Assignment 2A

Assignment 2A-Examining Depth and Rigor

There is no doubt that the teacher is the most significant factor in the students learning. I strongly believe that good teaching can make the difference in students’ achievement. 

After reading about Depth of knowledge I understood that DOK is not meant to be used as a taxonomy.  Basically, DOK focus is on how deeply students need to know content in order to be able to give responses. 

How will this impact your current practice?

I think this will impact my current practice because with the DOK I need to keep on mind that there are four different levels that describe how a student might interact and react with content. 

What new strategies and information will you need to obtain?

When we are doing reading activities during Spanish class I like to start reading as a class; then the students will be in groups because they will discuss with their groups about the reading.  I like to give them questions about it because this help them to understand better the reading. I always tell my students that it is a great strategy to circle key words and words that they do not understand.  In addition, they should highlight or underline important ideas.  As a group they should compare the ideas and help each other about the words that some of them do not understand.  I encourage my students to write the ideas in their own words.

How can teaching to Webb’s Depth of Knowledge and engaging students in richer discussions, learning experiences and rigorous tasks impact student learning?

Depth of knowledge categorizes tasks according to the complexity of thinking required to successfully complete them. As educators we really want to help our students in their achievements.  This is the reason we need to ask ourselves the following questions:  What kind of thinking I want my students do as a routine?  Also, What I really want these students to do?  And, Think about what are the most effective way to spend limited classroom time I have?

Now I know that there are levels in this DOK.  Therefore, it is important to make a decision about how often as teachers we should focus on tasks.