Benjamin Bloom created this taxonomy for categorizing level of abstraction of questions that commonly occur in educational settings. The taxonomy provides a useful structure in which to categorize test questions, since professors will characteristically ask questions within particular levels, and if you can determine the levels of questions that will appear on your exams, you will be able to study using appropriate strategies.
Competence |
Key Words | Questions |
Skills Demonstrated | Potential activities and products | |
Level 1:Knowledge
(REMEMBERING): (Cognitive) exhibits previously learned material by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts and answers. |
who, what, why, when, omit, where, which, choose, find, how, define, label, show, spell, list, match, name, relate, tell, recall, select | What is . . . ? How is . . . ?
Where is . . . ? When did _______ happen? How did ______ happen? How would you explain . . . ? Why did . . . ? How would you describe . . . ? When did . . . ? Can you recall . . . ? How would you show . . . ? Can you select . . . ? Who were the main . . . ? Can you list three . . . ? Which one . . . ? Who was . . . ?
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Make
a list of the main events.. Make a timeline of events. Make a facts chart. Write a list of any pieces of information you can remember. List all the .... in the story. Make a chart showing... Make an acrostic. Recite a poem. |
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Receiving | |||||
RESPONDING: (affective) | |||||
Level 2:Comprehension
UNDERSTANDING): (Cognitive) demonstrating understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, translating, interpreting, giving descriptions and stating main ideas. |
compare, contrast, demonstrate, interpret, explain, extend, illustrate, infer, outline, relate, rephrase, translate, summarize, show, classify | How would you classify the type of . . . ?
How would you compare . . . ? contrast . . . ? Will you state or interpret in your own words . . . ? How would you rephrase the meaning . . . ? What facts or ideas show . . . ? What is the main idea of . . . ? Which statements support . . . ? Can you explain what is happening . . . what is meant . . .? What can you say about . . . ? Which is the best answer . . . ? How would you summarize . . . ?
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Cut
out or draw pictures to show a particular event. Illustrate what you think the main idea was. Make a cartoon strip showing the sequence of events. Write and perform a play based on the story. Retell the story in your words. Paint a picture of some aspect you like. Write a summary report of an event. Prepare a flow chart to illustrate the sequence of events. Make a colouring book. |
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Level 3:Application
(SOLVING THE PROBLEM): (Cognitive) solving problems by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules in a different way. |
apply, build, choose, construct, develop, interview, make use of, organize, experiment with, plan, select, solve, utilize, model, identify | How would you classify the type of . . . ?
How would you compare . . . ? contrast . . . ? Will you state or interpret in your own words . . . ? How would you rephrase the meaning . . . ? What facts or ideas show . . . ? What is the main idea of . . . ? Which statements support . . . ? Can you explain what is happening . . . what is meant . . .? What can you say about . . . ? Which is the best answer . . . ? How would you summarize . . . ?
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Construct
a model to demonstrate how it will work. Make a diorama to illustrate an important event. Make a scrapbook about the areas of study. Make a paper-mache map to include relevant information about an event. Take a collection of photographs to demonstrate a particular point. Make up a puzzle game suing the ideas from the study area. Make a clay model of an item in the material. Design a market strategy for your product using a known strategy as a model. Dress a doll in national costume. Paint a mural using the same materials. Write a textbook about... for others. |
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ORGANIZATION BY VALUES: (affective) | |||||
Level 4: Analysis
LOGICAL ORDERING): (Cognitive) examining and breaking information into parts by identifying motives or causes; making inferences and finding evidence to support generalizations. |
analyze, categorize, classify, compare, contrast, discover, dissect, divide, examine, inspect, simplify, survey, take part in, test for, distinguish, list, distinction, theme, relationships, function, motive, inference, assumption, conclusion | What are the parts or features of . . . ?
How is _______ related to . . . ? Why do you think . . . ? What is the theme . . . ? What motive is there . . . ? Can you list the parts . . . ? What inference can you make . . . ? What conclusions can you draw . . . ? How would you classify . . . ? How would you categorize . . . ? Can you identify the difference parts . . . ? What evidence can you find . . . ? What is the relationship between . . . ? Can you make a distinction between . . . ? What is the function of . . . ? What ideas justify . . . ?
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Design
a questionnaire to gather information. Write a commercial to sell a new product. Conduct an investigation to produce information to support a view. Make a flow chart to show the critical stages. Construct a graph to illustrate selected information. Make a jigsaw puzzle. Make a family tree showing relationships. Put on a play about the study area. Write a biography of the study person. Prepare a report about the area of study. Arrange a party. Make all the arrangements and record the steps needed. Review a work of art in terms of form, colour and texture. |
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Level 5: Synthesis
(CREATING): (Cognitive) compiling information together in a different way by combining elements in a new pattern or proposing alternative solutions. |
build, choose, combine, compile, compose, construct, create, design, develop, estimate, formulate, imagine, invent, make up, originate, plan, predict, propose, solve, solution, suppose, discuss, modify, change, original, improve, adapt, minimize, maximize, delete, theorize, elaborate, test, improve, happen, change | What changes would you make to solve . . . ?
How would you improve . . . ? What would happen if . . . ? Can you elaborate on the reason . . . ? Can you propose an alternative . . . ? Can you invent . . . ? How would you adapt ________ to create a different . . . ? How could you change (modify) the plot (plan) . . . ? What could be done to minimize (maximize) . . . ? What way would you design . . . ? What could be combined to improve (change) . . . ? Suppose you could _______ what would you do . . . ? How would you test . . . ? Can you formulate a theory for . . . ? Can you predict the outcome if . . . ? How would you estimate the results for . . . ? What facts can you compile . . . ? Can you construct a model that would change . . . ? Can you think of an original way for the . . . ?
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Invent
a machine to do a specific task. Design a building to house your study. Create a new product. Give it a name and plan a marketing campaign. Write about your feelings in relation to... Write a TV show, play, puppet show, role play, song or pantomime about...? Design a record, book, or magazine cover for...? Make up a new language code and write material suing it. Sell an idea. Devise a way to... Compose a rhythm or put new words to a known melody. |
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CHARACTERIZATION BY VALUES: (affective) | |||||
Level 6:Evaluation
( Cognitive) presenting and defending opinions by making judgments about information, validity of ideas or quality of work based on a set of criteria. |
award, choose, conclude, criticize, decide, defend, determine, dispute, evaluate, judge, justify, measure, compare, mark, rate, recommend, rule on, select, agree, interpret, explain, appraise, prioritize, opinion, ,support, importance, criteria, prove, disprove, assess, influence, perceive, value, estimate, influence, deduct | Do you agree with the actions . . . ? with the
outcomes . . . ?
What is your opinion of . . . ? How would you prove . . . ? disprove . . . ? Can you assess the value or importance of . . . ? Would it be better if . . . ? Why did they (the character) choose . . . ? What would you recommend . . . ? How would you rate the . . . ? What would you cite to defend the actions . . . ? How would you evaluate . . . ? How could you determine . . . ? What choice would you have made . . . ? What would you select . . . ? How would you prioritize . . . ? What judgment would you make about . . . ? Based on what you know, how would you explain . . . ? What information would you use to support the view . . . ? How would you justify . . . ? What data was used to make the conclusion . . . ? Why was it better that . . . ? How would you prioritize the facts . . . ? How would you compare the ideas . . . ? people . . . ?
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* Adapted from: Bloom, B.S. (Ed.) (1956) Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals: Handbook I, cognitive domain. New York ; Toronto: Longmans, Green.
Reference: Quick Flip Questions for Critical Thinking, based on Bloom's Taxonomy and developed by Linda G. Barton
Cognitive
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AffectiveThis domain includes the manner in which we deal with things emotionally, such as feelings, values, appreciation, enthusiasms, motivations, and attitudes. The five major categories listed in order are:
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Psychomotor3 The psychomotor domain includes physical movement, coordination, and use of the motor-skill areas. Development of these skills requires practice and is measured in terms of speed, precision, distance, procedures, or techniques in execution. The seven major categories listed in order are:
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As mentioned earlier, the committee did not produce a compilation for the psychomotor domain model, but others have. The one discussed above is by Simpson (1972). There are two other popular versions: R.H. Dave's (1970):
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This material is largely drawn from a handout from Dr Robert Kleinsasser (CLTR at UQ). He acknowledges that the verb lists come from the Washington State Board of Vocational Education. The verb lists will be very useful when you write your own learning goals (which are a kind of educational objective).
Note: This material is presented as a source of ideas. It is not intended as the only way to write objectives nor even a completely valid one. Bloom's Taxonomy dates from the 1950's and has been under debate and challenge ever since.
Reference: Bloom, B.S. (Ed) (1956 - 1964) Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, David McKay Company Inc, New York.
This reference contains the original two volumes detailing the taxonomies for the cognitive and affective domains (see below).
knowledge | comprehension | application | analysis | synthesis | evaluation | ||||||||||||
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know define memorise repeat record list recall name relate
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restate discuss describe recognise explain express identify locate report review tell
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translate interpret apply employ use demonstrate dramatise practise illustrate operate schedule shop sketch
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distinguish analyse differentiate appraise calculate experiment test compare contrast criticise diagram inspect debate inventory question relate solve examine
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compose plan propose design formulate arrange assemble collect construct create design set up organise manage prepare
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judge appraise evaluate rate compare value revise score select choose assess estimate measure
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receivingis willing to notice a particular phenomenon
responding
makes response, at first with compliance, later willingly and with satisfaction
valuingaccepts worth of a thing
organisation
organises values; determines interrelationships; adapts behaviour to value system
characterisation
generalises certain values into controlling tendencies; emphasis on internal consistency; later integrates these into a total philosophy of life or world view.
receiving | responding | valuing | organisation | characterisation |
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observe be conscious realise be sensitive attend listen discriminate be alert prefer |
willing comply obey look engage display practice respond assume cooperate contribute volunteer exhibit consider participate extend enrich explore |
continuing
desire grow feel participate assume responsibility enable initiate examine prefer accept devote is loyal to |
crystallise form judgement relate weigh is realistic judge regulate |
ready revise change view approach plan arrive relay examine judge is consistent |
The levels of this domain are categorised as:
Reflex - objectives not usually written at this "low" level;
Fundamental movements - applicable mostly to young children ("crawl, run, jump, reach, change direction")
Perceptual abilities - "catch, write, balance, distinguish, manipulate"
Physical abilities - "stop, increase, move quickly, change, react"
Skilled movements - "play, hit, swim, dive, use"
Non-discursive communication - "express, create, mime, design, interpret"
The last two categories seem likely to be well applicable to programs in the creative and professional areas. Clinical skills such as palpation arguably legitimately qualify as psychomotor skills in the skilled movement category, while painting, drawing and acting, for example, will at least in part fall into the non-discursive communication category.
The psychomotor domain and its relevant verbs and categories have been less well articulated, at all levels of education, than the cognitive and affective domains. However, it is important that you do not ignore objectives in this area should there be relevant skills in your course.
How does
Bloom's Taxonomy apply to the integration of technology in
learning?
In 1956, Benjamin Bloom headed a group of educational
psychologists who developed a classification of levels of
intellectual behavior important in learning. This became a
taxonomy including three overlapping domains; the cognitive,
psychomotor, and affective. Each of the domains can be
utilized through the interaction of media.
Cognitive learning is demonstrated by knowledge recall and the intellectual skills: comprehending information, organizing ideas, analyzing and synthesizing data, applying knowledge, choosing among alternatives in problem-solving, and evaluating ideas or actions. This domain on the acquisition and use of knowledge is predominant in the majority of courses. Bloom identified six levels within the cognitive domain, from the simple recall or recognition of facts, as the lowest level, through increasingly more complex and abstract mental levels, to the highest order which is classified as evaluation. Verb examples that represent intellectual activity on each level are listed here.
Affective learning is demonstrated by behaviors indicating attitudes of awareness, interest, attention, concern, and responsibility, ability to listen and respond in interactions with others, and ability to demonstrate those attitudinal characteristics or values which are appropriate to the test situation and the field of study. This domain relates to emotions, attitudes, appreciations, and values, such as enjoying, conserving, respecting, and supporting. Verbs applicable to the affective domain include accepts, attempts, challenges, defends, disputes, joins, judges, praises, questions, shares, supports, and volunteers.
Psychomotor learning is demonstrated by physical skills; coordination, dexterity, manipulation, grace, strength, speed; actions which demonstrate the fine motor skills such as use of precision instruments or tools, or actions which evidence gross motor skills such as the use of the body in dance or athletic performance. Verbs applicable to the psychomotor domain include bend, grasp, handle, operate, reach, relax, shorten, stretch, write, differentiate (by touch), express (facially), perform (skillfully).
Video Conferencing: Video is used for content that must be presented utilizing visuals such as video tape, slides, charts, graphs, drawings and demonstrations. Since video is a more expensive medium to use because of the cost of wideband transmission, it should be used selectively when the content requires it. All content does not need to be presented over video. After primary information has been presented on video, some interaction may take place if there is time left in the class period and if the instructor has planned for interaction.
Video technology provides numerous advantages; increases instructor productivity; encourages participative teaching styles; and promotes and optimizes the highest ideals in advancing education. Coupled with audio conferencing and computer conferencing technologies, an entirely new group of resources becomes available. Interaction can be carried on through more cost efficient audio and computer technologies which can be available to students in synchronous or asynchronous modes as the content or the instructor requires. Classes should be taped and made available to students.
If class room space is at a premium, video conferences can be switched to the campus closed circuit network so that students can view the class in their dormitory room. They can interact by calling into the origination site on campus or at a distant campus.
Audio Conferencing: To continue the discussion during the next regular class period, the class can meet via audio conference bridge. The equipment required for this is an audio conference bridge with enough ports on it to accommodate the size of the class. During the audio conference the instructor can present new material that does not require video for presentation, answer questions, and set up and interaction between students so that they are able to share information and experiences. Audio conferencing should be used when synchronous (real time) discussion is required. During the early part of the course, audio conferencing can be used more to dispel the student's sense of isolation from instructor and peers. Formal audio conferences should be scheduled well in advance, an agenda should be set by the instructor, and students should have hard copies in their study guide or text of visuals that were used in the video class. To bring a different element into the course, guest experts in the content field can be asked to present lectures or participate in question and answer periods through the audio conference. Additional visual materials can be mailed, faxed to students. Text can be sent via computer. Attendance should be taken during the audio conference and the instructor should require students to interact as part of their grade. Classes should be taped and made available to students.
As with video conferencing, audio conferencing is approached differently than a traditional class; there is a big difference in presentation. Use an agenda with paragraphs explaining discussion points. Handouts are important for visual learners. Throughout the class, use visuals. Involve students early in the audio conference to make them comfortable with the medium. Get participants talking within the first few minutes by asking for names and locations. To create pace, alternate short presentations with discussion, visuals, or a work sheet. Keep segments shorter than ten minutes. Use more visuals late in the program to provide focus and relieve boredom. Combine male and female teams as the change is pleasant to the ear and provides variety. Use people with accents who are immediately identifiable. Plan the presentation order to vary the voices. Plan the wrap-up. The worst thing one can ask in a 20-site audio conference is, "are there any questions?" Instead, ask if there are "Any questions in Dallas?". Everyone in Dallas will look at each other and silently nominate someone to ask a question.
Audio conferencing can be used for group work when a small group of students is assigned a team project. They would meet via the audio conference bridge at scheduled times to complete their work. The project work can be presented by video, audio, and computer conference depending upon the content.
Transmission costs for audio conferencing can be transferred to students as they dial the audio conference bridge. Toll free numbers are provided for instructors.
Voice Mail: Voice mail for faculty and students will extend the bounds of instructor accessibility for students. Voice mail can be provided to students as a component of their dormitory telephone service or as a dial in voice mail box for students living off-campus. With voice mail, complete interactions can take place asynchronously. The student has a question that needs to be answered outside of regular class hours. The instructor can a dial the student's voice mailbox and leave a complete answer when it is convenient. Because this can be done from any phone in the world, instructor's can be accessible to students at all times. This service will reduce the student's sense of isolation.
Touch Tone Interaction: More sophisticated touch tone telephone programs can provide lectures and drill for students. Students access the computer based system by regular telephone. A menu is presented and students select the option they want by touching a number on the telephone pad. The system branches to that content and can present information. A second menu provides a branch to a self-test. The system asks and questions and provides a menu of answer options which correspond to the telephone keypad. Students touch the number that they think is right. The system responds by telling the student if they are right or wrong and if wrong, the system provides the right answer.
Computer Conferencing: Computer conferencing is used to continue the discussion when real time interaction is not required. For some courses, computer conferencing may be sufficient. Because the classroom is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, students have the flexibility to schedule their learning time around their other personal and professional commitments. Computer conferencing represents a new domain for educational interaction and it is essentially collaborative and team based.
Student and faculty equipment needs include a computer, telecommunications software, conferencing software, modem and a regular telephone line. The host site must have a computer capable of handling and storing thousands of messages, telecommunications software, conferencing software, a bank of modems and telephone lines. Computer conferencing programs enable the student and instructor to dial into the academic computer when it is convenient. Each student is issued a private electronic mailbox on the system and share access to a group mailbox which is the focal point for instructor communication to the class as well as the vehicle for group discussion. Software is menu-driven, and supports simple commands for uploading, downloading, capturing, and storing files.
Students receive course materials by mail. Students follow a study guide prepared for the course by a design team as well as a traditional textbook, case studies and other materials. Instructors can add or delete assignments. Some institutions are creating interactive computer aided components which can be sent to students on computer disk, CD-ROM or accessed through the campus computer network. Each week, instructors provide a lecture focusing on the week's important content which students download. Group and individual assignments are customary. Students send homework assignments to class mailboxes. Instructors grade the homework and can send back a marked assignment or a grade with notes. Students file a weekly summary to focus on what they have learned that is particularly relevant to them.
Interaction by students may account for up to 40 percent of the grade. With the requirement for meaningful interaction, students seldom fail to participate. Once they begin to interact, it becomes a pattern for them. The benefits to the student are significant. The nature of the system enables students to prepare very thoughtful responses, and therefore the quality of information is very high. Decision making can take longer and sometimes students will conference on the telephone to work out logistical issues in completing group projects if time becomes an issue. Their writing and critical thinking ability increases. They cannot hide in the back of the room behind one or two class stars who answer all of the question. If students don't speak up, everyone notices. Quality of content overrides personality or charisma. A text-based system has an equalizing affect. Since students cannot see one another, they're less inclined to typecast them. The only thing that counts is the quality of the student's ideas. Faculty are able to provide significant one-to-one instruction to students when they need it - or within a few hours of when a question is asked. The amount of time available to each student is increased because it is not confined to the traditional class hours. Most schools require that students and faculty log on five days each week. When real time interaction is necessary, students and faculty use the telephone or audio conferencing.
In this mode a number of smaller assignments is due each week. All assignments are posted to mailboxes which are open to the class. Students react to one another's assignments by critiquing the assignment, making additional suggestions, providing other information, or asking for additional information. This process contributes to higher developmental levels of understanding and their collaborative work skills are honed by the requirements of the course. The act of formulating and verbalizing one's own ideas as well as responding to ideas by others are important cognitive skills. Collaboration contributes to higher order learning through cognitive restructuring or conflict resolution. Whereas in the face-to-face classroom environment up to 60-80 percent of the verbal exchange during class time comes from the teacher (Dunkin & Biddle, 1974; McDonald & Elias, 1976), this pattern is the opposite in computer and audio conferencing (Lane, 1990). Analyses of various online courses indicates that the instructor contributes 10-15 percent of the message volume and of the number of conference messages (Harasim, 1987; Winkelmans, 1988). This is not a correspondence course by modem; interaction in this medium is significantly higher than in traditional classes. The availability of an archived transcript of the class facilitates reflective review of previous comments and discussion prior to providing an answer. As a medium, it is particularly conducive to brainstorming, networking, group synergy, and sharing information. It is an information rich environment. Final examinations are usually open book and are sent to the instructor's mail box which cannot be accessed by students.
An example of a group assignment might be a consensus ranking exercise. Students are given seven points to rank individually and required to provide statements about why they ranked items as they did. The group will continue the exercise for several days and are required to come to a class consensus. Active learning in the computer conferencing environment can be measured by the level of participation. The computer medium lends itself well to a variety of courses and is particularly useful in management, writing, education and other theory intense courses. Courses involving the use of spread sheets are also taught over computer. While it can be an aid in decision making, the asynchronous nature of the medium tends to lengthen the time frame before the decision is made.
Transmission costs for computer conferencing can be transferred to students as they dial into the computer. Toll free numbers are usually provided for instructors. Students pay for their own modem connect time which amounts to about 1.5 to 2 hours per week. Since they are not working in real time, their connect time is limited to logging onto the system to capture material to their own computer disk. Once they capture the material, they log off the system and prepare their homework and discussion comments at their leisure to send later.
Instructional Design: An instructional design team experienced in video, audio, and computer conferencing should design or adapt a course for the interaction model. Instructional design should be based on adult education theory and techniques, self-directed learning, learning styles, collaborative learning, team based exercises and interaction projects based upon the content. Some members of the design team may need additional training.
Mix of Media: The use of video, audio and computer conferencing forms the basis for a move toward multimedia. As students and faculty become familiar and comfortable with the existing but separate mix of media, they are preparing for the use of multimedia that will be available over wideband transmission lines. These new hypertextual environments will be interfaced with computer conferencing systems to produce a more advanced communication and education medium. This is a new learning domain which will enable educators and students to engage in learning interactions more effectively, and will develop new and different forms of educational interactions. Because the mix of media and multimedia appeal to a variety of learning styles, students will learn more effectively than they would from any one medium alone.
Faculty Training: Faculty need to be trained in video, audio, and computer conferencing technologies and the methodologies and techniques that will work well in these media. Faculty need to be trained in adult education theory and application so that the student is encouraged to become self-directed and take responsibility for initiating interaction. Faculty should be trained to facilitate students who have become self-directed. Faculty should be given access to the learning style instruments completed by students and trained in learning styles.