WEBB'STAXONOMY

Depth of Knowledge (DOK) Taxonomy, developed by Norman Webb, is a framework used to categorize the complexity of learning tasks and student thinking. Unlike Bloom's Taxonomy, which focuses on cognitive processes, DOK emphasizes the depth of understanding and how well students apply their knowledge in different contexts. It is often used to align curriculum, instruction, and assessment to measure cognitive rigor. Here are the main features of DOK taxonomy: First level Recall and Reproduction. Tasks involve basic recall of facts, definitions, or simple procedures for example list, define, identify, recite,focus on memorization and simple understanding. Second level ,skills and concepts, where sudents requires comprenhension and use of information, procedures or concepts, for example summarize, organize,classify and infer, focus on application of concepts in familiar contexts and interpretation.Third level,strategic thinking, involves reasoning, planning,and using evidence to support thinking, for example critique, analyze, explain, solve challenging problems, focus on abstract thinking, justification and argumentation and the last one the Fourth level,extending thinking, requires complex reasoning, planning, and thinking over an extended period, for example design, synthesize, create, investigate, conduct research, focus on integrating multiple ideas, drawing conclusions, and projects.

Reflection

Using Depth of Knowledge in the classroom requires a shift in perspective, from focusing on what students know to how deeply they understand and can apply that knowledge. It helps educators reflect on whether their teaching practices are challenging students to think critically and creatively. By intentionally planning for a range of DoK levels, we the teachers can support students in making connections, exploring ideas in depth, and developing higher-order thinking skills.

Ultimately, the goal of incorporating DoK is not to increase difficulty, but to engage students in meaningful learning experiences that reflect the complexity of real world situations. When educators design lessons that go across various DoK levels, they foster an environment where students not only master content but also become strategic, reflective, and independent thinkers.