Discussion Post: Standards-Based Learning Objectives
Teachers of social studies and the arts are challenged to develop standards-based curriculum that integrates current local and global issues into instruction. Doing so engages students in applying content knowledge to real-world problems. To develop a standards-based curriculum, educators must first research grade-level specific state academic standards for social studies in order to align learning objectives with required learning standards.
The Depth of Knowledge (DOK) levels are an extension of the Know, Understand, and Do guidelines and activate complexity in thinking, rather than just focusing on content.
There are four levels that allow students to engage with content in various ways:
i. Recall and Reproduction
ii. Skills and Concepts/Basic Reasoning
iii. Strategic Thinking/Complex Reasoning
iv. Extended Thinking/Reasoning
Use the "Unwrapping the Standards" template to complete this assignment.
Part I: Video Evaluation
View a social studies activity video segment found in the Topic Materials. In 250 to 500 words, reflect on the following:
i. Has the teacher modeled academic language and critical thinking skills while addressing social studies standards and current events? Provide examples for why or why not.
ii. What questioning strategies does the teacher incorporate into social studies instruction to increase students' critical thinking skills and depth of knowledge?
Part II: Writing Learning Objectives
Using the standards from your state, select one social studies standard and one art standard. Write one measurable learning objective to the standards for each DOK level using "Students will be able to" language.
The response should include a reference list. Using double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.