Thang Bloom
Thang Bloom
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Abstract
Bloom’s Taxonomy is crucial in any teaching and learning environment because it determines direction for a
course of study. This study assessed application of Bloom’s Taxonomy in courses of study offered in colleges in
Lusaka District. Objectives were: Assess the application of Bloom’s Taxonomy in setting learning outcomes for
the courses; Assess reflection of Bloom’s Taxonomy in activities set for course participants; Ascertain significance
attached to Bloom’s Taxonomy in courses of study designed for participants. The study employed a mixed
methodology, in particular employing a descriptive research design to assess application of the Taxonomy in
course outcomes/objective. The population comprised college lecturers in Lusaka District. Sample size was 36
lecturers who were conveniently sampled. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using
frequencies and Spearman correlation coefficient. Findings revealed that the majority of the lecturers did not
illustrate how to use Bloom’s Taxonomy in planning course of study, setting objectives/outcomes, creating
learning activities or create assessment tasks for course participants. However, most of the lecturers demonstrated
use of active verbs which they use in objectives/outcomes. Findings revealed that lecturers hardly used Bloom’s
Taxonomy. There is no relationship between lecturers’ use of learning outcomes as a basis for preparing class
tasks and their assertions that they compared objectives with tasks prepared for students. It is recommended that
lecturers should be oriented on use of the learning Taxonomy.
Keywords: Bloom’s Taxonomy, Objectives, Outcomes, Lecturers
DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-4-02
Publication date: February 28th 2023
INTRODUCTION
Bloom’s Taxonomy is an indispensable component in any teaching and learning activity. It classifies levels of
cognitive development expected to be attained in various learning stages. Bloom’s Taxonomy provides an
understanding of how to formulate appropriate objectives in the teaching and learning process. This model also
guides instructors to change complexity of the questions and help learners to achieve higher levels of hierarchy.
Stanny (2016) explains the effectiveness of Bloom Taxonomy in classifying thinking skills in a hierarchy that
ranges from lower level cognitive skills through higher order cognitive skills. Further, it helps in the development
of critical thinking among teachers as they set assessment tasks. However, this taxonomy is hardly used in some
of the teaching and learning processes. Attributed to this lack or partial application of the taxonomy is twofold.
Firstly, lack of proper understanding of the taxonomy in using it to set objectives, questions, learning outcomes as
well as corresponding assessments. Secondly, it is none exposure of teachers to application of taxonomy in the
teaching and learning process. Akinboboye and Ayanwale (2021) affirm this disparity in the use of the taxonomy
by some of the teachers who face challenges in using this taxonomy because of lack of complete understanding of
how it is supposed to be applied. While some of the teachers have ideas in using the taxonomy, others have not
been exposed to it at all. Such are problems associated to use of Bloom’s Taxonomy among teachers. Earlier on,
Gluga, Kay, Lister, Simon, and Kleitman (2013) confirmed that educators often need support from educational
experts, which are not easily available in many departments in higher education. It was against this background
that this study was conducted to assess the application of the Taxonomy among lecturers in colleges.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The Bloom’s Taxonomy Model is helpful to the teachers for thinking and analyzing their teaching and student’s
learning. The framework is used to state clear objectives which can help the teachers to plan lessons accordingly.
It also provides a framework for cognitive behaviors which can be applied to understand difficulty of tasks, conduct
an assessment, and simplify or complicate the activities for students (Armstrong, 2010).
However, not all teachers know how to use Bloom’s Taxonomy in preparing activities for their learners.
Larson & Lockee (2019) explain that educators often find it challenging and tedious to develop learning objectives
to describe cognitive skills at different levels of Bloom’s taxonomy.
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ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol.14, No.4, 2023
Li et. al. (2022) observed that some educators have difficulties in creating learning objectives applicable to
the levels in Bloom’s taxonomy. They further indicated the need to reflect objectives in the advancement of learners’
skills with learning content as well as dependencies the concerning set intents. Similarly, Masapanta-Carri´on &
Vel´azquez-Iturbide (2018), Mpolomoka, Banda & Dube (2017) and Mpolomoka, Muyangana, Banda, Dube,
Mabenga, Kangwa & Muyoba (2016) observe difficulties that educators have in developing learning objectives
appropriate to the levels specified in Bloom’s taxonomy. Teachers mostly make the mistake of assuming that
learners who can remember facts can then also complete those more important higher order tasks. This partial
understanding of the taxonomy limits cognitive development of learners because of lack of exposure to use of
higher order thinking skills.
Masapanta-Carrión, Velázquez-Iturbide & Ángel (2018) note another dimension of difficulties that teacher
experience which relate to challenges faced in classifying content into specific levels of the taxonomy. Over
dependance on acquisition of low level cognitive development knowledge and skills at the expense of higher level
ones in teaching is problematic. The taxonomy is partially utilized which adversely affects development,
intellectually. Some teachers were seen to have limited understanding of terminologies applicable in each level of
the cognitive taxonomy. Masapanta-Carrión, Velázquez-Iturbide & Ángel (2018) propose to offer training to
instructors in how to use it was proposed as a way of solving the problem of deficient use of the taxonomy.
Furthermore, Akinboboye & Ayanwale (2021) urge teachers to set questions that based on Bloom’s taxonomy to
ensure balancing cognitive skill development in learners.
Bloom’s Taxonomy classifies learning into stages which range from the lowest to the highest levels. Adam
(2015) explains that the taxonomy contains six categories of cognitive skills ranging from lower-order skills that
require less cognitive processing to higher-order skills that require deeper learning and a greater degree of cognitive
processing. It indicates these consecutive learning levels which are planned for learners to experience. A set of
three hierarchical models is used to classify educational learning objectives into levels of complexity and
specificity. The three lists cover the learning objectives in cognitive, affective and sensory domains. The cognitive
domain list has been the primary focus of most traditional education and is frequently used to structure curriculum
learning objectives, assessments and activities (Anderson et al, 2001). These levels can be helpful in developing
learning outcomes because certain verbs are particularly appropriate at each level and not appropriate at other
levels (though some verbs are useful at multiple levels).
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ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol.14, No.4, 2023
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Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol.14, No.4, 2023
Hypotheses Testing
HO1 - There is no relationship between use of objectives and learning outcomes in tasks prepared.
HO2 - Use of Bloom’s Taxonomy in designing study courses was not associated to grouping of objectives when
preparing lecture notes.
Theoretical Framework
This study used Objectives-Oriented Evaluation Approach which focuses on determining the extent to which the
purposes of a program are achieved. The objectives-oriented approach to evaluation is attributed to Ralph W. Tyler
(1942, 1950) who conceptualized and popularized the focus on objectives in education. According to Tyler (1942)
the goals and the objectives of a program must be defined as a prerequisite to evaluation. The objectives-oriented
evaluation determines whether some or all of the program objectives are achieved and, if so, how well they are
achieved. In education, the objectives are concerned with the purposes of a single lesson or training program or
the knowledge students should attain during an entire year. Worthen and Sanders (1987) assert that objective-
oriented approach is systematic, logical, scientifically acceptable and ready to use by evaluator. This study adopted
objectives-oriented approach based on the assumption that objectives provide accurate and reliable information
about the insights of the programme. The focus of this study was confined to objectives/questions and learning
outcome statements of the program in relation to cognitive domain in Bloom’s Taxonomy. Focus was on the
application of goals, objectives and intended outcomes of a program. The major question addressed in this kind of
evaluation is.
METHODOLOGY
The study employed a mixed methodology in which a concurrent design was used to allow for collection of two
types of data at the same time. A descriptive research design was used to assess application of the taxonomy in
course outcomes/objective. Population targeted comprised college lecturers in Lusaka District. Convenience
sampling was used to get the required sample of 36 respondents.
Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire containing closed and open-ended statements.
The closed-ended part constituted the quantitative aspect of the study and it had 14 statements. Six statements
dichotomous with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response. The remaining eight had Likert scale which was used to measure
lecturers’ opinion towards use of objective and Bloom’s Taxonomy in their courses of study. Qualitatively, the
other segment comprised open-ended statements. They are textual responses and generally used for qualitative
analysis (Banda, Mpolomoka, Mbono & Sampa, 2017). The first part of the questionnaire comprised question
items that assessed use of objectives. The second part assessed application of objectives and Bloom’s Taxonomy
in implementation of course studies. Bloom’s Taxonomy underlies determination of objectives or learning
outcomes for any lesson prepared for students. Close-ended part was quantifiable, analyzed using Spearman
coefficient whereas the open-ended was thematically analyzed.
Data were analyzed using frequencies for computing statistics for responses obtained from lecturers.
Spearman rank correlation coefficient was applicable in analyzing relationship between variables concerning use
of Bloom’s Taxonomy in preparing courses of study among lecturers. Therefore, we believe that the study would
generate reliable data since it employed standardized and scientifically-accepted data collection tools.
FINDINGS
Findings are presented following key thematic areas derived from the objectives and the emerging issues.
The majority of the lecturers assessed showed that they hardly applied the sub-domains for ascertaining the
type of suitable objective. Spearman coefficient correlation was used to analyze association of variables reflecting
application of objectives, learning outcomes and tasks inherent in the courses of study lecturers offered in colleges.
The findings showed weak correlations between the tested variables of interest.
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Vol.14, No.4, 2023
verbs in objectives which they set for their lecture notes. They indicated that they always grouped objectives
according to the applicable verbs in the given lessons.
Reflection of Objectives
Lecturers varied in the way they grouped objectives for their notes. The majority of the lecturers showed that they
did not group the objectives in any way. Objectives were set without following any format. A few who grouped
their objectives indicated that they used the order of simple to complex or vice versa. Out of 36 lecturers, two
showed that they grouped objectives using Bloom’s Taxonomy through application of sub cognitive domains
which are: Remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, creating.
Grouping of objectives into lower and higher thinking skills varied among lecturers. While some of them
followed the given order, others did not. Notably, out of 36 lecturers, 20 showed how to group objectives into
lower to higher order thinking skills. Sixteen were not sure of how to group the objectives.
Hypotheses Testing
Table 2: Relationship Between Objectives and Learning Outcomes in Tasks
There is no relationship between use of objectives and learning outcomes in tasks prepared.
Correlations
I use learning outcomes as I compare objectives
a basis for preparing tasks with tasks prepared for
for the class students
Spearman's I use learning outcomes as Correlation
1.000 .187
rho a basis for preparing tasks Coefficient
for the class Sig. (2-tailed) . .274
N 36 36
I compare objectives with Correlation
.187 1.000
tasks prepared for students Coefficient
Sig. (2-tailed) .274 .
N 36 36
Table above on Spearman rho r. .187 which shows the relationship between use of learning outcomes as a
basis for preparing tasks and objectives prepared for students. The result of the analysis, r. .187 is indicative of a
very weak relation between the variables. This means that lecturers’ use of learning outcomes as a basis for
preparing learning tasks relate to their assertions of comparing objectives with tasks prepared for students was
indicative of a weak relationship.
The p- value less than the significance level (α = 0.01) for any correlation coefficients can reject the null
hypothesis, and the correlation coefficients are considered statistically significant with 99% confidence level. The
p-value of .274 shows that the variables are uncorrelated because it is more than .01. We therefore fail to reject the
null hypothesis that there is no relationship between lecturers’ use of learning outcomes as a basis for preparing
tasks for the class and their assertions of comparing objectives with tasks prepared for students.
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Vol.14, No.4, 2023
DISCUSSIONS
Lecturers’ responses were inconsistent in their use of Bloom’s Taxonomy depending on the nature of the
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assessment given. They showed agreement in most parts of the questionnaire which needed a yes/no response.
However, when asked to show the domains if they used the Taxonomy, not all of them demonstrated the required
cognitive levels. Most of the lecturers did not show the application of the Taxonomy when asked to illustrate.
Agreeing with the use of the Taxonomy and showing its applicability, did not correlate. The lecturers agreed to
what they did not know which means they did not know the Taxonomy and its application in their work.
Despite agreeing that they used Bloom’s Taxonomy in their teaching and learning activities, lecturers failed
to illustrate how they applied it in the preparation of courses and lecture notes. Lecturers varied in the way they
grouped objectives for their notes. While some of them followed a format from simple to complex, others grouped
them without any format followed. The majority of the lecturers showed that they did not group the objectives in
any way.
Although lecturers agreed that they used the Taxonomy, most of them failed to demonstrate the application
of the required cognitive levels. The majority of the lecturers assessed showed that they hardly applied the sub-
domains for ascertaining the type of suitable objectives. Responses from many of the participants in the study
indicated non-compliant to application of Bloom’s Taxonomy in grouping objectives. Domains were not stated in
the expression of their understanding of grouping objectives. The majority of the lecturers did not illustrate how
to use Bloom’s Taxonomy in planning course of study, setting goals/objectives, creating learning activities or create
assessment tasks for course participants. Chandio, Pandhaini & Igbal (2016) attest to failure to apply Bloom’s
Taxonomy to lack of training of people involved in handling the cognitive domains levels.
Some of the lecturers indicated that they used Bloom’s Taxonomy partially in their handling of course of
study delivery. Lecturers’ use of learning outcomes as a basis for preparing did not relate to their assertions of
comparing objectives with tasks prepared for students. The researchers failed to reject the null hypothesis that
there is no relationship between lecturers’ use of learning outcomes as a basis for preparing class tasks and their
assertions that they compared objectives with tasks prepared for students. This means that lecturers did not use
Bloom’s Taxonomy to design study courses and grouping objectives when preparing lecture notes.
This study contributes to strengthening the use of taxonomies as bases for preparing courses and lecture notes.
This is because Bloom’s Taxonomy is termed as a pathway that guides the learning process.
CONCLUSION
Lecturer’s affirmation that they used objectives and Bloom’s Taxonomy in preparatory activities of their courses
was inconsistent with textural responses and tested hypotheses. There was no relationship in the lecturer’s use of
Bloom’s Taxonomy when preparing study courses and grouping of objectives for lecture notes. There is no
relationship between lecturers’ use of learning outcomes as a basis for preparing class tasks and their assertions
that they compared objectives with tasks prepared for students.
Lecturers should prepare courses of study and learning activities that include all cognitive levels in the domain.
This is because Bloom’s Taxonomy should serve as a basis for setting objectives and related activities.
RECOMMENDATION
There is need to orient college lecturers on the importance of use of learning objective and outcomes based on
known models of which Bloom’s Taxonomy is one. This can be done through in-house trainings and other staff
development processes.
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