Webb's Depth of Knowledge

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Webb's Depth of Knowledge Wheel - click for full version
Depth of Knowledge is the degree of depth or complexity of knowledge standards and assessments require; this criterion is met if the assessment is as demanding cognitively as the expectations standards are set for students.
 
DOK is NOT.....
  • about Verbs - Verbs are not always used appropriately.
  • about "difficulty" - It is not about the student or level of difficulty for the student - it requires looking at the assessment item not student work in order to determine the level. DOK is about the item/standard - not the student.
DOK is....
  • about what FOLLOWS the verb. What comes after the verb is more important than the verb itself. 
  • about the complexity of mental processing that must occur to answer a question.
Remember DOK...
  • Descriptive, not a taxonomy
  • Focuses on how deeply the student has to know the content in order to respond.
  • Not the same as difficulty.
(Adapted from East Carter R-II School District)
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