Transcript Depth of Knowledge (DOK) What is Depth of Knowledge (DOK)? • Refers to the complexity of thinking skills that a task requires. • NOT determined.

Depth of Knowledge
(DOK)
What is Depth of Knowledge
(DOK)?
• Refers to the complexity of thinking
skills that a task requires.
• NOT determined 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.
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
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)
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.