Blooms’s taxonomy of cognitive goals
The following table proposed by Robert Fisher (2005, p.57) lists the various categories and
processes involved in the various thinking levels.
Category
Thinking process cues
1
Knowledge
(remembering and
retaining)
Say what you know, what you remember, describe, repeat,
define, tell who, when, which, where, what
2
Comprehension
(interpreting and
understanding)
Describe in your own words, tell how you feel about, say,
what it means, explain, compare, relate
3
Application (taking part)
How can you use it, where does it lead to you, apply what
you know, use it to solve problems, demonstrate
4
Analysis (taking part)
What are the parts, the order, the reasons why, the cases,
the problems, the solutions, the consequences
5
Synthesis (putting
together)
How might it be different, how else , what if, suppose,
develop, improve, create in your own way
6
Evaluation (judging and
assessing)
How would you judge it, does it succeed , will it work,
would you prefer, why do you think so
Many learning activities can be organised or analysed in terms of the above categories.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS THAT MAY BE USED IN THE ACTIVITIES
Remember
Useful Verbs
Sample Question Stems
List
Locate
Name
Recognize
State
Describe
Recall
Repeat
Retrieve
• What happened after...?
• How many...?
• Who was it that...?
• Can you name the...?
• Describe what happened at...?
• Who spoke to...?
• Can you tell why...?
• Find the meaning of...?
• What is...?
• Which is true or false...?
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Understanding
Useful Verbs
Sample Question Stems
Conclude
Define in your own words
Illustrate
Predict
Tell
Identify
paraphrase
Summarize
Categorize
Classify
Discuss
Match
Sort
Compare
Contrast
Explain
Can you write in your own words...?
• Can you write a brief outline...?
• What do you think could of happened next...?
• Who do you think...?
• What was the main idea...?
• Who was the key character...?
• Can you distinguish between...?
• What differences exist between...?
• Can you provide an example of what you mean...?
• Can you provide a definition for...?
Applying
Useful Verbs
Sample Question Stems
Generalize
Infer
Show
Use
Do you know another instance where...?
• Could this have happened in...?
• Can you group by characteristics such as...?
• What factors would you change if...?
• Can you apply the method used to some experience
of your own...?
• What questions would you ask of...?
• From the information given, can you develop a set
of instructions about...?
• Would this information be useful if you had a ...?
Evaluating
Useful Verbs
Sample Question Stems
Assess
Justify
Critique
Judge
• Is there a better solution to...?
• Judge the value of...
• Can you defend your position about...?
• Do you think ... is a good or a bad thing?
• How would you have handled...?
• What changes to ... would you recommend?
• Do you believe…?
• Are you a ... person?
• How would you feel if...?
• How effective are...?
• What do you think about...?
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Creating
Useful Verbs
Sample Question Stems
Design
Compose
Plan
Hypothesize
Revise
• Can you design a ... to ...?
• Why not compose a song about...?
• Can you see a possible solution to...?
• If you had access to all resources how would you
deal with...?
• Why don't you devise your own way to deal
with...?
• What would happen if...?
• How many ways can you...?
• Can you create new and unusual uses for...?
• Can you write a new recipe for a tasty dish?
Pupil’s critical thinking, which enables to have a better understanding of ideas, data, arguments
and situations, in addition, can also be developed in the process of active teaching and learning
according to the following aspects of critical thinking (identified by Brookfield,1987):
Identifying and challenging assumptions. Testing the taken- for-granted nature of
assumptions and generalizations against our own experiences and understanding.
Questioning and challenging passively accepted traditions and habitual patters.
Challenging the importance of context. Developing the awareness of the
importance of relating our thinking to the context in which it is set. Practices,
structures and actions are never context free.
Imaging and exploring alternatives. Thinking beyond the obvious and the
immediately logical. Adopting different perspective and standpoints. Thinking
laterally and imaginatively.
Developing reflective skepticism. Being wary of claims to universal truth or
ultimate explanations. Because other think differently than we do, doesn’t mean that
they are right.
(Brookfield (1987) cited in Leicester (2010, p. 4))
In accordance with this ideas please see possible practice to develop abovementioned aspect of
critical thinking offered by Leicester (2010):
Identifying and challenging assumptions.
Generalizations based on limited experiences are convenient but it may lead to poor judgments.
Thus it useful to become aware of possible limitations, so that to find out more before forming
provisional beliefs. Possible practice:
Recognize when we need to ask: am I interpreting what is being said accurately, or it is
distorted by my own prejudice or emotion?
Let your students practice recognizing more than one meaning in a text and discussing
when multiple readings are valid and when are simply mistaken.
Try to be accurate when making generalizations and be cautious about sweeping claims
made by others.
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Challenging the importance of context.
The critical thinking skill requires developing grasp of relationships – the relationship
between an object and its surroundings or connecting objects or ideas or claims etc. Possible
practice:
In the process of implementing different activities ask pupils to discuss how they might
apply phrase, objects, concept, ideas, judgments to different contexts, noticing variations.
Imaging and exploring alternatives
The ability to imagine alternatives is often associated with creative thinking. Pupils need
understand that there are not the only possible ways of thinking or doing something. Possible
practice:
One of the possible ways of exploring alternatives is changing “point of view”. Pupils can
be asked to write a dialog between two different character (for example: first they write
dialog from the women’s point of view, second they write the same dialog from the
man’s point of view.
Another example of exploring alternatives can be seen in the Math or science lesson
where pupils are asked to find different ways of solving the same problem.
Developing reflective skepticism
Pupils need to form their own opinions and ideas with the aim of learning to arrive at the process
in the light of evidence and for good reasons. Possible practice:
There is a need for teacher in the process of discussions to encourage pupils to:
offer reasons and evidence for their own claims
counter these claims from others which they consider week
question undersupported assumptions
be open minded in considering a range of opinions and perspectives
ask for clarification if they don’t understand
respect the right of others to hold their own point of view, even if they disagree with that
point of view
Build pupils’ confidence
Don’t discourage or inhibit your pupils from forming an opinion
Never denigrate
Always show interest
If your pupils lack self-confidence, work on this
The twentieth-century British philosopher Stephen Toulmin noticed that good, realistic
arguments typically will consist of six parts. He used these terms to describe the items.
Data: The facts or evidence used to prove the argument
Claim: The statement being argued (a thesis)
Warrants: The general, hypothetical (and often implicit) logical statements that serve as bridges
between the claim and the data.
Qualifiers: Statements that limit the strength of the argument or statements that propose the
conditions under which the argument is true.
Rebuttals: Counter-arguments or statements indicating circumstances when the general
argument does not hold true.
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Backing: Statements that serve to support the warrants (i.e., arguments that don't necessarily
prove the main point being argued, but which do prove the warrants are true.)
Toulmin's diagram of arguments typically looks something like this example:
Structure of a Toulmin Argument
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USING ICT IN TEACHING AND
LEARNING
PLANNING LESSON USING ICT
Don’t use ICT for the sake of it – ask yourself, is ICT the best way of achieving my
teaching and learning objectives?
If you are not confident about using ICT, please ask your colleagues.
Take into account that many pupils are confident and competent users of ICT – they are
growing up at the world of computers. Don’t see this as a threat to your authority, but as
an opportunity to get some extra help and support. Pupils love taking on the role of an
“expert” and it raises their self-esteem. They won’t think less of you if you ask for help.
Don’t re-invent the wheel. Many teachers have already developed ICT content or
strategies. Talk to colleagues and get online – there are lots of school websites, teacher
websites and online communities where people are sharing ideas, lesson plans and
experiences. Don’t forget to share some of your good ideas too!
Following this chapter you will see some possible ways to use ICT with the aim of making
teaching and learning process more interactive and motivated.
INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD
The primary advantage of IWBs is their ability to integrate Web 2.0 tools and computer-based
programs into any lesson. With these boards, teachers can present information via power point
presentation with built in links to websites, videos, and podcasts in a lesson. Teachers can adjust
their presentation on the fly to allow teachable moments or bring in additional supporting
material to support a lesson and explain difficult concepts. IWB allow work to be saved, printed
out or adapted for future use.
IWBs appeal to visual and kinesthetic learners because of their interactive presentations. Verbal
and auditory learners develop a better understanding of materials during large group interactive
lessons. The ability for students to touch the screen and interact with the material being taught
encourages their physical participation in lessons.
The IWB can be used in different stages of the lesson. It can serve as a means to introduce the
aim of the lesson and present introductory materials. You may have to build in some thinking
time for children to look and process the new information displayed before continuing with the
introduction. After the introduction, pupils can work through examples on the IWB to
consolidate the teaching points. This needs to be thought through so that they are truly
interactive. Alternatively, present introductory materials could be hidden, and referred to at a
later point in the lesson.
Possible opportunities for resourcing and supporting lesson with the help of IWB
It can help you create engaging content like word games, quizzes, crossword puzzles and sorting
tables, study guides, pictures, images, worksheets, or other scanned materials as well as
downloadable resources (software programmes) power point presentation with built in links to
websites, videos, animations and podcasts. Lessons move and respond with as much energy as
students.
Hide the Answer/ word (number) prediction
Place the answer to any question in a text box and mark over it using a pen with the same color
as the background of presentation to hide the answer. When it is time to reveal the answer,
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simply use the smart board or IWB eraser to reveal the answer. You can discuss their choices
before asking pupils to reveal the hidden word (number etc.).
Reordering the text (any information)/sequencing
Reordering the text enables children to show their understanding of appropriate features of a
certain information or style of writing. You can present various parts of a text (different figure or
numbers etc.) onto flipchart page and present them on the IWB in the wrong order. Pupils can
discuss as a group or with partner how to reorder the text, making notes to refer to as they go,
then some may come to the IWB to highlight and arrange the passage correctly. Asking pupils to
sequence the parts of the story provide a purposeful way to demonstrate their understanding of
the topic.
Annotating images, pictures, texts, pupils’ work etc.
You can scan image, picture or text to display on an IWB and use the IWB’s pens and other on-
screen tools, such as shapes and highlighters, to annotate it. The example of possible pupil’s
work that demonstrate the successful- or not so successful application of the particularly lesson
topic, and then collaboratively see how they can improve their writing, thus with a help of IWB
there is a possibility to integrate assessment for learning into teaching practice.
Digital microscope
Digital microscope allows the children to view objects and creatures in detail for various reasons.
Visualizers
This can be used to good effect in science. Pupils can be shown large images on the IWB of
close up details of experiments, gaining a better understanding of the science involved.
Data loggers
Data loggers have a lot to offer in science, used with or without IWB. Pupils can use them
independently of the computer to log different kind of data. Having been connected to the
computer the software downloads the data, which can be converted into tables, graphs which can
be used in the process of presenting their findings. This can also be displayed on the IWB to
explore all manner of variables.
Save Student Work for Wiki or Blog
After students have solved a math problem, corrected English grammar, completed a science
concept map, or other student work, do not erase it. Clone the page to show multiple solutions to
the same problem or idea. Export the lesson as a pdf file, upload it to slideshare.net (which is
free), copy the code developed by slideshare, and embed it in the class Wiki or blog.
Making Connections with IWB in Schools
Additional Web 2.0 tools which can be integrated into lessons and its preparation on smart
boards or interactive white boards include Facebook.com, ilike.kz. Kaztube.kz, YouTube.com.
These boards have moved lesson to a whole new level of interactivity and student engagement in
the learning process.
Presentations with Power Point
Power Point presentation is the most common presentation software found in schools. Here are a
few tips for putting together effective presentations.
First of all it should be used to create stimulating, informative and entertaining
presentations.
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Use variety of media – text, graphics, animations, sound and video, web and hyperlinks
along with bullet points of main information of the presentation.
Keep it simple – don’t use too much text on each slide as pupils can’t keep up with the
flood of information.
Make text as large as possible and keep it well spaced
Don’t use too many colours as this can cause a headache
Make sure the background colours do not clash with the text or make it difficult to read
WIKI TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS
Wikis provide opportunities for students to collaborate with other students, share what
they have learned, and become a centralized online resource for educators.
Wikis are one of the easiest Web 2.0 applications on the Internet to use, no downloading of
software required and works just like a word processing program. The use of this technological
tool has grown tremendously in the past years. They are free for educators, advertisement free,
and have controlled access to ensure student information remains private.
Just because a teacher builds a Wiki, does not mean that it will automatically engage students in
learning. Planning for integration of Wikis requires rethinking teaching strategies and techniques
to take advantage of their full potential.
Here are some possible examples of how Wikis can be used in the classroom.
1. Collaborative Projects using Wikis. This technology tool is ideal for project-based learning,
cross curricular projects in middle school teams, and thematic units. One advantage of Wikis in
collaborative projects is that they are online.
Students with access to the Internet outside of school can work together to complete projects
without having to be in school. Also, just like none Wiki projects; defining roles and clearly
defining the activity, along with assessments are crucial to the success of collaborative learning
projects using this strategy.
2. Students Demonstration of Knowledge. Students provide information that fits within
specific parameters on the Wiki to demonstrate what they have learned. One example is when
students create original work that fits within the ABC format.
One page is designated for each letter of the alphabet and students submit written work and
pictures (citing sources) to explain what they just learned in a social studies, math, English, or
science unit. A second example is when students create a timeline of Kazakhstan historical
events from 1991 to 2012.
3. Online Resources for Classroom Use. A list of websites that provided appropriate
information related to subject content is provided by the teacher for student use during the school
year. The advantages are:
Websites can be added that meet school district website filtering requirements.
The list is dynamic, because websites can be added or deleted as better online resources are
located and students are provided with acceptable online resources for their school work.
4. Wikis as a Classroom Webpage. This strategy provides everyday information for students
use during the school year.
The advantage is that everything a teacher needs and students use is centrally located,
eliminating the need for maintenance of a separate website and learning to use special software.
Examples of things that can be on a Wiki classroom webpage are calendar of events, newsletters,
homework assignments, handouts, notes, science safety rules, classroom rules, power point
presentations, pictures of students in class working on projects, and parent permission forms.
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Remember that access is controlled by the teacher, typically only given to students and their
parents.
5. Wiki Filing Cabinet. Teachers can store files, images, videos, and other information in a
special teacher access controlled area of the classroom Wiki.
One advantage is that the teacher can enter the information anytime and from anywhere using the
Internet. This is great for weekends or over the summer when teachers cannot enter their school.
Other examples of information that can be stored in a teacher’s Wiki filing cabinet are
information for upcoming newsletters, artifacts of student work, drafts of projects being
developed, everyday life in the classroom for a scrapbook, and backup resources.
Making Connections with Wikis in the Classroom
Integration of a Wiki in the classroom requires a new approach to teaching and learning
for
engaging students
. A traditionalists approach such as fill-in-the-blanks or presenting lecture
notes does not take advantage of a Wikis full potential.
Using a student-centered approach where students identify the blanks themselves and contribute
content are the beginning steps of integrating Wikis. To effectively integrate a Wiki in the
classroom, students must participate in the process of sharing information and demonstrating
understanding of content with the teacher and other students.
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