Why learn about the revised Bloom’s taxonomy

Besides the Zone of Proximal Development, which frames whether someone has achieved a learning objective based on how much help they need, it is crucial to understand how to define and assess a learning objective. The revised Bloom’s Taxonomy is a way of doing this. Without a definition, we cannot determine that learning has happened. However, a definition alone is often insufficient, and Bloom’s taxonomy helps us define the ways to assess the achievement of a learning objective.

In the class Box folder, you will find a handout from Iowa State University on the Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy. This figure is a rich and dense resource often used by teachers to help them design their course materials, including homework and exams. We will use it to help us understand how to recognize when learning has happened.