GSIS 2017 Yearbook: #BeYou Volume 11 | Page 38

# B e e H H I I S S T T O O R R I I C C A A L L Upp e Individ r S econd ar y ua Theor y o f K ls and S ocie nowle dge, a t ies, nd Bib le 1 The Theory of Knowl- edge course challenges students to be critical and respectful thinkers. Stu- dents are asked to form their own opinions and open up to different perspectives. Teachers encourage students to apply these skills both, in and out, of the classroom. During TOK class, students are frequently encouraged to form and ask a variety of critical questions, as well as take part in controversial discussions. “The course keeps pushing [students] to think beyond what they are comfortable thinking about,” stated Mrs. Park, a TOK teacher. “They consistently look at global issues and social issues that happen beyond the 2 land of Korea,” Mrs. Park added. “When we look at a specific topic they are consis- tently reminded to look at things from different perspectives.” “[TOK] makes me think for others first, and not only my opinion,” said Yuhee Hong, an eleventh grader. Since students may have different opinions, they learn to voice their own thoughts while respecting others. “I learned that there are a lot of perspectives that are different from mine and that it’s important for me to accept other’s perspectives,” she added. “The DP program and especially TOK help students to become more open mind- ed and internationally minded,” said Mrs. Park. Through TOK, “they will definitely become better critical thinkers which will help them greatly in their life beyond high school.” 38 Academics 3