BLOOMS TAXONOMY AND THE SAMR MODEL

A visual model of Bloom's Cognitive Taxonomy

Blooms Cognitive Taxonomy

Bloom's Cognitive Taxonomy layers thinking process from knowledge and comprehension, considered to be simple levels of thinking leading to recall and explanation. Higher levels include analysis, evaluation and creation/synthesis, in which information is first assessed for its elements/components/principles etc., evaluated for relevance, importance (etc) and then used in new situations and to create new knowledge.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A visual model of the SAMR model

SAMR Model

In each stage of the SAMR model, the use of educational technology (EdTech) becomes increasingly sophisticated.

Substitution and augmentation strategies use EdTech to enhance learning and add value,
whereas modification and redefinition stages harness EdTech to transform learning and make new things possible.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Verbs and activities associated with a combination of the SAMR and Blooms Taxonomy models

My Reflection of Blooms Taxonomy, ICT pedagogy and the SAMR

Both Blooms Taxonomy and the SAMR model work in an upwards ladder motion from low order thinking with the aim of achieving a higher order thinking process.This is a process which undertakes most regularly structured class lessons.   

The main difference between the two models is that Blooms Taxonomy is the process of working up to a higher order of thinking. Each step is taken up the ladder all the way from basic recall to evaluating and creating.The SAMR model however, brings the power of technology into this process. How can we use technology to transform this journey?   

Understanding and Remembering + Substitution 

The Blooms Taxonomy lowest order of thinking is remembering. This is basic recall or drawing on previous knowledge. This can be seen in the form of defining, describing or identifying. Most lessons begin with this process as a way to gauge students progress.

Remembering directly aligns with the SAMR models lowest order which is substitution (direct substitution with no functional improvement). This process of recall can be technologically transformed using Google searching, online quizzing or even a process of digital note-taking.   

Applying and Analysing + Augmentation

Our second step in the ladder according to Blooms Taxonomy is applying and analysing. This can be seen in the form of explaining, interpreting and outlining. In a classroom context this is in a common process of examining and mind mapping.

Applying and analysing directly aligns with the SAMR models augmentation (direct substitution with functional improvement). This process can be technologically transformed using annotation which has been advancing within the digital world and is great for collaboration. Mind mapping is  also something that is advancing with various applications such as MindMup.   

Applying, Analysing and Evaluating + Modification 

The third step in the ladder in reference to Blooms Taxonomy is evaluating. This can be seen in the form of experimenting, modelling and critiquing. In a classroom context this is seen in the process of grading and reflecting.

Evaluating directly aligns with the SAMR models modification (significant task design). This process can be technologically transformed using surveying and peer review. There are a plethora of technological resources such as SurveryMonkey, Kahoot or Padlet (commenting).  

Evaluating and Creating + Redefinition   

The final and highest level order of thinking in the Blooms Taxonomy model is creating. This is the level that all educators try to achieve. This can be seen in the form of constructing designing and making. In a classroom context this is seen in the process of collaborating, building and roleplaying.

Creating directly aligns with the SAMR models redefinition (the creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable). This process can be technologically transformed using multimedia presentation. The application commonly used to facilitate media presentations is Microsofts PowerPoint, however media presentation stems so much further than this with applications such as Padlet and Powtoon.