Bloom's+Taxonomy

= __Bloom's Taxonomy__ =

[ Methods of Critical Thinking ]
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = Bloom’s Taxonomy is a classification of the different levels of cognitive skills. The taxonomy is composed of six different levels, in the form of a pyramid. At the base of the pyramid it is “Knowledge” then the second level is “Understanding”, third level is “Application”, the fourth level is “Analysis”, the fifth level is “Synthesis” and the final and sixth level is “Evaluation” which is at the tip of the pyramid.

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1) Knowledge: Shows that a person has memorized information that they have learned previously.  2) Understanding: Understand the meaning, translation, interpretation of the information. 3) Application: Use a concept in a new situation; apply what was learned in another context. 4) Analysis: Separate the material or concepts into component parts, so you can distinguish the facts. 5) Synthesis: Put parts together from what you learned, to form a whole, with emphasis on creating a new meaning or structure. 6) Evaluation: Make judgments about the value of ideas or materials learned. "This taxonomy was invented by Dr. Benjamin Bloom in 1956. He was an educational psychologist at the University of Chicago."


 * __Sample Questions based on Bloom’s Taxonomy:__**

Questions for __**K**__**__nowledge:__** Who was it that founded the Copenhagen Consensus? Describe what happened at...? Which is true or false...? Questions for __**Understanding:**__ Can you write a brief outline of how the United Nations Security Council works? What do you think could have happened next...? Can you distinguish between...?

Questions for **__Application:__** Could the material's economy have happened in North America only or do you think this is the case in most of the world as well...? Would this information be useful if you had a...? What factors would you change if...?

Questions for **__Analysis:__** How is the World Bank similar to the International Monetary Fund? What were some of the motives behind...? What do you see as other possible outcomes?

Questions for **__Synthesis:__** If you had access to all resources how would you deal with the current and continuing inflation in Zimbabwe? Can you see a possible solution to...? Can you develop a proposal which would bring to the attention of the world the plight of sweatshop workers?

Questions for **__Evaluation__**: Compare the difference between...? Predict what would happen if....? Argue in favour of... How do we judge our concern if...?