Ethnography and the Classroom Challenge: Exploring the use and assessment of Ethnography in the IB Diploma Programme

Abstract

This paper discusses the teaching and assessment of ethnographic material in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Social and Cultural Anthropology course in the context of a major review of the programme. It provides an outline of the historical and ideological development of the IB and the DP, locating anthropology as a discipline within this framework. Using examples from the classroom and examinations, the paper discusses how ethnographic material is used at a local level (by teachers) and how it is assessed, at a global level, by the IB, in terms of the skills in reading ethnography. The paper also reflects on some of the challenges of teaching anthropology through ethnography presented at a global level - in the design of the curriculum; and, at a local level - in the teaching of the course. In conclusion, it is argued that understanding these challenges from both perspectives is necessary if the 'ideals' of the course become a reality in the classroom. Getting this 'right' requires not only shared understandings of these ideals, but also the recognition that strategies need to be articulated and exemplified.