Knowledge & Inquiry

Overview

KI is an elective H2 subject that focuses on the nature of knowledge and its construction in areas such as the sciences, the social sciences, mathematics and aesthetics. In the course of KI, students will develop:

• an understanding of the nature of knowledge,
• an understanding of the ways of constructing knowledge in different fields,
• an awareness of the ethical dimensions of knowledge construction
• critical thinking skills  
• a capacity for independent learning
• an ability to communicate clearly and convincingly

Pedagogy

KI as a subject is conceptually distinct from traditional subjects.  Students are encouraged to engage with the syllabus and construct a learning experience that is meaningful for themselves.  The KI syllabus emphasises learner-centredness, negotiated learning and spiral progression.  The syllabus hinges on the principle that the learning that is to take place meets the needs and abilities of the students.  Students would be given opportunities to confront new information and experiences in the search for meaning.  The syllabus also encourages teachers and students to work together to decide the areas of exploration as they explore the concepts related to the nature and construction of knowledge.  Spiral progression is another key principle of the syllabus as the concepts and process skills will be explored and applied at increasing levels of difficulty. 

Assessment Criteria

Students offer three papers.

Paper 1 - Essay

• Students are required to write two essays on the areas of learning identified in the content coverage.

Sample Question: "A work in progress." Consider how this effectively describes scientific knowledge and at least one other mode of inquiry.

Paper 2 - Critical Thinking

• Students apply their knowledge and understanding of what they have learnt to unseen stimulus material.

Sample Question:

No kitten that loves fish is unteachable.

No kitten without a tail will play with a gorilla.

Kittens with whiskers always love fish.

No teachable kitten has green eyes.

Kittens that have no whiskers have no tails.

Demonstrate a method that will enable you to make sense of the statements and thereby comment on the validity and soundness of the revealed conclusion.

Paper 3 - Independent Study

• Students are required to carry out independent research and write a 2500 - 3000 word research paper on a topic of their choice on the nature and construction of knowledge. The selected topic must be focused and suitable for an in-depth study of approximately six months' duration. (JC2: Mar-Sept)

Sample Topic: The Singapore Museum and the Singapore Story

Enrichment activities

Students are strongly encouraged to attend talks held by various institutions including NUS, NTU, ISEAS and A*Star. In addition, guest speakers would be invited to hold seminars on selected topics. Previous distinguished speakers included Prof. Tagore from the Department of Philosophy, NUS (Indian Philosophy) and Prof. Tan Tai Yong, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (History). The aim is to provide perspectives from practioners and experts in the fields concerned. Additionally, students would undertake field trips to museums as part of their curriculum.