What is Theory of Knowledge
The NEW TOK 2022 SYLLABUS (TOK) course plays a special role in the Diploma Programme (DP) by providing an opportunity for students to construct their knowledge, rather than acquire it by adopting the art of metacognition. Rather than being seen as a standalone course, it is intended that TOK will underpin, and inter-correlate other courses in the rest of the program, be it in the classroom or in the outside world.
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It helps the self-regulated learners to reflect on the nature, scope and limitations of knowledge and the process of knowing. The course can have a huge impact on the art of learning any concept in life.
Since the students get to collaborate and draw a trans-disciplinary integration with different disciplines, it helps them to actively engage with multiple perspectives and to be more aware of their own personal perspectives and assumptions.
Theory of knowledge ib
The theory of knowledge IB inculcates an intense analytical skill set in students. The idea is to connect knowledge and the knower. Knowledge is a complex commodity and it comes with a lot of problems.
- Students are expected to construct knowledge through different ways.
- Develop coherent and logical arguments.
- Examine and ratify the evidence for their claims.
- Develop logical and coherent arguments.
- Clearly distinguish between fact as verifiable and opinion as non-verifiable.
- Invite counter claims and collaborate.
- Get exposed to multiple perspectives and to be more aware of their own personal perspectives and assumptions.
What is TOK 2022?
The TOK 2022 (first assessment 2022) is made up of three interconnected parts:
The core theme—Knowledge and the knower: It calls for the students to be knowers, become aware of the community in which they belong, and develop a sense of belongingness.
Optional themes: This element gives a deeper insight into two themes pertinent to the teachers’ and students’ interests. The themes are very realistic in shaping up a person’s identity and perspective. Teachers select two optional themes from a choice of five: knowledge and technology, knowledge and language, knowledge and politics, knowledge and religion, and knowledge and indigenous societies.
Areas of knowledge: The areas of knowledge (AOK) are specific branches of knowledge, each of a unique nature and adopting different ways of knowing (WOK-s). The students get to explore five compulsory AOKs: history; the human sciences, the natural sciences, mathematics, and the arts.
The most important tool for the teacher-student collaborative learning process is guidance and well suggested knowledge questions (KQ-s).
These suggested knowledge questions are organized into a framework of four elements: scope, perspectives, methods and tools, and ethics. The TOK course focuses on exploring the KQ-s. knowledge questions. KQ-s act as a key tool to invite collaborative TOK discussion in the class than just an interesting group discussion. These suggested knowledge questions are organized into a framework of four elements: scope, perspectives, methods and tools, and ethics.
TOK concepts
The 12 TOK concepts are evidence, certainty, truth, interpretation, power, justification, explanation, objectivity, perspective, culture, values and responsibility. Exploration of the relationship between knowledge and these concepts can help students form a strong foundation and transfer their knowledge in different contexts.
Theory of knowledge Knowledge Questions
Knowledge questions help students and teachers to ensure that they are keeping a clear and explicit focus on knowledge. TOK discussions can be as myriad as incorporating political, social, or ethical issues. Knowledge questions are contestable in nature.
An example:
The ethical issues can be-
- Is it stealing to take resources from work for personal use?
- Is it ethical to use resources provided for work for personal use?
The associated KQ can be-
- Do emotion, logic, analysis and reason have equal weight in making or justifying ethical decisions?
TOK exhibition and TOK essay
There are two assessment tasks in the TOK course:
- The TOK exhibition- It evaluates the students’ understanding, assimilation, and application to demonstrate how TOK manifests in the world around us. The exhibition is an internal assessment component and is marked by the teacher and is externally moderated by the IB. The exhibition involves choosing three objects by the student to connect it with 1 of the 35 pre-listed IA prompts. The idea is to link one of the optional themes of the core theme to write 950 words maximum. Students are encouraged to link tok concepts with the knowledge framework.
- The TOK essay- It encourages students to pen down their thoughts in a logical, coherent sequential manner with a formal planning in response to a title focused on the areas of knowledge. The essay is an external assessment component and 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. More details about the TOK essay can be found here.
The complete evaluation framework invites flexibility, creativity, innovation, design thinking with a precise delivery.
Theory of knowledge Deming
TOK areas of knowledge includes the arts, mathematics, the natural sciences, the human science and history.
TOK areas of knowledge
- To encourage students to reflect on the central question, “How do we know what and how to know?”
- To expose students to adversity with multiple plausible answers with the aim of inculcating the problem solving skill set.
- To equip students to effectively encompass the world and be risk taker in encountering complex situations, thereby developing the adversity quotient in them.
- To encourage students to be familiar of their own perspectives and critique their assumptions.
- To expose students to multiple perspectives and infuse the spirit of international-mindedness.
- To help them make trans-disciplinary connections with other disciplines, different AOK-S addressed by the WOK-s.
- To prompt students to showcase their ethical stance in communicating the knowledge constructed.
What are the objectives of TOK 2022 course to enable students?
- Demonstrate TOK thinking through the critical-analytical evaluation of KQ
- Recognize and explore interconnectedness of KQ with the real world
- Thread the link between KQ and the AOK-s
- Frame hypothesis, support their claims with evidence, invite counter-claims and draw realistic conclusions
For help in TOK Exhibition and TOK Essay, click ‘Say Hello’ to reach out to experienced TOK instructors.
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