I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.
- Mark Twain
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    In 1956, Benjamin Bloom helped develop theories of learning based on the cognitive, psychomotor, and
    affective domains of human behavior and interaction. (1) His theories are widely applied in law
    enforcement training.

                                                                   Cognitive Learning Theory

    The Distance Learning Technology Resource Guide, (2000), provides an informative description of Blooms
    theories. (2) Cognitive learning  is demonstrated by knowledge recall and the intellectual skills:
    comprehending information, organizing ideas, analyzing and synthesizing data, applying knowledge,
    choosing among alternatives in problem-solving, and evaluating ideas or actions. (ibid.) Law enforcement
    officers need cognitive intellectual skills to make ethical decisions.

    Bloom theorized  six levels within the cognitive domain.(ibid.) The levels range from simple recall or
    recognition of facts, the lowest level, through increasingly complex and abstract mental levels, to the
    highest order, classified as evaluation. Examples representing each level follow:

    Knowledge: arrange, define, duplicate, label, list, memorize, name, order, recognize,
    relate, recall, repeat. (ibid.)

    Comprehension: classify, describe, discuss, explain, express, identify, indicate, locate,
    recognize, report, restate, review, select, translate. (ibid.)

    Application: apply, choose, demonstrate, dramatize, employ, illustrate, interpret, operate,
    practice, schedule, sketch, solve, use, write. (ibid.)

    Analysis: analyze, appraise, calculate, categorize, compare, contrast, criticize, differentiate,
    discriminate, distinguish, examine, experiment, question, test. (ibid.)

    Synthesis: arrange, assemble, collect, compose, construct, create, design, develop,
    formulate, manage, organize, plan, prepare, propose, set up, write. (ibid.)

    Evaluation: appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose compare, defend estimate, judge, predict,
    rate, core, select, support, value, evaluate. (ibid.)

                                                                         Affective Learning

    Affective learning is demonstrated by behaviors indicating attitudes of awareness, interest, attention,
    concern, and responsibility. The ability to listen and respond in interactions with others, and ability to
    demonstrate those attitudinal characteristics or values appropriate to the test situation and the field of
    study. This domain relates to emotions, attitudes, appreciations, and values, such as enjoying, conserving,
    respecting, and supporting. Verbs applicable to the affective domain include accepts, attempts, challenges,
    defends, disputes, joins, judges, praises, questions, shares, supports, and volunteers. (ibid.) Empathy is
    an important trait for law enforcement officers. Lack of empathy can lead to ethics violations when, for
    example, someone's rights are violated by an uncaring or inattentive officer.

                                                                     Psychomotor Learning

    Psychomotor learning is demonstrated by physical skills; coordination, dexterity, manipulation, grace,
    strength, speed; actions demonstrating fine motor skills such as using precision instruments or tools, or
    actions evidencing gross motor skills such as dancing or athletic performance. Verbs applicable to the
    psychomotor domain include bend, grasp, handle, operate, reach, relax, shorten, stretch, write, differentiate
    (by touch), express (facially), and perform (skillfully). (ibid.)

    (1) Bloom, B.S. (1956). Taxomony of Educational Objectives: The Classification of Educational Goals:
    Handbook New York: Toronto: Longmans, Green.

    (2) U.S. Department of Education. (2000). The Distance Learning Technology Resource Guide, Star
    Schools Program. Retrieved April 21, 2003 from http://www.dlrn.org/library/dl/guide4.htm

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LEARNING THEORY
- BLOOM -

Dr. Frank Kardasz  P.O. Box 45048 Phoenix, AZ 85064
e-mail: kardasz@kardasz.org
blog: www.kardasz.org/blog/
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