Applying the Depth of Knowledge Wheel in Classroom Instruction

Applying the Depth of Knowledge Wheel in Classroom Instruction

As educators, we all want our students to succeed. We want them to be able to think deeply about the subjects they are studying and to be able to apply their knowledge in new and interesting ways. One way to help students achieve these goals is through the use of the Depth of Knowledge (DOK) wheel.

The DOK wheel was developed by Dr. Norman Webb, a senior research scientist at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research. It is a tool that helps teachers and instructional designers to create tasks and assessments that require different levels of cognitive complexity. The DOK wheel contains four levels of cognitive complexity: recall and reproduction, skills and concepts, strategic thinking and reasoning, and extended thinking.

Level 1: Recall and Reproduction

At this level, students are asked to recall or reproduce information. This is the simplest level of cognitive complexity. Examples of tasks at this level include identifying the main idea of a text, recalling multiplication facts, or reciting a poem.

Level 2: Skills and Concepts

At this level, students are asked to apply information or skills they have learned. This level requires more complex thinking than the recall and reproduction level. Examples of tasks at this level include solving a math problem using a formula, identifying the theme of a story, or explaining the cause and effect of an historical event.

Level 3: Strategic Thinking and Reasoning

At this level, students are asked to use reasoning and critical thinking skills to solve problems or make decisions. This level requires even more complex thinking than the skills and concepts level. Examples of tasks at this level include analyzing a text, creating an original piece of writing, or designing an experiment to test a hypothesis.

Level 4: Extended Thinking

At this level, students are asked to apply their knowledge to new situations or contexts. This level requires the highest level of cognitive complexity. Examples of tasks at this level include creating a multimedia presentation to explain a concept, designing a community service project, or developing a plan to address a social problem.

Using the DOK wheel in the classroom can help teachers to create tasks and assessments that challenge students at different levels of cognitive complexity. By doing so, students have the opportunity to engage in deeper thinking and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

It is important to note that the DOK wheel is not meant to be used as a hierarchy, where tasks at higher levels are seen as better or more important than tasks at lower levels. Rather, the DOK wheel is meant to be used as a tool for creating tasks and assessments that are appropriate for the content being taught and the level of mastery students have achieved.

In conclusion, the DOK wheel is a valuable tool for helping teachers to create tasks and assessments that challenge students at different levels of cognitive complexity. By using the DOK wheel, students have the opportunity to engage in deeper thinking and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. And ultimately, this can lead to greater success in the classroom and beyond.

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