Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is central to the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and is designed to help students apply knowledge in and across all subjects, providing coherent thinking.
TOK explores questions about knowledge and the process of knowing. TOK emphasises comparisons and connections between areas of knowledge and encourages students to become more aware of their own perspectives and the perspectives of others. In TOK, students reflect on the knowledge, beliefs and opinions that they have built up from their years of academic studies and their lives outside the classroom. The course is intended to be challenging and thought-provoking, as well as empowering for students.
This course will enable students to:
Encourage students to reflect on the central question, “How do we know that?” and to recognise the value of asking that question
Expose students to ambiguity, uncertainty and questions with multiple plausible answers
Equip students to effectively navigate and make sense of the world, and help prepare them to encounter novel and complex situations
Encourage students to be more aware of their own perspectives and to reflect critically on their own beliefs and assumptions
Engage students with multiple perspectives, foster open-mindedness and develop intercultural understanding
Encourage students to make connections between academic disciplines by exploring underlying concepts and by identifying similarities and differences in the methods of inquiry used in different areas of knowledge
Prompt students to consider the importance of values, responsibilities and ethical concerns relating to the production, acquisition, application and communication of knowledge.
TOK is based on the development of specific skills:
Identifying knowledge claims (what is thought to be true)
Identifying knowledge questions (the questions that arise from these claims)
Finding links between knowledge theories and the questions that arise from issues being explored
Providing examples that support and counter observed knowledge questions and claims
Applying analytical skills (including critical thinking, reflective line of inquiry, accepting ambiguity, open ended questioning, connectedness, relevance, problem solving, collaborating, synthesis, and deconstruction).
Assessment
Essay
The TOK essay engages students in a more formal and sustained piece of writing in response to a title focused on the areas of knowledge. The essay is an external assessment component; it is marked by IB examiners. The essay must be a maximum of 1,600 words and must be on one of the six prescribed titles issued by the IB for each examination session.
Exhibition
The TOK Exhibition assesses the ability of the student to show how TOK manifests in the world around us. The exhibition is an internal assessment component; it is marked by the teacher and is externally moderated by the IB. For this task, students are required to create an exhibition of three objects that connect to a prompt provided to the student. They must also submit an accompanying written commentary on each object of 950 words total.