What is TOK? The TOK Exhibition and its 2022 Changes

What is TOK? Understanding the TOK Exhibition and its 2022 Changes

TOK and TOK Essay: a Definitive Guide Series: Part 2

byAnzhelika Karjalainen, MSc/July 25, 2023/inCAS/TOK, IB information

TOK and TOK Essay: a Definitive Guide Series Part 2

Welcome to our Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and TOK Essay a Definitive Guide Series! In this series of articles, you will learn everything there is to know about the IB TOK course, TOK exhibition, and writing a compelling TOK essay. So letâ€™s get started!

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a fundamental course that encourages critical thinking and explores the nature of knowledge. In this article, we will delve into the TOK Exhibition, an important component of the internal assessment in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Additionally, we will discuss the changes made to the TOK Exhibition in 2022 and compare it to the TOK Presentation.

The Purpose of TOK
The Key Components of TOK
TOK in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
The TOK Exhibition: An Overview
Changes in the 2022 TOK Exhibition
Comparing the TOK Presentation and TOK Exhibition
Tips for Excelling in the TOK Exhibition
Conclusion
FAQs

The Purpose of TOK

TOK aims to develop critical thinking skills, enhance understanding of knowledge, and promote intellectual curiosity. By exploring knowledge questions, areas of knowledge, and ways of knowing, TOK encourages individuals to question assumptions, evaluate different perspectives, and examine the limitations of knowledge.

The Key Components of TOK

TOK consists of three key components: Knowledge Questions, Areas of Knowledge, and Ways of Knowing.

Knowledge Questions

Knowledge Questions are open-ended inquiries that examine the nature of knowledge, its acquisition, and reliability. They play a central role in TOK, challenging individuals to think critically, explore diverse dimensions of knowledge, and evaluate the foundations of what we claim to know.

Areas of Knowledge

TOK recognizes various Areas of Knowledge, representing different disciplines or domains through which knowledge is acquired and understood. These areas include natural sciences, mathematics, history, arts, ethics, and more. Exploring these areas enables individuals to understand how knowledge is constructed and evaluated within specific contexts.

Ways of Knowing

Ways of Knowing refer to the methods and processes through which knowledge is obtained and validated. TOK explores different Ways of Knowing, such as perception, reason, language, emotion, and intuition. Understanding these ways of knowing helps individuals assess the strengths and limitations of different sources of knowledge.

TOK in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

TOK holds a significant position within the IB Diploma Program. It is a mandatory course that carries equal importance to other academic disciplines. The integration of TOK into the IB curriculum aims to foster critical thinking skills, encourage interdisciplinary understanding, and enable students to make connections between different subjects.

Changes in the 2022 TOK Presentation

In 2022, the TOK Presentation underwent changes to align it more closely with the TOK Essay and it was renamed to TOK exhibition. These changes aim to provide a clearer structure for students and enhance the assessment process. While the core purpose of the TOK Exhibition remains the same, students now need to produce a single file containing a title indicating the selected IA prompt, images of the three objects or images of objects, and a typed commentary on each object. The commentary should identify the object, its real-world context, justify its inclusion, and establish its connection to the IA prompt.

The TOK Exhibition: An Overview

The TOK Exhibition is an individual task that forms a crucial part of the internal assessment in TOK. It requires students to create an exhibition comprising three objects or images of objects that connect to one of the 35 “IA prompts” provided in the Theory of Knowledge guide. Accompanying the exhibition is a written commentary on each object, explaining its real-world context, justification for its inclusion, and its link to the selected IA prompt. The exhibition is marked by the teacher, with selected samples sent to the IB for moderation.

The TOK Exhibition (IA) prompts

1. What counts as knowledge?

2. Are some types of knowledge more useful than others?

3. What features of knowledge have an impact on its reliability?

4. On what grounds might we doubt a claim?

5. What counts as good evidence for a claim?

6. How does the way that we organize or classify knowledge affect what we know?

7. What are the implications of having, or not having, knowledge?

8. To what extent is certainty attainable?

9. Are some types of knowledge less open to interpretation than others?

10. What challenges are raised by the dissemination and/or communication of knowledge?

11. Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs?

12. Is bias inevitable in the production of knowledge?

13. How can we know that current knowledge is an improvement upon past knowledge?

14. Does some knowledge belong only to particular communities of knowers?

15. What constraints are there on the pursuit of knowledge?

16. Should some knowledge not be sought on ethical grounds?

17. Why do we seek knowledge?

18. Are some things unknowable?

19. What counts as a good justification for a claim?

20. What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge?

21. What is the relationship between knowledge and culture?

22. What role do experts play in influencing our consumption or acquisition of knowledge?

23. How important are material tools in the production or acquisition of knowledge?

24. How might the context in which knowledge is presented influence whether it is accepted or rejected?

25. How can we distinguish between knowledge, belief and opinion?

26. Does our knowledge depend on our interactions with other knowers?

27. Does all knowledge impose ethical obligations on those who know it?

28. To what extent is objectivity possible in the production or acquisition of knowledge?

29. Who owns knowledge?

30. What role does imagination play in producing knowledge about the world?

31. How can we judge when evidence is adequate?

32. What makes a good explanation?

33. How is current knowledge shaped by its historical development?

34. In what ways do our values affect our acquisition of knowledge?

35. In what ways do values affect the production of knowledge?

Tips for Excelling in the TOK Exhibition

To excel in the TOK Exhibition, consider the following tips:

Understand the role of objects: Select a variety of personal and academically relevant objects that showcase a specific theme and have a clear real-world context.
Connect objects to the IA prompt: Each chosen object should contribute to answering the selected IA prompt, providing different points of view.
Support points with evidence: Use evidence and explicit references to the IA prompt to support your arguments and justify the inclusion of each object.
Treat the IA prompt like an essay question: Approach the IA prompt as if it were an essay question, considering the points to address and the real-life examples that illustrate your arguments.

Conclusion

The TOK Exhibition is an essential part of the IB TOK program, allowing students to explore how TOK manifests in the world around us. With the recent changes in 2022, the TOK Exhibition now provides a more structured format for students to showcase their critical thinking skills and understanding of knowledge. By effectively connecting objects to the selected IA prompt and supporting their points with evidence, students can excel in this task and deepen their engagement with TOK principles.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I choose any object for the TOK Exhibition?

Yes, you have the flexibility to choose any object that connects to the selected IA prompt and has a specific real-world context. It is important to ensure that the chosen objects are relevant and contribute to answering the IA prompt effectively.

How should I structure the written commentary for each object in the TOK Exhibition?

For each object in the TOK Exhibition, your written commentary should include the following:

Identify the object and provide a brief description.

Explain the specific real-world context in which the object exists.

Justify why you included the object in your exhibition.

Establish a clear connection between the object and the selected IA prompt, explaining how it helps to address the prompt and contribute to your overall argument.

How should I cite and reference sources in the TOK Exhibition?

It is important to provide appropriate citations and references for any sources or materials used in your TOK Exhibition. Follow the citation style guidelines provided by your educational institution or the IB program. This ensures that you acknowledge the sources you have used and maintain academic integrity.

What is the purpose of the TOK Exhibition in the overall assessment of TOK?

The TOK Exhibition serves as a significant component of the internal assessment in TOK, contributing to approximately one-third of your total grade. It allows you to demonstrate your understanding of TOK concepts, critical thinking skills, and ability to connect knowledge to real-world contexts. The exhibition provides an opportunity for you to showcase your intellectual engagement and articulate your thoughts effectively.

About the Author

Anzhelika is a PhD candidate in Genetics and a marketing consultant at U4Success from Vienna, Austria. She leads our website and social media content strategy.