Applying Bloom's Taxonomy to Nursing Learning

Abstract

Learning objectives help keep nursing students focused on the goals of their academic and professional careers. Using Bloom’s taxonomy, it becomes easier to identify the core competencies and underlying purpose of specific and general learning objectives. This paper reveals two specific and measurable personal learning objectives using Bloom’s taxonomy, linking those objectives to the overarching DNP learning objectives.
Learning Objectives Using Bloom’s Taxonomy
Bloom’s taxonomy has been described as a “framework for categorizing educational goals,” (Armstrong, 2017, p. 1). Although the original taxonomy was developed in the 1950s, a revised edition has been used since 2001. According to Armstrong (2017), the revised version of Bloom’s taxonomy offers “a more dynamic conception of classification,” (p. 1). Using action words, Bloom’s taxonomy encompasses the following elements: Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating. Bloom’s taxonomy helps to define and clarify learning objectives for nurses.
Measurable Learning Objective: Explicate the Importance of Evidence-Based Practice
Evidence-based practice is central to the DNP scientific underpinnings of nursing. Therefore, this objective will expand my nursing knowledge and skills at the aggregate, organizational, and policy level by increasing my understanding of what constitutes evidence, and how to best integrate new or conflicting evidence into current best practices at my healthcare organization.
Bloom’s Taxonomy: Understanding
This learning objective specifically addresses the concept of Understanding in education. It is important to understand why evidence-based practice is important, which requires an investigation of the history of nursing practice, an increased awareness of how to apply statistical information to the nursing practice, and how to use research and statistics to shape institutional or public policy. Understanding how to search for, acquire, and apply evidence is also a critical competency of nurses working in the DNP. It is important to understand how to locate relevant data, and how to communicate and use that data effectively to achieve specific patient-centric goals.
Measurable Learning Objective: Systematically Evaluate Team of Nurses
Leadership skills are critical to nursing success. The DNP focuses on expanding and enhancing nurse leadership through the educational process. Therefore, this learning objective enables me to practice the art of performance evaluation by working as a leader with a team of nurses in a specific practice area. The system of evaluation will be standardized, and will enable me to develop stronger communications skills.
Furthermore, this learning objective will expand my advanced nursing knowledge and skills at the aggregate, organizational, or policy level. At the organizational level, leadership skills are crucial for success. Nurse leaders can guide organizational culture, leading to improved patient outcomes and higher morale among nurses. At the policy level, leadership competencies acquired in education can help promote patient advocacy and improve outreach services.
Bloom’s Taxonomy: Applying
This learning objective specifically addresses the Bloom concept of Application, as it directly asks me to apply new knowledge by demonstrating mastery of core leadership concepts. I also need to develop systematic reports, which is also part of the application process using Bloom’s taxonomy (Armstrong, 2017). Acquiring knowledge is the first step in education, the ultimate goal of which will be to apply knowledge to meet the ultimate goal of improving healthcare outcomes.

Conclusion
Specific nursing learning objectives for nurses correspond directly to the DNP learning objectives. The objective of explicating evidence-based practice will help me to understand the importance of scientific rigor in nursing, and how to ensure that all policies reflect scientific evidence. Likewise, the objective of systematic team member evaluations will help me to apply leadership skills acquired during formal education.





References

Armstrong, P. (2017). Bloom’s taxonomy. Vanderbilt University. Retrieved online: https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/blooms-taxonomy/
Maine Nurses Association (2017). Guidelines for writing learning objectives. Retrieved online: http://www.nhnurses.org/Especially-for-You/CE-Resources/Writing-Objectives-Guidelines.pdf


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