Learning taxonomies
In order to write effective learning outcomes, you must also be
aware of the way learning is classified in HE, and the actions required
to achieve these desired levels of learning. The most well know &
best example of this are Blooms Taxonomies, situated in the cognitive
domain.
To achieve the desired learning outcome a set of verbs are available to help you. Examples of some are shown in the table below.
Bloom's Taxonomy and Corresponding List of Verbs
| Level of Learning | Corresponding Verbs |
| Knowledge | arrange, define, duplicate, label, list, memorize, name, order, recognize, relate, recall, repeat, reproduce, state. |
| Comprehension | classify, describe, discuss, explain, express, identify, indicate, locate, recognize, report, restate, review, select, translate. |
| Application | apply, choose, demonstrate, dramatize, employ, illustrate, interpret, operate, practice, schedule, sketch, solve, use, write. |
| Analysis | analyze, appraise, calculate, categorize, compare, contrast, criticize, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, examine, experiment, question, test. |
| Synthesis | arrange, assemble, collect, compose, construct, create, design, develop, formulate, manage, organize, plan, prepare, propose, set-up, write. |
| Evaluation | appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose, compare, defend estimate, judge, predict, rate, core, select, support, value, evaluate. |
"It is suggested that one cannot effectively - or ought not try to - address higher levels until those below them have been covered (it is thus effectively serial in structure). "
- See the full article on learning taxonomies and domains below:
http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/bloomtax.htm
The above table of verbs is taken from the interactive guide to instructional design web site below:
http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/eLearningForDev/default.htm
Please visit this site and take a while to view the design chapter (lesson 4) to see how the learning outcomes fit in with the online text and activities.
- See another list of verbs for learning outcomes by following the link below:
http://faculty.washington.edu/krumme/guides/bloom1.html
At this point it is a good point to stop and construct a learning outcome for your activity.
