroom or practicum context, and reliable internet access.
Course Duration & Workload
8 weeks of structured study: 48 guided learning hours, 24 self-study hours, plus dedicated capstone portfolio time across 4 modules. Weekly commitment of roughly 10-12 hours.
Course Topics & Subtopics
Teaching & Learning Strategies
- Interactive lectures and examiner-led demonstrations
- Case studies using real candidate responses and mark schemes
- Collaborative group work and departmental moderation sprints
- Micro-teaching with peer and mentor critique
- Practical sessions and simulations of live assessment conditions
- Structured reflective practice and professional journaling
- One-to-one mentorship with an experienced IGCSE/IB/CBC practitioner
Learning Resources
- Official syllabus documents, specimen papers and examiner reports
- Annotated mark schemes and standards files
- Video walkthroughs of live marking and moderation
- Downloadable templates: schemes of work, lesson plans, rubrics
- The MastaLearn digital library and discussion community
- Recommended readings on assessment for learning and pedagogy
Course Activities
- Weekly assignments linked to real classroom artefacts
- A capstone project: the Digital Teaching Portfolio
- Practical assessment simulations (marking, moderation, invigilation)
- Peer collaboration on rubric design and script calibration
- A reflective practice journal with mentor feedback
- An oral presentation defending portfolio decisions
Course Assessment
- Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs) at the end of each module
- End-of-topic assessments: 10 multiple-choice questions, 70% pass mark
- Applied marking and moderation exercises with calibration feedback
- Portfolio of evidence: the Digital Teaching Portfolio (capstone)
- Final readiness review: oral defense of the portfolio with a reviewer
Assessment Criteria / Rubrics
- Exemplary (4): Portfolio artifacts fully aligned to official frameworks, with examiner-level accuracy and insightful, actionable learner feedback.
- Proficient (3): Artifacts complete and standards-aligned; minor gaps in differentiation, feedback precision, or framework referencing.
- Developing (2): Artifacts broadly structured but with gaps in alignment to the mark scheme, tier/level management, or inclusivity.
- Beginning (1): Artifacts incomplete or substantially misaligned; further practice required before certification.
Course Policies
- Attendance: learners should engage with all four modules and attend mentor sessions live where possible.
- Submissions: portfolio artifacts are due by the final week; one resubmission window per artifact.
- Academic integrity: all submitted artifacts must be the learner's own work; plagiarism voids certification.
- Grading system: rubric bands per artifact, weighted to a final capstone grade; 70% overall to certify.
Certification Requirements
- Complete all modules with an average of 70% or higher on end-of-topic assessments.
- Submit the three required portfolio artifacts (scheme of work, differentiated lesson plan, marked student sample).
- Achieve a capstone grade of Proficient (3) or above on every portfolio artifact.
- Pass the final readiness review with a MastaLearn portfolio reviewer.
Evaluation of the Course
- Structured learner feedback collected after every module
- Instructor reflection and portfolio reviewer calibration sessions
- Performance data: pass rates, capstone grades and time-to-certification
- Annual syllabus review against the latest board specifications
Course Schedule / Weekly Plan
Support & Mentorship Structure
- A named course mentor who reviews each artifact against the rubric
- Structured feedback cycles: draft, critique, revise, verify
- Weekly office hours with an experienced practitioner
- Access to the MastaLearn community for peer moderation
Professional Pathways
- Progress to advanced certifications within the same track
- Qualify as a MastaLearn portfolio reviewer or course mentor
- Join the school advisory panel as an experienced practitioner
- Introductions to hiring partner schools through the employer pipeline
Be first in line when this course opens
Enrollment for this placeholder course opens soon. Register your interest with an advisor to reserve a cohort place.