Michael Dunn created theoryofknowledge.net in 2009 to be an online resource for the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. It now receives over 5,500 daily users and offers a range of free and paid resources. Michael offers in-school and online seminars and workshops for TOK that cover topics like introducing TOK, designing a TOK program, overseeing the essay and presentation, and applying TOK concepts to real-world issues. The workshops are typically half-day or full-day sessions that combine presentations and hands-on activities focused on specific TOK modules.

1. theoryofknowledge.net
TOK WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS

2. About theoryofknowledge.net
theoryofknowledge.net was set up in 2009 by Michael Dunn,
a Cambridge and Edinburgh-educated History and TOK
teacher.
Initially just a small homemade website, it quickly grew to
become the most popular online resource for TOK in the
world. It now comprises a free 200 page website accessed
by up to 5500 users every day, an Android and iOS mobile app, a newsletter that is sent out in 2
versions to nearly 10,000 subscribers worldwide, a range of social media resources, and a range of
teaching resources that have been purchased by individuals and schools in over 750 towns and cities in
more than 100 countries around the world. This means that theoryofknowledge.net’s ideas and
strategies are an integral part of the learning process for thousands of IB Diploma students globally.
Michael collaborates with some of the most respected institutions and educators in international
education, such as Cambridge University Press, for whom he leads PD workshops, co-develops
resources, and writes blogs, and Sue Bastian, one of the architects of TOK, and with whom he co-writes
the TOK essay guide for teachers.
For all questions and queries about our resources and support services, please email Michael at
michael.dunn@theoryofknowledge.net. He will respond within 24 hours to all product enquiries. All
the resources listed here are described in more detail on the website.
Seminars and workshops
In association with Cambridge University Press, and
independently, Michael offers a range of in-school and
online TOK seminars and workshops for IB students
and teachers. These events are designed to fit in with
the requirements of your school, either to introduce or
consolidate the skills required for a solid understanding
of theory of knowledge.
If you’d like him to kick-off TOK with your students or teachers, explain why it provides such a great
preparation for understanding and interacting with the world, get them thinking about a particular aspect
of the course, or outline strategies to integrate it with the rest of your IB Diploma teaching, he will do
so in a clear, jargon-free, and engaging way. Email Michael for a full listing of events customized to
your school’s needs – these can range from a short hour-long presentation, or a two-day interactive
workshop.

3. Workshop modules for teachers
The following modules are offered as the basis of our half-day, full day, or two-day workshops. Each
module is designed to last around 2 hours, and comprises a presentation and hands-on activity.
However, this can be adapted to suit the needs of your school, and level of familiarity of staff members
with TOK.
A typical half-day workshop comprises 2 modules; a full day would include 4 modules. Two-day
workshops involve 6 modules. We can combine the modules in any way, or design something different
for your school if you have a particular focus you’d like to cover.
1. A brief introduction to TOK
TOK can be an enigmatic entity to teachers, just as it can to students. But given that it is such a defining
element of the IB Diploma, it is important that all Diploma teachers have a good understanding of what it
is. This module provides a brief introduction to the aims and structure of TOK, and how it can enrich
and enliven non-TOK classes, and help you to deliver your own subject.
2. Designing a TOK programme of study
The TOK curriculum has now expanded to include more areas of knowledge and ways of knowing.
What should be included, and what should be excluded, and how should you balance an approach that
offers a solid structure with one that it driven by up-to-date on real life situations? We think about the
make up and location of your school, and what would best work for you.
3. How to introduce TOK to your students for the first time
TOK is an alien concept for most students. How should you first introduce it to your students so that
they are engaged by its uncertainties, rather than resentful of them? This module suggests some
strategies to begin the course successfully.
4. Overseeing the essay
The TOK essay is a tough task for students. What level of support should you be providing at a teacher,
and how do you best prepare them so they can tackle the essay effectively? Also included in this module:
a consideration of how the new assessment criteria have changed the way the essay is tackled.
5. Overseeing the presentation
The presentation is a more open-ended assessment task. How should you oversee your students as they
design, write, and present their work? Also included in this module: a consideration of how the new
assessment criteria have changed the way the presentation is tackled.

4. 6. Understanding knowledge questions
Knowledge questions are what TOK is built on, as well as being the central element that is assessed in
the essay and presentation. But students (and teachers) are often confused by what they are, and how to
include them in presentations and essays. We look at how KQs fit into the TOK course, and how to
give students a clear understanding of what they are.
7. Putting TOK at the heart of the IB Diploma
If delivered properly, TOK can bring together all strands of the IB Diploma, enrich non-TOK classrooms,
and encourage meta-thinking amongst both students and staff members. This module looks at why TOK
is such an important part of the IB Diploma, and suggests strategies for putting it at the centre of the
Diploma Programme in your school.
8. Dealing with real life situations
The new TOK curriculum places even more emphasis on applying TOK concepts to the real world. This
module looks at how this works in practice, and suggests ways in which you can bring contemporary
news events and issues into the classroom.
9. How TOK can help your students gain a place at university
TOK sets IB Diploma students apart from those following other educational programmes. We look at
ways students can make the most of it in order to improve their chances of gaining a place at university.
10. TOK and technology
TOK needs to draw on the most up-to-date real life situations possible. We consider ways in which
technology and social media can help you engage your students with what’s going on in the world, and
apply the concepts of TOK to make sense of it.
First published September 2015 Michael Dunn, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1223 560060 Website: http://theoryofknowledge.net
© theoryofknowledge.net 2015
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