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Overview
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) programme is central to the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate. It challenges students and their teachers to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge, and to consider the role which knowledge plays in a global society. It encourages students to become aware of themselves as thinkers, to become aware of the complexity of knowledge, and to recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world.
The TOK programme is composed of questions, the most central of these questions is ‘How do I, or how do we, know that a given assertion is true, or a given judgment is well grounded?’ This programme applies this central question to many different, yet interrelated, topics.
Through the critical examination of knowledge students will develop an appreciation of the quest for knowledge, in particular its importance, its complexities, and its human implications. TOK encourages students to gain and apply their own knowledge with greater awareness and responsibility. Students will develop the values of curiosity, thoughtful inquiry and critical thought making the questions of knowledge their own.
Process
A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be used throughout the TOK course, such as;
- Discussion based upon readings and journal reflections
- Journals will be kept and added to regularly. Journal entries may be based upon class discussions, on specific tasks set, on the students own reflections, on items collected by the student
- Essay writing: essays will help students to prepare for their summative (final externally assessed essay) assessment
- Peer editing of essays, essay drafts and essay plans will help students become familiar with assessment criteria
- Group work – discussion, debate, role playing, simulations, games
- Note making
- Use and evaluation of sources (Book, Journals, magazines, on-line resources)
- Presentations / Seminars by students applying ‘TOK’ thinking to issues
Topics
Topics that will be covered in the TOK course are;
- Knower(s) and Knowing
- Ways of Knowing
- Perception Across the Areas of Knowledge
- Language Across the Areas of Knowledge
- Emotion Across the Areas of Knowledge
- Reason Across the Areas of Knowledge
IB Assessment
Formative Assessment
This is designed to develop the skills and knowledge needed by students to meet the requirements of the summative assessment. Formative assessment will be undertaken using a variety of methods such as; essay writing, discussion, presentations and seminars. These will provide opportunities to evaluate the student’s level of understanding and will be assessed according to assessment criteria and descriptors.
Summative (Final) Assessment
The assessment model in TOK comprises two components, both of which should be completed in the time designated for the course:
External Assessment (40 points)
Essay on a Prescribed Title (1200-1600 words)
One essay on a title chosen from a list of ten titles prescribed by the IBO for each examination session
Internal Assessment (20 points)
The Presentation (approximately 10 minutes)
One presentation to the class
One written self-evaluation report which includes;
A concise description of the presentation
Answers particular set questions
The presentation is an integral part of the TOK course.
VIS Assessment
The VIS grade will be based on the differentiation of tasks and assignments from the above list. These differentiated tasks and assignments will be handed out with the course outlines at the beginning of the school year.
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