Educational learning objectives: Bloom's Taxonomy

Bloom’s taxonomy is a set of three hierarchical models used to classify educational learning objectives into levels of complexity and specificity. The models organize learning objectives into three different domains: Cognitive, Affective, and Sensory/Psychomotor.  

Bloom’s taxonomy was developed to promote higher forms of thinking in education, such as analyzing and evaluating concepts, processes, procedures, and principles, rather than simply memorizing facts.

Learning objectives can be viewed in behavioral terms. As instructional designers collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop courses, they can see what students are capable of as a direct result of the instruction they have received at each level.

Using the categorization, courses can be designed with appropriate content and instruction to lead learners up the pyramid of learning. Instructional designers can also design valid assessment tools (i.e., quizzes) to ensure each category is met and in turn, that each part of the course material is in line with the level’s objectives. However, oftentimes, especially in a corporate setting, several of the stages are interconnected and blend into each other.

Learners may not be aware of Bloom’s taxonomy, but to them, it serves to bridge the gap between what they know now, and what they need to learn in order to attain a higher level of knowledge—and perform better at their jobs.

The purpose of applying Bloom’s taxonomy is to create measurable goals—perfect for corporate learning and development. If applied successfully, the learner has acquired a new skill or level of domain expertise and instructional designers are able to effectively assess this learning on an ongoing basis as the course moves through each stage of the framework.