BLOOM'S TAXONOMY

Bloom's Taxonomy

Roberto Cordero-Perez

Argosy University-Sarasota

Bloom's Taxonomy

Bloom's Taxonomy

“Taxonomy simply means classification? so the well-known taxonomy of learning objectives is an attempt (within the behavioural paradigm) to classify forms and levels of learning. It identifies three domains of learning (see below)? each of which is organised as a series of levels or pre-requisites (Anderson? 2001). It is suggested that one cannot effectively — or ought not try to — address higher levels until those below them have been covered (it is thus effectively serial in structure) (Krathwohl? 2002? 212-218). As well as providing a basic sequential model for dealing with topics in the curriculum? it also suggests a way of categorising levels of learning? in terms of the expected ceiling for a given programme (Morshead? 1965? 164-170). Thus in the Cognitive domain? training for technicians may cover knowledge? comprehension and application? but not concern itself with analysis and above? whereas full professional training may be expected to include this and synthesis and evaluation as well. (Krathwohl? 1964)  Knowledge of terminology; specific facts; ways and means of dealing with specifics (conventions? trends and sequences? classifications and categories? criteria? methodology); universals and abstractions in a field (principles and generalizations? theories and structures):

Analysis

Analysis refers to the ability to break down material into its component parts so that its organizational structure may be understood (Morshead? 1965? 164-170). This may include the identification of parts? analysis of the relationship between parts? and recognition of the organizational principles involved.

Breaks down; correlates; diagrams; differentiates; discriminates; distinguishes; focuses; illustrates; infers; limits; outlines; points out; prioritizes; recognizes; separates; subdivides (Paul? 1993).

Examples of learning objectives:

From a series of pictures and context description identify the forms of corrosion that were involved in a failure? (level 2)

What could be the consequences to operate a stainless steel vessel with deaerated water when the specifications are written for aerated water ? (level 3)

Evaluate the corrosion monitoring needs of a chemical processing plant and design a cost effective strategy to generate reliable data. (level 5)

Synthesis

Synthesis refers to the ability to put parts together to form a new whole. This may involve the production of a unique communication? a plan of operations (research proposal)? or a set of abstract relations (scheme for classifying information)(Paul? 1993)

Adapts; anticipates; categorizes; collaborates; combines; communicates; compares; compiles; composes; contrasts; creates; designs; devises; expresses; facilitates; formulates; generates; incorporates; individualizes; initiates; integrates; intervenes; models; modifies; negotiates; plans; progresses; rearranges; reconstructs; reinforces; reorganizes; revises; structures; substitutes; validates

Examples of learning objectives:

Following the identification of the ...