Domains of Learning
Learning takes place in 3 domains: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective.
The purpose of these taxonomies is to make it easier for the educator to understand how to sequence learning tasks in a logical order of difficulty. For example, in physical education you would not ask students to judge (Level 5) the quality of a volleyball serve until they can describe (Level 1) the key cues for the serve (cognitive domain taxonomy). Likewise, in the affective domain you would not ask students to justify a corporate fitness/wellness program until they have listened to the benefits and costs of such programs.
Key action verbs are listed below for each level of each taxonomy. These may help you create learning objectives, and alternative and traditional assessments to use with your students. Sample questions and assessments have been provided.
The purpose of these taxonomies is to make it easier for the educator to understand how to sequence learning tasks in a logical order of difficulty. For example, in physical education you would not ask students to judge (Level 5) the quality of a volleyball serve until they can describe (Level 1) the key cues for the serve (cognitive domain taxonomy). Likewise, in the affective domain you would not ask students to justify a corporate fitness/wellness program until they have listened to the benefits and costs of such programs.
Key action verbs are listed below for each level of each taxonomy. These may help you create learning objectives, and alternative and traditional assessments to use with your students. Sample questions and assessments have been provided.
Level 1 - RememberingKey VerbsDefine, Describe, Identify, Label, List, Match, Name, Recall, Record, and Write.
ExampleList 3 cues for the overhand serve in Volleyball.
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Level 2 - UnderstandingKey VerbsClassify, Compare, Describe, Explain, Give Examples
Of, Predict, Summarize, and Tell Me in Your Own Words.
ExampleTell me in your own words the importance of Hammer Throw in Ultimate.
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Level 3 - ApplyingKey VerbsApply, Calculate, Change, Demonstrate, Execute, Implement, Modify, Predict, Solve, Transfer, and Use.
ExampleUsing the given information on diet and exercise for Person A, predict their change in body mass composition over a 2 week period.
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Level 4 - AnalysingKey VerbsAnalyze, Attribute, Break Down, Compare, Contrast, Diagram, Identify, Illustrate, Integrate, Link, Outline, and Structure.
ExampleFilm yourself throwing a baseball. Break down your throw into key parts and identify the cues you did and did not perform.
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Level 5 - EvaluatingKey VerbsAssess, Collaborate, Critique, Detect, Evaluate,
Hypothesize, Judge, Justify, Reflect, Review, Support, and Summarize. ExampleJustify why you chose that offensive play against their defense.
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Level 6 - CreatingKey VerbsConstruct, Create, Design, Develop, Film, Invent, Make, Modify, Plan, and Program.
ExampleInvent a new dance move for the Waltz. Be creative!
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