Tuesday, March 6, 2012

THE BIG BANG - Paul Davies and Stephen Hawking

Start thinking about TOK oral presentation topics for April. If you are interested in the natural sciences, here is a topic worth considering.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/sep/04/stephen-hawking-big-bang-gap

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/sep/02/stephen-hawking-big-bang-creator

Claims and counter-claims. Paul Davies reviews Stephen Hawking's book in THE GUARDIAN, UK newspaper. Define the claims, counter claims, knowledge issues and email or talk to me if you are interested in this topic.

BBC on Iran's Nuclear Programme and the risk of war

We all read Marjane Satrapi's "Persepolis" and discussed the historical context of the Shah's removal and the emergence of a theocratic state under Ayatollah Khomeini. TOK encourages us to see knowledge as connected, to join the dots beyond the compartments of individual subjects on our timetable. Students should examine the article for evidence of objectivity or bias, the use of language as a way of knowing both on the part of the reader (personal contexts) and the use of language in imparting information. The BBC has a deserved reputation for fairness and balance, see my earlier post on the Falklands/Malvinas crisis. Some students might consider this as a topic for an oral presentation, comparing say Fox News with the BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera or indeed an Indian network.
This BBC report will help students understand the crisis in Iran today, the wider crisis in the Middle East and the climate of uncertainty and fear in that region.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17261265

Mr. C.'s IB Blogs: Membership and Posting on this Blog intended for BD Somani International School members

On my English Literature blog, I have explained that while I am grateful for the many page views from around the world, it is our policy that only members of our BD Somani School Community, students, parents and teachers become members of the blog. One does not need to be a member to view the blog and visitors are very welcome. However, in line with most school related blogs, I have a duty of care to monitor and mange the list of members and remove those who are not known to me.
If you are not a member of our school community, please resign from the blog or email me if you are a student or teacher at another school and wish to continue as a member here.
Any queries may be emailed to me andrew.callahan@bdsint.in

Mr. C.'s IB English Blog: Membership and Posting on this Blog intended for BD Somani International School members

FOR MR C'S TOK CLASS - PLEASE POST ESSAYS ON TURNITIN BEFORE SATURDAY


Thursday, March 1, 2012

Reaffirming bonds in India | Harvard Gazette

Reaffirming bonds in India | Harvard Gazette

Selecting Student Speakers for TOK FORUM Vivanta Taj Hotel

Selecting Student Speakers for TOK FORUM Vivanta Taj Hotel.
The forum will be jointly chaired by -
Mr. Gardner, Principal, BDSIS and Shivaan Thakkar, President Senior Student Council, BDSIS.
If you are interested in speaking at the forum email Mr C before Sunday please.
Our goal is to explore definitions of 'international mindedness' in the context of a school where most students share a common nationality and cultural identity. So how does our curriculum including the cores subjects, CAS, TOK and the EE help us broaden our outlook.
Do we agree that positive patriotic feelings about our own country are natural and honourable once they are balanced with a respect for people of different cultures and nationalities?
PLEASE NOTE THAT STUDENTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO SPEAK FOR 7-10 MINUTES AND HOLD THE ATTENTION OF THE AUDIENCE THROUGH CONTENT AND RHETORICAL SKILLS..
Write about 100-150 words on how you would approach this topic:


Exploring what it means to be internationally minded in the context of the IB Learner profile and the Diploma programme.