Learning Theories & Strategies
Bloom's Taxonomy, Multiple Intelligences, Learning Styles & Teaching Methods
Bloom's Taxonomy (Revised)
Hierarchy of cognitive skills from lower-order thinking (LOT) to higher-order thinking (HOT).
1. Remember (LOT)
Lowest LevelRecall facts, terms, and basic concepts.
Verbs: define, list, name, recall, identify, memorize
Example: "List the parts of a plant."
2. Understand
Explain ideas or concepts in your own words.
Verbs: describe, explain, summarize, paraphrase, interpret
Example: "Explain how photosynthesis works."
3. Apply
Use information in new situations.
Verbs: demonstrate, solve, use, implement, execute
Example: "Solve this word problem using the formula."
4. Analyze
Break down information into parts to understand relationships.
Verbs: compare, contrast, examine, differentiate, organize
Example: "Compare and contrast plant and animal cells."
5. Evaluate
Make judgments based on criteria and standards.
Verbs: argue, defend, judge, critique, justify
Example: "Evaluate whether the author's argument is valid."
6. Create (HOT)
Highest LevelProduce new or original work.
Verbs: design, construct, develop, compose, invent
Example: "Design an experiment to test plant growth."
Three Learning Domains
Cognitive Domain
Mental skills and knowledge acquisition.
Taxonomy: Bloom's Taxonomy
- Remember → Create
- Knowledge-based
- Intellectual skills
Affective Domain
Attitudes, feelings, values, emotions.
Taxonomy: Krathwohl's Taxonomy
- Receiving → Characterizing
- Values-based
- Emotional responses
Psychomotor Domain
Physical skills and motor abilities.
Taxonomy: Simpson's/Dave's Taxonomy
- Perception → Naturalization
- Skills-based
- Physical movements
Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner)
Gardner proposed that intelligence is not a single ability but multiple distinct intelligences.
1. Linguistic Intelligence
Sensitivity to spoken and written language.
Good at: Reading, writing, storytelling
Careers: Writer, lawyer, teacher
2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
Capacity for numbers, logic, reasoning.
Good at: Problem-solving, patterns, calculations
Careers: Scientist, engineer, accountant
3. Spatial Intelligence
Ability to visualize and manipulate objects mentally.
Good at: Drawing, maps, puzzles
Careers: Architect, artist, pilot
4. Musical Intelligence
Sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, melody, and tone.
Good at: Singing, playing instruments, composing
Careers: Musician, composer, DJ
5. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Using the body skillfully to solve problems.
Good at: Sports, dancing, crafts
Careers: Athlete, dancer, surgeon
6. Interpersonal Intelligence
Understanding and interacting with others.
Good at: Communication, leadership, empathy
Careers: Counselor, salesperson, politician
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence
Self-awareness and understanding oneself.
Good at: Reflection, self-discipline, goal-setting
Careers: Psychologist, philosopher, writer
8. Naturalistic Intelligence
Recognizing and classifying natural objects.
Good at: Identifying plants, animals, nature patterns
Careers: Biologist, farmer, veterinarian
Learning Styles (VAK/VARK Model)
Visual Learners
Learn best through seeing.
- Charts and diagrams
- Videos and images
- Color-coded notes
- Mind maps
Auditory Learners
Learn best through hearing.
- Lectures and discussions
- Audio recordings
- Reading aloud
- Group discussions
Kinesthetic Learners
Learn best through doing.
- Hands-on activities
- Role-playing
- Experiments
- Field trips
Read/Write Learners (VARK Extension)
Learn best through reading and writing text.
Prefer textbooks, note-taking, essays, lists
Teaching Methods
Teacher-Centered Methods
Lecture Method
Teacher presents information verbally
Demonstration
Teacher shows how to do something
Direct Instruction
Structured, explicit teaching
Drill and Practice
Repetitive practice for mastery
Student-Centered Methods
Discovery Learning (Bruner)
Students explore and discover concepts
Cooperative Learning
Students work in groups to learn
Problem-Based Learning
Learning through solving real problems
Inquiry-Based Learning
Students ask questions and investigate
Behavioral Learning Theories
Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)
Learning through association of stimuli.
- UCS: Unconditioned Stimulus (food)
- UCR: Unconditioned Response (salivation)
- CS: Conditioned Stimulus (bell)
- CR: Conditioned Response (salivation to bell)
Operant Conditioning (Skinner)
Learning through consequences (reinforcement/punishment).
Positive Reinforcement
Adding something pleasant to increase behavior
Negative Reinforcement
Removing something unpleasant to increase behavior
Positive Punishment
Adding something unpleasant to decrease behavior
Negative Punishment
Removing something pleasant to decrease behavior
Social Learning Theory (Bandura)
Learning through observation and modeling.
- Attention: Noticing the model's behavior
- Retention: Remembering the behavior
- Reproduction: Imitating the behavior
- Motivation: Reason to perform the behavior