LO5 Collaboration Skills (DP IB Creativity, Activity, Service): Revision Note

What is Learning Outcome 5 and how can students show evidence?

Understanding Learning Outcome 5 (LO5)

• Learning Outcome 5 (LO5) requires students to demonstrate the skills needed for working collaboratively and to recognise the benefits of collaboration

  • Collaboration is the act of working with others to achieve a common goal through cooperation and teamwork

• LO5 requires you to identify and discuss the benefits and challenges of working in a group during your experiences

• The goal is to move beyond working alone and to understand the value of teamwork—the combined action of a group to achieve a shared purpose

• This outcome is about developing interpersonal learning—the process of learning about yourself and others through social interaction

Demonstrating collaboration skills

• Shared responsibility—the act of dividing tasks and being accountable for your specific role within a team

• Students must show they can listen respectfully to proposals and ideas from their peers

• Conflict resolution—the process of finding a peaceful solution to a disagreement or challenge within the group

• Demonstrating the willingness to take on different roles—such as acting as a leader or a supporting contributor—depending on the needs of the team

• Making valuable contributions to the group's progress by sharing your specific skills, knowledge and talents

• Readily assisting others within the group to ensure the experience or project is successful

The role of the CAS project

• The CAS project—a collaborative series of sequential experiences lasting at least one month—is the primary way many students meet LO5

• The primary purpose of the project is to ensure you participate in sustained collaboration

• Projects challenge you to develop skills in cooperation, problem-solving and decision-making through long-term teamwork

• By working together, you can discover how the exchange of ideas and abilities leads to achievements that would be difficult to reach alone

Evidence in the CAS portfolio

• You must gather evidence in your CAS portfolio to show you have met LO5

• Group discussions can help you reflect, but your own reflections in your CAS portfolio should show what you learned about collaboration (benefits, challenges, and your role)

• Supervisor comments—feedback from the person overseeing the activity that confirms your ability to work effectively with others

• Media evidence—photographs or videos that clearly capture active teamwork and collaborative action

• Reflections should not just describe the activity but critically discuss the challenges of collaboration, such as resolving disagreements or supporting others