Aligning Outcomes,
Assessments & Activities
Using Fink's (2003) Taxonomy of Significant Learning
What is Fink's Taxonomy of Learning?
Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning is similar to Bloom's Taxonomy, but Fink's taxonomy is basically stating that each kind of learning is interactive. It includes six interactive dimensions: Foundational Knowledge, Application, Integration, Human Dimension, Caring, and Learning How to Learn. Unlike other models, Fink’s approach encourages deep, interconnected learning that extends beyond the classroom, fostering critical thinking, personal growth, and lifelong learning (Fink, 2003).
(Fink, 2003)
I will be utilizing Fink's Taxonomy to design a significant learning course that aligns with my innovation plan, ensuring a meaningful and transformative learning experience.
BUT WAIT..
WHAT ABOUT BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOALS?
A BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) is more than just an objective—it’s a bold, transformative vision that challenges conventional thinking and drives meaningful change.
Ramsey Solutions describes a BHAG as a clear, compelling, and ambitious goal that pushes organizations to think bigger and break through limitations. It’s not just about dreaming—it’s about setting a challenge so audacious that it unites and drives people toward a common purpose.
Building on the ideas of Seth Godin’s Stop Stealing Dreams (2012), a true BHAG in education moves beyond incremental improvements and instead reimagines learning as a dynamic, student-centered experience. It shifts the focus from memorization to creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, equipping students with the skills needed for an evolving world. A BHAG ensures that learning is engaging, relevant, and future-focused.
BHAG Course Goal:
A year or more after this course, students will demonstrate academic growth through improved literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills, enhanced by technology-integrated learning experiences. They will be technologically literate, confident in using digital tools, and able to apply critical thinking to real-world challenges. By fostering digital responsibility and adaptability, students will develop the foundational skills necessary for future academic success in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
How the Course Outcomes planning process and the 3-Column Table impact my Innovation Plan
Innovation
Select the Innovation Plan Image to view my Innovation Plan
The Course Outcomes planning process and the 3-Column Table ensures that technology integration is intentional, effective, and measurable. By clearly defining learning goals, instructional activities, and assessment methods, the 3-Column Table aligns the BHAG with structured academic objectives, ensuring that technology enhances literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills rather than serving as a mere add-on. Instead of just adding technology for the sake of it, this structure makes sure digital tools actually help students grow in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. The 3-Column Table lays out exactly what students should learn, how they’ll learn it, and how we’ll measure success, keeping the plan organized and practical. It gives a clear structure and purpose, which makes it easier to get buy-in from administrators and stakeholders. And since it’s all expandable and flexible, this approach keeps the innovation plan open to growth as new tech emerges. Overall, the Course Outcomes planning process and 3-Column Table provide the structure needed to make sure technology actually improves learning and sets students up for success in a digital world.
References
Fink, L. D. (2003). A self-directed guide to designing courses for significant learning. Jossey-Bass.
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Godin, S. (2012, February 7). Stop stealing dreams [Video]. TED: YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXpbONjV1Jc
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Ramsey Solutions. (2024, October 15). What is a BHAG and why do you need one? Ramsey Solutions. https://www.ramseysolutions.com/business/what-is-a-bhag-and-why-do-you-need-one