Exploring the Implications of the IB MYP Projects for Middle School Career Education

This study aims to analyze the structure and characteristics of the IB MYP Projects (Community Project and Personal Project) and explore their implications for career education. Based on official IB documents, the implementation structures, key characteristics, and career-related features of the MYP projects were examined. The analysis revealed that MYP projects are designed to foster self-direction, practical skills, and a sense of responsibility based on a learner-centered, experiential learning model. Specifically, by starting with students’ interests and personal curiosities, the projects support students in applying knowledge and skills to real-world contexts and internalizing their experiences through a systematic inquiryaction-reflection cycle, thereby deepening self-understanding and forming identity. Furthermore, it was found that all teachers serve as facilitators and coaches, supporting students’ growth. The study suggests that MYP projects have a strong relevance to career education, as they prioritize student interest and personal initiative. The analysis indicated that through the project process, students can deepen their understanding of the world of work and cultivate career development competencies. Based on these findings, the study proposes several implications for Korean middle school career education, including the establishment of a self-understanding and career exploration system based on student interest, the expansion of career guidance participation to all teachers, and the integration of a reflection-centered approach.