Taxonomy of Item Types

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Taxonomy of Item Types

• Wallace Judd, Ph.D.
• Wallace_at_WallaceJudd.com

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Taxonomy of Item Types

• What is a taxonomy?
• Examples of taxonomies
• Blooms Taxonomy of Learning Objectives
• Kirkpatricks Four Levels of Evaluation

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Why Is a Taxonomy Useful?
Because it

• Expands item continuum
• Clarifies an items goal
• Establishes testing conditions
• Clarifies appropriate scoring

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Blooms Taxonomy
Created by a committee of colleges
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Taxonomy Memorization
Articulating given verbalizations with acceptable
fidelity.

• Examples
• Word processing Margin, Gutter, Font
• Programming Syntax Elements
• Chemistry Elements formulas
• History Dates Names, Places
• Card Games Cards, Rules, Values

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Taxonomy Concepts
Mental structures that guide action.

• Examples
• Discrimination Edible - inedible Heavy -
  light
• Attribute set Chair Airplane Mountain
• Process P.O. approvals
• Structure Bridge Auto Transmission
• Programming Cache, Cell reference, text model

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Taxonomy Concepts

• The Man In the Crosswalk
• Word processing
• Linked table database model
• Cell reference spreadsheet model

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Taxonomy How Do You Operationalize A Concept?

• When would it matter?
• If they didnt get it ?
• What would you see if they did ?
• How can you apply the concept?
• How do you debug ?

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Knowledge Goal ? Operationalized Concept

• Draw primary components of the R27 Router
• Show the data flow between components
• Define the function of each component.

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Taxonomy Reference

• Infrequent
• Not time critical
• Sequence critical
• Complex list of instructions

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Taxonomy Reference
Use external resources directed at the problem.

• Examples
• Word processing Mail merge ToC
• Bookkeeping Quarterly books
• Auto mechanic Repairing brakes
• Pilot IFR landing
• Spreadsheet Function Syntax
• Programming APIs Protocols

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Taxonomy Reference

• Recognize need for additional info
• Access appropriate reference
• Translate task ? reference terms
• Apply reference info
• Verify solution

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Taxonomy Competence
Definition Figuring it out given the context.

• Examples
• Word processing Set headers, footers
• Spreadsheet Use Net Present Value
• Mechanic Rebuild a carburetor
• Landscaper Install sprinkler system

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Taxonomy Kinesthetic
Muscle memory. An overlearned skill.

• Examples
• Word proc Cut, paste, set attributes
• Spreadsheet Select, sum, cell reference
• Mechanic Tighten, loosen bolt
• Pilot Landing emergency procedures
• Programmer Initialize vars close blocks

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Taxonomy Problem-Solving
Applying diverse strategies to a problem
intractable to pre-defined procedures.

• Examples
• Word proc Resolve confused tabs
• Spreadsheet Fix a formula
• Mechanic Troubeshoot electrical system
• Pilot Reconcile instrument readings
• Programmer Debugging

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Taxonomy Writing Test Items

• Classification Test Conditions
• Memorization Observe articulation.
• Concepts Concept guides behavior.
• Reference Specify resources available.
• Competence Sequence contexts allow mistakes.
• Kinesthetic Behavior meets speed criteria.
• Problem-Solving Open-ended problem situation.

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Taxonomy of Item Types

• Wallace Judd, Ph.D.
• Wallace_at_WallaceJudd.com