Higher Order Thinking Skills Research Articles

HOTS-Based Formative Assessment: The Key to Improving The Quality of Learning

This study aims to explain Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)-based formative assessment in learning and reveal the principle of constructivism in comprehensively building students' high-level thinking skills. Literature studies are used as a research method. Relevant literature derived from books and articles in scientific e-journals was collected through documentation techniques. Furthermore, the data obtained was analyzed for content. The results show that HOTS-based formative assessment is the key to improving the quality of learning. This assessment trains students to think critically, analyze, and solve problems independently. In addition, teachers can also get more accurate feedback on student learning development so that they can provide appropriate interventions. The theory of constructivism provides a solid foundation for developing HOTS-based formative assessments. These assessments measure students' learning achievements but also encourage students to think critically, creatively, and independently. By consistently implementing HOTS-based formative assessments, it can create graduates with the competencies needed to face the challenges of the 21st century.

Examination of Research Conducted on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Science Education

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has been significantly driven by developments in machine learning and neural networks. As AI becomes increasingly pervasive, its applications are diversifying, with notable penetration in sectors such as health, education, social media, robotics, and entertainment. One area in which AI is being deployed is science education. The objective of this study is to examine the research that incorporates AI within the field of science education. By analysing trends in the reviewed studies, this research identifies the countries, institutions, journals and scholars that are the most prominent contributors to this field of enquiry. The findings suggest that the incorporation of artificial intelligence into science education is still in its infancy, with a paucity of widespread implementation. However, there is a discernible increase in the quantity of published works, with an emerging emphasis on the assessment of learning outcomes and the enhancement of academic performance. The findings indicate that the United States is the leading country in terms of publications related to AI in science education, accounting for 38% of the total contributions. Additionally, Türkiye has emerged as a notable contributor in this field, demonstrating a growing presence. The Journal of Science Education and Technology was identified as the preeminent journal publishing research on AI. Furthermore, the findings revealed that GPT was the most frequently utilised tool in this context. In light of these findings, it is recommended that future investigations into the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in science education employ a range of AI tools and explore the development of higher-order thinking skills.

Investigation of the Items Prepared by Teachers Who Received Training on Item Preparation Measuring Higher-Order Thinking Skills

This study was conducted to determine how the in-service training program for science teachers affects teachers' competencies in preparing items measuring higher order learning levels. The study was conducted with the exploratory special case design, which is one of the special case study models. The study group consisted of 8 science teachers who participated in the training program implemented within the scope of the study. The training program is an 8-week question preparation training that measures higher-order thinking skills. The training was carried out theoretically and practically by science education, assessment and evaluation and curriculum experts. During the study, the teachers prepared items to measure higher order thinking skills related to the Earth and Universe learning area in the science curriculum for six months. A 21-item checklist developed by the researcher was used as a data collection tool in the study. The data obtained in the scope of the program were analyzed descriptively. The analyses were reported as frequency and percentage, and the results were visualised with graphs. At the end of the program, it was determined that 43% of the items prepared by the teachers measured higher-order thinking skills. This finding suggests that the training program positively affected the teachers' competence in writing items that measure higher-order thinking skills. At the end of the study, a fair number of suggestions were made, the most important being the widespread implementation of the training program.

Delving into the Critical Thinking Skills of Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers with Their Metacognitive Awareness

Metacognitive awareness (MA) and critical thinking (CT) are crucial higher-order thinking skills in mathematics education. MA and CT skills of pre-service teachers are considered important predictors of their future teaching practices in the teaching and learning of mathematics. In this context, the study examines the potential effects of socio-demographic (e.g., gender) and academic variables (e.g., academic year and academic achievement) on MA and CT skills of pre-service mathematics teachers (PSTs). Additionally, the aim of this study is to explore the relationship between the MA and CT skills of PSTs. Employing a quantitative research methodology, the study was structured around a correlational model. It involved 218 PSTs, using the “MA Inventory” and “CT Standards Scale” for data collection. The data were analyzed through independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis. The findings indicate that PSTs possess a high level of MA and CT skills. Significant differences in MAs of PSTs were observed with respect to academic year and academic achievement, while the CT skills of PSTs showed significant differences concerning gender and academic achievement. A strong, positive, and significant correlation was found between MA and CT skills of PSTs. Furthermore, the MAs of PSTs were identified as a significant predictor of their CT skills, explaining 38% of the variance in CT skills.

The cognitive gap in the mathematical thinking abilities of high school leavers for college: Are they ready?

After students spend approximately 12 years of formal math learning from high school, they bring a store of enormous “learned” mathematics factual knowledge to face the challenges and prepare for college/tertiary level learning. However, research has shown that early tertiary-level students struggle to learn college mathematics. The ability to think mathematically and use this learned factual knowledge (mathematical thinking) to solve higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) problems is essential to tertiary education. Thus, do these high school leavers have access to previously learned factual knowledge and use it effectively in solving these HOTS problems? This sequential research design study was conducted among 640 high school leavers who received an A in their national examination. In the first phase, the researchers investigated their mathematical thinking ability, followed by interviews with selected students on the difficulties and challenges they faced in solving the underlying problems. The findings showed that these students lack the ability to effectively use the previously learned factual knowledge from school mathematics to solve mathematical thinking problems. Secondly, they lack the habitual mind to check their answers after deriving a solution to a given problem. Thirdly, most rarely used heuristics to devise a strategy to solve fundamental math problems. Although the expectation of the school math curriculum over the last decade has been re-engineered towards “teaching students to think,” this expectation has yet to be fulfilled. Thus, university educators must do more to guarantee that high school leavers can deconstruct their mathematical knowledge and reconnect it with the underpinnings and linkages of college mathematics requirement.

Measuring parental behaviors supporting higher order thinking skills in children: A scale development study

Measuring parental behaviors supporting higher order thinking skills in children: A scale development study

Exploring The Essence of Web-Based Interactive Learning to Enhance Higher Order Thinking Skills in Nursing Students: A Focus Group Study

This study aims to explore the essence of web-based interactive learning to enhance HOTS-analyzing, evaluating and creating in nursing students. This study implemented a qualitative research approach based on two focus group interviews on a sample of 20 resource participants including nursing students and faculty members from bachelor nursing program and information technology program at Universitas Advent Indonesia. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed for thematic contents using the standard to a consensus on thematic coding, the investigators finally convened to examine, classify, and arrange themes and categories. A thematic content analysis yielded three core themes: Gaps in Current Learning Methods, Potential Benefits of Web-Based Interactive Tools, Perceived Challenges. Categories were consented as variability in learning paces, engagement with teaching material, adaptability in learning approaches, feedback timeliness, interactive learning, resource and scalability limitations, enhanced flexibility, increased engagement through interactive features, personalized learning experiences, improved access to resources, support for collaborative learning, efficiency and scalability, technical issues, digital divide, reduced face-to-face interaction, equity and inclusivity, potential over-reliance on technology, privacy and security. This study highlights the multifaceted nature of the essence of web-based interactive learning to enhance higher order thinking nursing students. Implications are seen as valuable for enhancing higher order thinking skills to teaching, learning and academic support resources.

The Effect of Implementation Socio-Scientific Issue Approach in the Context of Controversial Environmental Issues on Students' HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

This research aims to see the influence of the SSI approach in the context of controversial environmental issues on chemistry students' HOTS abilities. The research method used was quasi-experimental with a post-test-only control group design. The research subjects were 26 students in class A of the chemistry education study program as the control class and 21 students in the ICP class of the chemistry education study program as the experimental class. The instruments used are observation sheets and test questions that measure students' HOTS abilities. The results of this study show that the average post-test score of the experimental class using the SSI approach was 80.15, while the average score of the control class was 60.5. The t-test shows that this difference is statistically significant with a p-value of 1.122 x 10-5, well below the 0.05 significance level. Because the p-value obtained is much smaller than 0.05, we can reject the null hypothesis (H0), which states that there is no significant difference between the two groups. These results indicate that the SSI approach in the context of controversial environmental issues has a positive influence on chemistry students' HOTS abilities in electrochemical concepts.

Research and Practice on the Design of Online Learning Activities for Distance Education Oriented Towards Deep Learning

Based on Five-stage model, Deeper Learning Cycle (DELC), and other related theories, This study focused on the design of online learning activities. It explored and implemented a framework for designing online learning activities aimed at deep learning. The learning process was divided into four stages: preparation, information exchange, knowledge construction, and knowledge development. The activity design was driven by tasks, problems, or projects, with difficulty progressing in stages. It emphasized feedback and reflection, providing necessary learning support to help students in distance education optimize their learning experience, gain a deep understanding of knowledge, and improve higher-order thinking skills. Ultimately, this could enhance the teaching quality of online courses.

Implementation of RADEC Model for Improving Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) in Science Learning at Elementary Schools

Science learning in elementary schools requires Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), so supportive learning model is needed. This research aims to: 1) describe the application of HOTS in science education at elementary level; 2) describe the RADEC learning model for science learning, and 3) describe the factors that support and hinder the application of RADEC to improve HOTS in science education in elementary schools. This research uses a systematic literature review method or literature review, which focuses on the process of reviewing and analyzing widely and carefully several literature relevant to the research topic. The results of this study show: 1) HOTS is indispensable in science learning; 2) The introduction of RADEC greatly improves the science HOTS skills of elementary students; 3) The application of RADEC to improve students' HOTS is influenced by many factors, including teachers' understanding and competence of the RADEC model, facilities and infrastructure, and teacher support.

Strengthening Teachers' Ability to Improve Students' High-Order Thinking Skills at Raudlatul Muslimin Kayangan Islamic Boarding School

This service activity seeks to strengthen Raudlatul Muslimin Kayangan Islamic Boarding School teachers' High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) learning implementation skills. This service is offered since teachers confront many obstacles when setting up HOTS. A lack of awareness of HOTS and its practice contributes to low student achievement. This activity uses workshops to create HOTS using novel learning methods like Problem-Based Learning (P.B.L.) and Contextual Teaching & Learning. Higher-order thinking has been encouraged by learning outcome classifications in training. This training boosts student motivation, improves idea understanding, and promotes higher-order thinking tasks. Thus, this study emphasizes the need for HOTS in learning to prepare students for real-world issues. This study also suggests using other unique learning techniques to promote higher-order thinking skills. In Islamic boarding schools, teacher support and a larger learning environment might improve students' higher-order thinking skills.

Students' Creative Thinking Strategies As High-Level Thinking, Solving Hot Problems In Improving Mathematics Learning

Creative Thinking Strategy of Students as Higher-Order Thinking, Solving Hot Problems Under Mathematics Learning Improvement. In our observation during PLP at SMK 2 Pancasila Jember, all students in one flat improved their' creative thinking strategy To improve higher-order thinking in mathematics learning. Therefore, this condition results in an imbalance in learning practices. Thus, this study fills the imbalance gap by describing students' creative thinking strategies as higher-order thinking skills in improving mathematics learning. Results of the study: This can contribute knowledge for educators to manage teaching strategies that can improve mathematics learning, which refers to higher-order thinking skills for all levels of creative thinking. This study is a qualitative descriptive study. The course is SMK 2 Pancasila Jember data collection, a test, observation, and interview. Data analysis is done using the data reduction method, presenting data, and concluding. The results of this study are descriptions of students' creative thinking strategies as higher-order thinking skills in improving mathematics learning, namely students' problems in planning detailed problems; students take time breaks to make a plan, identify the core of the problem, provide original ideas, provide alternative plan solving problems, combine previous ideas with question problems; operate and implement their plans by creating various solution original.

Synergizing Systems Thinking and Technology-Enhanced Learning for Sustainable Education Using the Flow Theory Framework

In an era where digital technologies are integral to daily life and sustainable education is increasingly critical, developing higher-order thinking skills with appropriate information and communication technology (ICT) support is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The purpose of this study was to examine synergies of systems thinking and technology-enhanced learning from the perspective of flow theory within the context of sustainable education. We surveyed more than 65 pre-service preschool teachers engaged in a design, technology, and engineering (DTE) course at the University of Ljubljana. Mapping of systems thinking revealed that pre-service preschool teachers needed support regarding feedback and understanding the interrelationship dimension of systems thinking—essential components of sustainable education. Predictive and mediation analyses yielded noteworthy results. Participants in the ICT-enhanced DTE course rated their cognitive and social engagement above the mid-point of the scale, with this higher engagement correlating with higher systems thinking crucial for sustainable education. In contrast, their aesthetic engagement was below the mid-point of the scale. Experiencing a flow state during ICT activities positively influenced systems thinking, particularly in terms of clear goals and autotelic experiences. Flow theory thus emerges as a solid and appropriate framework to use for studying synergies in technology-enhanced systems thinking for sustainable education. These findings underscore the importance of integrating systems thinking into curricula to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for future challenges, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDGs through sustainable education.

Authentic Assessment Instrument on Redox Reactions to Assess Students’ Cognitive Skills

Authentic assessment is an assessment approach that enable students to demonstrate in-depth understanding and solve complex problem using systematic thinking skills, but teachers find it difficult to develop due to limited knowledge and time. The aim of this research is to produce an authentic assessment instrument for redox reaction materials; determine the characteristics, quality, and feasibility. The instrument development model used was a combination of Oriondo & Dallo-Antonio with Cohen Swerdlik. The development stages were assessment planning, instrument construction, and product testing. The research subjects were 155 of 10th-grade students from three public high schools in Bukittinggi, selected using random sampling technique. Data collection techniques were tests and non-test, the instruments were open ended questions and validation sheets. The authentic assessment instrument developed criteria are: (1) can assess students’ higher order thinking skills; (2) integrate knowledge with skills and various scientific disciplines; (3) develop 21st century competencies; and (4) involve real or everyday life contexts for cognitive aspect. The trial results were analyzed using the PCM 1-PL approach at IRT using Winstep and Parscale program. The characteristics of the item were stated fit because it met the acceptance requirements for MNSQ, ZSTD, and PT-Measure Correlation and the difficulty is in a relatively good level. The reliability of the instrument was classified as good, with test reliability of 0.72 and item reliability of 0.96.

Interactive Audio-Visual Learning Media Through Articulate Storylines Containing Problem-Based Contextual Learning to Improve Students' HOTS and Scientific Attitudes

This study examines the development of interactive audio-visual learning media using Articulate Storylines with problem-based contextual learning to improve students' higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) and scientific attitudes. Integrating Problem-Based Learning (PBL) with audio-visual media aims to address the challenges of modern education by encouraging critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving in real-world contexts. The media design includes a login interface, learning materials on fluid dynamics, interactive quizzes, and evaluations. This study evaluates students' practicality, effectiveness, and scientific attitudes after using this media, with results showing moderate to high increases in HOTS. Validation tests show that this media is well-structured, engaging, and supports active learning, although the interactivity aspect can still be improved. N-Gain analysis shows that students improve their critical and analytical thinking skills per Bloom's Taxonomy and constructivist theory. These results indicate the potential of this media to enhance student learning outcomes.

The impact of a metacognition-based course on school students’ metacognitive skills and biology comprehension

The fast-paced and intricate nature of the current society, coupled with the ongoing changes in educational requirements, calls for the cultivation of higher-order thinking skills. To that end, adopting metacognitive strategies could be instrumental. This paper aimed to evaluate the effects of a 10-week-long metacognition-based biology course on school students’ metacognition and biology comprehension. Employing a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design, the study involved 120 eighth-graders from two public schools. One group was exposed to metacognitive questioning, while the other one continued with regular classroom activities. The results showed that participants who received metacognition-guided instruction achieved higher scores on the biology test and reported improved metacognition as compared to those who followed the standard curriculum. These outcomes were consistent across genders and regardless of whether a student reported a deep or surface learning approach. Qualitative analysis extracted themes of collaboration and understanding among the students. They appreciated the specificity of tasks, which deepened their comprehension, and valued collaborative learning facilitated by metacognitive prompts. These prompts not only enhanced their understanding but also contributed to fostering a positive classroom environment. This research underscores the effectiveness of metacognitive support in enhancing biology education. It advocates for the integration of metacognitive strategies into classroom practices, emphasizing the positive impact they can have on students’ learning experiences and outcomes.

Development novice teachers’ higher-order thinking skills through online problem-based learning platform: A mixed methods experimental research

One key competency in teaching profession is the ability to think at a higher level. Therefore, it is important to understand how to develop and refine effective training approaches for novice teachers. This study examined the novice teachers’ higher-order thinking skills development through online problem-based learning platform and analyzed the level of novice teachers’ higher-order thinking skills. The research involved 57 novice teachers participating in the research for learning development courses. The mixed method experimental design was employed in this study. Data were collected by using multiple choice tests and self-report reflective thinking forms. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze novice teachers’ HOTS. The t-test was conducted to evaluate mean differences among the novice teachers’ HOTS. Content analysis was used to code and categorize themes and pattern of HOTS perception. Results revealed that novice teachers have shown improvement in higher-order thinking skills include the problem solving, critical thinking, creative thinking sub-skills through online problem-based learning approach. Their proficiency in HOTS significantly increased, t(57) = 17.72, p .001, with a high portion achieving advanced levels. Furthermore, they gained the positive perspective in employing online PBL for HOTS development.

Quantifying Influence: Propensity Score Matching Unravels the True Effect Sizes of Learning Management Models on Students’ Analytical Thinking

<p style="text-align:justify">Analytical thinking is crucial for developing problem-solving, decision-making, and higher-order thinking skills. Many researchers have consistently developed learning management models to enhance students' analytical thinking, resulting in extensive knowledge but lacking clear systematic summaries. This study aims to: (a) explore the effect sizes and research characteristics influencing students' analytical thinking, and (b) compare the effect sizes of learning management models after adjusting for propensity score matching. In exploring 131 graduate research papers published between 2002 and 2021, the research utilized forms for recording research characteristics and questionnaires for assessing research quality for data collection. Effect sizes were calculated using Glass's method, while data analysis employed random effects, fixed effects, and regression meta-analysis methods. The findings indicate that (a) research on learning management models significantly impacts students' analytical thinking at a high level (d̅ = 1.428). Seven research characteristics, including year of publication, field of research, level, duration per plan, learning management process, measurement and evaluation, and research quality, statistically influence students' analytical thinking, and (b) after propensity score matching, learning through techniques such as KWL, KWL-plus, Six Thinking Hats, 4MAT, and Mind Mapping had the highest influence on students' analytical thinking. Recommendations for developing students' analytical thinking involve creating a learning management process that fosters understanding, systematic practical training, expanding thinking through collaborative exchanges, and assessments using learning materials and tests to stimulate increased analytical thinking.</p>

Implementation of HOTS-based Instructions in Pesantren: A Case Study in Pondok Modern Tazakka Batang

The development of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in students at Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) is crucial due to their numerous advantages, such as the capacity to tackle social, scientific, and practical problems with effectiveness. Whether or not Pondok Modern Tazakka successfully integrated the use of HOTS questions in exams is the goal of this study. Through the application of descriptive phenomenological research methods and data collection techniques, including the tabulation of 132 test sheets in 44 subjects tested on KMI Class 6 students and interviews with 62 teachers in 8 subjects, it was discovered that 8 subjects exhibited no HOTS questions at all (19%), 6 subjects exhibited a decreasing number of HOTS questions (14%), 19 subjects exhibited a sharp increase in HOTS questions (45%), and 9 subjects exhibited a constant number of HOTS questions. The study's findings also demonstrate that, as long as supervisors (senior teachers) take a more proactive approach to giving junior teachers comprehensive training and ensure that all exam questions in each subject are HOTS exam questions, it is possible to guarantee that all exam questions will contain HOTS.

PERENCANAAN PEMBELAJARAN PAI BERBASIS HIGHER ORDER THINKING SKILLS (HOTS) DI ERA SOCIETY 5.0: STRATEGI DAN IMPLEMENTASI

The Society 5.0 era, which is characterized by the integration of smart technology in everyday life, demands significant changes in educational practices, including Islamic Religious Education (PAI). To answer this challenge, PAI needs to integrate Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) into its curriculum, with the aim of producing students who not only understand religious teachings but also have critical, creative and solution thinking skills. Strategies such as a contextual learning approach that links Islamic teachings with social issues and the use of digital technology can be used to strengthen the learning process.Research shows that implementing HOTS has a positive impact on students' critical thinking and problem solving abilities. However, challenges remain, including limited teacher knowledge about the HOTS method and inadequate technological facilities. Therefore, continuous teacher training and support from technological facilities are needed to ensure that technology-based learning can run effectively