The 6 Levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy (+Examples)

Hello EdTech Turkey Readers,

In today's corporate learning world, simply transmitting knowledge is no longer enough; organizations aim for employees to truly understand, retain, apply, and even innovate with what they learn. This is where Bloom’s Taxonomy—a long-standing framework for educators—plays a crucial role.

In this article, we will explore what Bloom’s Taxonomy is, why it matters, and how it can be effectively applied in corporate training. We will also provide examples, key learning objectives, and action verbs for each level.

What is Bloom’s Taxonomy?

Bloom’s Taxonomy is a framework that classifies learning objectives into six hierarchical levels, progressing from basic recall to higher-order thinking skills such as evaluation and creation. Developed in 1956 by Benjamin Bloom and his team, the model was revised in 2001 to better reflect modern learning and cognitive processes.

Original Version (1956):

1️⃣ Knowledge
2️⃣ Comprehension
3️⃣ Application
4️⃣ Analysis
5️⃣ Synthesis
6️⃣ Evaluation

Revised Version (2001):

1️⃣ Remember
2️⃣ Understand
3️⃣ Apply
4️⃣ Analyze
5️⃣ Evaluate
6️⃣ Create

The revision shifted from nouns to action verbs, emphasizing what learners should be able to do at each level. It also introduced different types of knowledge: factual, conceptual, procedural, and metacognitive.

The 6 Levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy (With Examples)

1️⃣ Remember

At this basic level, learners recall and recognize facts, terms, or basic concepts. Activities focus on memorization and repetition.

Example Questions:

• "Can you list our company’s five core products?"
• "Which platform do we use to track reports?"
• "Can you recall our company’s mission statement?"

Common Verbs: define, list, label, recall, identify.

2️⃣ Understand

Here, learners begin to interpret and explain information, rather than just recalling it. They can summarize, classify, and discuss meaning.

Example Questions:

• "Why is writing a case report important?"
• "How would you describe this policy in your own words?"
• "How would you explain our company values to a client?"

Common Verbs: explain, summarize, classify, interpret, compare.

3️⃣ Apply

At this stage, learners use knowledge in real-world scenarios. In corporate training, this is a critical stage because employees must not only understand concepts but also apply them in practical situations.

Example Questions:

• "How would you implement this procedure?"
• "How do you update a sales opportunity in the new CRM system?"
• "How do you calculate a customer's outstanding balance using this data?"

Common Verbs: apply, demonstrate, execute, solve, implement.

4️⃣ Analyze

At this level, learners break information into components, identify relationships, and explore cause-and-effect connections.

Example Questions:

• "What relationships can you identify between the data in these annual reports?"
• "What is the underlying motivation behind this sales policy?"
• "What key factors contribute to this customer complaint?"

Common Verbs: analyze, distinguish, compare, identify, examine.

5️⃣ Evaluate

Learners critically assess information, make judgments, and weigh the pros and cons before making decisions. In the original taxonomy, this was placed at the highest level, but the revised version positions "Create" as the most advanced cognitive function.

Example Questions:

• "What are the strengths and weaknesses of this approach?"
• "Where do you identify mistakes in this customer complaint email?"
• "How would you measure the success of this project?"

Common Verbs: evaluate, critique, judge, justify, appraise.

6️⃣ Create

The highest level of Bloom’s Taxonomy requires learners to generate new ideas, solutions, or products using their acquired knowledge.

Example Questions:

• "How would you design a strategy to make this marketing campaign more effective?"
• "How would you develop a new workflow to solve this operational issue?"
• "Can you create an improved sales presentation for this customer scenario?"

Common Verbs: create, design, compose, develop, produce.

Applying Bloom’s Taxonomy in Corporate Training

1️⃣ Define Job Role Learning Objectives

Each job role requires different levels of cognitive skills.
For example, a sales representative may need to reach the Apply or Analyze level, whereas a product manager may operate at the Create level to develop new strategies.

2️⃣ Identify Necessary Learning Levels

Not all training topics require learners to reach the highest level. Determine the appropriate level for each skill.

3️⃣ Write Learning Objectives Using Bloom’s Verbs

Use clear, measurable objectives that match the expected learning outcomes.
Example: "After this training, participants will be able to summarize three key findings from a customer report."

4️⃣ Structure Training Modules by Cognitive Level

Start with basic recall activities (quizzes, fact sheets), then progress to interactive exercises, and finally scenario-based applications.

5️⃣ Encourage Higher-Order Thinking

Training should go beyond basic knowledge recall. Incorporate analytical tasks, decision-making exercises, and creative problem-solving.

6️⃣ Balance Theory and Practice

Avoid excessive rote learning. Provide hands-on applications to reinforce knowledge retention (remember the 70-20-10 model!).

7️⃣ Continuously Assess & Improve

Use learner feedback and performance data to refine training content. Adjust materials and assessments accordingly.

8️⃣ Leverage Digital Learning Platforms

E-learning tools and corporate LMS systems can help implement Bloom’s Taxonomy effectively by using interactive quizzes, scenario-based simulations, and analytics to track progress.

Top 3 Benefits of Using Bloom’s Taxonomy in Corporate Training

• Enhances Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
  Bloom’s Taxonomy fosters deeper understanding, application, and innovation—helping employees think critically and adapt faster.
• Increases Engagement & Motivation
  Learners stay more engaged when training challenges them at the right cognitive level—boosting motivation and job satisfaction.
• Aligns Learning with Business Goals
  The taxonomy makes learning outcomes clear and measurable, ensuring that L&D strategies align with company objectives.

Bloom’s Taxonomy Action Verbs for Learning Objectives

Remember (Recall Basic Information)

Define, list, label, identify, recall

Understand (Explain Concepts)

Describe, explain, compare, summarize, interpret

Apply (Use Knowledge in Real-World Scenarios)

Demonstrate, execute, solve, implement, operate

Analyze (Break Down and Examine Relationships)

Distinguish, inspect, compare, correlate, investigate

Evaluate (Make Judgments and Decisions)

Critique, judge, appraise, estimate, validate

Create (Generate New Ideas or Products)

Design, develop, compose, generate, produce

Bloom’s Taxonomy is a powerful instructional framework for structuring corporate learning programs. Organizations that apply it effectively can enhance employee learning, promote critical thinking, and drive better business performance.

The key to success? Align training content with the appropriate cognitive level, use clear learning objectives, and focus on active learning strategies.

What are your thoughts on using Bloom’s Taxonomy in corporate training? Share your experiences in the comments! ????