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Are you at the beginning of your IB Program or you want to find out more about it? You probably came across the name TOK which is one of the compulsory subjects during DP. If this term does not ring a bell yet, Clastify is here to clarify all aspects of this course.
What is TOK?
TOK stands for Theory of Knowledge. Completing this course provides students with a chance to analyse and reflect on the nature of knowledge and the process of knowing. It could be considered an introduction to philosophy, however it is based on real-world examples. TOK is a core element of the DP to which schools are required to devote at least 100 hours of class time. The course revolves around the exploration of knowledge questions, which are a key tool in both the teaching and learning process. The framework consists of four common elements: scope, perspectives, methods and tools, and ethics. Below you will find a couple of knowledge questions for reference:
How can we decide between the judgments of experts if they disagree with each other?
How can a model be useful even if it is obviously false?
What ethical constraints should there be on the pursuit of knowledge?
How significant have notable individuals been in shaping the development of mathematics as an area of knowledge?
TOK curriculum consists of 3 interconnected parts:
The core theme - Knowledge and the Knower: This theme encourages students to explore their own roles as knowers and thinkers and to think about the different groups of knowers they are part of.
The optional themes: This element offers a chance to explore two themes in greater detail. They significantly influence the modern world and help shape people's views and identities. Teachers can choose from the following five themes: knowledge and technology, knowledge and language, knowledge and politics, knowledge and religion, and knowledge and indigenous societies.
The Areas of Knowledge (AOKs): These are particular fields of study, each with its own unique characteristics and often employing different methods to acquire knowledge. In TOK students examine five mandatory areas: history, human sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and the arts.
TOK class
A TOK class is different from other subjects. The curriculum puts great focus on the discovery of the process of gaining knowledge and intellectual development rather than specific issues to learn. The characteristics of the course also result in a difference in assessment - there are no exams from Theory of Knowledge. The course should revolve around shared discussion and investigation of various knowledge questions in relation to different Areas of Knowledge. During TOK classes the teacher may propose different activities for instance:
Discussion seminars: Facilitate discussions where students explore and debate central TOK questions such as "What is the role of language in shaping our understanding of the world?" or "How do we know what we know?"
Case study analysis: Provide students with various case studies from different areas of knowledge and ask them to analyze these cases, identify knowledge issues, and discuss their implications.
TOK presentations: Organize individual or group presentations where students present on a specific knowledge question. They must explore the question from multiple perspectives, provide real-life examples, and critically evaluate the arguments.
Debate sessions: Organize formal debates on controversial knowledge questions or ethical dilemmas, such as "Should scientific research be unrestricted?" or "Is it possible to have objective historical knowledge?"
Critical media analysis: Assign students to analyze various forms of media, such as articles, videos, podcasts, or social media posts, focusing on how knowledge is presented and constructed. They should evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources, identify potential biases, examine the use of evidence, and consider the impact of different media formats on the communication of knowledge.
Such an approach allows students to develop critical thinking, challenge each other, gain new perspectives, overcome biases, and become more aware of the process of acquiring knowledge. TOK demonstrates the ways in which the student can apply their knowledge with greater awareness and credibility.
Components of the TOK assessment:
TOK Essay: The external assessment worth 2/3 of the TOK grade is a 1,600-word exploration revolving around one of the 6 prescribed titles. Through this work, students are supposed to extensively analyse 2 Areas of Knowledge offering both arguments and counterarguments in reference to the title. This is a high-scoring TOK essay example.
TOK exhibition: The remaining 1/3 of the grade comes from an internally assessed exhibition. Again, the students are provided with a list of prompts to choose from. They are supposed to answer it using 3 diverse objects showing different perspectives on the prescribed subject of the investigation. For inspiration check out this TOK exhibition exemplar.
Theory of Knowledge is graded on a scale from A to E. Together with the Extended Essay, it contributes to 3 additional points in the total IB DP assessment. Beware, receiving an E from either of these components is a failing condition! You can learn more about the recent TOK grade boundaries from this post.
We are hoping that you are now more familiar with the Theory of Knowledge course but our help does not end here! There are a lot of useful TOK guides on our blog regarding the format and structure or mark schemes of TOK Essay and Exhibition. Also, do not forget to visit the Clastify website for a ton of exemplars to choose from.
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