Theory Of Knowledge (TOK)

This course is obligatory for every candidate for the diploma. It is a key element in the educational philosophy of the IB. Its purpose is to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and the experience of students both in and outside the classroom. The course is thus “philosophical” in the sense that it is meant to encourage students to acquire a critical awareness of what they and others know through analyzing concepts and arguments as well as the bases of value judgements which all human beings have to make.

Aims

The aims of the TOK course are to:
develop a fascination with the richness of knowledge as a human endeavour, and an understanding of the empowerment that follows from reflecting upon it
develop an awareness of how knowledge is constructed, critically examined, evaluated and renewed, by communities and individuals
encourage students to reflect on their experiences as learners, in everyday life and in the Diploma Programme, and to make connections between academic disciplines and between thoughts, feelings and actions
encourage an interest in the diversity of ways of thinking and ways of living of individuals and communities, and an awareness of personal and ideological assumptions, including participants’ own
encourage consideration of the responsibilities originating from the relationship between knowledge, the community and the individual as citizen of the world.

Objectives

Having followed the TOK course, students should be able to:

analyse critically knowledge claims, their underlying assumptions and their implications
generate questions, explanations, conjectures, hypotheses, alternative ideas and possible solutions in response to knowledge issues concerning areas of knowledge, ways of knowing and students’ own experience as learners
demonstrate an understanding of different perspectives on knowledge issues
draw links and make effective comparisons between different approaches to knowledge issues that derive from areas of knowledge, ways of knowing, theoretical positions and cultural values
demonstrate an ability to give a personal, self-aware response to a knowledge issue
formulate and communicate ideas clearly with due regard for accuracy and academic honesty.

The assessment model in theory of knowledge (TOK) comprises two components, both of which should be completed within the 100 hours designated for the course.

Part 1: External assessment (40 points)

Essay on a prescribed title (1,200–1,600 words)

One essay on a title chosen from a list of ten titles prescribed by the IBO for each examination session.

Part 2: Internal assessment (20 points)

The presentation (approximately 10 minutes per student)

One presentation to the class.

One written presentation planning document and presentation marking form, including:
the knowledge issue that is the focus of the presentation
a summary in note form of the knowledge issues to be treated during the presentation
achievement levels for each of the four assessment criteria, briefly justified, from both student and teacher.

Theory of Knowledge

Extended Essay	Excellent A	Good B	Satisfactory C	Mediocre D	Elementary E	Not submitted
Excellent A	3	3	2	2	1	N
Good B	3	2	1	1	0	N
Satisfactory C	2	1	1	0	0	N
Mediocre D	2	1	0	0	0	N
Elementary E	1	0	0	0	Failing condition	N
Not submitted	N	N	N	N	N	N