Which lesson objective would rank highest on Bloom's taxonomy of cognitive levels for developing visual literacy in students?

Ranking objectives on Bloom's taxonomy involves understanding the hierarchy of cognitive skills, which range from lower-order thinking skills to higher-order thinking skills. Evaluating an artist's use of the elements of composition is considered one of the highest levels because it requires students to make judgments based on criteria and standards, which involves synthesizing information and applying their understanding of both the artwork and the concepts of composition. This skill not only entails understanding the various elements involved in composition but also involves critical thinking to assess how effectively those elements are employed by the artist to convey meaning and impact.

The other objectives fall within lower cognitive levels. For instance, analyzing a color scheme involves breaking down information but does not necessarily require judgment or the application of knowledge in evaluating effectiveness. Describing techniques also stays at a more basic level of articulating identifiable features without deeper critical engagement, while identifying elements represents the foundational level of knowledge within Bloom's taxonomy. Each of these tasks builds toward evaluation but does not reach the same level of cognitive complexity as evaluating an artist’s work.