Cognitive Verbs

The development of cognitive verbs from Marzano's New Taxonomy of Learning is a key aspect of the theory. Marzano's taxonomy emphasizes the use of cognitive processes to promote deeper learning and understanding. Cognitive verbs are action words that describe the mental processes students use to engage with the content and demonstrate their learning.

These cognitive processes are not mutually exclusive, and they often overlap and work together to facilitate learning. For example, a student may use remembering and understanding to recall and comprehend a concept and then apply it to solve a problem.

Marzano's taxonomy also identifies three knowledge dimensions that are important for learning:

1. Factual knowledge: This refers to the basic facts and information that students need to know in a particular subject area. For example, in mathematics, factual knowledge might include basic arithmetic operations like addition and subtraction, or in science, it might include knowledge of the parts of a cell.

2. Conceptual knowledge: This refers to a deeper understanding of the concepts and principles that underlie the facts and information students have learned. For example, in mathematics, conceptual knowledge might include an understanding of mathematical concepts like place value, or in science, it might include an understanding of the processes that occur within a cell.

3. Procedural knowledge: This refers to the processes and skills that students need to apply in order to solve problems or complete tasks. For example, in mathematics, procedural knowledge might include the steps involved in solving a math problem, or in science, it might include the steps involved in experimenting.

By emphasizing the development of cognitive verbs, Marzano's taxonomy encourages teachers to focus on helping students develop a deep understanding of the subject matter rather than just memorizing facts and information. This can be achieved by using a variety of instructional strategies, such as:

1. Encouraging critical thinking: Teachers can encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions, providing real-world examples, and encouraging students to analyze and evaluate information.

2. Providing opportunities for problem-solving: Teachers can provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems, such as through project-based learning or hands-on activities.

3. Encouraging creativity and innovation: Teachers can encourage creativity and innovation by providing students with opportunities to explore new ideas, design their own projects, and take risks in a supportive environment.

4. Providing opportunities for student voice and choice: Teachers can provide opportunities for students to have a say in their own learning by allowing them to choose topics, methods, and assessments that align with their interests and learning styles.

5. Encouraging collaboration with community and industry partners: Teachers can encourage collaboration with community and industry partners by providing students with opportunities to engage in real-world projects, internships, and service learning experiences that connect their learning to the broader community.

6. Providing personalized learning experiences: Teachers can provide personalized learning experiences by getting to know their students' strengths, interests, and learning needs, and tailoring their instruction and assessment to meet each student's unique needs. This can involve differentiating instruction, providing individualized feedback, and allowing students to take ownership of their learning.

7. Using formative assessments to inform instruction: Teachers can use formative assessments to inform their instruction and adjust their teaching strategies to better support student learning. This can involve regularly assessing student progress, analyzing data to identify areas of strength and weakness, and using this information to adjust instruction and provide targeted support.

8. Encouraging student self-assessment and reflection: Teachers can encourage students to take an active role in their own learning by teaching them how to self-assess and reflect on their progress. This can involve providing students with tools and strategies for self-assessment, such as rubrics, feedback forms, and reflection prompts, and encouraging them to set goals and track their progress over time.

9. Providing opportunities for student leadership and agency: Teachers can provide opportunities for students to take on leadership roles and make decisions that impact their learning experience. This can involve creating student-led clubs, committees, or projects, and allowing students to have a say in how their classroom operates.

10. Encouraging a growth mindset: Teachers can encourage a growth mindset by praising effort, persistence, and progress, rather than just talent or intelligence. This can involve providing opportunities for students to learn from their mistakes, reflect on their progress, and set goals for continued improvement.

11. Providing personalized feedback: Teachers can provide personalized feedback to students to help them understand their strengths and areas for improvement. This can involve providing individualized feedback on assignments, projects, and tests, as well as regular check-ins to discuss progress and set goals.

12. Using technology to enhance learning: Teachers can use technology to enhance learning by providing students with access to digital tools, resources, and platforms that support their learning needs. This can include online learning platforms, educational apps, and multimedia resources that provide interactive and engaging learning experiences; and

13. Encouraging collaboration and teamwork: Teachers can encourage collaboration and teamwork by designing activities and projects that require students to work together to solve problems, complete tasks, or achieve a common goal. This can help students develop important social skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

The Cognitive Verbs can be categorised into different types of learning: 

1. Retrieval and comprehension
   
   The activation and transfer of knowledge from permanent memory to working memory, and the storage of critical features of information in permanent memory.

recognising, recalling, executing, integrating and symbolising

2. Analytical processes; and 

Involves the reasoned extension of knowledge

matching, classifying, analysing error, generalising, and specifying

3. Knowledge utilisation.

about using knowledge — involves the processes individuals use when they wish to accomplish a specific task

decision-making, problem-solving, experimental inquiry, and investigating