Learning Units
In Bloom’s triad of practice, demonstration, and application, Learning Units (LUs) are practice.
A Learning Unit is structured work on one main Concept: teaching, practice, and checks of understanding—until the learner is ready to demonstrate. LUs are the usual way Bloom teaches and practices.
What a Learning Unit does
Section titled “What a Learning Unit does”- Teaches the Concept with explanation, examples, and guided work
- Builds skill through independent practice
- Checks understanding along the way (practice checks—not the mastery gate)
- Updates practice progress so Bloom can tell how close the learner is to a fair demonstration
- May award Mastery Points for real effort (recognition only)
What it does not do
Section titled “What it does not do”A Learning Unit alone does not mark a Concept mastered. Practice builds readiness; demonstration confirms mastery—see Proficiency Demonstrations. Application lives in Projects.
“Covered it” is not mastery.
What practice often includes
Section titled “What practice often includes”Exact shape varies by subject and Concept, but LUs commonly include:
| Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Clear objectives | Tied to what “good enough” looks like for that Concept |
| Explanation and examples | So the idea is taught, not just assigned |
| Guided practice | Support while the skill is still forming |
| Independent practice | Room to try without the training wheels |
| Retrieval / review moments | Strengthen memory so learning lasts |
| Formative checks | See what is landing and what still needs work |
| Success bar | When this LU is complete enough to count as solid practice |
Help may start strong and ease off as skill grows. Estimated time helps plan a day; the calendar does not force advancement.
How AI shows up in practice
Section titled “How AI shows up in practice”Bloom may use AI to personalize explanations, practice focus, and feedback inside a Learning Unit—without inventing mastery or unlocking the next Concept. Readiness and mastery still rest on evidence and clear rules. See How we use AI.
What success looks like
Section titled “What success looks like”When a learner completes an LU successfully:
- Practice progress on that Concept moves forward (and readiness toward a PD becomes clearer)
- Mastery Points may be awarded as encouragement
- Mastery status does not change—that still requires a demonstration (or an approved Project path)
If work is incomplete or below the bar, effort can still be recognized in smaller ways where the curriculum allows, and the path forward stays open. There is no dead end after hard practice.
For parents and teachers
Section titled “For parents and teachers”- LUs answer: Are they building the skill?
- The readiness meter answers: How close are they to a fair attempt at showing mastery?
- The PD (or Project marked as demonstration) answers: Have they got it?
See Readiness & mastery for how practice becomes eligibility to demonstrate.