A Parent’s Practical Guide to Theory of Knowledge

(TOK)

TOK

​

A hands-on exploration of critical, creative, and applied thinking skills

Why TOK?

The three elements of the programme Core (TOK, CAS and the extended essay) were introduced by the original curriculum designers of the DP as a way to educate the whole person and integrate the programme.

TOK is not only a stand alone subject; it is integrated into all DP courses.

Passing each element of the Core (as well as courses) is required to earn an IB Diploma. Students can even earn ‘bonus’ points if they do well.

How does TOK fit into a student’s final IB score?

Why TOK?

• TOK provides an opportunity for students to reflect on the nature of knowledge.
• TOK explores both the personal and shared aspects of knowledge and investigates the relationships between them.
• The raw material of TOK is knowledge itself.
• Students think about how knowledge is arrived at in the various disciplines, what the disciplines have in common and the differences between them.
• The fundamental question of TOK is “how do we know that?”
• TOK is concerned with ‘knowing about knowing.’

Elements & Organization of TOK

How do you know anything?

• Reflecting on different types of inputs you use… in TOK we call these the Ways of Knowing (WOKs)
• Reflect on any specific frames of reference... in TOK we call these the Areas of Knowledge (AOKs)

The Eight Ways of Knowing

the lenses through which we ‘know’

• Language
• Sense Perception
• Emotion
• Reason

• Faith
• Imagination
• Intuition
• Memory

The Eight Areas of Knowledge

‘what’ we know (content) and how we know it (methodology) in each discipline

• Natural Sciences
• Arts
• History
• Ethics

• Human Sciences
• Mathematics
• Religious Knowledge Systems
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Knowledge Claims

In TOK there are two types of knowledge claims:

• Claims that are made within particular areas of knowledge or by individual knowers about the world. It is the job of TOK to examine the basis for these first-order claims.

​

• Claims that are made about knowledge. These are the second-order claims made in TOK that are justified using the tools of TOK which usually involve an examination of the nature of knowledge.

Knowledge Questions

Knowledge questions are questions about knowledge. Instead of focusing on specific content, they focus on how knowledge is constructed and evaluated. In this sense knowledge questions are a little different from many of the questions dealt with in the subject classrooms. In this way, they are considered second-order questions in TOK.

Example: Future population growth in India

Subject area question: “How can we predict future population growth in India?”

TOK knowledge question: “How can a mathematical model provide knowledge even if it does not yield accurate predictions?”

How much statistical data should be used to determine the reliability of a result?

​

Assessment in TOK

Ten-minute Oral Presentation (internally assessed, completed November D2 year)

33% of the final mark

​

Identify and explore a knowledge question raised by a substantive real-life situation that is of interest to them. The selected real-life situation should have personal, school, or community relevance, or one of national, international or global scope. Whatever situation is chosen, it must lend itself naturally to a question about knowledge.

​

​

1600 Word Essay (externally assessed, completed by January D2 year)

67% of the final mark

​

An essay on any one of the six titles prescribed by the IB for each examination session. The titles ask generic questions about knowledge and are cross-disciplinary in nature. They should be answered with reference to any part or parts of the TOK course, to specific disciplines, and with reference to opinions gained about knowledge both inside and outside the classroom.

Some of our student’s presentation topics....

To what extent should governments limit the acquisition of knowledge in the natural sciences? [RLS - UK scientists seek permission to genetically modify human embryos] See included video and PPT

Is it ethical for a government to operate against its Constitution in order to protect the rights enshrined in the Constitution? [RLS - The proposal to ban the German National Democratic Party (former Nazi Party) from standing for elections] See included video and PPT

Why know anything? An exploration of the necessity of knowledge [RLS-The 'iPal' - a robot that can act as a parent to a young child]

To what extent is the production of knowledge in the natural sciences influenced by reason? [RLS- Tina Gorjanc, a 26 year old design graduate, has proposed using tissue-engineering technology to create leather designer goods from DNA cultivated from the deceased fashion designer, Alexander McQueen.]

TOK 2017 Prescribed Essay Titles

1. “It is only knowledge produced with difficulty that we truly value.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
2. “Facts are needed to establish theories but theories are needed to make sense of facts.” Discuss this statement with reference to two Areas of Knowledge.
3. Should key events in the historical development of areas of knowledge always be judged by the standards of their time?
4. “In the production of knowledge, traditions of areas of knowledge offer correctives for Ways of Knowing.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
5. Given access to the same facts, how is it possible that there can be disagreement between experts in a discipline? Develop your answer with reference to two Areas of Knowledge.
6. “Humans are pattern seeking animals and we are adept at finding patterns whether they exist or not”. Discuss knowledge questions raised by this idea in two Areas of Knowledge.

Sample 2016 TOK Essays

“‘In knowledge, there is always a trade-off between accuracy and simplicity’. Evaluate this statement with respect to two Areas of Knowledge.”

See included essay

​

“The whole point of knowledge is to produce both meaning and purpose in our lives.” Assess the validity of this statement.

See included essay

​

How can parents help students in TOK?

Read the newspaper and discuss current events:

​

• Inquire into the “known” – dig deeper into the scientific method used in studies put forward in the media.
• Challenge the obvious – do we always make rational financial decisions?
• Research detail – find differing points of view on an issue and defend a position you disagree with.
• Think about meaning – does the visual language of advertising influence our beliefs about what is ‘right’ and ‘worthy’.
• Define what ‘is’ or ‘might be’ – examine public policy proposals, propose and discuss solutions to issues of importance.
• Consider your own experience and where you stand on issues of the day - support your thinking with logic, examples and counterclaims.
• Consider the implications of all this to one’s own life.

Taking TOK too far……..