Objective
How will I know if students achieved the course goals?
Now that you analyzed the course descriptions and ranked them using the cognitive categories from Bloom’s Taxonomy in Unit 1, let’s focus on writing assignment instructions that match the cognitive level of each learning outcome. The goal is to create assignments that assess students and engage them in the appropriate cognitive processes. Whether you want students to recall information or develop original projects, the assignment type must align with the specific learning outcome set by your department.
In this unit, we will review how the aligned learning outcomes from Unit 1 can be translated into appropriate assignments, affirming that each assignment reflects the intended cognitive level. Additionally, we will explore how to use Generative AI (GenAI) tools to create detailed and effective assignment instructions that are aligned with your course’s learning objectives.
1 Review the Objective to Assignment Alignment Chart
Each learning objective aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy should guide the type of assignment that best measures that outcome. For example:
- Remember – Use quizzes, flashcards, or fill-in-the-blank exercises.
- Understand – Assign summaries, reflections, or brief explanations.
- Apply – Use case studies, simulations, or practical applications.
- Analyze – Assign tasks that involve comparing, categorizing, or breaking down complex topics.
- Evaluate – Have students critique articles, engage in debates, or write reviews.
- Create – Use projects, research papers, or creative designs that involve synthesis and original work.
The prompt below is based on the C.R.E.A.T.E. Prompting Framework by Dave Birss.
Replace content within curly brackets { }. Adjust as needed.
Character:
“You are an experienced instructional designer tasked with creating assignment instructions that align with course objectives and Bloom’s Taxonomy.”
Request:
“Please generate detailed assignment instructions for the following {assignment type} that aligns with this learning outcome: {learning outcome}. Ensure that the instructions reflect the appropriate Bloom’s level (Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, Create).”
If a user does not provide the assignment type, respond with: “It looks like you haven’t provided an assignment type. Please specify an assignment type (e.g., quiz, case study, project) and paste it below.”
Steps:
- Identify the cognitive skill required by the {learning outcome} (based on Bloom’s levels).
- Generate assignment instructions that challenge students at the appropriate cognitive level.
- Provide a brief explanation of how this assignment measures the desired learning outcome.
- Include a reflection part in the output asking learners to share their process
- If appropriate, include scaffolding
Output Example:
Assignment Type: Case Study
Learning Outcome: “Students will apply instructional technology in classroom settings.”
Assignment Instructions: ” Case Study Assignment: Applying the Triple E Framework to Using a Digital Tool in K-12 Education
Assignment Overview: In this case study, you will apply the Triple E Framework (Engagement, Enhancement, Extension) to analyze and solve a real-world problem involving the use of a digital tool in K-12 education. The Triple E Framework helps educators evaluate how well technology supports student learning goals by focusing on:
Engagement: How the technology actively involves students in learning.
Enhancement: How the technology improves learning outcomes by supporting higher-order thinking or skills.
Extension: How the technology connects learning to real-world experiences and students’ lives outside of the classroom.
You will use the Applying level of Bloom’s Taxonomy, focusing on how you can use your knowledge of this framework to evaluate and improve the use of technology in a classroom scenario.
Case Study Scenario: Integrating a New Digital Tool in a 5th Grade Classroom
A 5th-grade teacher has recently started using an interactive educational app that helps students learn math through game-based activities. The app allows students to practice their math skills with instant feedback and levels that adapt to their abilities. However, after several weeks of implementation, the teacher notices that while some students are excited about using the app, others seem disengaged or are struggling to make significant progress. The teacher is concerned that the tool isn’t benefiting all students equally and is unsure how to make the app more effective for the whole class.
Your task is to analyze this scenario using the Triple E Framework to determine how the app’s use could be improved. You will propose solutions to help the teacher better integrate the app into the learning experience and ensure it is engaging, enhances learning, and extends to real-life applications for all students.
Assignment Steps:
Case Study Analysis:
Analyze the case study by identifying the main issues or challenges faced by the teacher. Consider questions such as:
Why are some students disengaged or not progressing?
How might the app’s current use be falling short in supporting student learning?
How does the app perform in terms of engagement, enhancement, and extension?
Application of the Triple E Framework:
Apply your knowledge of the Triple E Framework to evaluate the app’s use in this scenario. Answer the following:
How could the app be used differently to better engage all students in learning?
In what ways could the app enhance learning by promoting deeper understanding or higher-order thinking skills?
How could the app be extended to relate to students’ real-world experiences and connect learning to life outside the classroom?
Solution Development:
Based on your analysis, propose specific recommendations for improving the integration of the app. These solutions should:
Address how the teacher can adjust the use of the app to engage all students.
Include ways to enhance learning outcomes by modifying how students interact with the app.
Suggest strategies for extending learning beyond the classroom using the app’s features or supplemental activities.
Reflection on Application:
In a final reflection, discuss how applying the Triple E Framework helped you evaluate the scenario. Consider the following:
What challenges did you encounter while trying to apply the framework to this case?
What insights did you gain about using technology to support student learning?
How did this process change or confirm your understanding of effective technology integration?
Submission Requirements:
Your final submission should include:
A detailed analysis of the case study, identifying the key challenges faced by the teacher.
An explanation of how you applied the Triple E Framework to propose solutions for improving the app’s use.
A reflection on the application process, including your insights and any challenges you encountered.
Length: 2-3 pages (typed, double-spaced)
Format: APA style for references, if applicable
Bloom’s Level: Apply
Explanation: This assignment requires students to apply knowledge in practical, real-world contexts, aligned with Bloom’s ‘Apply’ level.
Adjustments:
“If the assignment type or learning outcome does not clearly align with a specific Bloom’s level, notify the user and suggest clarifications.”
Type of Output:
“Provide clear assignment instructions, including the assignment type, steps for completion, and a brief explanation of how the assignment aligns with Bloom’s Taxonomy.”
Extra:
“Explain briefly why it’s important to align assignments with Bloom’s Taxonomy and ensure the instructions match the cognitive complexity required by the learning outcome.”
- Are the instructions specific, outlining the steps for completing the assignment?
- Verify that the assignment type matches the cognitive demand (e.g., Apply: case study; Create: project).
- Is the reflection component included in the assignment?
- Is scaffolding provided if appropriate?
- For complex assignments, does the AI break down the task into manageable parts?
Key Takeaways
In Unit 1, you learned that course objectives approved by the Senate should be changed but your teaching strategies, assessments, and activities must be aligned with them. By applying Bloom’s Taxonomy, you can categorize learning outcomes into different cognitive levels, helping you understand the depth of learning required from the students. Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, assist in interpreting these objectives, mapping them to the appropriate Bloom’s levels, and offering aligned assessments. Always check the output upholding the responsible use of AI, which serves as a helpful aid without replacing the critical judgment of instructors.
References
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