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Bloom's Taxonomy

Blooms Taxonomy is a way of organizing the way that we understand things. When we read literature (or think about anything), too often were stuck at the lowest levels of Blooms Taxonomy and never move onto the higher levels, which are the higher orders of thinking. There are six levels of Blooms Taxonomy: Bloom's Taxonomy Knowledge Comprehension Explanation of Term The learner must recall information. The learner understands what is being communicated by so that he could explain it to someone. The learner finds a practical use for in particular and concrete situations The learner can break down parts and see how they work together. The learner puts together elements or parts to form a whole. The learner makes judgments about the value of the material or methods for a given purpose.

Application

Analysis

Synthesis

Evaluation

Writing Questions with Bloom's Taxonomy Why Write Bloom's Questions The purpose of writing Bloom's questions is to apply Bloom's theory of developing higher levels of thought processes to everyday classroom reading in literature selections. Asking higher level

questions of your shared inquiry group is one way of making personal connections to literature, creating a bridge to your imagination, and developing your self-understanding. How to Write Bloom's Questions After reading a literary selection, develop questions that reflect your progression of thinking and responding from the literal level to the evaluative. Not all levels need to be developed for every selection. Consider a range that will lead your shared inquiry group to the greater purpose of reading. This breaks down Bloom's original taxonomy in simple form. Each level is illustrated through an example question. Since you are familiar with the fairytale, Jack and the Beanstalk, the sample questions have been written about that story. Knowledge The recall of specific information Who was Jack? Where did he live? With whom? What did his mother tell him to do? Comprehension An understanding of what was read This story was about __________. (Topic) The story tells us ________. (Main Idea) Why did Jack's mother want him to sell the cow? What did the giant look like? What kind of person was the Giant's wife? Application The converting of abstract content to concrete situations How were Jack and his mom like you and your parents? Make a warning sign you think should be tacked onto the beanstalk. Draw a picture of what the giant's house looked like. Draw a map showing Jack's path through giant country to the giant's house and back, etc. Show through action how Jack stole the magic hen, the gold, etc. Analysis The breaking down of what was read into parts and understanding their relation to the whole

What might the author of the story be saying about foolishness with money? What is the theme of the story? How do you know? What does the cow symbolize? What are some of Jacks characteristics? How do you know? Synthesis The organization of thoughts or ideas from two or more separate sources Compare this story to another. How are they different? How are they alike? What do you think Jack would do if he were confronted with the Big Bad Wolf? Based on your knowledge of fairy tales, how are giants usually depicted? Evaluation The judgment and evaluation of characters, actions, outcome, etc., for personal reflection and understanding Do you think Jack is selfish? Why or why not? Do you like this story? Why or why not? Which do you like better? This story or Little Red Riding Hood?

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