IBDP Math Analysis and Approaches | Classroom Teaching Ideas

“Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas,” mused Albert Einstein, and we couldn’t agree more. As IBDP math educators, you strive to instil this poetic appreciation into your students while guiding them through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Math Analysis and Approaches (math AA) Course.

The math AA course is designed to help your students develop a deep understanding of mathematical skills and mathematical concepts. And your efforts are geared towards helping them apply their knowledge to both abstract and real-life problems. To help you along the way, this curated resource will not only simplify complex concepts and topics but also inspire innovative teaching methods, making the math AA course enjoyable and engaging for you and your students alike!

What you will find in this resource:

Everything you need to know about the IBDP math analysis and approaches (math AA) course
Differences between the standard level and higher level math AA courses
An overview of the IBDP math AA internal assessment (IB math IA)
5 tactical, ready-to-use resources for commonly taught math AA topics:
- Conditional Probability
- Logarithms
- Stationary and inflection points
- De Moivre’s Theorem
- Vector plan equations
- Guidance on internal assessment topic selection

Everything you need to know about the IBDP math analysis and approaches course

The IBDP math AA course is where logic meets creativity! From calculus to statistics, this course helps students explore the fascinating world of mathematical concepts and techniques. It fosters the ability to construct, communicate, and justify correct mathematical arguments, ensuring that your students develop intellectual insight into mathematical form and structure. By nurturing curiosity, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills, you’ll be preparing your students to excel in mathematics and make meaningful contributions to their local and global communities. Take vectors as an example. Students will explore the intricacies of vector operations and their geometric interpretations, while also discovering practical applications in fields such as navigation, physics, and engineering. Don’t miss our resources on vectors here!

An integral part of the course is the internal assessment. This project allows students to independently investigate a topic of their choice. This hands-on project not only develops their research skills but also fosters a sense of ownership and enthusiasm for mathematics. Want to give your students a hand with selecting topics? Here’s a resource we made to get you started.

The course can be taken at the standard or higher level, let’s break those differences down.

Differences between the standard and higher levels of the math approaches and analysis course

The standard level course is designed to be taught with at least 150 teaching hours and the higher level course, at least 240 hours. Different schools may choose to teach the standard level course across one or two years but the higher level course must be given at least two years. The foundation of both courses is numbers and algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and calculus. The additional 90 hours of HL-level teaching time is spread across these topics with a larger concentration on calculus, geometry, and trigonometry. Students enrolled in both courses complete the internal assessment.

An overview of the IBDP math AA internal assessment

The IB recommends 10-15 hours of teaching time be dedicated to the process of the IA. Determining a topic that is of interest to the student and also feasible in the time allotted is key. There are many ways to break down the process. Pausing taught content delivery for a few weeks to focus on the IA has been suggested to be helpful. Here are suggested course timelines taught over two years, including the timing of the IA.

Sample timelines for math AA SL course

Sample timelines for math AA HL course

IBDP math analysis and approaches course | Classroom resources

For the standard level and higher level courses, we have designed insightful resources which suggest classroom activity ideas for some of the most challenging topics in the math AA course! Click on ‘Download now’ in the sidebar to get your copy!

1. Conditional probability: Mastering the art of what-ifs

Unlock the world of “what-if” scenarios for your students! Engage them in these hands-on activities that delve into conditional probability and make mastering chance an exciting adventure.

2. Logarithms: Decoding the exponential world

Empower your students to explore the exponential universe! This handy printable includes creative approaches that simplify logarithms and make them a thrilling discovery for young mathematicians in the math AA course.

3. Inflection points: Curve analysis at its finest

Turn curve analysis into an enjoyable journey for your students! With these innovative activities, they will grasp the intricacies of inflection points and truly appreciate the beauty of this mathematical concept.

4. De Moivre’s Theorem: Taming the complex numbers

Introduce your students to the wonders of complex numbers! This power-packed teaching pack will guide them through De Moivre’s Theorem, making complex numbers less intimidating and more accessible.

5. Vector plane equations: Navigating the three-dimensional space

Help your students navigate the thrilling world of 3D space! This classroom teaching resource will make vector plane equations a breeze, allowing students to confidently explore the uncharted territory of three-dimensional geometry.

Elevate your math AA lessons using these inspiring classroom ideas!