Online learning environment to enhance HOTS in mathematics using Polya’s problem solving model

The present study explores the role of problem-solving learning models integrated with Mentimeter media in empowering higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) and creativity in social sciences learning at the elementary school level. A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control-group design was used, involving two classes purposively selected. A total of 70 students were enrolled, 34 in the experimental class and 36 in the control class. Data were collected using essay tests that measured students' HOTS and creativity, then analysed using MANOVA after meeting the assumptions of normality and homogeneity. The results yielded a significant difference between the experimental class, taught using the problem-solving model with Mentimeter integration, and the control class, taught using the conventional teaching model, both in HOTS (p < 0.001) and in creativity (p < 0.001). These findings confirm the importance of combining problem-solving pedagogy with interactive technology tools in empowering elementary school students' cognitive and creative skills in social sciences learning.

This study aims to determine whether the Discovery learning model can affect the students' High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) ability in the blood circulation system. This research was conducted by assessing the cognitive aspects of students, analyzed by descriptive methods using instruments in the form of essay questions and learning observation sheets. The method used in this study is a weak experiment. The subject in this study is 38 students at one high school in Indonesia. Based on the research results, the Discovery Learning model affects the students' High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) ability by increasing the average pretest score of 52.23 to 69.47 in the average posttest score. Wilcoxon test results obtained asymp. sig. (2-tailed) 0.000 0.05, then H0 is rejected and it can be concluded that there is a difference in the average student learning outcomes between the pretest and posttest. it can be concluded, Discovery Learning model can affect the ability of High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS).

HOTS promote the idea of assessing students’ critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. However, many teachers claimed to have difficulties in designing questions and implementing them in teaching and learning process. The present study aimed to explain how teachers perceive, implement, and assess HOTS assessment in teaching reading comprehension. It employed an exploratory sequential design. Using the purposive sampling technique, two English teachers from SMA N 1 Pati were involved. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, classroom observations, and tests. This study reveals that the teachers had a good perception of HOTS assessment in terms of concept and implementation. They implemented HOTS assessment using appropriate strategies and methods in teaching reading comprehension. In addition, the teachers designed the proper assessment using HOTS assessment in assessing reading comprehension. The students’ achievement also had achieved the required score in reading comprehension. All the results aligned with teachers’ perceptions, implementations, assessments, and students’ achievement. Although the teachers had exemplary performance, they still met difficulties due to students’ needs and motivation. Therefore, it was expected for further research to conduct more detailed research in a long time to collect more valid and complete information about HOTS assessment.

Thinking styles of students and higher order thinking skills are important aspects of teaching and learning process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between thinking styles and higher order thinking skills (HOTS) of secondary school students and also to find the gender-wise difference in the nature of this relationship. The population of this study was male and female chemistry students of grade 9 in Tehsil Rawalpindi. Random sampling technique was used to select the sample. The data were obtained using the Convergent and Divergent Test and Achievement Test of Chemistry; developed in the light of Bloom Taxonomy. A quantitative research method was used for collection, interpretation and analysis of data. According to results, the relationship between convergent thinking style and higher order thinking skills of students was negligible. However, the strength of this correlation between divergent thinking style and higher order thinking skills of students is positive. Therefore, the understanding of student’s thinking styles can serve as initial guide in developing more effective and conductive teaching and learning environment for mastering higher order thinking skills (HOTS).

Aim/Purpose: This study aims to develop a theoretical framework for enhancing students’ higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) by integrating massive open online courses (MOOCs) with gamification elements. Background: There is a growing demand to develop students’ innovative thinking abilities through MOOCs, focusing on higher-order thinking skills (HOTS), which are essential for 21st-century challenges. While gamification has shown potential in enhancing HOTS, its integration within MOOCs to improve these skills remains underexplored. Enhancing students’ HOTS through MOOCs combined with gamification is crucial for developing advanced skills like analysis, evaluation, and creativity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a robust theoretical framework that effectively merges MOOCs and gamification to enhance students’ HOTS. Methodology: This research used a qualitative research approach employing critical analysis techniques. The research procedures were guided by the SALSA framework. A total of 19 articles from the SCOPUS and Google Scholar databases were selected based on specific criteria: articles published between 2013-2023, articles with keywords such as MOOCs, gamification, higher-order thinking, or engagement, and articles written in English. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify common themes in the selected articles. The proposed framework was developed by drawing upon well-established theories in the fields of educational technology, online learning, collaborative learning, connectivism, student engagement, and Bloom’s taxonomy. Contribution: This study not only synthesizes existing research on MOOCs but also presents a holistic and integrated framework for leveraging learning theories, gamification elements, student engagement dimensions, and HOTS to enhance the effectiveness of MOOC-based education. The proposed framework aims to provide researchers and educators with a comprehensive model for integrating gamification elements into MOOCs to enhance students’ higher-order thinking skills. By utilizing this framework, educators can design more engaging and effective online courses, while researchers can further investigate the impact of gamification on learning outcomes and student engagement. Findings: This study proposes a framework that integrates three main components: connectivism, online collaborative learning, and gamification principles. Implementing these components in the MOOC learning environment aims to enhance digital higher-order thinking as proposed by Churches and improve students' feelings and perceptions towards MOOC learning. Recommendations for Practitioners: By recognizing the unique challenges of maintaining students’ attention in the context of MOOC learning, practitioners can incorporate gamification elements into MOOC learning environments to enhance students’ HOTS. Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers can further explore the understanding and measurement of the dynamics of interactions and engagement within MOOCs. Additionally, they should aim to identify which gamification elements effectively capture students’ attention and contribute to their overall engagement. Impact on Society: By focusing on HOTS, especially through gamification, society can anticipate a generation of individuals with improved critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative capabilities. Furthermore, the implementation of connectivism in MOOCs can promote a global exchange of knowledge, resulting in diverse perspectives and a shared pool of information. This, in turn, will contribute to a more interconnected and collaborative world to address complex challenges. Future Research: The future direction of research in MOOC learning contexts should prioritize guaranteeing and fostering student engagement. It should also involve exploring the potential of gamification within MOOCs and refining instructional designs to specifically enhance higher-order thinking skills. By addressing these critical aspects, researchers can contribute to the ongoing evolution of online education and ensure its effectiveness and relevance in the ever-changing landscape of digital learning.

The study investigates the relationships between the physical learning environment (PLE), psychological characteristics (students’ academic self-efficacy and satisfaction), and higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) in statistics education. The study also aimed to determine if psychological characteristics mediate the relationships between the PLE and HOTS. A total of 285 students were selected as samples using cluster sampling. The study instruments were adapted from Smart classroom inventory, science laboratory environment inventory, test of science-related attitudes, self-efficacy in learning and performance for college, and dimension of learning rubrics. The gathered data were analysed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that a significant direct relationship existed between PLE and HOTS. Moreover, the PLE also did influence the students’ HOTS indirectly through psychological characteristics (academic self-efficacy and satisfaction). The findings from this study give an important and valuable contribution to knowledge in the area of HOTS research in the context of Malaysian Institution of Higher Learning. The implication of this study suggests that the good quality of PLE in statistics education would influence students’ HOTS directly and also indirectly through the positive development of psychological characteristics in teaching and learning (T&L) process.
 Keywords: physical learning environment, psychological characteristics, academic self-efficacy, satisfaction, higher-order thinking skills

Improving Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) is one of the main focuses in vocational education to prepare students to face complex industry challenges in the world of work. This study aims to analyze efforts to improve HOTS through the application of the Problem Based Learning method at SMA Negeri 19 Surabaya. The research method used is Classroom Action Research (PTK) by going through several cycles and implementing the Problem Based Learning method in the learning process. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and HOTS tests before and after the implementation of Problem Based Learning. The results of the study were carried out over two cycles and showed that the application of Problem Based Learning significantly increased the HOTS ability of students from before implementing Problem Based Learning to obtain a score of 65 and after implementing Problem Based Learning to obtain a score of 80, especially HOTS in the aspects of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The conclusion of this study is that Problem Based Learning is effective as a learning strategy to improve HOTS at SMA Negeri 19 Surabaya and is recommended to be implemented more widely in the vocational education curriculum at the Vocational High School (SMA) level.

The use of the latest technology in the learning process is one of the demands for teachers in the 21st century. Not only that, the critical thinking process known as HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) also began to be developed. This study aims to design vocabulary learning using a holograpic media based-HOTS. The research method used in this study is the research method for developing the ADDIE model. The ADDIE steps are Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation. Sources of data are taken from observations as a concrete form to determine the problems ofvocabulary learning in elementary schools, and are supported by several written sources such as; books, journals, articles relating to discussion. The results of this study indicate that the stages of the vocabulary learning process use hologram media based- HOTS in the following ways; The teacher prepares the hologram media according to the material specified, the teacher gives a project to the students to design a simple dialogue using new vocabulary that has been presented and evaluates the form of student activities with group discussions.

Purpose – This study aimed to determine the effect of the caterpillar game on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in children aged 5-6 years at TK Negeri Pembina Ki Hajar Dewantoro, Dungingi District, Gorontalo City.Design/methods/approach – The research uses experimental quantitative with pre-experimental type one grub pre-test and post-test. Data analysis used the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, followed by a t-test using SPPS software. Research respondents consisted of 30 children.Findings – The findings of this study resulted in an analysis of the value of the tcount amounted to 3,689. While the value of the ttable (α) = 0.05, which equals 0.674. If tcount >ttable 3.689 >0.674, in other words, tcount > ttable, then H 0 rejected and H 1 received. So that there is an influence between the caterpillar game on the ability of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in children aged 5-6 years at the State Kindergarten of Pembina Ki Hajar Dewantoro, Dungingi District, Gorontalo City.Research implications/limitations – This study focuses on children aged 5-6, the activity, and how the child completes the task correctly. In the learning process, some children are still challenged in their level of understanding, so there is a need for proper implementation of learning.Practical implications – This research contributes in the form of innovations to teachers in providing fun learning and references for the teaching team in developing learning media for children.Originality/value – This research provides an in-depth understanding of learning media innovation and developing Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) on early childhood education.Paper type: Research paper

This research aims to knowing the validity of learning tools developed using a contextual approach in improving the high-order thinking skills of students of SDN 047179 Kutagerat; know the practicality of the learning tools being developed; know the effectiveness of learning tools; and knowing the increase in students' higher order thinking skills using learning tools based on a contextual approach. This study uses the Thiagarajan 4-D development model. VaThe lidity of learning media used descriptive statistical analysis. Data analysis to find out how the increase in the score of increasing student learning outcomes can be obtained from the normalized gain index data. The results showed that: (1) The results of the validator's assessment of the four mathematics learning tools based on the contextual approach that had been developed were as follows: (a) the linguist's assessment obtained an overall average of 93%; (b) the design expert's assessment obtained an overall average of 93.13%; (c) the material expert's assessment obtained an overall average of 96%. The results of the validation of the four learning tools by the validator are in the criteria of "very feasible" to be used in the field; (2) The results of the response of the fifth grade teacher at SDN 047179 Kutagerat to the learning tools obtained an average percentage of 89%. The result of the average percentage of the overall field test on student responses is86%with "very good" criteria. This means that the learning tools are practical and can meet the demands of learning needs; (3) after learning using learning tools obtained on average 92, it was concluded that the students' abilities experienced a high significant increase and reached the KKM as expected; and (4) the average N-Gain gain is 0.718. The average is categorized as high because if 0.30 <g <0.70 it is categorized as high. It was concluded that students who use mathematics content learning tools based on a contextual approach in the learning process can improve learning outcomes or students' higher order thinking skills in the fraction count operations material.

Higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) are an essential 21st-century cognitive skill. It has proved its effectiveness for EFL learners too. Therefore, it is very necessary for EFL teachers to apply different strategies to promote learners' critical thinking skills. However, it is still not clear about the effectiveness of the strategies utilized in promoting HOT skills in EFL classrooms, which demanded greater attention. This review systematically synthesized the HOTS concept by focusing on the barriers that can hamper the EFL learners and teachers from employing HOTS in the learning and teaching process. It also aims to highlight some strategies and possible solutions that can contribute to teaching HOTS in EFL classrooms. This study concluded with a set of suggestions for promoting EFL learners’ HOTS.

The purpose of this literature studies is to gain knowledge in designing straight line equation material in middle school oriented to higher order thinking skills. The theory used in this study is constructivism in mathematics learning and the concept of higher order thinking skills. The presentation design of straight line equation material is designed through a presentation in the form of four problem situations are gradient, straight line equations, characteristics of straight line equations and applications of straight line equations. The four problem situations, based on theoretical studies, can be said to have fulfilled the three basic principles in constructing mathematical knowledge and three aspects of higher order thinking skills. The three basic principles in constructing mathematical knowledge are active student construction of mathematical knowledge, students construct new mathematical knowledge from the results of a physical and mental reflection and mathematical knowledge is formed by students through discussion and dialogue in their social learning environment. The three aspects of higher order thinking skills are deep understanding, reasoning and problem solving. The results of this literature studies can be concluded that the presentation design of straight line equations material in middle school in this study can be said to be oriented to higher order thinking skills. This is because theoretically able to generate activities that are oriented towards higher-order thinking skills, so that there is a great opportunity to equip students with the thoughts needed to form quality human resources in the 21st century.

This study was motivated by the low levels of student engagement and higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) observed in a preliminary investigation at State High School 1 Talaga, exacerbated by limited laboratory resources that hindered effective learning. The research aimed to explore the effect of a Problem-Based Hybrid Learning (Pro-BHL) model, supported by OLabs (Online Laboratory), on improving students' HOTS, specifically in the topics of heat and heat transfer. A quasi-experimental design with a posttest-only control group was implemented, involving 244 students from 7 classes. Through purposive sampling, the study selected class XI MIPA 3 as the experimental group and XI MIPA 2 as the control group. HOTS was measured via an essay-based posttest, addressing analysis (C4), evaluation (C5), and creation (C6) indicators. The results, analyzed using a t-test at a significance level of α = 0.05, revealed a statistically significant improvement in the experimental group’s HOTS (tcount = 6.65 > ttable = 1.67), rejecting the null hypothesis and confirming the effectiveness of the Pro-BHL model supported by OLabs. The findings indicate that this hybrid learning model significantly enhanced students' higher-order thinking skills in the studied topics. The research highlights the potential of integrating technology like OLabs into problem-based learning frameworks, providing a scalable solution to overcome practical limitations in science education. Future research could explore integrating other virtual laboratory platforms and extending the model to different learning environments.

The aims of this study were to: (1) determine the students' higher-order thinking skills for the learning topics of Biology during the Covid-19, and (2) determine the students' learning processes during the Covid-19 pandemic at SMA Negeri 4 Medan. This study applied descriptive quantitative with 175

The current research aims to measure the effect of an adaptive learning environment based on interactive simulation to develop higher-order thinking skills among university students in databases and to identify its effectiveness. The study sample consisted of (34) male and female first-level students in the Computer Teacher Preparation Department, College of Specific Education, Damietta university who were registered in the databases course. The study came up with a list of higher-order thinking skills in databases, and the study relied on testing higher-order thinking skills after standardizing them. The Stability of the test was reached using Cronbach's alpha (0.812). The paired samples t-test was used to analyze the pre- and post-test scores. The results indicated that there were statistically significant differences at the level of significance (0.01) between the average scores of the research sample in the pre- and post-measurement of the higher-order thinking skills test in favor of the post-application had a large effect amounting to (97.6%). These results indicate that the adaptive learning environment based on interactive simulation has a positive impact on developing students’ higher-order thinking skills in databases.