Math IA Examples: Feedback Checklist for IB Teachers

Math IA examples attract a lot of student search demand, but teachers need a different angle: how to turn an example into better exploration, communication, and reflection without giving students a template to copy.

What useful Math IA examples show

• A focused mathematical exploration rather than a broad topic report.
• Mathematics that is appropriate for the student's course and question.
• Clear explanation of choices, assumptions, and limitations.
• Reflection that responds to results rather than praising effort.

Teacher feedback checklist

1. Check whether the introduction explains the personal or mathematical purpose of the exploration.
2. Ask whether each calculation or model advances the investigation.
3. Look for interpretation after graphs, tables, or formulas.
4. Require evaluation of assumptions, accuracy, or model fit.

Reusable comments

• "Explain why this mathematical method fits the question you are investigating."
• "After the calculation, interpret what the result means in context."
• "Add evaluation of the assumption behind this model."
• "Make the reflection respond to what the result taught you about the problem."

Next steps

Use the IB Internal Assessment Grader with your Math IA criteria so the feedback draft matches your class expectations.