Primary School Teachers’ Understanding of Critical Thinking in KSSR Classroom and Its Importance to Students

Wirawani Kamarulzaman,Rosnani Hashim

doi:10.14419/ijet.v7i4.15.28108

Wirawani Kamarulzaman, Rosnani Hashim

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i4.15.28108

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Abstract

Critical thinking is one of the 21st century skills that should be equipped to students to prepare them with the challenges ahead. Teachers should be prepared to teach them these skills and their understanding of the concept itself should be explored. Thus, the objectives of the study are to investigate teachers’ understanding of critical thinking in KSSR (Kurikulum Baru Sekolah Rendah: New Primary School Curriculum) classroom and to explore their perception on the importance of the skills to student. Six primary school teachers were interviewed and transcriptions were made. The data was analyzed through colour coding and themes were emerged from the analysis. The findings found that teachers view critical thinking as the ability to gather information, express thoughts, solve problems and analyze. They were found the skills are important for students as it helps them apply knowledge and make decisions. It is hoped that in future research, the definition of critical thinking could be collected quantitatively from teachers. The study will be benefited to teachers to improve teaching method by understanding the concept itself.

Highlights

Teaching and learning is a dynamic process that requires adaptation to the changing world
The findings found that teachers view critical thinking as the ability to gather information, express thoughts, solve problems and analyze
Teachers' Understanding of Critical Thinking Skills in KSSR Classroom Informants were asked on their definition of critical thinking skills

Summary

Introduction

Teaching and learning is a dynamic process that requires adaptation to the changing world. The technology forces change and change is uncomfortable as it pushes people out of their comfort zone. McCain and Jukes[1] believed that the future success does not lie within the technology but rather on the mindset of people who use the technology. School systems need to change to adapt to such mind-set development. McCain and Jukes[1] added that educators should teach students higher order thinking skills – the skills such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation that are important to effective problem solving. Teachers, as the mechanism of skills, need to be equipped with the necessary skills before they could convey the skills to students

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