Higher Order Thinking Research Articles

Enhancing Student Engagement and Belonging in Legal Education: The Impact of Personalized Teaching and Continuous Professional Development

This paper explores the development of effective teaching strategies within legal education, specifically in the UK, emphasizing personalized teaching, interactive learning techniques, and continuous professional development (CPD) of the teacher. Drawing on reflective teaching practices, this study investigates how personalized approaches—such as the correct pronunciation of students’ names and tailored feedback—foster student engagement and a sense of belonging. Additionally, the implementation of mock courtroom scenarios and technology-enhanced learning tools like VEVOX and Padlet are analysed for their role in promoting higher-order thinking and inclusivity. Continuous professional development informed the decolonization of the curriculum, challenging systemic inequalities in legal education. The findings highlight the importance of integrating personalized attention, interactive methods, and CPD to enhance student engagement, well-being, and the creation of equitable learning environments.

Enhancing Student Engagement and Belonging in Legal Education: The Impact of Personalized Teaching and Continuous Professional Development

This paper explores the development of effective teaching strategies within legal education, specifically in the UK, emphasizing personalized teaching, interactive learning techniques, and continuous professional development (CPD) of the teacher. Drawing on reflective teaching practices, this study investigates how personalized approaches—such as the correct pronunciation of students’ names and tailored feedback—foster student engagement and a sense of belonging. Additionally, the implementation of mock courtroom scenarios and technology-enhanced learning tools like VEVOX and Padlet are analysed for their role in promoting higher-order thinking and inclusivity. Continuous professional development informed the decolonization of the curriculum, challenging systemic inequalities in legal education. The findings highlight the importance of integrating personalized attention, interactive methods, and CPD to enhance student engagement, well-being, and the creation of equitable learning environments.

Authentic feedback

Authentic assessment calls for authentic feedback (Dawson et al., 2021). Authentic feedback promotes the development of capabilities that transfer effectively from university to the workplace. I showcase an innovative process to improve the feedback on an assessment task that simulates a real-life scenario to undergraduate finance students at the University of Sydney. Authentic feedback inspires students to engage in higher-order thinking, decision-making and problem-solving to resolve the feedback comments (Molloy et al., 2020). I schedule a series of pre-submission classes that are dedicated to debating the assessment task and required standards with students. Feedback can motivate students to evaluate their own work and incorporate the insights for better quality performance. I focus on developing students’ understanding of the criteria that concern practitioners. The impact of the process to deliver authentic feedback is reflected in students’ perceptions of the extent to which they were guided by helpful feedback on their learning. The context is an undergraduate third-year elective unit, Bank Financial Management, which the University of Sydney Business School offers to students as part of its Bachelor of Commerce program. The objective of the unit is to expose students to the management of financial risks in banks. The unit’s assessment includes a group assignment on cybersecurity preparedness. The assignment is based on a case prepared by Korinek and Allayannis (2022). The case is framed from the perspective of the chief information officer of a mid-sized financial institution that has experienced a massive and unprecedented cyberattack in which $450 million of customer funds were stolen. The objectives of the assignment are for students to recognise the frequency and tremendous costs of cyberattacks, devise an incident response plan to cyberattacks and understand the cyber regulatory regime in which corporations operate. The unit attracts more than 500 enrolments per year. I deploy strategies for students to engage productively in the kinds of feedback practices that take place in the workplace. The grading rubric describes qualities sought by employers. The pre-submission classes provide opportunities for students to debate the issues with their instructors and peers and to develop practical solutions. The instructions require students to write a business-style report and to treat a bank’s managers as their target audience for the report. The process relies upon the Canvas learning management system. The feedback is delivered through a series of discussions between students and educators. The feedback process has contributed to improvements in students’ impressions of the assessment task and the quality of the feedback itself. This poster fits within the conference theme of technology enhanced learning (TEL) pedagogies. To deliver authentic feedback, the instructors augment face-to-face teaching with TEL including through video recordings, video conferencing and online discussion forums. I outline the opportunities and threats to educational quality posed by using TEL applications to generate authentic feedback. By presenting and analysing an example from university teaching in finance, I demonstrate implications and issues arising from Dawson et al.’s (2021) framework for authentic feedback. Dawson et al.’s framework contains the five elements of realism, cognitive challenge, affective challenge, evaluative judgement and enactment. I apply the framework to a feedback process as a way of identifying its authenticity and guiding its adjustment in a more authentic direction.

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.

A Systematic Literature Review on ICT Integration: Opportunities and Challenges in Teaching Mathematics

Integrating information and communication technology in modern education is very instrumental in changing the way mathematics is taught and learned. Research in the Philippines explores how ICT is integrated into the country's teaching of math, outlining opportunities and challenges for Filipino teachers and students. This study used a systematic literature review with the aid of the PRISMA framework. A total of 22,800 scholarly articles in Google Scholar was reduced to 994 after title and keyword screening. After the final analysis, 12 articles met all criteria. Literature review shows that integrating ICT into math education offers an incredible number of benefits such as increased student engagement, new pedagogies, improved classroom management, flexibility in learning and teaching, and enhanced assessment. ICT improves contact between teachers and students as it creates possibilities for computer-supported collaborative learning using tools such as virtual manipulatives and simulations to deepen understanding of skills referred to as higher-order thinking. Several challenges still exist despite the benefits. Most schools lack proper ICT infrastructure: reliable internet and enough devices. The budget makes it hard to acquire equipment or relevant software needed for such instruction. Some teachers are not confident and need training in using ICT, and technical support is not adequate. These will only lead to uneven use of ICT in classrooms, hence limiting the possible impact on mathematics teaching. Infrastructural improvements, funds, and training of teachers, when coupled with technical support, might propel more efficient integration of ICT in math instructions within Philippine education. These will build vibrant learning environments that pave the way for learners toward success in a world increasingly dominated by digital technology.

Implementation of Augmented Reality Media in Physics Learning to Develop Students' Cognitive Abilities: A Systematic Literature Review

Augmented reality as a learning media has the ability to explain physics concepts contextually and concretely to students in three dimensions, so this study aims to identify the trend that influence the use of augmented reality Media in physics learning on the cognitive abilities of students. This research is composed of the results of a synthesis of the findings of previous research articles that are relevant in the 2017-2022 period. This study adapted systematic literature review method with Publish or Perish software, then filtered and extracted data according to the criteria for the research objectives to produce 47 relevant articles and compiled using PRISMA Protocol. From the results of several research syntheses, it was found that the use of augmented reality in physics learning can improve students' cognitive abilities which include self-efficacy, conceptual understanding, critical thinking, high order thinking, visual representation, abstract thinking, scientific literacy, creative thinking, computational thinking, reasoning and problem solving. In addition, the use of augmented reality media provides optimal learning outcomes for students and has a positive influence on affective abilities. Future research is expected to be able to present in depth the influence of augmented reality media in physics learning to develop students' affective abilities and attitudes.

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.

국어과 중등교사 임용시험(2002-2024) ‘고전 시가’ 영역의 분석 및 방향

Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze the questions in the ‘classical poetry’ area in the Korean Language Department Secondary Teacher Appointment Test (2002-2024), and to suggest what direction to proceed in the future. Methods Questions in the classical poetry area were extracted from the Korean language department secondary teacher appointment test questionnaire and analyzed ‘tendency’ and ‘type of question’ based on the direction and principles of questions provided by the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation. Results The tendency of the questions could be divided into three main categories. First, there was a great tendency to consist of 2-3 passages only within the classical poem. Second, there was a bias in the classical poem section that is presented every year. Third, there were many cases where the works that were presented reappeared in different forms with similar content. The types of questions were analyzed by dividing them by period. First, in the 2000s, there was a great tendency to write questions by memorizing knowledge or content about the work. Second, questions before and after 2010 were presented focusing on knowledge of literary history and understanding and analysis of works. Third, the written questions from 2014 to the present are presented to allow objective evaluation as much as possible, and the narrative questions are presented in the direction of analysis, reasoning, synthesis, and evaluation based on data. Conclusions Based on the analysis results, four directions for the future classical poetry appointment test are proposed. First, it is necessary to expand the scope of complex passages in classical poetry. Second, reduce the deviation of the frequently asked branches, and evenly present the branches of oral literature, Korean literature, and Chinese literature. Third, develop questions to measure more diverse and higher-order thinking. Fourth, the questions are presented so that the essence of the classic poem, “a poem” and “a song (歌)” can be confirmed or realized.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Psychological and Cultural Preparation of University Students to Face the Challenges of Globalization in Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Field Study

Objectives: This study evaluates the cultural and psychological preparation of university students to confront globalization's challenges by assessing the current state of such preparation from both faculty members’ and students’ perspectives. Background: University education is crucial for fostering higher-order thinking, talent development, and abilities that equip students to navigate the negative impacts of globalization. However, the extent of students' cultural and psychological readiness to face these challenges remains unclear. The study is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), focusing on building competencies for global engagement. Method: A survey method was employed to collect data from faculty members and students, examining psychological and cultural preparation, including self-esteem, socialization, and intercultural competence. Gender and academic discipline differences were also explored. Results and Discussion: The findings revealed generally low levels of both psychological and cultural preparation, with no significant differences between faculty and student views. Male students scored higher in psychological dimensions like self-esteem and socialization, while female students performed better in cultural preparation. Additionally, students from scientific disciplines exhibited higher levels of psychological and cultural readiness than those from other fields. Research Implications: The study emphasizes the need for targeted initiatives to enhance students' psychological and cultural preparedness, especially in non-scientific disciplines, to effectively confront globalization's challenges. Originality/Value: By identifying specific gaps in psychological and cultural readiness, this study provides practical recommendations for improving university education to better prepare students for global challenges.

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.