DOK

(Depth of Knowledge) Resources

What is Depth of Knowledge (DOK)?

"DOK provides a common language that can be used to determine the degree to which the complexity of cognitive engagement, explicit in academic standards, is being translated into appropriate learning opportunities and assessment tasks. Because today’s academic standards emphasize conceptual understanding and authentic application of disciplinary practice, evaluating complexity of engagement is more important than ever." - (Webb, Christopherson, Morelan, 2023)

DOK Resources

Below are some reputable DOK resources that you may find helpful.

Before you begin, please take a look at this short article recently published on Edutopia written by Dr. Norman Webb that helps define the levels and purpose of DOK as well as some misconceptions that currentlyexist.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-use-norman-webb-depth-of-knowledge

DOK Level Definitions by Dr. Webb

What DOK Is and Isn't - A Primer by Dr. Webb

An Educator's Guide to Applying Web's Depth of Knowledge in Each Content Area

An Inside Look at Webb’s Depth of KnowledgeThe creator of the well-known framework explains how it helps teachers evaluate the cognitive complexity of a task or assignment—and clears up some misconceptions about it.

Caution Against Using the DOK Wheel Out of Context of the Task and Instruction

Please note that if you are using the DOK wheel (see picture on the left) it is important to understand the verb alone does not indicate complexity as Dr. Webb explains in his article referenced above, but rather the entire context of the task and how the teacher constructs the educational experience.