Building Collaboration in TOK
Theory of Knowledge or TOK as commonly known, is one of the core subjects of the IB Diploma Program which aims to develop students’ critical thinking through knowledge questions in the context of the Areas of Knowledge and ways of knowing. TOK depends on the disciplines to provide enrichment, and individual subjects should be nourished by TOK as one of the core subjects.
In order to further enhance this practice and process across IBDP subjects, two professional development sessions about TOK integration, led by Ms. Mary Joy Cabreza, were held last December 6, 2019 and February 21, 2020. The session on December 6 focused on the recap of basic TOK concepts and assessments, emphasis on the value of TOK in the IBDP Curriculum and role of each discipline in the TOK Knowledge Framework. While the February 21, 2020 session was exclusive to Groups 1 and 2 subject teachers to further emphasize TOK in literature and language acquisition subjects.
The IBDP teachers were placed into collaborative learning groups as they perform pre-assessment activity, identify and explain the knowledge framework of their subjects, discuss possible TOK integration and raise questions to clarify some matters.
Overall, the session was filled with sharing, collaboration and openness to new methods in order to develop our students’ critical thinking and strengthen collaboration in TOK.