The IBT Suggests Students Consider Exam Essay Topics

The IBT Suggests Students Consider Exam Essay TopicsThe IBT or International Business Times has looked at the possible use of online tests for IB TOK essay topics. The IBT notes that other online tests, including the Human Resources Knowledge Test (HRT) have also been taken in lieu of traditional exams. It suggests that test-taking software should be available as part of a selection of tests to suit various skill levels of students, so that many different subjects are covered. Further, it suggests that the tests could be used by teachers who use the IB TOK curriculum for various reasons.There has also been some discussion on whether the student should be required to use the same essay topic for all subjects or whether the IB TOK syllabus should allow them to choose their own. In my opinion, the latter is probably the best approach. Such flexibility would mean that a student who needs to write about two subjects or more is not forced to work on one subject and the rest of the courses could be varied and all relevant knowledge covered, subject to the ability of the individual student.My own opinion is that a number of practical benefits would arise from allowing the selection of essay topics, although I am not sure whether such flexibility would be introduced in a modified version of the IB TOK curriculum. For example, it might be easier for a student who has trouble writing essays about two subjects to write one essay and include this in a course rather than have to write two essays. On the other hand, a student who is struggling might not be encouraged to write an essay if he or she has to repeat the same problem again.However, the IBT also suggests that IB TOK students should be given the choice to choose essay topics that are taught in both 'theory'applied' versions of the course. This means that students who wish to take the class but who do not have the time for it may be able to study the topics in theory but they may be allowed to concentrate on the appli cation of the theory in an essay. Another point worth considering is the fact that many people regard the IBT as providing far too much information for a TOK course and therefore fail to appreciate the value of the IBT for IBT students. As noted, the IB TOK curriculum is specifically intended to give students a solid understanding of a particular area of business management. The test, therefore, is only there to help students learn the fundamental skills that are essential for achieving that understanding.Many people who have not taken the IB TOK yet will be impressed by the time that is taken over the exam. Some IB TOK students claim that they were astonished at how long they spent studying for it and the fact that it was a difficult exam. However, I would suggest that it is more important for students to be able to apply what they have learned during the course and that the exam serves as a standard to which they should be held.As noted, the IB TOK curriculum includes a variety of different courses. Some focus on accounting, others on finance, others on human resources and yet others on operations and marketing. It is understandable that a student might want to choose a different course to help him or her achieve a particular goal.However, it would be a disservice to the IB TOK course if the ability to write about a variety of different subjects was not maintained. Those who read the IBT suggested that students would benefit from being able to write about a number of different subjects, so that they can then read the essays to gain insight into the way in which they are supposed to structure their essays. In short, this could provide the IB TOK course with a wealth of content that could enable students to retain what they have learned for further study.