Criterion B: Applying Skills

Achieving the Learning Goal – ATL Skill: Research

In the time of developing my Personal Project, out of all the ATL skills provided in the IB
education system, I have used Research skills. When I began doing my research my first step
was to create a research plan:

Research Question(s):

- What is the most important thing that people should know about Asteraceae?
- What is the main factor that led to the declining of bees?

Complementary Question(s):

- What are Asteraceae?

- What are Asteraceae known for?
- How did Asteraceae was discovered?
- What is the origin of the word ‘Asteraceae’?
- What makes Asteraceae unique?

- How Asteraceae are pollinated?

- What are the inflorescences in Asteraceae?
- Does the flowering structure different compare to the other flower?
- What are the functions of each structure of the flower?
- What is the pollinating agent for Asteraceae?
- What is the pollen morphology of the Asteraceae family?

- What are the flowers?

- What are the uses of each species of the flower?
- Can Asteraceae be used as herbs/food/drinks?
- What will happen with the absence of Asteraceae?
- Are there any positive or negative effects of the flowers to human?
- What are the important things to know about Asteraceae?

- What do Asteraceae symbolize?

- What is the origin of Floriography?
- Is Floriography still used today?
- What are the examples of floriography for Asteraceae?
 - Do bees are declining in 2022?
- Why are the bee’s population starting to decline?
- What are the reasons that caused bee’s population to decline?
- How many bees are left based on the most recent study?
- Can the other pollinators be able to work better without bees?
- What are the efficient ways to endure this situation?
- Will this problem effect the future?

My research plan was very useful because in it I outlined all the content I need to cover
throughout my research and what information I need to find, along with some starting links and
potential sources. I would refer to the research plan whenever I get stucked and confused while
finishing my product.
As for the research itself, it went by well. I had looked at a wide variety of sources while do the
research. Most of my research were from websites, online journals (scholar.google.com), etc.
Further, research is one of the most effective ways of developing critical thinking skills. When
doing the research, it is important to keep the goals in mind so that the topics can be identified
and it will help in achieving them. Other sources known for quality include online journals and
magazines. Reading and taking notes takes time and energy, so I will want to focus on the most
relevant sources.
However because not all sources can be trusted, I had to evaluate them in order to see if the
information is actually reliable and can be used. In order to do that, I went through them using
the CARRDS method. The evaluation helped me to identify the sources which would be the best
ones to help me reach my goal. Thus this method also helped me to be more aware on the
information that I found from the internet.
When conducting research, most particular on animation and art, I would try to balance the
sources between professional and amateur ones and look at a variety of sources. I would look at
documentaries or interviews with people from the animation business such as professional
animators, editors or storyboard artists, but also go on blogs where other students or amateur
artists would write their own tips and suggestions that I could later consider. I did this because I
wanted to understand animation and digital art in particular from a perspective of a trained
professional and a self-taught amateur.
This approach helped me to achieve my learning goal because it helped me to understand what
was possible for me as an amateur, and the skills and techniques that I could practice for myself.
In the end I wrote all my research out on a single document which helped me put it together and
answer the questions I had before starting my product.
One of the best pieces of research I did was the in-person lesson on CGI animation. Being able to
talk it through with an expert was very valuable. I did some general research on the topic before
the lesson so that I was able to prepare questions in advance. My learning goal was to learn how
to turn my drawings into animation and I feel that the research I did gave me an answer to that
question, and prepared me to create my product

Applying Skills to create a product – ATL Skill: Self-management

While completing my Personal Project, other than Research skill, I also have used Self-
management skill. I have set few reminders and mark the calendar on my bullet journal so that I
will not be missing out to complete my Personal Project.
Self-management for this personal project is the process of setting and achieving personal goals
through effective self-management techniques. This approach involves taking responsibility for
one's own actions, prioritizing tasks, managing time efficiently, and developing a growth
mindset. It is important because it helps me to create a sense of purpose, motivation, and
direction in their lives. By setting realistic goals and working towards them consistently, I will be
able to improve my self-confidence, productivity, and overall well-being.