MATH
Depth Of Knowledge
concept or skill, applying the concept or skill used. Teachers found that most of their learn mathematics as fully expressed in high
will probably be diffi cult. Also, applying a techniques focused on DOK Level 1 activities expectations and assessments.
repetitive action, such as memorizing and (recall of information) whereas the state
recalling a large number of digits of π, can standards expected students to have a About the author
be diffi cult to achieve, but is still just recall conceptual understanding of the main ideas Norman L Webb is an emeritus research
of information and is therefore a DOK Level (a DOK Level 2) and some solving of non- scientist at the Wisconsin Center for
1 task. routine problems (a DOK level 3). Education Research at the University of
Wisconsin–Madison. He is currently a
Case study Conclusion visiting research scientist for the National
In one school district in the U.S., a Attention to content complexity is important Science Foundation.
mathematics coordinator used DOK to help for ensuring that instruction is aligned with
teachers understand the inconsistency expectations. Depth Of Knowledge is one
What we know
between students’ grades and their scores means for defi ning content complexity. A
on the state assessment. Most students in number of considerations are necessary
●
Paying attention to content complexity
the districts were receiving high grades in to assign a DOK level to instructional
is important. Depth Of Knowledge
mathematics. However, their scores on the activities, expectations, or assessment
is one way of defi ning content
state assessment were below profi ciency. activities. Among these are the actions, the
complexity. There are four levels:
Teachers used the DOK levels to analyze subject of the actions, prior experience, and
Level 1 – Recall
the complexity of the state standards and mathematical sophistication. Awareness of
Level 2 – Skill/Concept
assessments, and compared this to the content complexity through the use of DOK
Level 3 – Strategic Thinking
complexity of the teaching methods they levels helps to ensure that students will
Level 4 – Extended Thinking
fall 2009 Better: Evidence-based Education 15
Better(US) Fall09.indb 15 14/10/09 13:05:14
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