Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a required class that is the core of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The course begins during the second semester of junior year and continues to the first semester of senior year. The course teaches students to think analytically about what they know and how they know it in different classes. This year, CHS social science teacher, Beth Bodnar, will be teaching TOK, in addition to math and English teacher, Richard O’Neill, due to this year’s larger IB junior class.

“I love the class because it is so much fun and interactive. The discussions are deep, the students are thoughtful and engaged, and it really challenges my own thinking about knowledge,” Bodnar said.

Bodnar attended a training program in Florida for four days from Dec. 8, 2014 to Dec. 11, 2014. At the program, she learned more about the IB curriculum and different ways to get the students involved. The most important teaching method was learning how to effectively manage discussions, because students tend to clash during debates. This year, she was given a TOK class because of the size of the junior class participating in IB. Bodnar was given the third class of students who are not able to fit in O’Neill’s two classes of students.

“I like her class because we talk about a lot of things we normally do not talk about in other classes. I get to see a different side of all my classmates outside of the intellectual setting,” IB junior Deborah Orret said.
The TOK course allows IB students to be more intuitive and open-minded. TOK opens students to other perspectives and is a good introduction to philosophy. The students study the methodologies of a subject area and make connections that are relevant to other classes. TOK also gives students ideas on what kind of person they aspire to become by making them think about what kind of person they are. Many college students who took the TOK class when they were in high school say that this course really helped expand their knowledge in all their classes.

“I think the ability to express your opinion without any restriction is very nice. It allows my peers’ personalities to really shine and people get to see what they are passionate about. Also, Bodnar is just a flat-out sweet person,” IB junior Jacob Lafarga said.

Along with the class itself, other parts of the IB program are included, such as Creativity Action Service (CAS) and the extended essay. Towards the end of their junior year, IB students are assigned to write a 4,000-word essay on a topic of their choice, following certain guidelines, in order to receive their IB diploma. To help the students, advisers are assigned to them and help guide the students through the process. This research essay is carried over to their first semester as a senior.

“This course can help me become a better IB teacher, help the kids grow closer and expand their thinking skills in all the courses they are taking,” Bodnar said.

TOK offers students a chance to meet new people and become more elaborate thinkers. It gives students knowledge and perspective for all their classes and helps them think on a deeper level. Students are able contemplate about topics and realize that something they thought was simple is more difficult than they originally thought. TOK is a very beneficial class that expands students’ thoughts on current events as well as social problems of the world.