The Extended Essay in the International Baccalaureate Diploma provides the opportunity for students to engage in self-directed knowledge enhancement. The present study investigates the influence of three learning factors on achievement outcomes: students' approach to learning, motivational style and cognitive style. All factors affected achievement scores. The implications of their influence for instruction, for student knowledge of how to work through the Extended Essay and for assisting students to manage and direct their learning most efficiently are discussed.
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