ATD Accidental Trainer The Problem with Bloom’s Taxonomy, and What To Use Instead with Jonathan Halls
Jun 25, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Halls, an expert in talent development and learning science, critiques the well-known Bloom’s Taxonomy, highlighting its outdated application in modern learning environments. He argues that this framework can hinder effective learning rather than facilitate it. Halls proposes a fresh approach to writing learning objectives focused on clear actions, conditions, and standards. He also reflects on his unconventional journey into training, emphasizing the importance of adapting educational strategies to meet contemporary needs.
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Jonathan's Training Origin Story
- Jonathan Halls began training at age 16 teaching radio broadcasting skills without a degree.
- He later earned degrees in adult education and combined traditional and cognitive psychology learning theories.
Why Bloom's Taxonomy Dominates
- Bloom's taxonomy dominates because L&D had no prior widely accepted framework.
- It becomes a crutch for comfort amid ambiguity, though it lacks strong suitability for corporate learning.
Bloom's Taxonomy Origins
- Bloom's taxonomy originated for university examiners to standardize test questions, not for adult learning.
- It divides learning into cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains, roughly knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
