Bloom's Taxonomy is a set of hierarchical models that are used to classify educational learning objectives into different levels of complexity and specificity. It serves as a useful guide to scaffold learning tasks, design fair and meaningful assessments, and ensure that learning objectives are targeted at the appropriate level of cognitive development.
Bloom's Taxonomy comprises six different levels. Each level symbolizes a stage of cognitive development, and the model suggests that learners should master the skills at one level before progressing to the next.
Here is an overview of each level in Bloom's Taxonomy:
Remembering
This is the first and most basic level of the taxonomy. It involves the recall of facts and basic concepts. This could be in the form of reciting a policy, repeating a definition, or listing scientific terms. Essentially, this stage does not require you to understand the facts but simply to remember them.
Actions: define, list, describe
Understanding
At this level, you should be able to explain ideas or concepts. This could include identifying the main ideas of a text, interpreting graphs or charts, or summarizing a set of facts. In essence, you should be able to comprehend the meaning, translation, interpolation, and interpretation of instructions and problems.
Actions: explain, summarize
Applying
The application stage involves using the knowledge gained in new situations. This might involve using a rule or method in a different context, applying theories to practical situations, or using the information learned to solve problems.
Actions: apply, illustrate, interpret
Analyzing
Here, you are expected to break information into parts and explore relationships and organizational structures. This could involve identifying parts of a system, recognizing hidden meanings, or distinguishing between different parts.
Actions: analyze, classify, distinguish
Evaluating
At the evaluating level, you must be able to justify a decision or course of action. They should be able to critique a scientific argument, judge an ethical dilemma, or appraise a work of art. This level of evaluation requires deeper cognitive thought.
Actions: evaluate, justify
Creating
The final stage of Bloom's Taxonomy involves the ability to create new works or ideas from the knowledge gained. This can involve developing a new scheme, proposing a solution to a complex problem, or formulating a new theory. This stage represents the highest level of thought in the taxonomy.
Actions: construct, design, plan