What does Bloom’s mean for early programming activities?

Bloom’s is probably the most commonly recognised taxonomy, with a hierarchy of cognitive skills.

Anderson and Krathwohl updated this taxonomy in 2001 (A Taxonomy for Learning, Teaching and Assessing: A Revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives: Complete Edition) with active, verb-based categories to describe the cognitive processes learners encounter:

• Create: produce new or original work
• Evaluate: justify a stand or a decision
• Analyse: draw connections between ideas
• Apply: use information in new situations
• Understand: explain ideas or concepts
• Remember: recall facts and basic concepts

In the video above, a group of year one (age 5-6) children created a dance for two Bee-Bot floor robots. Using the verbs in the table below as a starting point, write down verbs that describe the thinking, actions, and collaboration that take place to achieve the task. Reflect on how these relate to the categories of cognitive processes. Did the children move “up” the pyramid? How could you assist your learners in making this journey?

Bloom’s verbs

Remember	Understand	Apply	Analyse	Evaluate	Create
define duplicate list memorise repeat state	classify describe discuss explain identify locate recognise repeat select translate	execute implement solve use demonstrate interpret operate schedule sketch	differentiate organise relate compare contrast distinguish examine experiment question test	appraise argue defend judge select support value critique weigh	design assemble construct conjecture develop formulate author investigate

Note: There are other verbs that could be used for each level of cognition. We have deliberately included some words in more than one section, as some actions are part of more than one level of understanding.

The pyramid image above is the one associated with Bloom’s taxonomy, but we need to consider the parallel taxonomy that was added when it was revised. This sets out the four types of knowledge that are used in cognition: factual, conceptual, procedural, and metacognitive. The definitions below are taken from The Second Principle.

Knowledge dimensions defined

• Factual knowledge is knowledge that is basic to specific disciplines. This dimension refers to essential facts, terminology, details, or elements students must know or be familiar with in order to understand a discipline or solve a problem. What knowledge of the Bee-Bots are the pupils using? What knowledge of vocabulary do they use to collaborate together?
• Conceptual knowledge is knowledge of classifications, principles, generalisations, theories, models, or structures pertinent to a particular subject area. Which concepts do the pupils make use of to achieve the outcome?
• Procedural knowledge refers to information or knowledge that helps students to do something specific to a discipline, subject, or area of study. It also refers to methods of enquiry, very specific or finite skills, algorithms, techniques, and particular methodologies. How do the pupils plan the process to achieve the outcome? How would you guide them through this as the teacher?
• Metacognitive knowledge is the awareness of one’s own cognition and particular cognitive processes. It is strategic or reflective knowledge about how to go about solving problems or cognitive tasks, and includes contextual and conditional knowledge and knowledge of self. What questions could you use to prompt the pupils to recognise the understanding they have demonstrated?

Use these to reflect on the types of knowledge the children would have used during the Bee-Bot activity, and what you might do as a teacher to ensure they are using all four dimensions of knowledge.

Discussion

You can now use your understanding of Bloom’s taxonomy to review your own teaching. Have a look at some of the lessons you have planned or taught and review your learning objectives or success criteria. Have you used Bloom’s verbs, and if so, from which section of the taxonomy? Which of the knowledge dimensions apply? Are there any verbs you would now change? Add your thoughts in the comments section.