High-level Skills Research Articles

Essential newborn care practices in selected public health facilities using observation of 2603 normal deliveries in Uttar Pradesh, India

IntroductionEssential newborn care (ENBC) practices are recommended for all births to improve neonatal survival. This paper aims to understand the facility-level variations and factors associated with the essential newborn care...

Learning to Play the Piano in China: Opportunities to Improve the Skills of Piano Playing and Piano Performance Based on the Professional Performance of Modern Pianists

ABSTRACTThis research aimed to study the peculiarities of learning to play the piano in China as a consequence of improving piano skills arising from the professional performance of modern pianists. By employing the coefficient of performance, it was determined by the authors that merely 11% of respondents possessed a high level of baseline piano skills, while 76% demonstrated intermediate proficiency. This finding indicates a deficiency in the ability to execute intricate musical compositions. According to students, concentration on professional piano work added to the development of piano skills. The study of the features of Lang Lang's piano work showed that the composer used extravagance techniques, focused on individual nuances, and popularised classical music. The practical significance of this paper lies in the possibility of applying the playing principles of famous pianists in the educational system to develop learning mechanisms.

Role of extracurricular activities in the development of leadership skills among the undergraduate Doctor of Physical Therapy students of Khyber Medical University and its affiliated institutes in Peshawar: A Cross-sectional study

Objective: To explore the role of extracurricular activities in the development of leadership skills among undergraduate Doctor of Physical Therapy students. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to October 2023 at the Khyber Medical University and its affiliated institutes in Peshawar, Pakistan, and comprised undergraduate Doctor of Physical Therapy students of either gender aged at least 18 years. Data was collected using a a pilot-tested questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS22. Results: Of the 340 students, 231(67.9%) were females and 109(32.1%) were males. The overall mean age was 21.55±1.75 years. The largest group was of students in the 7th semester 76(22.4%). Of the total, 131(38.5%) students were members of extracurricular societies, while 209(61.5%) were non-members. High-level leadership skills were found among the members compared to the non-members (p<0.001). Type of society (p<0.001) and gender (p=0.013) has a substantial association with leadership skills. Conclusion: The role of extracurricular activities in the development of leadership skills among undergraduate Doctor of Physical Therapy students was found to be significant. Key Words: Co-curricular activities, Extracurricular activities, Leadership skills, Leadership emergence, Skill development, Student leadership.

Current Awareness of Removable Prosthodontics in Dentists at King Abdulaziz University

Background: Removable prosthodontics is a branch of prosthodontics that requires a high level of knowledge and great skills. This include the basic and advanced understanding of various principles and the practical skills that are crucial to deliver a good quality and satisfactory removable prostheses. To provide a successful prosthodontic treatment in partially dentate patients with removable partial denture (RPD), the awareness of basic RPD principles and design is mandatory.Therefore, academic education utilizes the good teaching strategies and precise assessment methods for the students to fulfil the required preclinical and clinical skills. In addition, to meet the planned level of competencies, the basic learning domains are required to be fulfilled. In removable prosthodontics, fulfilment of the required knowledge and skills are very crucial to deliver a high-quality prosthesis. In academic study, students are exposed to different learning experiences throughout their years of study to prepare them becoming competent graduates. Some students may face difficulties in understanding and applying the mechanobiological principles of removable partial denture. Therefore, the assessment of their knowledge and cognitive skills, as well as, the current teaching strategies is crucial to reflect upon those strategies and to plan for implementation of future teaching improvements.In this study, students and general dentists were assessed regarding their awareness and understanding of RPD principles and deign which is the initial step in performing this prosthodontic treatment option. Also, pre-lecture and post-lecture assessment was planned to reflect upon the teaching strategy in removable prosthodontics among undergraduate students. Materials and methods: A well-structured online questionnaire in removable partial denture design and principles was formulated to assess the knowledge and cognitive skills of undergraduate, postgraduate students and general dentists at KAU. Also, a pre-lecture and post-lecture assessments were carried out for fifth-year undergraduate students. Results: The proportion of correct answers were higher in female than male students among postgraduates and undergraduates (P<0.05). Also, Postgraduate students showed the highest level of proportion compared to the undergraduates (P<0.05). In addition, a significant higher proportion and scores of correct answers were reported in the after-lecture response among fifth-year students (P<0.05). Conclusion: The level of awareness of removable partial denture increases with the level of experience and lectures are considered as the corner stone in teaching of his branch of prosthodontics

Formation of the readiness of future physical education teachers to organize competitive activities in sports games

This article attempts to reveal the content of the formation of readiness of future physical education teachers to organize competitive activities in sports games. Through the analysis of the literature, it was found that the effectiveness of the activities of future physical education teachers is determined by the coherence of team actions in competitions; the trainer-teacher must have high professionalism (high level of knowledge and skills); the preparation of future physical education teachers to organize competitive activities of students should be carried out at the stage of professional training in higher education institutions; the professional training of future physical education teachers should have a systematic and holistic approach. The analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature and practice helped to develop criteria and indicators of the formation of readiness of future physical education teachers to organize competitive activities in sports games. Cognitive (knowledge about the organization of competitive activities in sports games, students' understanding of the importance of the formation of readiness and personal self-determination); emotional-value (a conscious interest of higher education students to be ready to organize competitive sports activities through the establishment of personal self-determination); voluntary impulse (the readiness of students to take responsibility, to act independently during the organization of competitive sports activities despite doubts (completion of an act); activity (the ability of higher education students to overcome challenges in the process of organizing competitive sports activities, the ability to implement ideas into practical sports activities).

Managerial Competence, Decision-Making Skills, and Learning Environment of School Heads in the Schools Division of Antique

This study aims to evaluate the managerial competence, decision-making skills, and learning environment among elementary schools in the Schools Division of Antique, Philippines, during the school year 2023-2024. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to 365 randomly selected teachers. Statistical tools such as descriptive statistics were used to summarize the levels of managerial competence, decision-making skills, and learning environment. Chi-square tests identified significant variations in competence and skills based on factors such as civil status, educational attainment, school size, type, and length of service. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to determine the relationships between managerial competence, decision-making skills, and the learning environment. The study reveals that while school heads generally exhibit very high levels of managerial competence and decision-making skills, these significantly influence the quality of the learning environment. The study concludes that enhancing managerial competence through targeted professional development and collaborative practices is crucial for fostering a conducive learning environment in schools. Keywords: managerial competence, decision-making skills, learning environment, educational leadership, school heads, Philippines

Students Mathematical Reflective Thinking Ability in Solving Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Type Problems as Seen From Cognitive Style

One of the high-level thinking skills that plays an important role in problem solving is reflective thinking. Reflective thinking helps students think about what they do and why they do it. In fact, this ability is still in the low category. Each student has different characteristics. This is related to the way a person absorbs and processes the information they receive, resulting in different ways of thinking in solving problems. The purpose of this study was to describe the mathematical reflective thinking skills of students with dependent cognitive styles and independent cognitive styles when solving HOTS-type problems. This study involved teachers and students at SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Surakarta. The data collection method in this study was the test and interview method and will be analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results showed that students with independent cognitive styles were able to meet all indicators of reflective thinking, such as reaction, evaluation, and reflection. Students with dependent cognitive styles were unable to meet the three indicators of reflective thinking. Students with domain dependent cognitive styles were only able to meet the reaction indicator, but the evaluation and reflection indicators had not been met. It can be said that students with domain independent cognitive styles solve problems more thoroughly than students with domain dependent cognitive styles.

Extracting Fruit Disease Knowledge from Research Papers Based on Large Language Models and Prompt Engineering

In China, fruit tree diseases are a significant threat to the development of the fruit tree industry, and knowledge about fruit tree diseases is the most needed professional knowledge for fruit farmers and other practitioners in the fruit tree industry. Research papers are the primary sources of professional knowledge that represent the cutting-edge progress in fruit disease research. Traditional knowledge engineering methods for knowledge acquisition require extensive and cumbersome preparatory work, and they demand a high level of professional background and information technology skills from the handlers. This paper, from the perspective of fruit tree industry knowledge dissemination, aims at users such as fruit farmers, fruit tree experts, fruit tree knowledge communicators, and information gatherers. It proposes a fast, cost-effective, and low-technical-barrier method for extracting fruit tree disease knowledge from research paper abstracts—K-Extract, based on large language models (LLMs) and prompt engineering. Under zero-shot conditions, K-Extract utilizes conversational LLMs to automate the extraction of fruit tree disease knowledge. The K-Extract method has constructed a comprehensive classification system for fruit tree diseases and, through a series of optimized prompt questions, effectively overcomes the deficiencies of LLM models in providing factual accuracy. This paper tests multiple LLM models available in the Chinese market, and the results show that K-Extract can seamlessly integrate with any conversational LLM model, with the DeepSeek model and the Kimi model performing particularly well. The experimental results indicate that LLM models have a high accuracy rate in handling judgment tasks and simple knowledge Q&A tasks. The K-Extract method is simple, efficient, and accurate, and can serve as a convenient tool for knowledge extraction in the agricultural field.

Computational thinking in STEM education: current state-of-the-art and future research directions

The knowledge society exists mainly due to advancing technology and the exponential development of professionals’ capabilities. Digital transformation and new technologies generate complex environments demanding high-level skills. This work analyzes the current state of pedagogical approaches with a special focus on project-based learning that develops computational thinking in STEM students. A Systematic Literature Review examined the current state of pedagogical approaches along with project-based learning aimed at enhancing computational thinking within the context of higher education. Results allowed us to infer that (a) computational thinking promotes sustainable development through STEM education and novel teaching practices; (b) it is a fundamental skill for the problem-solving processes that evolve with technological progress; (c) its development is a global concern, not limited to a country’s development level; and (d) its introduction at an early stage provides opportunities for the advancement of vulnerable groups. Outlining, this study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using PRISMA 2020 guidelines to analyze pedagogical approaches including project-based learning for enhancing computational thinking in STEM higher education, identifying global research trends, common strategies, and areas for improvement, while proposing a framework to align computational thinking skills with emerging technological challenges and promote sustainable educational practices. This study presents relevant results on the construction of state-of-the-art computational thinking and education; it is valuable for curricular design underpinning disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches.

EzSkiROS: enhancing robot skill composition with embedded DSL for early error detection.

When developing general-purpose robot software components, we often lack complete knowledge of the specific contexts in which they will be executed. This limits our ability to make predictions, including our ability to detect program bugs statically. Since running a robot is an expensive task, finding errors at runtime can prolong the debugging loop or even cause safety hazards. This paper proposes an approach to help developers catch these errors as soon as we have some context (typically at pre-launch time) with minimal additional efforts. We use embedded domain-specific language (DSL) techniques to enforce early checks. We describe design patterns suitable for robot programming and show how to use these design patterns for DSL embedding in Python, using two case studies on an open-source robot skill platform SkiROS2, designed for the composition of robot skills. These two case studies help us understand how to use DSL embedding on two abstraction levels: the high-level skill description that focuses on what the robot can do and under what circumstances and the lower-level decision-making and execution flow of tasks. Using our DSL EzSkiROS, we show how our design patterns enable robotics software platforms to detect bugs in the high-level contracts between the robot's capabilities and the robot's understanding of the world. We also apply the same techniques to detect bugs in the lower-level implementation code, such as writing behavior trees (BTs), to control the robot's behavior based on its capabilities. We perform consistency checks during the code deployment phase, significantly earlier than the typical runtime checks. This enhances the overall safety by identifying potential issues with the skill execution before they can impact robot behavior. An initial study with SkiROS2 developers shows that our DSL-based approach is useful for finding bugs early and thus improving the maintainability of the code.

Association between occupational complexity and cognitive function in older adults from Brazil and Mexico.

More complex occupations during adulthood may be associated with better cognition in later life. We used data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI) and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) to investigate the association between occupational complexity and cognitive function. Using a regression-based approach, participants were classified as cognitively impaired or not. Occupation was categorized into four levels using the 2008 International Standard of Classification of Occupations. We used logistic regression models for separate and pooled analysis. The odds of cognitive impairment decreased with higher occupation skill levels in the ELSI, but this trend was not seen in the MHAS, where the highest skill level was not associated with cognitive impairment. ELSI participants had a lower probability of cognitive impairment compared to MHAS participants with the same occupation skill level. The results of this study suggest that programs addressing the negative consequences of lower-complexity occupations need to be tailored to specific regional contexts, considering their unique socioeconomic, cultural, and occupational landscapes.

Analisis Kemampuan Literasi Digital Biologi Dan Hasil Belajar Kognitif Peserta Didik Kelas XI MIPA Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Kota Ternate

Along with the development of the 21st century, students are required to have high-level thinking skills, digital literacy, communication skills, personal and social responsibility. The objectives of the study: 1) to measure the level of digital literacy in biology and, 2) to measure the level of cognitive learning outcomes of class XI MIPA students at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Ternate City. This study was conducted using a descriptive quantitative research type. The population in this study was 115. The sampling technique was selected randomly in class XI MIPA, the selected samples were class XI MIPA 2 (28) and XI MIPA 4 (21) which totaled 49. The instruments used were a 32-item digital literacy questionnaire and 10 essay-type cognitive learning outcome test questions. The research data analysis technique used descriptive statistics. The results of the study showed a level of digital literacy ability in biology with a percentage of 2.04% in the very high category, 61.22% in the high category, 36.74% in the moderate category; 0% low category and 0% in the very low category. For cognitive learning outcomes obtained 53.06% in the very high category, 34.70% high, 10.20% sufficient, 21-40% in the low category, and 0% very low. Digital literacy should be used in useful things especially among students to be consumed both in the realm of education and society. For this reason, it is hoped that the development of digital literacy will continue to be carried out by schools, families and other institutions

Industrial Implementation of Teaching Factory: Developing a Combine Brake System Simulator to Enhance Students' Creative Thinking, Skills, and Perceptions

In enhancing students' creative thinking, high-level skills, and positive perceptions in the learning process, it is essential for lecturers to implement effective teaching strategies. This study aims to describe the impact of implementing Project-Based Learning (PjBL) with an industrial Teaching Factory concept on the development of a Combined Brake System (CBS) simulator, focusing on heightening students' creative thinking, technical skills, and perceptions. The research involved 64 students over a period of 6 weeks, ensuring alignment with the expected learning outcomes of the courses. Creative thinking was measured using indicators of fluency, flexibility, and novelty. Skill indicators included completion, accuracy, and aesthetics. Perceptions were assessed based on readiness in learning, student interest, and teacher guidance. The results indicate that the application of PjBL within an industrial Teaching Factory framework significantly enhances students' creative thinking, technical skills, and perceptions of learning. Further analysis using SMART PLS revealed that creative thinking had a stronger influence on technical skills (9.425) compared to perceptions (2.824). This demonstrates the pivotal role that creative thinking plays in the development of technical abilities. The high correlation between creative thinking and skill improvement underscores the importance of fostering creativity in educational settings. Additionally, the positive student perceptions of readiness (84.20%), interest in learning (90.67%), and teacher guidance (87.75%) further confirm the effectiveness of this PjBL approach in bridging the gap between academic theory and industrial practice, providing students with a realistic and engaging learning experience.

LUIS TOUR RPG: Explore, discover, watch documentaries, animation and complete quests

In social studies learning, the challenges faced are not only related to real-life problems such as the environment and society, but also the demands to develop high-level thinking skills, such as critical, reflective, and creative. This study aims to develop RPG game learning media based on differentiated learning by combining animated videos and documentary videos in the media. This study uses the ADDIE development model. The development research was carried out at SMP Negeri 24 Malang. After that, the LUIS TOUR media was refined and then tested again with a trial on 24 grade VIII students. The validity and practicality tests of this method were carried out in the context of social studies learning, with the results showing an increase in aspects of independence, cooperation, critical thinking skills, and student questioning skills. The results of expert validation and readability tests show that the LUIS TOUR media is very feasible. In addition to the validation results, a practicality test was also carried out by students with a score of 86% each. This study contributes to the integration of technology in 21st century learning, especially in developing learning media that are relevant to the challenges of the 5.0 society era.

21st-Century Teaching Competencies, Learning Skills and Science Content Knowledge of STEM Students Among the DepEd Schools in the Province of Capiz: A Basis for Enhancement Program

The mixed-method research design was used to determine the level of 21st-century teaching competencies, learning skills, and science content knowledge of STEM 12 students in the province of Capiz for the school year 2023-2024. The participants of this study were the 306 STEM 12 students from a total population of 1, 446 in the province of Capiz selected through stratified random sampling using the Raosoft sample size calculator. The research instruments used in this study were the 21st-century teaching competencies questionnaire, 21st-century learning skills questionnaire, and a science content knowledge test with the demographic profile of the respondents. The questionnaires were composed of: A 70-item researcher-made 21st-century teaching competencies questionnaire; 120-item 21st-century learning skills and an 80-item science content knowledge test adopted from Competency Based Assessment – DepEd (School Division of Capiz, 2021). Another instrument used in this study was the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Guide. It was conducted to gather qualitative data for triangulation with the quantitative data gathered. Mean, frequency, percentage, and standard deviation were used for descriptive data analysis, while analysis of variance and Pearson r were used for inferential data analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The results show that STEM 12 teachers exhibited a high level of 21st-century teaching competencies across various aspects, such as magnifying meaning, elevating experience, amplifying agency, curating curriculum, busting barriers, teaching technology, and revamping roles. Similarly, STEM 12 students demonstrate a very high level of 21st-century learning skills, with critical thinking rated as high and other skills like creativity, collaboration, communication, information literacy, media literacy, technology literacy, flexibility, leadership, initiative, productivity, and social skills rated as very high. Regarding science content knowledge, STEM 12 students were found to have a high level of understanding, with General Biology I rated as high and General Physics I rated as moderately high. Notably, the study identified significant relationships between 21st-century learning skills and teaching competencies, as well as between 21st-century learning skills and science content knowledge. However, no significant relationship was observed between 21st-century teaching competencies and science content knowledge. Based on the results, an enhancement program will be implemented to sustain and enhance the 21st-century teaching competencies of teachers, learning skills, and science content knowledge of students.

PEDAGOGICAL CONDITIONS FOR FORMING THE PROFESSIONAL READINESS OF FUTURE COACHES TO APPLY METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING AND PREVENTING RISKS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES

The main risks in the professional activity of coaches in the field of physical education and sports were examined in this article. Physical, psychological, organizational, physiological, medical, ethical, social, communication, image, and innovation-technological risks were identified. Special attention is paid to trauma, burnout, organizational limitations, and non-compliance with sports ethics. The impact of insufficient medical support, the use of doping, and technological barriers on the professional activity of the coach was analyzed. A comprehensive approach to developing skills in identifying and preventing risks in the preparation of future trainers was proposed. It has been proven that the risks in the professional activities of a coach are multifaceted and include physical, psychological, organizational, ethical, social, and technological aspects. The coach must have a high level of professional competence, analytical thinking, and communication skills, as well as actively cooperate with medical, psychological, and administrative services to effectively overcome them. The implementation of modern training methods and the provision of a safe training environment will help minimize risks and increase the effectiveness of the training process. The definition of «pedagogical conditions for the formation of readiness of future coaches to apply methods of risk identification and prevention» is formulated as a set of purposeful, scientifically substantiated organizational, methodological, psychological, and educational measures. These measures aim to create a favorable educational environment for developing professional competence among coaches in identifying, assessing, and minimizing risks in physical culture and sports activities. It is demonstrated that these conditions focus on integrating theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and value orientations to ensure the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the training process. The article substantiates the pedagogical conditions for the formation of the readiness of future coaches to apply methods of identifying and preventing risks in physical culture and sports activities. The key aspects are highlighted: integration of theoretical and practical training, formation of analytical thinking, and use of innovative technologies. Additional aspects include the development of a motivational and value-based approach to safety, the creation of a professionally oriented environment, and ensuring an interdisciplinary approach to improving communication skills. The implementation of these conditions contributes to the training of competent coaches capable of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the training process.

Comparative Effectiveness of Blended Teaching Models with Micro-Teaching Assistants in Clinical Pharmacokinetics Education

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of micro-teaching assistants within a hybrid online-offline teaching framework in the context of clinical pharmacokinetics education.Material and Methods: A total of 320 clinical pharmacy students participated, with 143 students from earlier cohorts forming the control group and 177 students from the 2019 and 2020 batches comprising of the observation group. Traditional teaching methodologies instructed the control group, while the observation group benefited from a novel, blended teaching approach incorporating micro-teaching assistants. The evaluation criteria encompassed theoretical knowledge acquisition, practical skill development, pass rates, and score distribution.Results: This investigation into clinical pharmacokinetics education demonstrates the superiority of a blended teaching model, enhanced by micro-teaching assistants, over traditional methodologies. The observation group, utilizing this approach, displayed a significant 15% increase in theoretical knowledge scores, maintained high practical skill levels, alongside achieving a 94.9% pass rate, markedly surpassing the control group’s 91.6%. Feedback from students corroborated the model’s effectiveness, with satisfaction scores exceeding 4.8 out of 5; despite potential respondent bias. Notably, the application of micro-teaching assistants was most pronounced in Pharmacology, highlighting its value in teaching complex theoretical content, and advocating for expanded use in medical education.Conclusion: This study concludes that the integration of micro-teaching assistants into blended teaching strategies for clinical pharmacokinetics significantly improves educational outcomes. This approach not only facilitates a more effective learning environment but also underscores the potential of innovative pedagogical tools in enhancing student performance, and comprehension in complex subjects.

The Multiple Errands Test-Home Version and Its Association With Driving Potential: A Pilot Study.

Driving is a complex occupation requiring the interplay of high-level cognitive, physical, sensory, and behavioral skills for safe performance. Occupational therapists need to routinely address driving with adults as an occupational performance area. Further research is needed to determine whether performance-based assessment tools can support occupational therapists in screening client driving potential. To conduct a pilot study to determine whether the Multiple Errands Test-Home Version (MET-Home), as a performance-based assessment, either alone or in combination with other assessments, should be further investigated for use by occupational therapists to screen clients' driving potential. Cross-sectional pilot study. Private in-clinic and community setting, including participants' homes. Convenience sampling recruited 28 participants through private occupational therapy driver assessors. Participants underwent a comprehensive in-clinic and behind-the-wheel assessment, as per standard practice, and three additional cognitive tests. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics, and univariate analyses were used to examine the relationships between cognitive assessment scores and driving outcomes. The MET-Home, as a stand-alone tool and in combination with other cognitive assessment scores, was not associated with driving outcomes (pass-fail). However, participant self-assessment of their MET-Home performance was associated with driving outcomes (pass-fail; p = .014). Although our findings suggest that the MET-Home is unlikely to screen for driving potential, further research of performance-based assessment tool use by occupational therapists is needed to support identification of the optimal type and timing of client referral for comprehensive assessment. Plain-Language Summary: The Multiple Errands Test-Home Version (MET-Home) is commonly completed by occupational therapists. Although this pilot study revealed that MET-Home scores were not associated with driving outcomes, performance-based assessments such as the MET-Home have the potential to guide occupational therapists when screening clients to determine when further, comprehensive assessment is indicated.

Promoting employment-oriented skills development in Africa: Reality, relevance and research as enablers

Overcoming the alarming youth unemployment challenge in Africa will entail youths acquiring employable skills. For the millions of young people who are illiterate or have never been to school, the learning of high-level technical skills for operating in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) work environment is a pipe dream. However, these poorly educated young Africans also need relevant skills for gainful employment and sustainable livelihoods. This thought piece argues that employment-oriented skills development in Africa should be multi-pronged and tailored to the educational profiles and needs of learners. Young people with a sound basic education and foundational STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills can benefit from the learning of higher-order 4IR skills, while those who have never been to school or have dropped out of the school system at an early age could benefit from modern national apprenticeship schemes by qualifying as competent artisans who could serve the various sectors of the economy. Implementing such a disaggregated strategy for enhancing the employability and employment prospects of all young Africans, regardless of their educational background, will have to be anchored in the reality of the employment situation in each country, be informed by the relevance of the skills training programmes to the needs of the learner and the economy, and be driven by empirical research evidence.

PROFILE OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ON SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS

The Curriculum in Indonesia has two elements in science learning, namely understanding science which is related to high-level thinking skills and process skills as an effort to hone thinking skills in investigation or research. In science learning, process skills that can be assessed are known as science process skills. Students need to have Science Process Skills (SPS) as preparation for facing the realities of social life, so that students are trained to think logically to solve problems. The research aims to measure students’ mastery of science process skills in general and differences in mastery of science process skills based on gender in mixed compound element material in class VIII SMP IT Dar El Iman Padang. This research is quantitative research with a descriptive survey. The sample selection used a total sampling technique, namely 4 classes. Data collection techniques were carried out by assessing student worksheets and written tests. The research results show that students’ mastery of science process skills has varying averages. The lowest mastery of SPS indicators is the interpretation indicator with a percentage of 29.2% in the poor category and the highest indicator is the observation indicator at 81.5% in the very good category. Based on gender, male students SPS mastery is better than female students. Overall, students’ mastery of science process skills is categorized as sufficient at 58.6%.