What Students Should Know
The first step is for the teacher to define the learning objectives that describe the knowledge that students will have gained when the lesson is complete. This also serves to keep instruction on track during those occasions when the discussion veers off course. To foster critical thinking skills, these teaching objectives, as well as activities and assessments, should be aligned with Bloom’s taxonomy given the grade level of the class.
TEACHING TIP! A well written objective should include a behavioral verb that is appropriate for the appropriate level of the taxonomy.
Bloom’s Knowledge level requires an answer that demonstrates simple recall of facts. Behavioral verbs can include: what, who, describe, or list.
Comprehension requires an answer than demonstrates an understanding of the material. Behavioral verbs at this level can include summarize, explain, compare.
Application requires that the answer demonstrate an ability of the student to use ideas, concepts, and theories in new situation. Behavioral verbs can include solve, discover, and show.
Analysis requires students to detect a pattern and place concepts, and theories into appropriate categories. Behavioral verbs can include examine, categorize, classify, analyze
Synthesis requires an answer that combines information from several areas to create a new or original solution. Behavioral verbs include create, construct, role play.
Evaluation requires an answer that shows the student’s ability to judge evidence based on logical argument. Behavioral verbs include predict, evaluate, recommend, criticize.
Thus, a well written lesson plan should include a behavioral verb, introduce and practice the desired behavior, and conclude with the student providing evidence of mastering the desired outcome. The creation of strategic questions which enhance the objective will foster the development of critical thinking skills. |
