Higher Order Thinking Skills

In English Language & MathematicsSpeaker: Dr Khoo Kay Yong BSc. (Malaya), MS(ITE) (HKU), EdD (HKU)

Furthermore, low-skilled workers are being "turned away at the factory door and increasingly becoming the long-term unemployed . . .”(Collins, 2014).

Today’s employers want workers who can think critically, solve problems creatively, innovate, collaborate and communicate.

LOTSLower Order Thinking Skills

Comprehension

Knowledge remembering

Identify

Copy

Describe

List

Define

AssessmentTechniques

MCQ test

Explain

Fill in the blanks

Quizzes

Give examples

Summarize

HOTSHigher Order Thinking Skills

Construct

Applying

Problem solving

Producing

AnalyzingArguing

Evaluating

AssessmentTechniques

Essay questions

Projects

Justify

Compare and decideReflect

Many teachers and employers have been expressing concern that young people “cannot think”.

Indeed, research has shown that today’s students tend to be weak in critical thinking and do poorly in simple logical reasoning tests.

Entertainment

PassiveFor enjoymentShort-livedDoes not require relevanceEscape from problemsUsing the creativity of others

Engagement

ActiveFor learningLong term resultsMeaningful and applicableSolving problemsUsing the creativity of the participants

“… the brain learns faster and easiest during the early school years(Jensen,1998).

The brain’s growth is not dependent on discovering the right solution to the problem. Instead, it is the problem-solving process that increases brain growth.

Ann studies at St. George’s School. How does Ann walk to school from her house?

Ann’s mother walks to her office to work. How did she get there from her house?

Ann’s mother would like to meet Ann at a restaurant. Ann is at home. Which restaurant is the most suitable for both of them to meet?