Translating Bloom’s Taxonomy Action Verb List into Arabic for Teacher Preparation Programs: Challenges/Problems and Solutions

Abstract

This paper presents a unified Arabic version of the English action verbs mentioned in Bloom’s taxonomy (1956) that has been checked for validity and reliability by a panel of education experts. Methodologically, the Bloom’s list of action verbs was first translated into Arabic by an expert professor of translation. Then, using a mixed-method approach the Arabic list was validated by three bilingual education experts working at universities in Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. As part of the process, the paper established a single Bloom’s taxonomy list of action verbs, based on the data provided by two reputable educational institutions that were cross-checked with a well-referenced textbook. A contextualized Arabic translation of the list was then produced and was subjected to rigorous checks by a panel of reviewers who were the education experts. The paper presents the challenges faced in translating the list into Arabic and the solutions we have adopted as well as the validity and reliability checks. The implication of this paper is in offering teacher preparation programs across the Arab world an Arabic Bloom’s taxonomy list that can be used by in-service and pre-service teachers. Moreover, it contributes to teacher literacy in the correct use of Bloom’s action verbs in the Arabic language.