The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) consists of three core components, one of which is the Theory of Knowledge — which is commonly referred to as the TOK. As a key DP component, TOK helps students to reflect on the knowledge they already possess. It encourages students to be aware of their perspectives, and critically reflect on their own beliefs.
The students think deeply about various areas of knowledge – the differences and commonalities, which underpins the subjects that they study as part of DP. The focus is not so much on acquiring new knowledge under this mandatory component, as thinking about the nature, scope and limitations of the process of knowing.
Here is what you need to know about the TOK within the IBDP and how it will help develop your child’s critical-thinking skills.
TOK structure:
The central question of the TOK course is “How do we know what we know?” But other questions that students will contemplate throughout their studies include:
● What counts as evidence?
● How do we know that this is the best model?
● What does this theory mean in a real-world scenario?
As students ponder these questions, they begin to discuss their answers with their classmates and instructor. As a result, they develop an appreciation for a diverse range of thought, and they learn to understand how a person’s background or culture can influence their view of the world. In addition, students start to develop a better understanding of their own personal and ideological theories.
Course elements:
Core theme: Knowledge and the knower; enables students to reflect on themselves as knowers and thinkers.
Optional themes: Students need to opt for two out of five themes.
1. Knowledge and technology
2. Knowledge and language
3. Knowledge and politics
4. Knowledge and religion
5. Knowledge and indigenous societies
Areas of knowledge: Students have to study these five subject areas.
1. History
2. The human sciences
3. The natural sciences
4. The arts
5. Mathematics
TOK focuses on:
Developing a deeper understanding among students about various tools that humans use to become aware and gain knowledge. The process of knowing can include language, emotion, reason or perception.
● Exposing students to ambiguous and uncertain questions with several possible answers. In the ToK, students get to know that knowledge is not finite — and that knowledge sometimes changes over time. Students learn to push their boundaries and ask questions, probing the nature of knowledge by analysing previously made claims, evaluating evidence, and asking their own questions.
● Student engagement to foster open-mindedness and cross-cultural understanding. It also prompts students to consider the significance of values and responsibilities.
Assessment of TOK
The TOK assessment consists of two parts:
● Internal assessment: Theory of knowledge exhibition
● External assessment: Theory of knowledge essay on a prescribed title
Internal assessment:
For the internal assessment, done by the schoolteacher and moderated by the IB at the end of the DP, students have to create an exhibition of three objects along with commentaries on how TOK is evident in the world around us. The weightage is 33%.
Sample essay titles:
● How important are the opinions of experts in the search for knowledge? Answer with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge.
● Is the division of the natural sciences and mathematics into separate areas of knowledge artificial?
● To what extent do you agree with the claim that “knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice” (Anton Chekhov)? Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.
External assessment:
For the external assessment, marked by IB examiners, students need to write an essay on one of the six topics, as prescribed by the IB for that particular examination session. The weightage is 67%.
Sample exhibition prompts:
● On what grounds might we doubt a claim?
● What role do experts play in influencing our consumption or acquisition of knowledge?
● How can we distinguish between knowledge, belief and opinion?
IBDP at GIIS
GIIS has offered the IBDP to its students for the last 17 years, and it has been a very successful programme. All of our faculty members are IB-trained professionals. They continue to pursue regular training opportunities to stay up-to-date on the latest IBDP offerings and objectives.
Beyond that, our faculty members are encouraged to be IB examiners, and we are proud that more than 70 per cent of our staff members are IB examiners. With an excellent team of staff members there to support them, GIIS students are able to leverage the state-of-the-art resources available on campus and successfully complete the IBDP.
Our track record proves that we are committed to the success of all of our students. In the 2021 cohort alone, we had 16 World Toppers and 9 Near-Perfect Scorers. Our results continue to soar higher with our students pursuing higher education in top colleges across the world.
Listen to our podcast: IB Diploma Programme for a brighter future
At GIIS, we are proud to offer the IBDP, and we see first-hand how the Theory of Knowledge encourages our students to begin thinking more critically.
Book a campus tour today to learn more about the IBDP at GIIS.
Information shared under some sections of this blog is as quoted in the IB TOK subject brief.
Deepa Chandrasekaran
Ms. Deepa Chandrasekaran is a highly-qualified and experienced teacher at GIIS Singapore since 2007. With more than 10 years of experience as the IBDP coordinator at GIIS, Ms. Deepa is well-versed with the IB Diploma curriculum, subject-selection counselling, examinations, teacher orientation and training. She teaches Higher Level and Standard Level Economics in the DP, and is passionate about creating a stimulating learning environment for DP students.
