HomeAboutContact'

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Bloomin' Innovators & Leaders

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower” ~ Steve Jobs

As we move forward to preparing our students for the 21st century, it is important that we are teaching children to think critically, to be leaders and be creators. We need to move beyond the traditions of just teaching information and teach children what to do with that information. I utilize Bloom’s Taxonomy as a model in both classroom instruction and when evaluating student progress with subject matter.  Bloom’s Taxonomy is a great way to differentiate and meet students’ individual needs.  Bloom’s Taxonomy is based on 6 cognitive levels of thinking. 

Remembering is the first or simplest level, remembering can be often be prompted by questions such as who, what, where, when, why .  When we ask children to memorize things, we are working with level one of their thinking skills. 

Understanding is the second level, understanding is applied when we ask students to rephrase or regurgitate information into their own words. 

Applying knowledge, this is transferring learning from one subject or project to another through application. 

Analyzing is the fourth level, such comparing and contrasting things such as characters.

Evaluating, such as being able to defend or challenge something.

Creating is the sixth and highest level of thinking according to Bloom's Taxonomy.  Creating includes things such as writing a unique story or making an art project that is one of a kind. 
 
 
I’ve put together a few of my favorite Bloom’s Taxonomy resources for you {many of them are FREEBIES}.  I’m looking forward to featuring many more posts as the school year begins on how I am incorporating Bloom’s Taxonomy into my classroom.  In the meantime, I would love to hear about what your favorite Bloom’s Taxonomy resources are!  What are your thoughts/experience on using Bloom’s Taxonomy in the classroom?
Hop on over to Technology Tailgate to check out one of my favorite teacher apps that assists me with Bloom’s Taxonomy. {here}