Educational Research

Use curriculum, learning evidence and assessment data to support continuous improvement.

Research strands correspond directly to the MYP, DP, DP Core, academic-writing and international-test programmes currently offered.

4 programme families
17 defined pathways
2 site languages

Research strands

Six research strands directly connected to teaching and curriculum improvement.

Curriculum Coherence, Vertical Alignment and Assessment Quality

Examine whether MYP and DP curricula provide coherent skills progression, conceptual development, programme transition and credible assessment.

Core research questions

  • Do skills increase in complexity over time?
  • Are objectives, learning and assessment aligned?
  • Does MYP prepare learners effectively for DP?

Related programmes

MYP MathematicsMYP English Language AcquisitionMYP English Language and LiteratureMYP BiologyDP MathematicsDP English ADP English BDP BiologyDP Psychology

Language Acquisition, Textual Understanding and Writing Development

Study progression from language foundations to analysis, argument, academic writing and advanced English communication.

Core research questions

  • What support is needed at different language stages?
  • How does feedback improve revision?
  • How does text-type instruction support transfer?

Related programmes

MYP English Language AcquisitionMYP English Language and LiteratureDP English ADP English BEnglish WritingIELTS General TrainingIELTS AcademicTOEFL ITPTOEFL iBT

Mathematical Reasoning, Problem Solving and Assessment Performance

Explore how fluency, conceptual understanding, representation, mathematical communication and test strategy interact.

Core research questions

  • Where do systematic errors occur?
  • How should fluency and inquiry be balanced?
  • How does timed testing affect problem solving?

Related programmes

MYP MathematicsDP MathematicsSAT

Scientific Inquiry, Data Literacy and Psychological Argument

Focus on experimental design, data analysis, research methods, scientific explanation and the use of psychological research.

Core research questions

  • Can learners control variables and evaluate limitations?
  • How can graph and data interpretation improve?
  • How should research evidence support theoretical argument?

Related programmes

MYP BiologyDP BiologyDP Psychology

Knowledge Inquiry, Independent Research and Academic Integrity

Examine how learners formulate questions, select evidence, evaluate sources, build arguments and conduct responsible academic writing.

Core research questions

  • What makes a research question feasible and worthwhile?
  • How do learners evaluate evidence quality?
  • How does reflection improve research decisions?

Related programmes

Theory of KnowledgeExtended EssayEnglish WritingDP English ADP English B

Language Testing, Admission Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation

Study how diagnosis, task strategy, mock testing, feedback and underlying skill development affect international-test preparation.

Core research questions

  • Do score plateaus reflect skill or strategy?
  • How should mock-test evidence guide instruction?
  • How can preparation avoid teaching tactics without durable learning?

Related programmes

IELTS General TrainingIELTS AcademicSATTOEFL ITPTOEFL iBT

Research process

From a clearly defined problem to actionable improvement.

01

Define the Problem and Success Criteria

Clarify learners, curriculum context, existing evidence and intended change.

02

Select Appropriate Evidence and Methods

Choose quantitative, qualitative, document-analysis or mixed methods according to the question.

03

Analyse Learning and Assessment Evidence

Identify performance patterns, implementation constraints, differences and plausible explanations.

04

Translate Findings into Curriculum Improvement

Develop actionable recommendations, revise materials and plan follow-up evaluation.