Reviving an old tradition amongst the International Baccalaureate (IB) community, the seniors in the program’s exclusive philosophy class hosted a Theory of Knowledge exhibition for those interested in the class’ activities on August 25. Through each student’s personalized presentations, visitors learned through a show-and-tell accompanying a written essay revolving around a single question: “Why do we seek knowledge?”
Theory of Knowledge (TOK), taught by Dena Lordi, is the only philosophy class offered at Diamond Bar High School. As one of the largest attractions of IB—a notoriously difficult program that prepares its students with creative, knowledgeable activities and community service—the class encourages its attendees to develop thought as members of a global society.
“TOK is all about answering questions using the things we have around us and connecting it to our everyday lives,” senior Joanna Liu said. “It’s unlike the traditional class where you take tests and quizzes every week in order to memorize facts for an exam at the end of the year. Rather, this class requires a pensive mind and the ability to think and question the things we already know.”
As one of the class’ larger assignments, the presentation involved seniors at their stands showing their viewers three objects they had chosen to answer the event’s question. The selected objects consisted of anything from a student’s childhood Beyblade set to one’s vaccination card.
In addition to the TOK students’ demonstrations, the event also functioned to bring the 12 senior and 18 junior IB members together officially for the first time. Juniors were the first to view their seniors’ projects during zero period, giving them a fresh impression of their mentors, one of whom would guide a junior on their journey through high school in an individual mentor-mentee relationship. The seniors then explain and help the junior through the IB program answering questions and giving advice.
“What stood out to me most was being able to have the juniors pick their mentors. I still remember being one of the kids who watched as the seniors presented their exhibitions last year, and the fact that I was able to do it this year was memorable,” Liu said. “While the seniors picked their IB junior mentees last year, we allowed the juniors to choose themselves after getting to know some of the seniors this year.”
Though the event was a first experience for the juniors of IB, the senior presenters were also able to use this time to get acquainted and strengthen their bond with their mentees, and further their understanding of TOK topics.
