The Hierarchy of Learning

Adapted from Benjamin Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives

Level 1 - Knowledge

A solid foundation is necessary for any building. Knowledge is the foundation of learning.Knowledge is tested by asking a student to remember previously learned information.Sample Knowledge Level tasks: 1 – Match the words with the correct definitions. 2 – Count to 100 by 5’s. 3 – Read the story. 4 – Name the parts of speech. 5 – List the 5 classes of vertebrates.

Knowledge – by Subject Area

Math – Basic FactsReading – PhonicsGeography Landforms Maps

Science Matching Pictures Pictures & Labels Pictures & Definitions

Level 2 - Understanding

The objective at the Understanding Level is to grasp the meaning of information.Understanding is tested by asking a student to interpret or restate information.Sample Understanding Level tasks: 1 – Give an example of a mammal.2 – Solve this addition problem with 3 addends.3 – Find the subject of the sentences.4 – Explain why an alligator is a reptile.5 – Classify these statements as facts or opinions.

Understanding: Example Tasks

Math Basic Operations: add, subtract,

multiply, divide whole numbers.

Reading Describe plot and setting, find the

main idea and details in a story.

Geography Give examples of landforms; find

places on a map.

Science Distinguish between fish and birds.

Level 3 - Application

At the Application level, the objective is to apply knowledge to actual situations.

The Application level is task oriented.

Sample Application Level tasks: 1 – Math word problems. 2 – Simple science experiments

single “right answer” with no open-ended questions

3 – Make a compound sentence from two simple sentences.

Level 3 - Application

Many jobs only require people who operate at this level.Most classroom teachers do not teach beyond this level.Many “good” students who want right answers for questions stay at this level. Upper level thinking requires going beyond the Application level.

Verbs used for Application Tasks

Classify Calculate Operate

Apply Experiment Demonstrate

Write Administer Modify

Solve Transfer Teach

Show Discover Articulate

Construct Report Complete

Interview Determine Simulate

Level 4 - Analysis

Analysis involves the breaking down of objects and/or ideas into simpler parts in order to see how the parts are related and organized.The Analyst asks, “Why?” Many adults usually don’t like to be asked questions that they can’t answer. To effectively learn at the analysis level, students must become accustomed to looking for their own information resources.

Level 4 – Analysis

One needs to move between levels depending upon the object or idea that is being analyzed and/or developed.Example: Improvements in the windshield wipers on cars. Constantly moving wipers were a

distraction. Solve the problem. (analysis)

First came different speeds and then intermittent wipers. (synthesis)

After they development, test them. (application)

Verbs used for Analysis Tasks

DiscriminateDividePrioritize

ContrastCompareConnect

ArrangeCorrelateOutline

ClassifyAnalyzeAppraise

SubdivideDeriveIdentify

Some of these verbs are identical to those used for Application tasks, but the content of the tasks differ.

Application/Analysis Contrasts

Classification Line – Application Task - Classify these animals by sorting

them according to the characteristics listed on the classification line.

Analysis Task - Classify these animals and make a classification line that can be used to teach others.

Algebra – Application Task - Factor a trinomial using the a graphing

calculator. Analysis Task - Factor a trinomial using the most

efficient method. Explain your reason for choosing this method.

Level 5 - Synthesis

Synthesis involves the putting objects and/or ideas together in new or different ways to accomplish a specific purpose or to solve a problem.

The Synthesizer asks, “How can I achieve this objective?”

Synthesis usually involves a lot of trial and error.

Synthesis may also involve small modifications in existing things or ideas.

Level 5 – Synthesis

The “inventor” must move easily between the synthesis, analysis, and application levels. He may also need to go back to the knowledge and understanding levels as he learns new concepts.Research – find needs; ask, “Why?”Synthesis – determine possible solutions; Ask “What if?”Application – try it out. Return to research – find out what doesn’t work and why.

Verbs used for Synthesis Tasks

Combine Create Adapt

Synthesize Generalize Formulate

Structure Integrate Collaborate

Substitute Rearrange Design

Compile Facilitate Validate

At the Synthesis Level, component ideas and/or things are rearranged into something new.

Level 6 - Evaluation

The use of the term Evaluation is highly subjective.

Evaluation is making judgments based on internal evidence or external criteria.

To qualify as evaluation, finding errors and/or making improvements is critical.

Level 6 - Evaluation

Evaluation is the process of: determining the flaws in a

project or task determining how to fix any

flaws or defects in an activity

Coaches and athletes consistently evaluate their game plans.

Verbs used for Evaluation Tasks

Assess Measure Conclude

Judge Compare Appraise

Rank Test Predict

Revise Estimate Recommend

Prove Prioritize Explain

At the Evaluation Level, making judgments based on internal evidence or external criteria is critical.