Action Verbs for Student Learning Outcomes by Bloom's Level

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) describe what students should be able to do upon completing a course or program. Strong learning outcomes use clear, action-oriented verbs that indicate the level of learning expected.

The table below provides action verbs aligned with different levels of learning, based on Bloom’s Taxonomy. These verbs can help in crafting effective SLO statements.

Level of Learning	Action Verbs
Remember (Recall basic facts & concepts)	Define, Describe, Identify, Label, List, Name, Recognize, Recall, State
Understand (Explain ideas & concepts)	Classify, Discuss, Explain, Summarize, Interpret, Paraphrase, Summarize, Translate
Apply (Use knowledge in new situations)	Calculate, Construct, Demonstrate, Execute, Solve, Implement, Modify, Sketch, Solve, Use
Analyze (Break down & examine information)	Categorize, Compare, Contrast, Diagram, Differentiate, Examine, Organize, Test
Evaluate (Justify a stance or decision)	Appraise, Assess, Critique, Defend, Judge, Justify, Recommend, Support
Create (Generate new ideas or products)	Compose, Construct, Design, Develop, Formulate, Invent, Plan

Source: Adapted from the Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence, Carnegie Mellon University