The best ToK course structure flow chart ever (probably).
OK, the title of this blog would be deemed to be an "unsubstantiated assertion" by an IB Essay Examiner. However, if anyone has seen a better ToK course structure than the one below then please send it to me for comparative evaluation.
The best ToK Course Structure flowchart, ever (probably).
Click here for a large PDF of the flowchart.
The left side of the chart shows the factors to be taken into account when choosing how to structure your ToK Course.
The right side of the chart shows the 3 (+1) course structures which I looked at in my previous blogs / videos on ToK Course Structure.
The detailed blog on ToK Course Structure is linked here.
The long video (part 1) on ToK Course Structure is linked here.
The long video (part 2) on ToK Course Structure is linked here.
Why should ToK Teachers care about Course Structure?
Granted, course structure is not the most scintillating of topics for most teachers, particularly those new to the course. However, the way that the course is structured very much determines how it is delivered. The method(s) of course delivery are probably the biggest factor in determining the quality of learning, the student (& teacher) experience of the course, and the learning outcomes.
"How do I improve the ToK grades that my students receive ?"
I often hear ToK teachers asking how to improve their ToK grades. When we talk about why a particular cohort of students may have received lower than expected ToK grades we may turn to looking for flaws in the assessment system. Of course, the assessment system is applied in a standardised manner for all students, so if our particular students received lower grades relative to other students in the same cohort we need to look at factors other than the assessment system. I would suggest looking at the course structure in order to gain a better understanding of the longitudinal development of learning in the cohort.
If we get the course structure right we're 80%+ of the way to getting good grades in ToK. That's why I tried to make The Best ToK Course Structure in the World, ever (probably).
Daniel,
Lisbon, Portugal.
August 2022