Bloom’s taxonomy and other models for thinking and learning have been developed to promote thinking and guide instructional goals. Christian Schools have not worked to develop models that reflect a biblical understanding of what it means to know. The Bible refers to knowledge, understanding, discernment, judgment, appraisal, wisdom etc. What levels of knowing can be deduced from your biblical understanding of these words. Can a hierarchy be created? Can this hierarchy provide levels of thinking, understanding, and application that will develop Christian thinkers and scholars? Could this be useful in spiritual formation?

Assignment

Develop a taxonomy that includes five or more levels of thinking (including what is referred to as higher level thinking). This taxonomy should reflect your biblical understanding that has been developed within this course. Consider beginning with the new Bloom and Understanding by Design’s facets of knowledge. Can these provide a basis once biblically evaluated and integrated?

Recall what you learned from your previous word study related to teaching and learning.

Each of your levels should be defined and reflect an integrated understanding of the level.

A biblical basis for the each level should be provided through a written text with reference.

Each level should also include a set of questions that the student can reflect upon to consider whether the level has been reached.

Consider formatting the taxonomy for use within your school (be creative).

Example

Understanding – Putting together knowledge so that one sees its relevancy or implications for one’s life. Job 32:8 “but it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.”

Ask

How do these facts expand, enhance, or modify the information I already have or know?

In what ways are these ideas important? Useful?

Have I sought the Spirit’s guidance in relating this information to me and how I should live?