Background (Challenges)

This project originated from a Google search for an overview of Bloom’s Taxonomy that evolved into a course idea for explaining its connection to creating sound learning objectives. I wanted to find a way to condense all of the information I found in my research into smaller parts that would be easier for the learner to access and apply to their own objective writing, versus having to search the internet for hours to cross-reference multiple sources.

Solution

I began by setting the main course objective and envisioning what the learner would do at the end of the course to demonstrate it. The main objective was for learners to be able to use the Bloom’s levels and skill verbs to create learning objectives and I wanted them to be able to apply this learning to something meaningful to them — a course or lesson of their own — so I knew the final task would involve an opportunity to do that.

I then worked backwards from there to set the lesson objectives that would help the learner build their way up to the course objective. The target audience for this course are those who already have an understanding of learning objectives (possibly educators or instructional designers), so I felt that the course did not need to include a specific lesson objective on learning objectives themselves. However, there is a skill check included to ensure the learner has a grasp on the basics, including Mager’s ABCD Model for learning objectives, before moving on to write their own independently.

With the end in mind, I typed out a rough outline organizing the course from start to finish on Google Docs and began drafting potential design and layout ideas out on Google Slides, initially considering using Articulate Storyline to build out the course. I opted for Articulate Rise 360 instead, adapting my initial Google Slides concept to create a prototype of the course that went through multiple revisions before becoming what you see linked here. After fully developing the course, I created a job aid to help the learner complete the final application piece of the course — actually outlining and writing their own learning objectives using Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Results

I would hope to see this course provide a helpful breakdown or review for the learner of what the Bloom’s Taxonomy cognitive levels are and how to apply them in the objective writing process. This could ultimately help the target audience in developing clearer and more appropriately leveled objectives in accordance with Bloom’s cognitive hierarchy for their learners, making their course and lesson design more effective and accessible.