Theory of knowledge (IB course)
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Theory of knowledge (TOK) is a mandatory core component and "flagship element"[1] of the IB Diploma Programme and is the only course that all students take. TOK is an epistemology course for students with the objective to promote critical thinking about the six subject groups and the knowledge that students obtain outside of their classrooms. According to the syllabus, one objective of TOK is to help students "make sense of what they encounter",[2] by learning to critically examine the reliability of sources of knowledge, to distinguish between good and poor reasoning, to spot intentional or accidental bias, and to identify inconsistencies.
Course description
Unlike standard academic disciplines, the theory of knowledge course uses a process of discovering and sharing students' views on "knowledge issues" (an umbrella term for "everything that can be approached from a TOK point of view"), so "there is no end to the valid questions that may arise", "there are many different ways to approach TOK", "the sheer scope of the TOK course is daunting" and "teachers and students need the confidence to go a little—not too far—outside their traditional comfort zones."[3] Teachers have freedom to select a teaching methodology and course material that will convey the theoretical foundation of essential concepts, and provide an environment in which these concepts can be discussed and debated. The focus of the discussion should not be the differentiation between "right" and "wrong" ideas, but rather on the quality of justification and a balanced approach to the knowledge claim in question.
The TOK course uses three major divisions, in no particular order ("many entry points and sequences are possible"):[4]
- Ways of knowing (sense perception, reason, emotion and language/tone/symbols/nomenclature).
- Areas of knowledge (mathematics, natural sciences, human sciences, history, the arts and ethics): their distinct natures and methods of gaining knowledge, the types of claim each makes and the issues to consider (e.g. "How do you know that the scientific method is a valid method of gaining knowledge?", "What is the reason for having historical knowledge, and how is it applied in life?").
- Factors that transcend individual ways of knowing and areas of knowledge:
- Nature of knowing: what are the differences between information, data, belief, faith, opinion, knowledge and wisdom?
- Knowledge communities: what is taken for granted in a community? How can we decide which beliefs we ought to check further?
- Knowers' sources and applications of knowledge: how do age, education, culture and experience influence selection of sources and formation of knowledge claims? If you know something, or how to do something, do you have a responsibility to use your knowledge?
- Justifications of knowledge claims: why should claims be assessed critically? Are logic, sensory perception, revelation, faith, memory, consensus, authority, intuition, and self-awareness equally reliable justifications? Use of coherence, correspondence, pragmatism, and consensus as criteria of truth.
The TOK course is expected to involve 100 teaching hours over the two years of the Diploma Programme.[1] Having followed the course, students should be competent to analyse knowledge claims and respond to knowledge issues in the context of different areas of knowledge and ways of knowing, expressing ideas accurately and honestly, using examples from their own experiences as learners and in outside life.[5]
Assessment
Theory of knowledge is assessed in two parts: an externally examined 1,200-1,600 word essay and an internally assessed presentation.[6] Each part is scored using assessment criteria (four criteria for the essay and four for the presentation) that describe levels of achievement (e.g. "The inquiry explores knowledge issues. Most points are justified; most arguments are coherent. Some counterclaims are considered." describes level 5–6 in one of the essay criteria). The total score is converted into a grade from A to E. A similar system is used for the extended essay and students can gain up to 3 points for the diploma based on the grades achieved for TOK and EE. No diploma is awarded if a candidate fails to submit both a TOK essay and TOK presentation, or receives grade E for both the extended essay and theory of knowledge.
% awarded grade | A | B | C | D | E |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Theory of knowledge | 6.72% | 32.58% | 43.44% | 16.32% | 0.93% |
Source: May 2008 results at page 15 of ibsca Curriculum Content Guide, 4 February 2009[7] |
TOK essay
Each year the IB prescribes ten essay titles from which students must choose, e.g. "All knowledge claims should be open to rational criticism. On what grounds and to what extent would you agree with this assertion?"[8] Each title raises generic cross-disciplinary questions about knowledge, and the student is expected to consider the issues raised in the title and reach conclusions about them. The essay should put forward claims and counterclaims, linking knowledge issues to areas of knowledge and ways of knowing,[9] and show evidence of original thinking by the student.[10] Essays outside the 1,200–1,600 word length (excluding any references and bibliography) are penalised. [11]
TOK presentation
During the TOK course students must plan and deliver at least one individual or small group (maximum three students) presentation to the class. The topic should be based on a real-life situation of interest to the student, e.g. "Reliability of media reporting of science", "What makes a work of art?" &c., and the presentation is expected to show why the topic is significant, linking it to relevant knowledge issues, discussing those issues and examining the implications of approaching the question from different perspectives. Teachers have wide latitude to help with topic selection and identifying suitable approaches. About ten minutes should be allowed for each presenter, and almost any form is permitted (e.g. debates, games, skits, interviews etc.) except reading an essay aloud.[12]
See also
References
- ^ a b Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. p. 3.
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- ^ Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. pp. 3–4.
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ignored (help) - ^ Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. p. 5.
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ignored (help) - ^ Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. p. 41.
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ignored (help) - ^ ibsca Curriculum Content Guide, February 2009
- ^ "Core: Diploma requirements – 2 Theory of knowledge". 2009 Handbook of procedures for the Diploma Programme. ibo.org.
- ^ Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. p. 44.
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- ^ Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. p. 55.
An essay that fails to meet the word limit of 1,200–1,600 words will not score above level 4 on this criterion
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External links
- TOKTalk.net TOK Essay and presentation advice, TOK podcast.
- IBTokSpot TOK Blog
- IBTokSpot TOK Blog
- Steedmantok
- Steedmantok
- Knowledgetheory
- Lancaster School TOK
- ThoK Essay tips etc.