The first question every new student and every parent asks me is – WHAT IS TOK?? And the very first thing I always say is – It is so much more than just a DP Course; it’s a life lesson. There is no denying the fact it is the DP Core that truly sets the IBDP apart from other curricula across the globe, and of that, TOK is something that completely opens up one’s horizons and alters one’s worldview. It forms one of the most important aspects of a young mind, especially when they’ll be going into the world as adults soon.

Acceptance and respect for other’s opinions and perspectives, no matter your own convictions and perspectives, is at the heart of TOK, together with a critical thinking approach towards all subjects and an appreciation of cultural, social, emotional, political diversity around the world.

The IBDP philosophy encourages all teachers to be TOK teachers, incorporating the spirit of critical thinking and questioning in their regular class teaching and learning process. The hallmark of a good TOK student is to ask WHY is it so and HOW did this come about in the subjects they study and in the world around them, and the hallmark of successful TOK teacher is to give justifiable, convincing answers. It is imperative for parents to acknowledge this essence of TOK and try and open their hearts and minds as well.

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~Ms.Shweta Verma

  TOK Coordinator