Depth of knowledge (DOK) is a framework that is used to classify the complexity and depth of understanding required for a particular task or activity. It is based on the idea that there are different levels of cognitive demand, and that tasks can be classified according to the level of thinking required to complete them. When it comes to writing A+ level curriculum, you’ll need to become a master of asking questions at the target level of complexity.
To ask and address good questions for DOK, you can follow these steps:
- Determine the level of DOK that is appropriate for the task or activity. There are four levels of DOK:
- DOK Level 1: Recall and reproduction of information
- DOK Level 2: Skills and concepts
- DOK Level 3: Strategic thinking and reasoning
- DOK Level 4: Extended thinking
- Use questioning techniques that are appropriate for the level of DOK. For example, at DOK Level 1, you might ask questions that require students to recall and reproduce information, such as “What is the capital of France?” At DOK Level 2, you might ask questions that require students to apply skills and concepts, such as “How would you use the Pythagorean theorem to solve this problem?” At DOK Level 3, you might ask questions that require students to think strategically and make connections between concepts, such as “How does this concept relate to the broader themes we have been discussing?” At DOK Level 4, you might ask questions that require students to engage in extended thinking and problem-solving, such as “How could you apply this concept to a real-world situation?”
- Use open-ended questions to encourage students to think critically and engage in higher-level thinking. Avoid yes/no or multiple choice questions, which tend to be lower-level and do not require as much thinking.
- Encourage students to explain their thinking and reasoning. This helps to clarify their understanding and helps you to identify any misunderstandings or gaps in their knowledge.
- Use scaffolding techniques to support students as they progress through the levels of DOK. For example, you might start with simpler tasks at lower levels of DOK and gradually increase the complexity as students become more confident and capable.
By following these steps, you can create an environment that encourages higher-level thinking and helps students to develop their knowledge and understanding at deeper levels.
