Important Learning Design Theories & Other Aspects to Keep in Mind
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Hierarchy of educational objectives established by B. S. Bloom.
Attempts to divide cognitive objectives ranging from the simplest behavior to the most complex.
Knowledge
defined as remembering previously learned material
involves recalling of a wide range of material, from specific facts to complete theories
represents the lowest level of learning outcomes in the cognitive domain
includes verbs such as list, define, tell, describe, identify, show, label, collect, examine, tabulate,
quote, name, who, when, where
Comprehension
defined as the ability to grasp the meaning of material, that may include:
o translating material from one form to another
o interpreting material
o estimating future trends
o goes one step beyond the simple remembering of material
includes verbs such as summarize, describe, interpret, contrast, predict, associate, distinguish,
estimate, differentiate, discuss, extend
Application
refers to the ability to use learned material in new and concrete situations
requires a higher level of understanding than those under comprehension
includes the application of such things as rules, methods, concepts, principles, laws, and theories
includes verbs such as apply, demonstrate, calculate, complete, illustrate, show, solve, examine,
modify, relate, change, classify, experiment, discover
Analysis
refers to the ability to break down material into its component parts so that its organizational
structure may be understood
may include the identification of parts, analysis of the relationship between parts, and
recognition of the organizational principles involved
learning outcomes here represent a higher intellectual level than mere comprehension and
application
includes verbs such as analyze, separate, order, explain, connect, classify, arrange, divide,
compare, select, explain, infer
Synthesis
refers to the ability to put parts together to form a new whole
learning outcomes stress creative behaviors, with major emphasis on the formulation of new
patterns or structure
includes verbs such as combine, integrate, modify, rearrange, substitute, plan, create, design,
invent, compose, formulate, prepare, generalize, rewrite
Evaluation
is concerned with the ability to judge the value of material (statement, novel, poem, research
report) for a given purpose
judgments are to be based on definite criteria
learning outcomes in this area are highest in the cognitive hierarchy, because they contain
elements of all the other categories, plus conscious value judgments based on clearly defined
criteria
includes verbs such as assess, decide, rank, grade, test, measure, recommend, convince, select,
judge, explain, discriminate, support, conclude, compare, summarize