Writing Effective Outcomes
BLOOM’S TAXONOMY
Bloom’s Taxonomy is a classification system used to define and distinguish six different levels of human cognition. We use these verbs when writing learning outcomes and choose them according to the degree or level that we expect students to be able to perform after learning has occurred.
This graphic shows all six levels starting with novice (remember and understand), continuing through intermediate (apply and analyze), and finishing with advanced (evaluate and create) learning levels.

Verbs listed here are a representative sample. There are many lists of verbs available
on the internet and can be found by searching for "Bloom's Taxonomy".
Let's take another look at the learning outcomes for this lesson:
- After completing this lesson, learners will be able to identify four components of effective outcomes.
- After completing this lesson, learners will be able to summarize four considerations of effective outcomes.
Using the Bloom's chart, answer the question, "To what degree or level is learning expected?".
How might you rewrite these outcomes, if you expected learning demonstration at an intermediate or advanced level?
UNITS
Writing Effective Outcomes
- What are Outcomes?
- Bloom's Taxonomy
- Writing outcomes