How to use the 5th level of thinking to ACE this year

Hello Verve Reader,

In a previous newsletter, I discussed the 6 levels of thinking to help you study more effectively and achieve better grades. If you missed it, you can catch up here

I received a lot of interest in how to study at Level 5—the level that often leads to top grades in most faculties.

So, I’m dedicating this newsletter to how you can study more effectively at the fifth level of thinking, enjoying the process while achieving better results with less wasted time.

First, let’s do a brief recap of what Level 5 is all about:

The 6 Levels of Thinking in Bloom’s Taxonomy: A Brief Recap

The 6 levels of thinking are different ways to approach studying. Each level allows you to study more effectively and achieve different grades.

The first 3 levels are the most commonly used by students but are also the least effective.

They involve:

1. Memorizing

2. Understanding

3. Applying

Some students focus only on memorizing information. At a more advanced level, they try to deeply understand it, and then they attempt to apply it.

But there are more effective ways to study, starting with Level 4 (Analyzing) and Level 5 (Evaluating).

A common misconception is that you need to start at Level 1 and move up, refining your knowledge level by level. But this approach is problematic, particularly because of time.

If you begin at Level 1 and work your way up, you might never reach Levels 4 and 5, as you'll be too busy memorizing, understanding, and applying—missing out on the most effective levels of studying and the highest grades.

To avoid this, I propose a better approach: start from Level 5.

First, I’ll explain what Level 5 is all about, and then you’ll understand why starting from this level is a smarter approach.

Fifth Level of Thinking: Evaluating

Level 5 is where, instead of just learning the information, you evaluate it:

• “So what?”

• “What matters?”

• “Who cares?”

• “Why is this important?”

At this level, you dive deeper into the material, seeking to understand why it matters and connecting all the information. The results at Level 5 are generally the best, as you gain a deeper understanding and prioritize information by evaluating it.

For many students, this is the key level for achieving top grades.

Why Starting at Level 5 Is a Better Approach

By starting with evaluating why what you're studying matters, you naturally begin searching for answers.

When you actively search and find answers, your brain is more engaged and able to immediately memorize new information as part of a larger system (your quest for understanding).

As a result, Levels 1, 2, and 3 are naturally embedded in the process of seeking answers.

Moreover, this is a more enjoyable approach because it fosters curiosity and interest in what you’re studying. You’ll feel a strong sense of progress and learn much faster.

It’s similar to the way children learn: they seek answers to their questions, and as we know, children learn much better than adults.

In summary, you learn in a more natural and enjoyable way.

How to Implement a Level 5 Approach

Here are 3 tips for implementing the Level 5 approach:

1. Use ChatGPT: ChatGPT can be used in two key ways. First, since Bloom's Taxonomy was originally created for teachers to design exams, you can ask ChatGPT to generate:

   “Level 5 Bloom’s Taxonomy questions about [your topic].”

   This will give you challenging questions to kickstart your study.

   Secondly, ChatGPT provides immediate, simplified explanations. Since Level 5 is all about asking and answering questions naturally and quickly, getting instant answers can enhance your enjoyment and understanding. It also helps you avoid getting lost in minor subtopics and keeps you focused on the bigger picture.

2. Look for the Bigger Picture First: Since you're trying to evaluate your topic in its entirety, it’s important to have a clear overview in mind. A good strategy is to start by reading end-of-chapter summaries or finding summaries online about the whole topic. This way, you’ll gain a broader understanding first, and then you can fill in the details with specific knowledge.

3. Engage in Debates or Discussions: Finally, debate is the ultimate tool for mastering Level 5. Join study groups or online forums where you can discuss and debate the material with others. Defending your viewpoint and challenging others' perspectives forces you to evaluate the information deeply, consider alternative viewpoints, and refine your arguments, which are essential for mastering this level of Bloom’s Taxonomy.

I hope this newsletter was helpful

Feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you think about it.

happy study

Isa

P.S. If you want this school year to be the one where you truly fall in love with studying and achieve your best grades, check out my ebook, "Fall in Love with Studying." It’s packed with everything you need to transform studying into an effective and enjoyable experience.

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