Domains of learning: interdependent components of achievable learning outcomes

"Domains of learning" refers to the three separate, yet interdependent components of learning outcomes achievable by human learners. These domains--cognitive, affective, and psychomotor-represent various categories and levels of learning complexity and are commonly referred to as educational taxonomies. The cognitive domain refers to knowledge attainment and mental/intellectual processes. The affective domain characterizes the emotional arena reflected by learners' beliefs, values and interests. The psychomotor domain reflects learning behavior achieved through neuromuscular motor activities. Educators use the domains to assist in determination of learning objectives essential to planning, implementing and evaluating teaching-learning processes and outcomes of human learners across the life span. Actual instances of domain use from programs, interviews and the literature complement the theoretical notions presented in this article.