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assumptions

TOK double vision: lofty overview but critical engagement in the world

October 22, 2018October 19, 2018Eileen Dombrowski 1 Comment
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Remote or engaged? Can Theory of Knowledge have it both ways? In taking a meta-cognitive overview of knowledge, the course may appear to be cerebral and remote. But in teaching skills of thinking critically and evaluating perspectives, it is clearly engaged in life on the ground. How do we manage in TOK to maintain this […]

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TOK Ethics: balancing detachment and engagement

September 10, 2018Eileen Dombrowski
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It’s easy to spark discussion in TOK when the topic is Ethics.  This area of knowledge offers its own tinder, and a spark can quickly flame.  But what then?  How much should we fuel student engagement with the case studies or issues, and how much should we instead encourage them to take a giant step […]

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Biases, fallacies, argument: Would you argue with a T-rex?

April 9, 2018Eileen Dombrowski
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If you were the brontosaurus, what would you say back? The following cartoon sequence is designed for TOK to prompt examination of assumptions, emotional appeals, and fallacies of argument. Students will quickly see some real world relevance and echoes of common knowledge claims. If you would find this activity useful with your own students, please […]

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“How am I supposed to appreciate it?” Art, science, and some silly assumptions

January 29, 2018January 25, 2018Eileen Dombrowski

Do we expect to understand art and the natural sciences in the same way? Today, here’s a cartoon to open a comparison in class discussion, with questions and a download at the end. I hope it gives you not only material for class but also a smile. “How am I supposed to appreciate it?” cartoon […]

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A Bhangra smile: great way to open a TOK class

March 13, 2017March 13, 2017Eileen Dombrowski
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How could students NOT love this 2-minute dance video ? And how could you, as a TOK teacher, NOT seize the chance to ask (just a little!) about the role of the arts in knowledge? The Maritime Bhangra Group of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada gives a joyful lift to questions about what is communicated in music and dance. […]

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