On Tuesday, the 12th grade Theory of Knowledge class presented their final research on various knowledge problems to the ToK 11 and ToK 12 classes. The library was filled with several stations at which the seniors set up their presentations and the Sophomores and Juniors rotated around.
The students have been looking at knowledge problems in bioethics, social media, research funding, signs and symbols, and many more areas. A ‘knowledge problem’ is an ambiguous idea that looks to explore the limitations of what we know in an issue or topic. Essential questions were developed around these problems and researched for approximate answers.
The library buzzed with conversations debating the ethics of immortality, technology, the bias of news stations altering our perspective of the world, and other philosophical issues. The 11th and 12th grade students listened, engaged in dialogue and critiqued the presentations as part of their semester assessment.
Both the presenters and viewers were able to benefit from this experience, as the Seniors were able to practice their presenting skills and the Juniors and Sophomores were able to synthesize new information and provide constructive criticism.
With the success of this gathering, we look forward to any opportunity to do this again at the end of the year when the 12th grade class will present their Senior Projects.
