Clinical Quick Reference Monthly Newsletter / July 2022 / Bloom's Taxonomy
Clinical Quick Reference Guides - Concept Review/ Bloom's Taxonomy & NCLEX
This review will help clarify Bloom’s Taxonomy and its importance to students preparing to sit for the NCLEX examination.
Bloom’s Taxonomy and Nursing Programs
What is Bloom’s Taxonomy? Why is it important to new learners? What do I need to know?
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Taxonomy of Educational Objectives: The Classification of Educational Goals, was published in 1956. It is an educational classic that incorporates concepts of learning to create a classification of cognitive skills. This system of classification came to be known as Bloom’s taxonomy, after Benjamin Bloom, who participated in its development.
The taxonomy consists of categories of cognitive skills (six), that range from low-order skills to higher-order skills, requiring a deeper understanding of a subject and a greater degree of processing.
Students may be familiar with this type of categorization, as the presentation is quite similar to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
The lowest level of the pyramid, or the foundation, is “Knowledge.” This cognitive skill level is sometimes also known as: “remembering.” It involves the retention of specific pieces of information. These are most often definitions, facts or processes.
Educators can assess their student’s recall of a definition, or a particular piece of information, through straightforward questions. An example would be short answer, or fill in the blanks. As students progress in their study of a particular subject area, their instructor will need to assess their ability to not only remember material, but to comprehend it. This assessment will require a more intense question development.
Further scholastic gain leads to the ability to analyze and apply studied concepts. To assess for this type of achievement (e.g. analysis/application level) requires a precision, in-depth style of examination. Scenario based questions, case studies, exhibits, “select all” questions may be utilized.
It is the student’s ability to successfully analyze and apply concepts of nursing fundamentals that will help them secure a passing NCLEX examination score. Remembering and understanding nursing concepts are considered foundational knowledge within the NCLEX framework. At a minimum, in order to pass NCLEX testing, a learner must have a mastery of nursing topics at the level of analysis and application.
Questions at this level will sometimes be identified in NCLEX prep guides as higher-level questioning. Students should expect to encounter questions that require them to analyze, apply, and/ or evaluate information provided; to make solid decisions, form connections, and answer questions provided.
This is why it is crucial to know what Bloom’s Taxonomy is. Students are better prepared when they are familiar with what is expected of them as learners.
Analysis and Application, What Do I Need to Know?
Let’s take a closer look at Bloom’s Taxonomy. This is a perfect opportunity to jot down a few notes.
Remembering
Level:
Can you recall what you learned in lecture or read in your text?
The student can recall, define, list, repeat, or state
Understanding
Level:
Can you explain the concepts you read or were taught?
The student can discuss, explain, paraphrase, or select
Applying
Level:
Can you use the information in a new way?
The student can choose, demonstrate, employ, interpret, solve, etc
Analysis
Level:
Can you distinguish between different points, parts, topics?
The student can compare, contrast, distinguish, question, test, etc
Evaluating
Level:
Can you justify a particular stance or decision?
The student can appraise, defend, support, value, etc
Creating
Level:
Can you produce content, or possibly a product?
Create, develop, design, write, etc
Reviewing the middle of the pyramid, the learner identifies the analysis and application portions. At the analysis level, the student is able to compare, contrast, distinguish, and question differing ideas and sets of information. At the evaluation level, students appraise, defend, support, and value concepts.
But how do students achieve such higher level capabilities?
Study Tips For Higher Level Learning
Modern educators are embracing active learning initiatives.
Active learning involves activities that engage students in the learning process. While passive learning focuses on reading text, taking notes and listening to lectures; active learning seeks to involve the student as a direct participant.
Both styles can be effective. However, students who are actively engaged in their own learning process are more likely to recall and use the information they have studied.
Some easy ways to begin your active learning journey:
Discuss topics with a classmate after lecture or clinical
Make a mock quiz or practice questions
Engage in a case study
Role play health scenario
Helpful Video: