Areas and levels of learning (Bloom s taxonomy)

Learning can be separated into three distinct areas (domains) which are categorized into different levels. Each level deals with a progressively higher and more complex type of learning. The three areas are:

Cognitive domain (knowledge)

This is related to the acquisition and application of knowledge and understanding. It deals mainly with learning of an intellectual nature. The levels within it are:

• Knowledge. This is the recalling or recognition of information as it was learnt, ie remembering.

• Comprehension. This is where the individual demonstrates understanding of the material and is able to interpret, not just recall, the information, ie understanding.

• Application. At this level the individual is able to use the information to solve problems.

• Analysis. This is where the information can be broken down into parts , and examined in order to make inferences from it.

• Synthesis. This is using knowledge that has been acquired in an original way, by applying the information to a new situation creatively.

• Evaluation. This is the highest level of learning, where an individual is able to judge the merits of an idea, make value judgements and offer his or her own views.

Affective domain (attitudes)

This domain is concerned with attitudes and feelings which are brought about or altered as a result of some learning experience. It deals with learning which has a substantial emotional basis. Learning in this domain is usually linked to learning in the cognitive domain. The levels within it are:

• Receiving. This is basically having an awareness of an idea and being willing to give attention to it.

• Responding. At this level, individuals display a positive interest in a topic or idea and react to it.

• Valuing. This is where individuals show some commitment to an idea.

• Organization. This is where individuals begin to develop an internally consistent value system, as they come to terms with an idea and modify their behaviour and views.

• Characterization. At this level individuals integrate the idea or concept into their life style by developing an attitude and behaviour consistent with it.

Psychomotor domain (skill)

This domain deals with the development of skills, largely of a physical nature. The levels within this domain are:

• Competency. The individual demonstrates the ability to carry out a skill, ie ability.

• Proficiency. The individual is able to perform a skill accurately, smoothly and with minimal effort, ie efficiency.

• Mastery. The person is able to perform the skill at the highest level and is able to adapt and originate. This is the expert level, where the individual is able to use the skill in new situations and creates new methods of operation.