Benjamin Bloom

Where did they get their PhD?
Pennsylvania State University Bachelors and Masters. PhD at University of Chicago in education.

Where have they taught / worked?
He served on the Board of Examinations at the University of Chicago beginning in 1940 until 1943, became university examiner until 1959. Bloom was an instructor in the Department of Education at the University of Chicago starting in 1944 and eventually appointed Charles H. Swift Distinguished Service Professor in 1970. He served as educational adviser to the governments of Israel, U.S.A. India and numerous other nations.

What things are they best known for?
Blooms taxonomy – a listing of types of knowledge that can be tested and the ways to study for it. including mastery learning levels of depth of understanding.



Studies of evaluation and time in education - Bloom believed that the great majority of students could succeed in education if given enough time and individualized attention

optimism - Proper learning conditions can lead to quality results with almost anyone. Bloom influenced the government stance on public education under President Lyndon B. Johnson. They used his expertise in education to make changes for the better in public education.

What are their three most important publications?
Human Characteristics and School Learning, 1976 Students become much more similar with regard to: learning ability rate of learning motivation for future learning if provided with favorable learning conditions. Society should not just work with but also create able students

Developing talent in young people, 1985 A result of 5 years of study of youth who grew up and excelled. Bloom identified the learning conditions that allowed them to succeed which included personal effort and quality mentoring and coaching.

Stability and change in human characteristics, 1964 Bloom challenged contemporary ideas on how education can really affect change

Who are their most frequent collaborators?
John Carroll of Harvard. Advanced Blooms theories on mastery learning

David Krathwol. Worked with Bloom on the Taxonomy of Education Objectives.

Who are their main philosophical rivals (if any)?
At first, anyone who was part of the school of thought viewing students as horses in a horse race. Bloom believed most students could reach an objective if given enough time and attention.

What (in)famous / apocryphal stories exist about this person?
In Benjamin Blooms office was a picture of Ralph Tyler, his mentor, multiple messy books strewn about and a chalkboard. he often met with students one-on-one showing them his current research findings as illustrated on his chalkboard.