HOTS (High Order Thinking Skill) Learning Models _ Development of learning oriented to higher order thinking skills or Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) is a program developed as an effort by the Ministry of Education and Culture through the Directorate General of Teachers and Education Personnel (Ditjen GTK) in efforts to improve the quality of learning and improve the quality of graduates.
This program was developed following the policy direction of the Ministry of Education and Culture which in 2018 has integrated Strengthening Character Education and learning oriented towards Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS).
Higher order thinking skills which in common language are known as Higher
Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) are triggered by four conditions.
a. A particular learning situation that requires specific learning strategies and cannot be used in other learning situations.
b. Intelligence is no longer seen as an ability that cannot be changed, but rather a unity of knowledge that is influenced by various factors consisting of the learning environment, strategies and awareness in learning.
c.Understanding views that have shifted from unidimensional, linear, hierarchical or spiral towards understanding views that are multidimensional and interactive.
d. More specific higher order thinking skills such as reasoning, analytical skills, problem solving, and critical and creative thinking skills.
According to some experts, the definition of high-order thinking skills, one of which is from Resnick (1987) is a complex thinking process in describing material, making conclusions, building representations, analyzing, and building relationships by involving the most basic mental activities. This skill is also used to underline various high-level processes according to Bloom’s taxonomy levels.
According to Bloom, skills are divided into two parts. The first is low-level skills that are important in the learning process, namely remembering, understanding, and applying, and the second is those that are classified into high-level thinking skills in the form of analyzing, evaluating skills. , and create (creating).
Benefits of HOTS Learning Models:
- Development of Critical Thinking Skills: HOTS learning models foster critical thinking skills, enabling students to analyze information, evaluate relevance and credibility, and make informed decisions.
- Enhancing Problem-Solving Abilities: By engaging students in complex problem-solving tasks, HOTS learning models equip them with the skills to navigate real-world challenges effectively.
- Nurturing Creativity: HOTS learning models encourage students to think creatively, enabling them to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
- Promoting Collaboration and Communication: HOTS learning models often involve collaborative activities, allowing students to work as a team and effectively communicate their ideas.
Implementing HOTS Learning Models in Education:
Strategies for Incorporating HOTS Learning Models:
- Bloom’s Taxonomy: Incorporate Bloom’s Taxonomy’s levels of cognition in lesson planning to systematically develop and assess higher-order thinking skills.
- Inquiry-Based Learning: Promote curiosity and self-directed learning by presenting students with open-ended questions or real-life problems that require critical thinking.
- Problem-Based Learning: Engage students in solving authentic problems, allowing them to apply their knowledge, analyze information, and propose solutions.
- Socratic Questioning: Encourage students to think deeply by posing thought-provoking questions that challenge their assumptions and stimulate critical thinking.
Assessing HOTS Learning Models:
Assessment plays a vital role in evaluating the effectiveness of HOTS learning models. Traditional assessment methods that primarily focus on factual recall may not accurately capture students’ critical thinking abilities. Instead, educators can use performance-based assessments, such as projects, presentations, and portfolios, to assess students’ application of higher-order thinking skills.
Overcoming Challenges:
Implementing HOTS learning models in education may pose certain challenges. Some common challenges include resistance from traditional teaching methods, lack of resources, and the need for professional development for teachers. However, with proper support and training, these challenges can be overcome, ensuring a successful transition towards HOTS learning models.
Conclusion:
HOTS learning models provide a transformative approach to education, empowering students with critical thinking skills essential for success in the 21st century. By emphasizing higher-order thinking processes, such as analysis, evaluation, and synthesis, these models enable students to become active learners, capable of solving complex problems and adapting to a fast-paced world. As educators, it is crucial to embrace HOTS learning models and create an environment that nurtures students’ ability to think critically, ultimately creating a generation of analytical minds ready to shape the future.
