1.9 Bloom's Taxonomy

Bloom's Taxonomy and related verbs

Bloom’s Taxonomy is a system for organizing levels of knowledge. It is a spectrum of sorts that begins with memorizing basic facts or vocabulary and builds from there when the learner practices and applies learned knowledge to eventually solve problems and to be able to evaluate systems or create something new to add to the topic.

Common action verbs used in each level of Bloom's Taxonomy questions

Click for a text description of Bloom's Taxonomy.

Bloom's Taxonomy

knowledge	comprehension	application	analysis	synthesis	evaluation
define identify describe label list name state match recognize select examine locate memorize quote recall reproduce tabulate tell copy discover duplicate enumerate listen observe omit read recite record repeat retell visualize	explain describe interpret paraphrase summarize classify compare differentiate discuss distinguish extend predict associate contrast convert demonstrate estimate express identify indicate infer relate restate select translate ask cite discover generalize group illustrate judge observe order report represent research review rewrite show trace	solve apply illustrate modify use calculate change choose demonstrate discover experiment relate show sketch complete construct dramatize interpret manipulate paint prepare teach act collect compute explain list operate practice simulate transfer write	analyze compare classify contrast distinguish infer separate explain select categorize connect differentiate divide order prioritize survey calculate conclude correlate deduce devise diagram dissect estimate evaluate experiment focus illustrate organize outline plan question test	design compose create plan combine formulate invent hypothesize substitute write compile construct develop generalize integrate modify organize prepare produce rearrange rewrite adapt anticipate arrange assemble choose collaborate facilitate imagine intervene make manage originate propose simulate solve support test validate	reframe criticize evaluate order appraise judge support compare decide discriminate recommend summarize assess choose convince defend estimate grade measure predict rank score select test argue conclude consider critique debate distinguish editorialize justify persuade rate weigh

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In the educational realm, Bloom’s has been used to help teachers connect their content and students with objectives or desired outcomes. Modern interpretations of Bloom’s focus more on the act of learning by utilizing verbs that scaffold for higher levels of skill and knowledge, building upon one another, so that learners can develop from basic factual memorization to more elaborate concepts that incorporate these facts. The verbs also lend themselves to learning a continuum of procedures that graduate accordingly and can help a learner understand and reflect about their own capabilities.