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IB Self Taught Mother Tongue LitSubject Selection

Is SSST Mother Tongue Literature Easier or Harder?

K
Krish Mohanani Daswani
••6 min read

The School Supported Self Taught (SSST) Mother Tongue Literature course is a unique offering within the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, allowing students to study literature in their native language. But here’s a question that’s often on the minds of prospective IB students and their parents: Is SSST easier or harder compared to other IB courses? Let’s dissect this and see what the reality looks like.

Understanding SSST Mother Tongue Literature

What is SSST?

SSST Mother Tongue Literature is a self-directed course that allows students to study literature in their mother tongue, even if the language is not formally taught at their school. This course is part of the Language A: Literature group within the IB curriculum.

How It Works

  • Self-Directed Learning: Students choose their literary works, create study plans, and prepare for assessments with support from their school.
  • School Support: Schools provide resources and mentoring but do not offer direct instruction in the language.
  • Assessments: Students are evaluated through internal assessments (oral commentary) and external exams (written papers), which are moderated and marked by IB examiners fluent in the respective languages.

Is SSST Easier?

Pros of SSST

  1. Native Language Advantage: Studying in your mother tongue can be easier because you’re more comfortable with the language. This familiarity can make reading and analyzing texts less daunting.
  2. Cultural Context: Understanding the cultural nuances and contexts of the literature can be more intuitive and insightful.
  3. Personal Relevance: Literature in your native language might resonate more personally, making the study more engaging and meaningful.

Challenges of SSST

  1. Self-Discipline: The self-taught nature of the course requires a high degree of self-discipline, organization, and motivation. Without regular classes, students must manage their own study schedules effectively.
  2. Limited Direct Instruction: Unlike other courses with dedicated teachers, SSST students might miss out on direct classroom interaction and immediate feedback.
  3. Resource Availability: Finding suitable study materials and resources in your mother tongue might be more challenging compared to widely taught languages.

Is SSST Harder?

Cons of SSST

  1. Self-Motivation and Independence: The need for self-directed learning can be daunting. Students must take full responsibility for their education, which can be challenging without strong support systems.
  2. Access to Tutors and Resources: Depending on the language, finding qualified tutors and adequate resources can be more difficult. This can add an extra layer of complexity to the course.
  3. Consistency in Support: The level of support from the school can vary, affecting the overall learning experience. Schools with fewer resources might struggle to provide adequate guidance.

Benefits of SSST

  1. Flexibility: The self-taught aspect allows for flexibility in learning styles and pace. Students can tailor their study plans to suit their needs.
  2. Depth of Knowledge: Engaging deeply with literature in one’s native language can lead to a profound understanding and appreciation of the texts.
  3. Enhanced Skills: Successfully navigating the challenges of SSST can develop valuable skills such as time management, self-motivation, and independent learning.

Real-World Experiences

Student Testimonials

Many students who have taken the SSST course describe it as a double-edged sword. On one hand, they appreciate the ability to study in their mother tongue and the flexibility it offers. On the other hand, they acknowledge the significant self-discipline required and the occasional struggle to find adequate resources and support.

Educator Insights

Educators often highlight that the success of SSST largely depends on the individual student’s motivation and the school’s ability to provide appropriate resources and mentoring. They stress that while the course can be more challenging due to its self-directed nature, it also offers a unique and rewarding learning experience.

Conclusion: The Balance of Easy and Hard

So, is SSST easier or harder? The answer isn’t straightforward. It largely depends on the student’s personal strengths, study habits, and the level of support they receive. For some, the ability to study literature in their mother tongue can make the course easier and more enjoyable. For others, the challenges of self-directed learning and resource availability can make it more demanding.

Considering SSST Mother Tongue Literature for your IB journey? Join RevisionDojo today and get the support you need to excel. With personalized study tools, curriculum-specific question banks, and resources enhanced by Jojo AI, RevisionDojo helps you navigate the challenges and make the most of your SSST course.

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