Application Thinking
Application is one of seven basic categories of thinking in the
higher order thinking skills
(LearnNC.org). Sections below cover definition,
key
action words, and examples of trigger questions.
Application Thinking
Definition of Application. (in Bloom's taxonomy:
application)
The learner uses generalizations (e.g. ideas) in specific and concrete
conditions. Learners are to apply prior knowledge and understanding to
new situations and demonstrate that they can solve problems on their own.
This means that teachers should create a novel situation and expect the
learner to apply prior knowledge to higher order tasks without being shown what
to do. That is, they must recognize when information or skill is needed, and use
it to solve new problems or complete novel tasks.Return to the Top of the Document.
Use these key action words in the work of applying.
apply, demonstrate, calculate, complete, illustrate, show, solve,
examine, modify, relate, change, classify, experiment, discover, dramatize,
sketch
Example
(The emphasis here is on lateral or related novelty.
Almost any higher order question format would do as long as it builds on or
requires the use of prior study and practice but has not been experienced
before. Remember that it is not the question that is so important but that the
higher order thinking skill question requires knowledge they currently should
know yet a novel problem that they have not worked through before.)
- Apply your knowledge of swimming and weight lifting to create a new sports
game for 5th graders.
- Apply your knowledge of spreadsheets, mathematics and the planets we have
been studying, to create a spreadsheet that calculates how much each person
will weigh on each of the planets in our solar system.
- Demonstrate using these objects the orbit of a planet that orbits
around two stars instead of one.
- Create your own pledge of allegiance to a cause or organization.
Return to the Top of the Document.
Other General Examples of Application Trigger Questions
It is not the style of question that is important, but that the question apply
previously taught and learned information to a novel situation.
Return to the Top of the Document.
Page author: Houghton