The influence of IB learning experience on students' thinking styles : a mixed-method study in a Hong Kong school

Abstract

This study adopted a mixed-method approach and attempted to investigate into the socialization of the students’ thinking styles in a Hong Kong school. The quantitative data collected from students who are studying in two parallel curriculums in the targeted school over six-month time at two points. In total, one hundred and twenty-two pairs of inventories were collected. School senior management members and students were also invited to separate interviews for the qualitative research data collection.

Findings of the study generally supported the research hypotheses. The study provided empirical evidence to the changes of students’ thinking styles and issues were raised regarding the relationship between learning environment and the socialization of thinking styles. Furthermore, by investigating into the parallel curriculums offered by the targeted school, perspectives of students, teachers and administrators of the targeted school were analyzed and discussed. The curriculum implementation and alignment in the targeted school were also discussed aimed at providing practical suggestions to building effective learning environment and improvement of Hong Kong educational system.