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BLOOM'S TAXONOMY of COGNITIVE OUTCOMES

Benjamin Bloom developed the idea that knowledge may be acquired to certain definable levels. A teacher will typically present lessons at the same level as they are to be tested. It is unreasonable, for example, to present the Pledge of Allegiance only as a set of words to be memorized (knowledge) and then test the student's ability to utilize the Pledge of Allegiance as a guide to behavior in school (application). Unfortunately for what ever reason, this matching between presentation and testing does not always occur, but since your grade is still your responsibility, an understanding of these levels will help you "ask the right questions before that big test." Below is a chart defining Bloom's hierarchy of cognitive outcomes with an example of the kind of question that might be asked following a lesson taught to that level.

Level

Concept

Example

Knowledge

Remembering previously learned material, including facts, vocabulary, concepts, and principles Recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Comprehension

Grasping the meaning of material Reword the Pledge of Allegiance.

Application

Using abstractions, rules, principles, ideas, and other information in concrete situations Describe how allegiance may be demonstrated by someone's behavior. (E.g. pay taxes, go to war)

Analysis

Breaking down material into its constituent elements or parts Explain the distinctions between allegiance to "the Flag" vs. allegiance to "the republic for which it stands."

Synthesis

Combining elements, pieces, or parts to form a new whole, or constitute a new pattern of structure Create a new pledge of allegiance based on the original ideas combined with modern paradigms and moralities.

Evaluation

Making judgments about the extent to which methods or materials satisfy extant criteria Decide if the ideas expressed in the Pledge of Allegiance exemplify a worthy lifestyle for today's citizen.

William H. Jackson -- February 12, 1996

Adapted from Driscoll, M. P. (1994). Psychology of Learning for Instruction. Needam Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.