How to Structure ToK Course: The Skills+ Model

This is the fourth blogpost (4/4) in our series on how to structure the Theory of Knowledge (ToK) course. In this post we look at using the Skills+ Model. As ToK teachers, we often seek innovative ways to engage our students and make the learning process both effective and enjoyable. This approach integrates essential ToK skills with inquiry, co-construction, and self-reflection, providing a dynamic and holistic learning experience.

This blogpost can be watched as a video here, or below.

The Skills+ Model: An Overview

The Skills+ Model is designed to focus on the development of key ToK skills through short, interactive activities that encourage movement and collaboration among students. This method not only makes learning more engaging but also enhances retention and understanding of the course material.

Identifying and Developing ToK Skills

The first step in the Skills+ Model is to identify a set of ToK skills you want to develop in each lesson or group of lessons. These skills could include critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis, among others. IB are yet to identify ToK specific skills beyond the cross-subject ATLs, however we have been working on our own ToKToday ToK Skills diagrams that can be used for designing teaching.

Each lesson should feature short activities, lasting no more than 15 minutes, that target these skills. Ideally, these activities should involve students moving around the classroom or school, making the learning process more dynamic and interactive. Fun, competitive, and collaborative elements can further enhance these activities.

Mapping Activities to the ToK Curriculum

To effectively integrate these activities into your ToK curriculum, start by teaching the core theme, followed by the five Areas of Knowledge (AoKs). One of the optional themes, usually Language & Knowledge, can be incorporated into all five AoKs. The Exhibition is taught at the end of Year 1, while the second optional theme, often Technology & Knowledge, is introduced at the beginning of Year 2, during the period when students are waiting for the Essay titles to be published. This sequence ensures a comprehensive coverage of the curriculum while keeping the students engaged.

The Structure of ToK Lessons

ToK lessons should consist of a series of short, fast-paced, and fun activities. These can include writing songs, devising short drama pieces, engaging in round-table debates, presenting Pecha Kucha’s, and sketching art. Each activity should focus on developing a particular skill and be anchored in the core theme, an AoK, or an optional theme of ToK.

Why the Skills+ Model Works

Emphasis on ToK Skills

ToK is fundamentally a skills-based course with minimal prescribed content. Success in the ToK Exhibition and Essay relies heavily on the mastery of specific skills. While the IB does not explicitly describe these skills, at ToKToday, we have developed a ToK Skills Diagram to help guide your teaching. This diagram is available for free; you can find the link in the video description.

Enhancing Student Engagement

Students often perceive ToK as a compulsory subject rather than an exciting opportunity to explore knowledge. The Skills+ Model aims to shift this perspective by making ToK something they want to do. By focusing on their emotional orientation towards the subject, we can design the course in a way that is both appealing and motivating for students.

Differentiating ToK from Other Diploma Classes

ToK should stand out from other Diploma subjects, which often involve extensive reading and sedentary classroom activities. By making ToK lessons more dynamic and physically engaging, we can create a distinct and appealing learning environment. This differentiation not only enhances student participation but also improves overall learning outcomes.

In conclusion, the Skills+ Model offers a structured yet flexible approach to teaching ToK. By focusing on the development of key skills through interactive and engaging activities, we can create a vibrant learning environment that encourages students to actively participate and excel in their ToK studies.

For more insights and detailed strategies on teaching the ToK Essay, stay tuned for our upcoming course: Teach the ToK Essay in 12 Lessons.