Domains of Learning

Learning takes place in multiple domains and at various degrees of complexity. The Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Affective domains are widely accepted, and you can also find support for the Social domain (Personal and Social Responsibility) and the Health Related Fitness domain. Also see Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

Cognitive Domain: knowledge and mental skills.
Psychomotor Domain: motor skills.
Affective Domain: feelings, values, dispositions, attitudes, etc.

Social Domain: teamwork, communication, leadership, etc.
Personal and Social Responsibility: behavior in/out of class.
Health Related Fitness: fitness level.

The purpose of the taxonomies below are to make it easier to sequence learning tasks in a logical order of difficulty. For example, in physical education you would not ask students to judge the quality of a volleyball serve (level 5 of the cognitive domain) until they can describe the key cues for the serve (level 1 of the cognitive domain). Likewise, you would not expect students to be able to combine multiple psychomotor skills in game play (level 5 of the psychomotor domain) if they were unable to successfully repeat each skill in isolation (level 2 of the psychomotor domain).

Use the tables on this page to help guide you in creating Student Learning Objectives, lessons, and assessments ("SWBAT" = Students Will Be Able To). The 3 images below show a progression from lower order to higher order for the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Also see this blog series.

Domains of Learning and Physical Education

Standard 1
Psychomotor Domain

The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.

Standard 2
Cognitive Domain

The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance.

Standard 3
Cognitive Domain

The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.

Standard 4
Social Domain

The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.

Standard 5
Affective and
Health Related Fitness Domain

The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.

Example Student Learning Outcomes for Different Levels of Taxonomies

Click Photos to Enlarge

SHAPE America Appropriate Practices

2.6.3 The physical educator emphasizes critical-thinking and problem-solving tactics and strategies by using higher-order questions.
4.2.1 Physical educators systematically teach and assess all domains, using a variety of assessment techniques.