✍️ Using Bloom’s Verbs to Write Effective Learning Objectives
Turn intentions into action with the right words
Writing strong learning objectives is a critical step in lesson planning. But vague goals like “understand photosynthesis” don’t clearly show what students should be able to do. That’s where Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs come in.
By pairing each cognitive level with specific, observable action verbs, teachers can create clear, measurable, and purposeful learning objectives.
🔹 Bloom’s Levels & Action Verbs
1. Remember
Verbs: list, define, label, recall, identify
🟢 Objective Example: “Students will list the key events of World War II.”
2. Understand
Verbs: explain, summarize, classify, describe, interpret
🟢 Objective Example: “Students will summarize the steps in the water cycle.”
3. Apply
Verbs: use, demonstrate, solve, implement, execute
🟢 Objective Example: “Students will solve real-world problems using area and perimeter.”
4. Analyze
Verbs: analyze, compare, contrast, differentiate, categorize
🟢 Objective Example: “Students will compare two political systems.”
5. Evaluate
Verbs: assess, critique, justify, argue, support
🟢 Objective Example: “Students will defend their opinion on a historical issue.”
6. Create
Verbs: design, develop, construct, compose, invent
🟢 Objective Example: “Students will design an eco-friendly house model.”
🎯 Why Use Bloom’s Verbs?
✅ They provide clarity
✅ They are measurable and actionable
✅ They ensure alignment between objectives, instruction, and assessment
💡 Pro Tip
Post a Bloom’s verb chart in your planning area or save a digital copy. This small shift in planning language can make a big difference in instructional clarity and student outcomes.