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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]

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

Points available from extended essay and TOK grades

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

  1. ^ a b Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. p. 3. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. ^ Diploma Programme Guide – Theory of knowledge. International Baccalaureate Organization, 2006, p.3
  3. ^ Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. pp. 3–4. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  4. ^ Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. pp. 6–35. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. ^ Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. p. 5. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  6. ^ Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. p. 41. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  7. ^ ibsca Curriculum Content Guide, February 2009
  8. ^ "Core: Diploma requirements – 2 Theory of knowledge". 2009 Handbook of procedures for the Diploma Programme. ibo.org.
  9. ^ Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. p. 44. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  10. ^ ""Help" with IB assessment tasks". ibo.org. Retrieved 2009-08-11.
  11. ^ 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 {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  12. ^ Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008). International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006. pp. 46–50, 57–60. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)