For each key assignment, I will ask you to write reflectively on your process and learning. At times I will ask you to self-assess your own work with reference to Bloom's Taxonomy's framework for understanding substantive learning. I will draw on your reflections and self-assessment in the grading process.

Bloom’s Taxonomy as a Rubric for Learning and Self-Assessment

Bloom’s Taxonomy is a thoughtful approach to student learning.

• Knowledge is the core, the base of the learning experience. You can ask yourself the following questions to see if you’ve established a solid knowledge base: Did you familiarize yourself with ideas presented in class materials? Did you take the time to read/watch the weekly mix and understand it as much as possible, and ask questions about the things you didn’t understand?
• Comprehension: Did you understand the arguments being made in class materials? Can you summarize them, discuss them, explain them to someone else?
• Application Can you apply the ideas presented? Can you put them into practice in a concrete way, perhaps applying them conceptually to a new example?
• Analysis Can you use the ideas to analyze and make larger arguments?
• Synthesis and Evaluation These are really two parts of a whole: have you brought the ideas from class into conversation with each other, and have you entered into conversation with them, taking them to new places? Can you assess these new ideas, both yours and others?

The skills that make up Bloom’s Taxonomy are cumulative and exponential, demonstrating growth and deeper understanding and mastery as you move from knowledge and comprehension toward synthesis and evaluation. The handy pyramid above really helps as a reference point.

Self-Assessment & Grades: How Do They Combine?

The purpose of this self reflection process is to de-emphasize grades in favor of learning and creativity, but as grades are a reality at Middlebury, here’s how Bloom’s Taxonomy translates to letter and numerical grading.

• Synthesis & Evaluation: A or A- (100-90)
• Analysis: B+ or B (84-89)
• Application: B- (80-83)
• Comprehension C+ or C (73-79)