TOK “Terms & Conditions”

IB DP

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

ATL

Approaches to Learning – includes Thinking Skills, Research Skills, Self-

Management Skills, Communication Skills, and Social Skill

IB DP Core

Includes Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay & Creativity – Activity Service

TOK Central Question

How do we know what we know?

AOK

Area of Knowledge

What are the 5 AOKs?

The Arts, History, Mathematics, Human Sciences & Natural Sciences

Core Theme

Knowledge & The Knower

Optional Themes

Knowledge and.. • Technology* • Language* • Politics • Religion • Indigenous Societies *These are the two themes we will do

Required TOK Material

Core theme + 2 Optional Themes + All 5 AOKs

TOK Exhibition

Internal Assessment (IA) - Students choose three objects to answer a prescribed prompt about knowledge – this assessment engages the core & optional themes (950 words) - Done in Junior year

TOK Essay

External Assessment – Students write on a prescribed prompt about knowledge and use the AOKs (~1600 words) - Done in Senior year

Knowledge Framework

Comprised of four elements: Scope, Perspective, Methods & Tools and Ethics. We use these four elements as a framework in order to provide a structure to help us explore and analyze the different aspects of the course, as well as providing a common vocabulary to help encourage comparisons and connections across the AOKs and themes.

1- Scope

focuses on exploring the nature and scope of the different themes and areas of knowledge. It explores how each theme/area of knowledge fits within the totality of human knowledge

2- Perspective

focuses on the importance and influence of perspectives and context. This includes reflection on the students’ own perspectives and what informs them, as well as how different people or groups view or approach knowledge in the different themes/areas of knowledge

3- Methods & Tools

focuses on exploring the methods, tools and practices that we use to produce knowledge. This includes the building of conceptual frameworks, the establishing of traditions and practices, as well as the methodologies employed by formal disciplines

4- Ethics

focuses on exploring ethics and the ethical considerations that have an impact on inquiry in the different themes and areas of knowledge. This includes aspects such as the relationship between facts and values, and how ethical and epistemic values are built into the quest for knowledge

Knowledge Question

Knowledge questions are questions about knowledge that are contestable and answered with thorough analysis that is effectively supported by examples and evidence. Knowledge questions are about: how knowledge is produced, acquired, shared and used; what it is and what it is not; who has it and who does not; and who decides the answers to these questions.

Knowledge Claims

Claims made about knowledge in response to knowledge questions; claims must be well supported and based on accurate and effective analysis.

Does TOK focus on acquiring new knowledge?

No – TOK serves as an interdisciplinary bridge between DP subject areas. The focus of TOK is new perspectives and ideas about knowledge.

What is the most important “condition” for TOK?

Open-mindedness is the most important condition for TOK

TOK Concepts

12 concepts outlined by IB to be used in the exploration of knowledge and to help students to deepen their understanding

1 - Evidence

The data or information used to support a claim

2- Certainty

How confident we are in a knowledge claim

3 - Truth

Whether a statement or belief matches reality

- Interpretation

How meaning is assigned to raw data, texts, or events.

Power

How influence and authority control which knowledge is shared, accepted, or hidden.

- Justification

The good reasons or valid arguments used to back up a belief so it counts as knowledge.

Explanation

Making clear why or how something happens within a system or phenomenon.

Objectivity

The pursuit of knowledge free from personal feelings, background, or bias.

- Perspective

A specific point of view shaped by a person's context, background, or culture.

Culture

The shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group that shape how they understand the world.

Values

The moral or foundational principles that guide judgments and choices

Responsibilities

The ethical duty and accountability tied to how we produce and use knowledge

CAS

Creativity – Activity – Service

CAS Experience

CAS Experiences make up the majority of your MB and CAS portfolio; they are long-term and short-term engagements in the three strands of CAS that are updated on a regular basis with hours and reflective evidence.

CAS Project

CAS Projects are a specific undertaking – they must be 30-days minimum, engage two or three strands of CAS, six learning outcomes and must address a genuine need in the world.

CAS Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes are benchmarks that an experience or project meets to help you grow as a more well-rounded, community-minded individual. They are: 

Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth. 

Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. 

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience. 

Show commitment to, and perseverance in, CAS experiences. 

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively. 

Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance. 

Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions.

Reflective Evidence

Reflective evidence can be photos, videos, work products or written reflections of 150-200 words

Journal

Journals must be written, 300-500 words, reflecting on the progress and growth experienced during the duration of a CAS experience or project

EE

Extended Essay

EE Subject Area

The larger area of study for the EE (i.e. Physics, English, Theater, etc)

EE Topic

The specific study or focus of your particular EE (i.e. The strength of propaganda in the move to Global war in the Pacific West