CPD
Think-In (continuous professional development courses hosted by InThinking)
“Every teacher needs to improve, not because they are not good enough, but because they can be even better.”- Professor Dylan Wiliam (b. 1955), Welsh international educationalist
"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” - Zig Ziglar (1926 - 2012), American author and motivational speaker
InThinking has over 20 years’ experience delivering high-quality IB-approved workshops, both face-to-face and online, each lasting 2½ days. Its team of more than 120 expert leaders, consultants, and authors bring specialist knowledge and practical insights to each workshop.
InThinking also runs Think-Ins. These are non-IB certified virtual seminars (lasting between 3 to 6 hours over 1 or 2 days) that encourage in-depth discussions and complement official IB training.
During the last academic year, more than 400 Business Management teachers from all IB regions completed upskilling training through our virtual Think-In courses and IB-approved InThinking workshops.
Read testimonials from participants at official IB Business Management Workshops hosted by InThinking here.
Testimonials from IB BM Workshop participants
Paul is amazing and inspiring. Well presented with passion and skills that makes me curious about things and encouraged to work better and more effective. It was an inspiring workshop! Everything we did was so amazing and relevant. You are the best!
Magdalena Krakowska - Liceum Ogolnoksztolcace Wroclaw, Poland
Super smart and experienced. Lots of useful advice, great guide through this jungle (it is a lot for newbies like me), great answers to all questions.
Ben Thannesberger - SALIS Salzburg International School, Austria
It was really good having someone who not only is familiar and an expert in the material and way of IB, but also someone who is a classroom teacher so 'real' understanding of what teachers need.
Molly Brown - American School of Barcelona, Spain
Excellent communication skills. Excellent knowledge of our needs. Excellent quality of the information given and totally open to questions.
Pako Gradaille Vilar - Frederic Mistral Tècnic Eulàlia, Spain
Awesome!! Like learning from a master: explanations of key concepts, IA's, exams, was very easy to follow. The resources he shared will be invaluable to me as a teacher.
Faraz Mirza - International School of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Paul provided a detailed agenda and instructions for preparation ahead of time, so that I knew what to expect and how to prepare best. His materials were well prepared and helpful. Moreover, he adjusted the materials during the workshop to meet the needs of the participants. Paul created a safe and welcoming learning environment where participants felt that they belong and felt safe to ask questions, despite drastic differences in the years of experience, and despite the large group of the participants.
Nadezhda Evtushenko - Dresden International School, Germany
Paul is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. He is also very encouraging and personable. His advice will be so beneficial in my teaching practice, and as I help my students with their IAs.
Petra Fairweather - South Island School, Hong Kong
I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for conducting the CAT 3 workshop on Internal Assessment for Business Management. The session was incredibly informative, collaborative, and engaging. Your ability to explain the IB requirements with clarity and simplicity made the complex process much easier to understand. I truly appreciate how patiently you addressed every question raised by the participants, ensuring that we left the workshop with a solid grasp of the key concepts. Your guidance has been invaluable in helping me refine my understanding of IA report writing, and I feel more confident in supporting my students with their assessments. It has always been a pleasure to attend your workshops, as they offer not just theoretical insights but also practical takeaways that are immediately applicable in the classroom.
Swetapadma Patnaik - One World International School, Singapore
Thank you once again for offering these upskilling workshops for Business Management. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into running these sessions and they are always incredibly useful. Thanks again for leading this initiative, it’s greatly appreciated.
Luke Newton - Elian’s British School of La Nucía, Alicante, Spain
I am grateful for the opportunity granted to me by the school to enroll and participate in the three-day virtual IB Business Management Category 1 Workshop. It has equipped me with much confidence in guiding the students in meeting their IB BM Course requirements. We are all fortunate to have you as our workshop leader.
I appreciate it a lot that you were able to maximize the use of our workshop time by making sure that you are able to give us tips on the essential aspects of the course. Sitting for the workshop all throughout the 6-hour session per day for three days was certainly engaging.
Thank you very much.
June Tunque - Taoyuan Municipal Daoyuan International Senior High School, Taiwan
I am more than grateful to God for an inspiring, educational, and truly unforgettable weekend. I learned so much, and I now feel better equipped to support and guide my students throughout their DP journey.
Paul Hoang is incredibly gifted, we learned so much from him, and he provided us with more than 100 resources to help prepare our students for the exam.
I am genuinely enthusiastic. I love my job, and I love the International School Breda. Thank you ISB, for this wonderful opportunity.
Marjola Trinidad - International School Breda, The Netherlands
We all agreed we had rarely learned so much in a 2-day workshop! I wish all PD days were as packed with engaged teaching and learning, practical activities to try with our students, time to reflect and pure motivation to carry on with our job as educators. Thanks, Paul Hoang!
Suzanne Drouet - Institut Florimont, Genève, Switzerland
Details of Think-Ins and workshops for the 2026-27 academic year are added and updated on this site page throughout the year.
Spaces on these courses are limited, so please book early to secure your place. For each workshop, comprehensive training materials and supporting resources are shared with participants.
I hope to see you at one of these events!
IB Category 3 Business Management Workshop, Barcelona 🇪🇸 - Focus on Internal Assessment
Date: Friday 12th February - Sunday 14th February 2027
Start time: Friday 09:00 CEST
Finish time: Sunday 12:30 CEST
Workshop Leader: Paul Hoang
- This Category 3 IB workshop is suitable for all experienced Diploma Programme (DP) Business Management teachers and those who have completed a Category 1 IB workshop.
- This workshop will equip you to deliver the Business Management Internal Assessment to students with confidence as you generate useful resources and devise appropriate activities with fellow workshop participants.
- Gain key understandings, tools, and resources to adapt and develop your practice in line with the DP Business Management Internal Assessment (IA).
- In this practical workshop, you will examine the assessment criteria, mark authentic IB sample internal assessments, ask questions and learn how to develop a robust programme underpinned by appropriate IB pedagogy, and share a range of useful resources.
- Participants will closely examine the internal assessment, be clear about its requirements and be prepared to apply what you learn in a manner that supports the IB mission statement, the learner profile and other core areas of the Diploma Programme.
Content of this C3 workshop has been updated to accommodate the recent examinations in May 2026 and November 2026.
Overview
This Category 2 IB workshop is designed for experienced educators in authorised IB World Schools who are already familiar with the Extended Essay (EE) and wish to deepen their understanding of the new EE guide (first assessment 2027).
The workshop is particularly suitable for experienced EE supervisors, EE coordinators, and Diploma Programme educators seeking to refine their supervisory practices, explore changes to the EE framework, and strengthen their understanding of the revised assessment requirements.
Building on participants' existing knowledge and experience, the workshop provides opportunities to critically reflect on current practices, share effective strategies, and explore approaches that promote student independence, academic integrity, and meaningful engagement with the research process.
Workshop overview
This Category 2 workshop focuses on the new Extended Essay guide (first assessment 2027), enabling experienced educators to deepen their understanding of the revised framework and critically evaluate their existing approaches to EE supervision.
Through collaborative discussions, practical activities, and professional reflection, participants will:
- Explore the new EE framework, identifying significant changes and their implications for teaching, learning, supervision, and assessment.
- Examine the role of the IB learner profile and approaches to teaching and learning (ATL) in developing independent, reflective, and internationally minded researchers.
- Critically evaluate existing supervisory practices, identifying opportunities to enhance student engagement, independence, and ownership of the research process.
- Explore the two research pathways, subject-focused and interdisciplinary, and consider how best to support students in making informed and appropriate choices.
- Strengthen approaches to research question development, helping students formulate focused, manageable, and academically rigorous inquiries.
- Review the roles and responsibilities of EE stakeholders, including supervisors, coordinators, school leadership, and students.
- Evaluate school policies and procedures to ensure effective pedagogical and administrative support throughout the EE process.
- Explore strategies for promoting academic integrity, ethical research practices, and responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
- Examine the role of reflection and the viva voce, considering how meaningful reflection can support students' intellectual and personal development.
- Develop a deeper understanding of the revised assessment criteria, using practical examples and professional discussions to explore the characteristics of effective EEs.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be better equipped to implement the new EE requirements, strengthen their supervisory practices, and support students in producing independent, academically rigorous, and personally meaningful research.
Workshop format
The virtual workshop is delivered through Zoom, providing an interactive and collaborative professional learning experience.
Each workshop comprises 15 hours of professional development over 2½ days, including:
- 8 × 80-minute synchronous sessions, featuring live discussions, collaborative activities, and practical applications.
- 4 hours and 20 minutes of asynchronous engagement, allowing participants to reflect, explore resources, and complete independent or collaborative tasks.
Our innovative and dynamic workshop modules are designed to maximise participation, professional dialogue, and practical learning.
Participants are required to attend and actively engage in all scheduled sessions and complete the asynchronous activities to qualify for their IB certificate.
IB Category 2 Business Management Workshop, Virtual
Date: Friday 30th April - Sunday 2nd May 2027
Start time: Friday 09:00 UK time
Finish time: Sunday 13:30 UK time
Workshop Leader: Paul Hoang
Workshop format: Featuring 12 hours of live/real-time instruction plus 3 hours of asynchronous/offline work across three consecutive days. Fully authorised and certified by the IB. Delivered virtually by IB-trained expert workshop leaders on Zoom.
The official IB Category 2 workshop is organized and hosted by IBSCA in cooperation with the IBO. Please check the IB explanation of categories for official IB workshops.
Registration deadline: TBC. Since there are only a limited number of places available on the workshops we recommend that you apply early.
Workshop leaders: all of the workshops will be run by highly experienced IB workshop leaders.
Details of the workshop can be found by clicking on the icon below.
About the workshop
This workshop will enable you to:
- Understand the IB Programme standards and practices as a guide for decisions regarding delivery of the subject.
- Review and share strategies that support successful collaborative planning and reflection.
- Consolidate understanding of the nature of the extended essay and the role of the supervisor.
- Examine the connection between your subject, the approaches to teaching and learning and the learner profile while promoting an international mindedness.
- Create teaching and learning strategies that develop self-regulated and metacognitive learners.
- Understand how to arrive at a judgement using a common assessment task and published criteria.
- Discuss successful strategies for recording, reporting and monitoring ongoing student progress.
- Design formative learning engagements.
- Reflect on the teacher’s role in programme evaluation, particularly how to highlight horizontal and vertical in-school planning.
Recommended for
Experienced Diploma Programme subject teachers who have prepared students for at least one DP exam session in the subject. Delegates will benefit from having completed a Category 1 workshop.
Workshop benefits:
- Courses delivered by approved and experienced IB workshop leaders.
- 12 hours of live/real-time instruction plus 3 hours of asynchronous/offline work across three-days. Delegates are required to attend and participate in all scheduled sessions in order to receive their IB certificate.
- Opportunities to meet participants from a range of schools, both within the UK and internationally.
- Competitively priced with discounts for IBSCA member schools.
Virtual workshop example schedule
Workshop fees
Virtual Workshops & Twilight Workshops:
- IBSCA full member school: £460.00
- IBSCA Associate, Candidate & Single Programme Member School: £550.00
- Non IBSCA Member School: £640.00
Prices stated do not include VAT. Delegates will be charged 20% VAT if applicable.
Is this Category correct for me?
Category 2 workshops focus on IB programme delivery. They emphasise assessment, teaching and learning methodologies and exploring best practice in the classroom. They are open to experienced IB educators who have completed Category 1 training and currently teach in an IB programme.
IB Category 2 Business Management Workshop, Stockholm 🇸🇪
Date: Friday 7th May - Sunday 9th May 2027
Start time: Friday 09:00 CEST
Finish time: Sunday 12:30 CEST
Workshop Leader: Paul Hoang
The workshops will take place at the Downtown Camper by Scandic in Stockholm, Sweden. This C2 workshop is organized and hosted by InThinking in cooperation with the IBO.
Registration deadline: TBC. Since there are only a limited number of places available on the workshops we recommend that you apply early.
Workshop leaders: all of the workshops will be run by highly experienced IB workshop leaders. Please check the IB explanation of categories for official IB workshops.
IB Category 1 & 2 Economics Workshop, Virtual
Date: Friday 18th June - Sunday 20th June 2027
Start time: Friday 09:00 UK time
Finish time: Sunday 13:30 UK time
Workshop Leader: Paul Hoang
Workshop format: Featuring 12 hours of live/real-time instruction plus 3 hours of asynchronous/offline work across three consecutive days. Fully authorised and certified by the IB. Delivered virtually by IB-trained expert workshop leaders on Zoom.
The official IB Category 2 workshop is organized and hosted by IBSCA in cooperation with the IBO. Please check the IB explanation of categories for official IB workshops.
Registration deadline: TBC. Since there are only a limited number of places available on the workshops we recommend that you apply early.
Workshop leaders: all of the workshops will be run by highly experienced IB workshop leaders.
Details of the workshop can be found by clicking on the icon below.
Overview
This workshop will enable you to:
- Develop a deep understanding of the IB organization: its history, mission statement, learner profile, IB continuum and the international dimension
- Develop an understanding of student and teacher approaches to inquiry in the DP/CP classroom
- Design course outlines that align with curriculum requirements, aims and assessment objectives of the subject, IB terminology and the relevant standards (see the Guide to school authorization: Diploma Programme and Programme standards and practices)
- Create formative assessment tasks that will equip students with the required factual, procedural and conceptual knowledge that support the summative assessment task(s)
- Use assessment criteria to make judgments about student achievement (criterion-related, best fit)
- Review and share strategies that support successful collaborative planning and reflection which deepen links with the DP Core - theory of knowledge (TOK), CAS and EE
- Consolidate understanding of the nature of the extended essay and the role of the supervisor, to include reference to world studies interdisciplinary extended essay
- Discuss successful strategies for recording, reporting and monitoring ongoing student progress in the subject group
Recommended for
Open to all Diploma Programme teachers seeking to complete their training requirements. Suitable for those new to delivery of the guide as well as those with experience.
Workshop benefits:
- Courses delivered by approved and experienced IB workshop leaders.
- 12 hours of live/real-time instruction plus 3 hours of asynchronous/offline work across three-days. Delegates are required to attend and participate in all scheduled sessions in order to receive their IB certificate.
- Opportunities to meet participants from a range of schools, both within the UK and internationally.
- Competitively priced with discounts for IBSCA member schools.
Virtual workshop example schedule
Workshop fees
- IBSCA full member school: £460.00
- IBSCA Associate, Candidate & Single Programme Member School: £550.00
- Non IBSCA Member School: £640.00
Prices stated do not include VAT. Delegates will be charged 20% VAT if applicable.
Is this Category correct for me?
Category 1 workshops focus on IB philosophy and implementation. They are open to educators from schools that have decided to apply for IB authorisation. They are also relevant for educators who are new to a school with an existing IB programme.
Category 2 workshops focus on IB programme delivery. They emphasise assessment, teaching and learning methodologies and exploring best practice in the classroom. They are open to experienced IB educators who have completed Category 1 training and currently teach in an IB programme.
IBSCA is an authorised provider of IB workshops. Delegates attending our training receive instruction from qualified IB workshop leaders. Those who complete the training will receive an official IB certificate of attendance.
"Education is a constant reorganization, reconstruction, and transformation of experience."
- John Dewey (1859 - 1952), American philosopher and educational reformer
"Schools can't become the best places for students to learn and grow unless we make them the best places for teachers to work and grow."
- Dr. Julie Hasson, Educational researcher, consultant, and author
Our Think-In courses are dynamic, creative, and personal. These Think-In courses last 3 hours, from 2PM-5:15PM Spain time, with a short 15-minutes break.
Hyperlinks and details for Think-In events in 2027 will be added here in due course.
| Dates | Think-In upskilling course |
| Friday 4 December | The new Business Management Extended Essay Keys to Success: The new Extended Essay in DP Business Management NEW 4 December 2026 – 14:00 CETFacilitator: Paul Hoang Length 3 hours over 1 day This Think-In for Business Management teachers focuses on the new Extended Essay (first teaching 2025). The training is designed for teachers who wish to understand the key changes introduced in the revised EE guide (first assessment 2027). The Think-In will provide practical strategies for managing the EE process and for effectively guiding and supervising students. Session 1 Unpacking the new EE guide step by step: what’s in, what’s out, and what’s changed? Formulating effective Business Management EE research questions. Managing the EE process effectively. Understanding the new assessment criteria. Subject-specific guidance. Artificial intelligence and the EE. Effective citation and referencing in the new EE. Session 2 Effective strategies for the new reflection sessions and check-in meetings. Essential skills for student success. Marking exercise (time permitting). Writing evaluative and well-substantiated conclusions. Essay-writing frameworks. The new interdisciplinary EE with Business Management. Resource sharing and Q&A. All participants will receive an updated pack of ready-made resources for the new BM EE, including a comprehensive EE checklist, for immediate classroom use. The maximum number of participants is 20 and an InThinking certificate of participation will be awarded. Two 90-minute sessions + a 15-minute break; via Zoom, 4 December, 14:00 – 17:15 CET (Paris time). |
| Monday 7 December | Business Management Internal Assessment Keys to Success: The IA in the DP Business Management NEW 7 December 2026 – 14:00 CETFacilitator: Paul Hoang Length 3 hours over 1 day The Business Management Internal Assessment (IA) is a compulsory component of the course. This Think-In will explore all aspects of the common IA for SL and HL students, with opportunities for participants to have their individual questions addressed. Session 1 Overview of the IA_ A step-by-step approach to what makes a strong Business Management IA. Focus on the prescribed key concepts. Discussion about the use of suitable supporting documents. Comparison of primary and secondary research in the IA. Session 2 Interpreting the assessment criteria_ Focus on academic integrity in the IA, including the use of AI. Marking exercise of sample IA (time pending). This Think-In includes updates from the M26 and N25 exams, as well as ready-made resources for the IA, which can be used with your students. All participants will receive an updated pack of ready-made resources for the IA, including student-friendly posters and an updated comprehensive IA Checklist, for immediate classroom use. The maximum number of participants is 20 and an InThinking certificate of participation will be awarded. Two 90-minute sessions + a 15-minute break; via Zoom, 8 December, 14:00 – 17:15 CET (Paris time). |
| Tuesday 8 December | Business Management Paper 3 – social enterprises Keys to Success: Paper 3 in Business Management (focus on social enterprises) NEW 8 December 2026 – 14:00 CETFacilitator: Paul Hoang Length 3 hours over 1 day The IB DP Business Management course (first assessment 2024) introduced Paper 3 for HL students, based on a social enterprise. This Think-In focuses on all aspects of the Paper 3 assessment and the key skills required for exam success. Session 1 Understanding the role of social enterprises within the IB BM curriculum framework. Exploring the human needs and organizational challenges faced by social enterprises. Worked examples. Understanding the components of the plan of action. Understanding the assessment criteria for the extended response (17-mark) question. _Session 2 _ Developing exam skills for the Paper 3 assessment. Further development of the plan of action (business strategy) extended response question. Developing critical-thinking skills for Paper 3. Paper 3 marking (time permitting). Top tips for student success in Paper 3. Opportunities to address individual questions. This Think-In includes updates from the M26 and N25 exams, as well as ready-made resources for Paper 3, which can be used with your students. The maximum number of participants is 20 and an InThinking certificate of participation will be awarded. Two 90-minute sessions + a 15-minute break; via Zoom, 8 December, 14:00 – 17:15 CET (Paris time). |
| Wednesday 9 December | The new Economics Extended Essay Keys to Success: The new Extended Essay in DP Economics NEW 9 December 2026 – 14:00 CETFacilitator: Paul Hoang Length 3 hours over 1 day This Think-In for Economics teachers focuses on the new Extended Essay (first teaching 2025). The training is designed for those interested in finding out about all the changes to the new EE guide (first assessment 2027). The Think-In will cover advice on practical strategies to manage the EE process and to successfully guide and supervise students. Session 1 Unpacking the new EE guide step by step - What's in, What's out, and What's changed? Formulating good EE research questions in Economics. Understanding the new EE assessment criteria. Subject-specific advice. Managing the EE process effectively. Artificial Intelligence and the EE. Advice on effective citation and referencing in the new EE. Session 2 Effective strategies for the new reflection sessions and drop-in meetings. Essential skills for success. Marking exercise (time pending). Writing evaluative and substantiated conclusions. Essay Writing frameworks. The new interdisciplinary EE with Economics. Resource sharing. Q&A session. All participants will receive an updated pack of ready-made resources for the new Economics EE, including a comprehensive EE checklist, for immediate classroom use. The maximum number of participants is 20, and an InThinking certificate of participation will be awarded at the end. Two 90-minute sessions + a 15-minute break; via Zoom, 9 December, 14:00 – 17:15 CET (Paris time). |
Click the icon here to read testimonials from participants who have attended our Think-In workshops.
Good pace - didn't rush through the material and took time to answer any questions we had. I like the courses aimed at individual papers - P1, P2 and P3. IA courses are also very useful.
James Messer - EF Academy, Oxford, UK
Thank you very much for the workshop, it was most certainly worth the late night!
Carmen Love - Canberra Grammar School, Australia
A straightforward and knowledgeable attitude that favours every participant, even if you are doing this after a full day of classes.
Andre Henriques - The KAUST School, Saudi Arabia
Great workshop. Paul Hoang is excellent. Practical, clear and concise advice. One of the best presenters in my opinion.
Elizabeth Young - H Farm International, Vicenza, Italy
Excellent InThinking workshops. Enjoyed them both and learned so much. Thanks to Paul's management of the workshop and engagement time flew by very quickly.
Joensuun Lyseon lukio
"Amazing. I learned so much again today. Valuable and Insightful as usual. Thank you for your time."
David Francis - Shanghai Shangde Experimental School
Thank you very much for the workshop. It is a real pleasure to learn from you.
Laura Mecchia - Colegio Tarbut, Argentina
I have just finished attending your Paper 3 session. It was truly an eye-opening session, with detailed explanations and clear clarification of all my doubts. I’m confident this will help me guide my students more effectively and support them in scoring higher. Thank you so much for such an insightful and valuable session.
Dharakeswari G. - Hiranandani Upscale School, India
Paul always provides the best CPD, always so informative and worth every minute! So informative and Paul is always so generous sharing resources. Thank you for a productive 3 hours which isn't always easy after a full day at work.
Fiona McCarthy - Jumeirah English Speaking School, Dubai, UAE
Class-act and knowledgeable. Does well to address questions, while not letting them interrupt his flow and the overall content of his presentation.
Ian Horsewood - Australian International school HCMC, Vietnam
Paul - as always is a fantastic bank of knowledge and top tips!
Mita Villegier-Dhokia - Institut Florimont, Geneva, Switzerland
Paul was very organised, personable, knowledgeable and clear. He was flexible in his approach to covering the content and addressed our questions as and when they arose rather than make us wait until it came up in his plan. The resources are high quality too. Thank you for hosting it!
Corinne Jennings - Queensland Academies Creative Industries (QACI), Australia
Paul is so knowledgeable, both from the perspective of a classroom teacher working with students and from the point of view of understanding the workings of the IB.
Susan Brownsword - South Lakes High School, Reston, Virginia, USA
Paul is so patient and like the way he breaks things down step by step.
Melissa Kauffeldt - Dr. G.W. Williams, Canada
Excellent. Really enjoyed it. I feel significantly more informed and prepared.
Luke Laubhan - Troy High School, California, USA
Very informative. On point. Precise and clear.
Emmanuel V. Ehina - Mentari Intercultural School Bintaro, Indonesia
The Think-ins have always served as terrific guide and re-assurance. Thank you Paul and the whole IB BM community!
Dana Ramadan - Amman Academy, Jordan
Thank you very much for your engaging instruction and for the illuminating resources. You were succinct, to the point, with truly helpful examples, techniques, tips, and insights. Moreover, it was refreshing to hear candid, well-justified, and constructive critique regarding scope for improvement for IBDP BM itself.
Dimitris Makris - Athens College, Greece
Paul has excellent knowledge, and it was great that he teaches the subject as well, it added meaningful insight to the workshop.
Rene Bradford - International School of Uganda
All participants receive an updated and comprehensive resource pack tailored to each Think-In upskilling course, along with an InThinking certificate of participation for their professional development records.
