In Bloom’s Taxonomy, he discusses how intellectual abilities are developed via the use of six thinking categories which are applied in learning. These are listed from the most basic to the most complex, and are not absolute, as other hierarchies have been developed in the field of education. However, Bloom’s is the one easiest to understand and is perhaps the one most widely used today.

This is also a basic guide that many teachers often use in the construction of exams. Knowing about this yourself will help you anticipate the types of questions that may appear in the test. For instance, if your lesson is about the Systems of Government, you can make assumptions about which questions are most likely to appear by applying Bloom’s Taxonomy:

For a hint see if you can find the link at the end of this article…

a. Knowledge level: Define a “semi-constitutional monarchy.” Identify countries that practice this system.

b. Comprehension level: Explain how Bahrain would constitute a semi-constitutional monarchy.

c. Application level: Demonstrate how a semi-constitutional monarchy has contributed to Bahrain’s progress.

d. Analysis level: Compare the systems of government of France and Germany.

e. Synthesis level: Create your own ideal system of government, combining one or more of the types we have discussed.

f. Evaluation level: Justify the system you have just created. Why do you think is it ideal?

Another study that has contributed immensely to the field of education is Edward de Bono’s CoRT thinking exercises, in which he encourages lateral thinking, or the consideration of other possible alternatives as solutions. Related to this, he also authored “Six Thinking Hats,” which is a powerful technique that fosters decision-making from six different perspectives.

By: Rick Aurtus