Different Modes of Assessments for Different Taxonomy Levels
Learning objectives classified in the first three cognitive categories are more easily assessed with short-answer, true-false, multiple-choice, or matching test items. Learning objectives classified in the last three cognitive categories might be partially tested by such item formats, but their assessment usually requires a variety of other procedures such as essay questions, class projects, observing performance in labs, and portfolios. Learning objectives at more complex thinking levels require students to actually produce or create something, rather than simply to answer questions. Carefully reading the various subcategories of the taxonomy in Appendix D should make this more apparent.