Using Bloom’s Taxonomy in Writing Course Objectives
In 1956, Benjamin S. Bloom headed a group of educational psychologists. Together, they developed a classification of levels of learning behaviors. This became a taxonomy which covers three overlapping domains: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective. This taxonomy provides a useful structure in which to ask questions and identify learning outcomes. The following are verb examples that represent the three domains:
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Cognitive Learning: |
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Knowledge -- involves recalling or remembering facts without necessarily understanding them. |
arrange, define, duplicate, label list, memorize, name, order, recognize, relate, recall, reproduce, list, tell, describe, identify, show, label, collect, examine, tabulate, quote |
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Comprehension -- involves understanding learned information. |
classify, describe, discuss, explain, express, interpret, contrast, predict, associate, distinguish, estimate, differentiate, discuss, extend, translate, review, restate, locate, recognize, report |
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Application – is the ability to put ideas and concepts to work in solving problems. |
apply, choose, demonstrate, dramatize, employ, illustrate, interpret, operate, practice, schedule, sketch, solve, use, calculate, complete, show, examine, modify, relate, change, experiment, discover |
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Analysis – involves breaking information into its components to see interrelationships and ideas. |
analyze, appraise, calculate, categorize, compare, contrast, criticize, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, examine, experiment, question, test, separate, order, connect, classify, arrange, divide, infer |
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Synthesis – is the ability to use creativity to compose and design something original. |
arrange, assemble, collect, compose, construct, create, design, develop, formulate, manage, organize, plan, prepare, propose, set up, rewrite, integrate, create, design, generalize |
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Evaluation – involves judging the value of information based on established criteria. |
appraise, argue, assess, attach, defend, judge, predict, rate, support, evaluate, recommend, convince, judge, conclude, compare, summarize |
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Psychomotor Learning |
Bend, grasp, handle, operate, reach, relax, shorten, stretch, differentiate (by touch), express (facially), perform (skillfully) |
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Affective Learning |
accept, attempt, challenge, defend, dispute, join, judge, praise, question, share, support |
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