Grade 11 Students Explore the Nature of Knowledge in TOK Exhibition

The event showcased the culmination of the Theory of Knowledge course through object-based inquiry and critical reflection

Grade 11 students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme’s Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course concluded the semester by presenting their TOK Exhibition, an academic showcase designed to explore how knowledge is constructed, questioned, and applied in the real world. Attended by parents, students, and staff, the exhibition offered a unique opportunity for the school community to engage in meaningful dialogue about the nature of knowledge.

Connecting Theory to the Real World

The TOK course, a core component of the IB Diploma Programme, challenges students to reflect critically on what knowledge is and how we come to acquire it. Through inquiry-based learning, students examine broad questions such as “What do we know?” and “How do we know it?”, drawing connections across disciplines and real-life contexts.

The exhibition marks the culmination of the first year of the course and is exclusively presented by Grade 11 students currently enrolled in TOK. Each participant selected one of 35 Internal Assessment (IA) prompts.

Three Objects, One Central Question

In response to their chosen prompt, students were required to select and analyze three real-world objects that illustrate how knowledge manifests in various contexts. These objects, ranging from historical artifacts and books to personal items, formed the basis of individual poster-style displays, each accompanied by a written justification.

The goal was not merely to describe the objects, but to demonstrate how each item supports an argument in response to the prompt. Students were expected to incorporate key TOK concepts, make personal connections, and present well-founded justifications for their selections.

Unlike traditional presentations, the TOK Exhibition emphasizes conversation and interaction. Throughout the event, students stood by their displays and discussed their projects with visitors, encouraging a more reflective and dialogic experience. This format allowed participants to articulate their ideas, respond to questions, and consider multiple perspectives in real time.

Student Reflections

Gabriel Cavalcanti, one of the thirteen Grade 11 students who participated, selected the prompt: What constraints are there in the pursuit of knowledge? Reflecting on the experience, he shared:

“Because you have so much freedom to pick whatever you like, it's a fun project to work on. I got to pick topics that I have a connection with. It was my first time doing a presentation like that, and I had a good time because it felt like a casual conversation. Since it's about philosophy and thinking, it’s more engaging to have a conversation than a standard presentation. I think that was an experience that I’ll have again when I’m in college, so it was a good start for me to see what lies ahead.”

Ward Shqair, who chose the prompt Should some knowledge not be taught on ethical grounds?, emphasized how the project allowed him to explore his interests in history:

“I chose this prompt because I could relate it to an area I like. With my objects, I picked three completely different items to show contrasting perspectives and a dialogue between past and present. I really liked the experience, it was enjoyable because it gave me a chance to engage in discussion without the adversarial tone of a debate. I know I’ll have many seminars in college, and this gave me the opportunity to develop those skills in a meaningful way.”

The TOK Exhibition exemplifies the IB Programme’s commitment to developing thoughtful, reflective learners who are prepared to engage with complex global issues. By encouraging students to explore knowledge through tangible examples and open dialogue, the exhibition fosters intellectual curiosity and helps students build the analytical and communication skills necessary for future academic success.