Classroom Guidelines
In order to create and maintain a creative, productive and positive learning
environment for Theory of Knowledge we need to keep a degree of focus and
mutual respect. I would rather not set a long list of ‘class rules’
or ‘dos and don’ts’ but we do need to have a minimum set
of guidelines so that everyone can effectively get what she or he needs from our time
together.
- Come to class prepared with your textbook (covered, to protect it for
future use), a notebook, a writing implement and any readings or handouts indicated for that class.
- You can support learning in the class by listening critically and respectfully when
others speak and participating actively in discussion and activities individually
and in groups.
Due Dates
You should hand in all work by the due date OR make sure
you have my permission to hand it in late if you hope to receive full credit for it.
You have to get permission BEFORE
the due date (that is, before the beginning of the class in which the work
is due). This is the standard way to deal with due dates at university,
so you might as well develop these habits now. Unexcused late work will have 10% taken off for each day it is late up to a maximum of 40% off. Any student who falls behind by two assignments in a quarter will be asked to work in the office during class time until the work is completed.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is defined as any act intended to gain credit for work
that you have not actually done. Examples of academic dishonesty are:
peeking at someone else’s exam paper, copying homework or using quotes
in an essay or project without giving a proper citation. We will spend
some time in class developing strategies to help you avoid accidental acts of this sort.
Technology
Due to the ever-growing importance of information technology in all aspects
of our lives, and especially within the post-secondary academic world, we
will be using the computer lab to actively engage the course material.
You will be using the internet, databases and educational software
related to course themes.
Class Discussions and Written Work
Class discussions play an essential role in investigating and understanding the themes of a ToK course. These discussions give us all a chance to test out some of our own ideas at the same time as we learn from others. Students who miss discussions or who fail to pay attention will be at an unavoidable disadvantage. Students who disrupt class discussions will be asked to leave the room.
Written work also plays an important role in developing (and communicating) your understanding
in a ToK course. It is essential that you be able to present your ideas in a clear and concise manner. Style, grammar and spelling are important to the extent that your written work must be readable; a succinct and clear style is better than a fancy wordy one.