What is everyone TOKing about?

Believe it or not, I did not spell that wrong above and no it is not a cool European way of spelling “talking.” 

What is TOK?

I am glad you asked! TOK is a class at Sotogrande International School that all Diploma students take (16-18 year olds). TOK stands for Theory of Knowledge and focuses on how people get their knowledge about the world around you. It has similarities with philosophy in the United States, but also uses elements from all other subject areas. This class requires students to do projects and presentations to inform their peers about theories of knowledge and how we perceive our world.

What type of projects have students done in TOK?

            Projects that I have seen at SIS include art and psychology. Art projects included original works and interpretations of these pieces of art. Students debated on what type of messages were being sent through the art and how different people might see this art differently. Students also looked at the validity of this information they had created. One project I particularly enjoyed was one that had 3 couples holding hands (a boy and a girl, 2 girls, and 2 boys). Students then continued to discuss the messages that were being sent. TOK projects that students are currently working on are ones with a focus on psychology. Examples of these projects include; How does music affect students work (rock vs. classical vs. silence), How do people conform to authority figures, and How do different cultures perceive beauty? 

How is this class regulated or graded?

            Teachers give students immediate feedback on their presentations. They go over the standards that students need to meet and classmates also add in constructive criticism or areas of high quality work. Also, before students graduate they send in a video recording of one of their presentations to the IB Certificate Officials to critique their work. This is a very formal and important part of students’ school career.

Does anyone have any more questions? Feel free to post any if you feel so inclined! Until next time….

Adios de La Playa Del Cristo,

Drew Ingvalson