Bloom's Taxonomy

Bloom's Taxonomy is a hierarchical classification system that allows us to go from lower order thinking skills to higher order thinking skills. In order to achieve this form of cognition, the revised curriculum first introduces a topic, then develops it and lastly allows for mastery. There are 53 various topics that are introduced to the children. These topics are first introduced to the children in grades 1-4, developed in grades 5-8 and then mastered in grades 9-12. Let's take a look at how these 3 grade groupings differ. 

The Introduction phase, which is encompassed in grades 1-4, focuses on remembering and understanding topics. This is the lowest order of thinking as it is basic recall. The primary question the children should be able to answer at this phase is, 'What is it?'

The Developing phase, which is encompassed in grades 5-8, focuses on applying and analyzing. At this point, the children have been introduced to a topic at least once; there, a foundation has been built and they have an understanding of the basics of the topic. In this phase, the focus is on answering, 'How does it work?'

The Mastery phase, which is encompassed in grades 9-12, focused on evaluating and creating. Here, the primary focus is on taking the information they already know and utilizing in real life contexts. In this phase, the question to answer is, 'Why does it work that way?'

The question may arise, why should we use Bloom's Taxonomy? The answer is threefold. First, Bloom's Taxonomy allows for children to develop critical thinking skills and higher order cognitive abilities. Second, children learn best when they are challenged. This means we need to go beyond just teaching them the basics of a concept. They need to learn how to apply and analyze it and truly understand why it is meaningful to their life. Last, the hierarchical nature of Bloom's Taxonomy allows for a solid foundation to be laid before the expectation of knowledge application.

Presentations and Videos

• Introduction to DSWA/NEAD Scope and Sequence
• TTC Training on Bloom's Taxonomy (March '22)
  • Slides
• August 27, 2022 DSWA Teachers Meeting
  • Slides
  • Bloom’s Critical Thinking Cue Question, Adapted by C. Allen (January 2013) from Public Consulting Group’s Center for Resource Management, in partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers, August 2007
  • Critical thinking and Information Literacy, Bronx Community College Library

General Bloom's Taxonomy Information

More information:

• How can Bloom's Taxonomy Help with Writing Learning Objectives?, University of Wisconsin
• Bloom’s Taxonomy, Vanderbilt University
• More information on Bloom's Taxonomy
• Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy, Niall McNulty