Depth of Knowledge (DOK)

1. Depth of Knowledge (DOK)

2. What is Depth of Knowledge (DOK)? • Refers to the complexity of thinking skills that a task requires. • NOTdetermined by the verb of the task/skill (define, describe, analyze), but the context in which the verb/skill is used and the depth of thinking required.

3. DOK is about complexity— not difficulty! Level 1: requires students to use simple skills or abilities. Level 2: includes the engagement of some mental processing beyond recalling. Level 3: requires some higher level mental processing like reasoning, planning, and using evidence. Level 4: requires complex reasoning, planning, developing, and thinking over an extended period of time

4. Using the Same Verb more Complexly Level 1-Describe three characteristics of metamorphic rocks. (Simple recall) Level 2-Describe the difference between metamorphic and igneous rocks. (Requires cognitive processing to determine the differences in the two rock types) Level 3-Describe a model that you might use to represent the relationships that exist within the rock cycle. (Requires deep understanding of rock cycle and a determination of how best to represent it)

5. DOK 1 • Emphasis is on facts and simple recall of previously taught information. This also means following simple steps, recipes, or directions. • Can be difficult without requiring reasoning. • At DOK 1, students find “the right answer,” and there is no debating the “correctness,” it is either right or wrong.

6. DOK Level 1 Examples • List animals that survive by eating other animals • Locate or recall facts found in text • Describe physical features of places • Determine the perimeter or area of rectangles given a drawing or labels • Identify elements of music using musical terminology • Identify basic rules for participating in simple games and activities

7. DOK 2 • Requires comparison of two or more concepts, finding similarities and differences, applying factual learning at the basic skill level. • Requires deeper knowledge than just the definition • Main idea • Students must explain “how” or “why” and often estimate or interpret to respond.

8. DOK Level 2 Examples • Compare desert and tropical environments • Identify and summarize the major events, problem, solution conflicts in literary text • Explain the cause-effect of historical events • Predict a logical outcome based on information in a reading selection • Explain how good work habits are important at home, school and on the job. • Classify plane and three dimensional figures • Describe various styles of music

9. DOK 3 • Students must reason or plan to find an acceptable solution to a problem. • More than one correct response or approach is possible. • Requires complex or abstract thinking, and application of knowledge or skill in a new and unique situation.

10. DOK Level 3 Examples • Compare consumer actions and analyze how these actions impact the environment • Analyze or evaluate the effectiveness of literary elements ( e.g. characterization, setting, point of view, conflict and resolution) • Solve a multiple-step problem and provide support with a mathematical explanation that justifies the answer • Develop a scientific model for a complex idea • Propose and evaluate solutions for an economic problem • Create a dance that represents the characteristics of a culture

11. DOK 4 • At this level, students typically identify a problem, plan a course of action, enact that plan, and make decisions based on collected data. • Usually involves more time than one class period. • Multiple solutions are possible. • Students often connect multiple content areas to come up with unique and creative solutions.

12. DOK Level 4 Examples • Gather, analyze, organize, and interpret information from multiple sources to draft a reasoned report • Analyzing author’s craft (e.g. style, bias, literary techniques, point of view) • Create an exercise plan applying the FITT Principle(frequency, intensity time and type) • Analyze and explain multiple perspectives or issues within or across time periods, events or cultures • Write and produce an original play

13. Some general rules of thumb… If there is only one correct answer, it is probably level DOK 1 or DOK 2 • DOK 1: you either know or you don’t • DOK 2 (conceptual): apply one concept, then make a decision before going on and applying a second concept If more than one solution/approach, requiring evidence, it is DOK 3 or 4 • DOK 3: Must provide supporting evidence and reasoning (not just HOW solved, but WHY – explain reasoning) • DOK 4: all of “3” + use of multiple sources or texts

14. DOK Tasks Activity • As a table group, you will DOK tasks. You’ll need a set of task cards. • Deal the DOK task cards out to members at the table. • Lay out the 4 “DOK Example” headers on the table. • First person places one of the task cards under the appropriate header, explaining the rationale for the placement. • The table group confirms the placement or comes to consensus for another placement---be sure to articulate the rationale for the placement using DOK rubrics. • Continue and repeat the process until all tasks have been DOK’ed.