BLOOM’S TAXONOMYLevels of Thinking

What is Bloom’s Taxonomy? A model for examining the different

levels of educational activities students are asked to do

6 levels of challenge Benjamin Bloom developed the

taxonomy in the 1950’s It was revised in early 2000’s with new

terminology

Definition

Six Levels of Thinking

1. Creating2. Evaluating3. Analyzing4. Applying5. Understanding6. Remembering

Explanation

More Challenging

More Basic

Remembering Recall or recognition of specific

information This is the most basic level of thinking

Level 1

Remembering Here are some “Remembering” activities:

Memorize Define Fill in List Repeat Find Name Label Recall

Level 1

Remembering Here are some “Remembering” products:

Quiz Definition Fact Worksheet Test Label List Workbook

Level 1

Understanding Demonstrate an understanding of given

information This is the second level of thinking

Level 2

Understanding Here are some “Understanding” activities:

Summarize Describe Review Outline Rewrite Locate Explain Identify

Level 2

Understanding Here are some “Understanding” products:

Summary Collection Explanation Show and Tell Example Quiz List Outline Recitation (read out loud)

Level 2

Applying Using strategies, concepts, principles,

and theories in new situations This is the third level of thinking

Level 3

Applying Here are some “Applying” activities:

Diagram Revise Dramatize Illustrate Organize Research Model Sequence

Level 3

Applying Here are some “Applying” products:

Illustration Simulation Demonstration Presentation Interview Performance Diary Journal

Level 3

Analyzing Breaking information down into its

component elements This is the start of higher level thinking

Level 4

Analyzing Here are some “Analyzing” activities:

Compare/Contrast Classify Critique Categorize Solve Experiment Question Investigate Infer

Level 4

Analyzing Here are some “Analyzing” products:

Survey Database Abstract Report Graph Spreadsheet Checklist Chart Outline

Level 4

Evaluating Judging the value of ideas, materials,

and methods by developing and applying standards and criteria

This is the next level of higher level thinking

Level 5

Evaluating Here are some “Evaluating” activities:

Predict Justify Prioritize Select Estimate Judge Choose Rate

Level 5

Evaluating Here are some “Evaluating” products:

Debate Panel Discussion Report Evaluation Investigation Verdict Conclusion Persuasive Speech Call to Action

Level 5

Creating Putting together ideas or elements to

develop an original idea or engage in creative thinking

This is the highest level of thinking

Level 6

CREATING Here are some “Creating” activities:

Compose Hypothesize Design Create Invent Develop Produce Transform

Level 6

CREATING Here are some “Creating” products:

Film Story Project Plan New Game Song Media Product Advertisement Painting

Level 6

Think of Bloom’s Taxonomy

as a TREE

A tree has 3 main parts:• Roots• Trunk• Branches with leaves

All of these parts are essential to the tree. All are important.

Metaphor

Tree Metaphor

The ROOTS of the tree are important to feed the tree the nutrients it needs in order to grow and flourish. Without strong roots, the tree will die. Roots keep the tree anchored.

ROOTS =REMEMBERING

REMEMBERING

Although Remembering is the most basic level of thinking, it is essential.

Like tree roots, this level provides the nutrients to grow into the higher levels of thinking.

For example, you cannot compare and contrast two things until you know some facts about those things.

Tree Metaphor

The ROOTS of the tree are important to feed the tree the nutrients it needs in order to grow and flourish. Without strong roots, the tree will die. Roots keep the tree anchored.

ROOTS =REMEMBERING

Tree Metaphor

The BARK of the tree holds everything together and protects and strengthens the tree.

BARK =UNDERSTANDIN

G

UNDERSTANDING

Once you learn some facts and information about a concept, it is important to check to be sure you really understand.

Like the bark on a tree, the Understanding level pulls all the information together and gives it direction.

For example, you may create an outline of a unit to strengthen your understanding of the facts.

Tree Metaphor

The BARK of the tree holds everything together and protects and strengthens the tree.

BARK =UNDERSTANDIN

G

Tree Metaphor

The TRUNK is the main part of the tree. It connects the roots to the high branches and leaves. Nutrients flow back and forth between the parts through the trunk. It should be strong.

TRUNK =APPLYING

APPLYINGNow you know some of the important facts and you’re sure you understand them.

The next level is to use (apply) some of this information in a variety of ways. This will help you make the information a permanent part of your memory.

For example, when you practice math problems, you are more likely to remember the concepts of the unit.

Tree Metaphor

The TRUNK is the main part of the tree. It connects the roots to the high branches and leaves. Nutrients flow back and forth between the parts through the trunk. It should be strong.

TRUNK =APPLYING

Tree Metaphor

The LIMBS are the large branches that grow off of the trunk. They take the tree in new and different directions of growth. They make the tree more interesting and give it more coverage.

LIMBS =ANALYZING

ANALYZINGThis is the level where thinking becomes “higher.”

Analyzing encourages you to look at your topic from different, more interesting angles. You will have to use the information from the lower levels in new ways. You will cover the topic more deeply.

For example, you may compare two different aspects of your topic.

Tree Metaphor

The LIMBS are the large branches that grow off of the trunk. They take the tree in new and different directions of growth. They make the tree more interesting and give it more coverage.

LIMBS =ANALYZING

Tree Metaphor

The LEAVES grow from the smaller branches of the tree. You can tell a lot about the tree by looking at the leaves. They show you how healthy the tree is and even what season it is. Different species of trees have different leaves. Some trees have more leaves than others. The shade provided by leaves is one reason people enjoy trees.

LEAVES =EVALUATING

EVALUATINGThis is a high level of thinking, just like the leaves are high in the tree.

If the lower levels of your tree (your thinking) are not strong, you may not be able to produce a good canopy of leaves.

For example, in order to judge a concept you’ve learned, you need strong support from facts to back up your opinion.

Tree Metaphor

The LEAVES grow from the smaller branches of the tree. You can tell a lot about the tree by looking at the leaves. They show you how healthy the tree is and even what season it is. Different species of trees have different leaves. Some trees have more leaves than others. The shade provided by leaves is one reason people enjoy trees.

LEAVES =EVALUATING

Tree Metaphor

Bearing FRUIT (or nuts or seeds) is the ultimate fulfillment of the tree’s purpose. All of the components of the tree work together to create something new, the fruit. This creation results in the start of new trees.

FRUIT =CREATING

CREATINGThis is the highest level of thinking on Bloom’s Taxonomy.

You take all the information, facts, practice, application, analysis, and evaluation you’ve done and create something new and unique, like the fruit of the tree.

For example, you may create a piece of artwork that shows the important aspects of a topic.

Tree Metaphor

Bearing FRUIT (or nuts or seeds) is the ultimate fulfillment of the tree’s purpose. All of the components of the tree work together to create something new, the fruit. This creation results in the start of new trees.

FRUIT =CREATING

Once your tree has grown, think of all the possibilities…

What ideas will you find in your tree?

Tree Metaphor

Once your tree has grown, share the ideas in your tree…

Tree Metaphor

Working in groups helps you share your higher-level thinking with your classmates.

You don’t want your tree to look like this~

If you stop challenging yourself at the Remembering or Understanding levels, you won’t be able to reach the higher levels of thinking. You won’t be able to sustain a canopy of leaves or bear fruit with your ideas.

Tree Metaphor

You may need help growing your tree~

These higher-level thinking skills are challenging! 8th grade students are still developing these skills. Don’t be ashamed if you need help and time developing your high level thinking skills. If you are open to the challenge and are willing to try some new things, it will pay off in the long run!

Tree Metaphor

WHY do you need to know this?

Metacognition: Understanding how you learn; understanding how your brain works.

Knowing how you learn and how your brain works helps you understand what your teachers are asking you to do, and why you should do it.

You will be able to better help yourself with learning throughout your life when you know what works for you.

Purpose

Call to Action

HELP YOUR BRAIN BLOOMby understanding Bloom’s Taxonomy