After learning more about Benjamin Bloom’s Taxonomy I decided to look at the Affective Domain in more detail. When students are emotionally involved in what they are learning they are more likely to remember the information and skills as well as incorporate the new learning into their lives.

The affective domain is often represented in the form of a hierarchical triangle, similar to the cognitive domain. This domain was developed by Bloom but was not broken down until later by David Krathwohl. I found a very well written essay titled, Writing Instructional Objectives, written by Kathy V. Waller. This essay would be very useful when writing effective objectives.

The following picture shows the affective domain triangle. This domain emphasizes attitudes and emotions. I feel that this domain is often underrepresented in schools and students are often unable to express the emotions that they feel. There is so much negativity in the world and I feel that teaching that focuses on the affective domain may be able change this pattern.



When writing effective objectives they must be specific, observable and measurable. It can be very helpful to use the ABCD's of objective writing which checks for the objective for Audience, Behavior, Condition, and Degree. Every objective should also contain an action verb as objectives are used to tell the audience what is expected of them. A list of verbs used in affective objectives can be found in the above essay.

The cognitive domain is often the main focus when teaching but in Health Education and Physical Education the other two domains, Affective and psychomotor, should be included more often. When emotions are felt the material will have its greatest impact.