Bloom’s Taxonomy is a powerful framework for categorizing learning objectives and designing assessments. The verbs associated with each level of the taxonomy provide a clear way to describe what learners will be able to do after instruction. In this post, we will explore six ways to use Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs in your teaching practice.
Understanding Bloom's Taxonomy
Bloom’s Taxonomy is a hierarchical framework that categorizes learning objectives into six levels: Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating. Each level builds on the previous one, with the lower levels focusing on basic recall and comprehension and the higher levels focusing on more complex thinking and problem-solving.
1. Writing Learning Objectives
Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs are essential for writing clear and specific learning objectives. By using verbs from the taxonomy, you can ensure that your objectives are measurable and achievable. For example:
- Remembering: Recall, List, Define
- Understanding: Explain, Describe, Summarize
- Applying: Apply, Demonstrate, Use
- Analyzing: Analyze, Compare, Contrast
- Evaluating: Evaluate, Justify, Argue
- Creating: Create, Design, Develop
Using these verbs, you can write specific and measurable learning objectives, such as:
- By the end of this lesson, students will be able to recall the main events of the American Revolution.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to apply the principles of physics to solve real-world problems.
2. Designing Assessments
Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs can also be used to design assessments that target specific levels of thinking. For example:
- Multiple-choice questions that require recall of facts
- Short-answer questions that require explain of concepts
- Case studies that require apply of principles
- Essays that require analyze of complex issues
- Projects that require create of original work
By using verbs from the taxonomy, you can ensure that your assessments are aligned with your learning objectives and target the desired level of thinking.
3. Differentiating Instruction
Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs can be used to differentiate instruction for students with varying learning needs. For example:
- For struggling students, use remembering and understanding verbs to focus on basic recall and comprehension.
- For advanced students, use analyzing, evaluating, and creating verbs to challenge them to think more critically and creatively.
By using verbs from the taxonomy, you can tailor your instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
4. Encouraging Critical Thinking
Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs can be used to encourage critical thinking in the classroom. For example:
- Ask students to analyze a complex issue and identify pros and cons.
- Ask students to evaluate the effectiveness of a particular solution.
- Ask students to create a new solution to a real-world problem.
By using verbs from the taxonomy, you can encourage students to think critically and creatively.
5. Enhancing Student Engagement
Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs can be used to enhance student engagement in the classroom. For example:
- Ask students to design a new product or service.
- Ask students to develop a plan to solve a real-world problem.
- Ask students to create a presentation to persuade their peers.
By using verbs from the taxonomy, you can encourage students to take an active role in their learning and engage them in meaningful and authentic tasks.
6. Aligning with Standards
Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs can be used to align instruction with state and national standards. For example:
- Many state standards require students to analyze and evaluate complex information.
- Many national standards require students to create and design original work.
By using verbs from the taxonomy, you can ensure that your instruction is aligned with the standards and that your students are prepared to succeed.
🤔 Note: Bloom's Taxonomy verbs are not mutually exclusive, and many tasks may require students to use multiple verbs simultaneously. Be sure to consider the complexity of the task and the level of thinking required when selecting verbs from the taxonomy.
In conclusion, Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs are a powerful tool for teaching and learning. By using these verbs, you can write clear and specific learning objectives, design assessments that target specific levels of thinking, differentiate instruction for diverse learners, encourage critical thinking, enhance student engagement, and align instruction with state and national standards.
What is Bloom’s Taxonomy?
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Bloom’s Taxonomy is a hierarchical framework that categorizes learning objectives into six levels: Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating.
How can I use Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs in my teaching practice?
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You can use Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs to write learning objectives, design assessments, differentiate instruction, encourage critical thinking, enhance student engagement, and align instruction with state and national standards.
What are some examples of Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs?
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Examples of Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs include: Recall, List, Define, Explain, Describe, Summarize, Apply, Demonstrate, Use, Analyze, Compare, Contrast, Evaluate, Justify, Argue, Create, Design, and Develop.
