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Higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) are a requirement in 21st-century education, yet assessments in schools are still primarily based on lower-order thinking (LOTS) cognitive skills. This study aims to examine the concept of the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy, the characteristics of instruments based on Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), and their implementation in instrument development. This study used a qualitative approach with a heritage study method. Data were obtained from books, scientific journals, and educational policy documents related to HOTS-based assessment. Analysis was conducted through data reduction, categorization, and drawing conclusions based on their alignment with the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy framework. The results of this study indicate that cognitive levels C4-C6 in the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy serve as the primary reference in developing HOTS instruments, which can assist in developing HOTS-based instruments to measure students' higher-order thinking skills.

This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between students’ critical thinking skills and mathematical problem-solving abilities through a literature review approach. The study is based on the importance of mastering higher-order thinking skills in the mathematics learning process, particularly when students are faced with complex problems related to real-life situations. The method used in this research was a literature review by examining various relevant scientific journals and academic books published between 2021 and 2026. The data analysis process was carried out through stages of identification, classification, evaluation, and synthesis of the collected sources. The findings revealed a significant and positive relationship between critical thinking skills and students’ mathematical problem-solving abilities. Critical thinking skills play an important role in helping students understand problems, process and analyze information, select appropriate solution strategies, and systematically review the results obtained. Students with strong critical thinking skills generally demonstrate more optimal mathematical problem-solving abilities. In addition, the implementation of learning models such as Problem-Based Learning and contextual approaches has been considered effective in improving both abilities. Therefore, critical thinking skills are regarded as an essential aspect that needs to be developed in mathematics learning in order to enhance students’ mathematical problem-solving abilities.

This study aims to analyze the role and variation of test instruments in measuring students’ cognitive domain in the learning evaluation process. Using a literature review method, this study examines various scientific sources related to educational evaluation and cognitive assessment. The findings indicate that the cognitive domain includes thinking skills ranging from lower-order thinking skills (C1: Remembering, C2: Understanding) to higher-order thinking skills (C3: Applying, C4: Analyzing, C5: Evaluating, and C6: Creating) based on Bloom’s Taxonomy. Test instruments such as multiple-choice, essay, true-false, matching, and oral tests possess different characteristics, advantages, and limitations for assessing specific cognitive levels. Objective tests are considered effective for measuring lower-order thinking skills because they offer high reliability and objectivity, whereas essay tests are more appropriate for assessing higher-order thinking skills (HOTS). In addition, the quality of test instruments is influenced by validity, reliability, objectivity, difficulty level, and discrimination index. Therefore, the appropriate and varied use of test instruments is essential to obtain comprehensive and accurate measurements of students’ cognitive abilities and to support effective learning evaluation and instructional decision-making processes.

Social Studies (IPS) learning in elementary schools plays an essential role in developing students’ critical thinking skills and civic attitudes as part of 21st-century competencies. However, in practice, IPS learning is still commonly teacher-centered and lacks contextual learning experiences, resulting in low student engagement and limited development of higher-order thinking skills. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in IPS learning to enhance critical thinking skills and civic attitudes of grade VI students at SDN Prekbun. The research employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with teachers, students, school principals, and parents, as well as documentation of learning activities. Data analysis was conducted using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings indicate that the implementation of PjBL effectively enhances students’ active participation, critical thinking skills in analyzing social issues, and civic attitudes such as responsibility, cooperation, and social awareness. Learning becomes more meaningful as students are directly involved in contextual, collaborative, and problem-based project activities. Despite these positive outcomes, several challenges were identified, including limited learning facilities, time management constraints, and variations in students’ confidence levels. This study implies that PjBL is an effective instructional model for strengthening character education and developing 21st-century skills in elementary social studies learning

In the education system, learning evaluation plays a fundamental role in measuring students' academic competency achievement. This study was designed to comprehensively examine the importance of high-quality learning instruments and the strategic role of assessment frameworks in ensuring the instrument's alignment with the formulated learning objectives. A qualitative, descriptive approach based on a literature review was used. The study's findings indicate that assessment frameworks serve as a framework or blueprint capable of validly and reliably mapping competencies, material coverage, and assessment weighting. Systematic implementation of assessment frameworks has been proven to increase the transparency and accountability of evaluations, while also supporting educators in integrating Islamic values ​​into the context of Islamic Religious Education (PAI). However, its implementation still faces obstacles, including limited teacher competency in developing Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)-based questions, as well as constraints related to time and resource availability.

This study focuses on examining the effectiveness of the metacognitive guidance approach in mathematics education using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. Metacognitive strategies are considered a relevant approach in 21st-century education because they encourage students to plan, monitor, and evaluate their thinking processes independently. The literature search was conducted via Google Scholar using appropriate keywords and yielded 306 articles in the initial stage. Subsequently, the selection process followed the PRISMA flowchart, including the removal of duplicate articles, screening based on titles and abstracts, and eligibility assessment through full-text review. From these stages, 12 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected as the basis for analysis. The study’s findings indicate that metacognitive guidance has a positive impact on mathematics learning, particularly on students’ problem-solving skills, critical thinking, mathematical literacy, and learning outcomes. This approach also enhances metacognitive awareness, enabling students to be more focused in selecting strategies, monitoring the learning process, and evaluating the results. Thus, this strategy is worthy of integration by teachers to strengthen the quality of learning and higher-order thinking skills.

History education at the secondary level continues to face challenges in fostering higher order thinking skills, particularly students’ interpretative and critical analytical abilities, which are often constrained by textual and chronological instructional approaches. This study aims to conceptually examine the role of digital storytelling as a pedagogical strategy to strengthen historical interpretation and critical analysis within the frameworks of constructivism, historical thinking, and critical thinking theory. The research employs a qualitative approach based on literature review, utilizing descriptive and thematic analysis of scholarly works and educational policy documents. The findings indicate that digital storytelling promotes active cognitive engagement through processes of source selection, credibility evaluation, evidence based narrative construction, and multiperspective reflection. The production of digital narratives functions not merely as a creative activity but as a cognitive mechanism that trains logical argumentation and validation of historical evidence. Furthermore, the integration of multimedia elements enhances contextual understanding and deepens students’ meaning making of historical events. Nevertheless, its implementation encounters challenges related to teachers’ digital competence, students’ digital literacy readiness, infrastructural limitations, and instructional time allocation. The study implies that digital storytelling holds strategic potential as a pedagogical approach to develop historical thinking competencies in the digital era, provided that it is supported by systematic instructional planning and sustained capacity building in educational institutions.

History learning plays a strategic role in developing students’ critical, analytical, and reflective thinking skills. However, instructional practices that still emphasize memorization of facts often fail to foster higher-order thinking abilities. This article aims to examine the implementation of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)-based history learning as an effort to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, namely quality education. The HOTS approach in history learning emphasizes students’ abilities to analyze, evaluate, and create through activities such as interpreting historical sources, solving contextual problems, and engaging in critical discussions of past events. The method used in this study is a literature review by analyzing various sources related to HOTS-based learning strategies and their implementation in history education. The findings indicate that the application of HOTS enhances student engagement, deepens conceptual understanding, and fosters historical awareness relevant to contemporary life. In addition, HOTS-based learning encourages students to develop reflective thinking and make better-informed decisions. The implementation of HOTS in history learning aligns with the principles of SDG 4, which emphasize inclusive, equitable, and quality education. Therefore, integrating HOTS into history instruction not only improves the quality of the learning process but also contributes to the development of a generation that is critical, creative, and adaptive in facing global challenges.

This community service program aims to enhance teachers’ competence in developing Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)-based assessment items to support improved performance in the Computer-Based National Assessment (ANBK) at SMP Negeri Kletek. The main problem faced by the partner school is the limited understanding of teachers in designing assessment instruments that measure higher-order thinking skills, as well as insufficient ability to develop literacy- and numeracy-oriented questions aligned with ANBK characteristics. This condition has resulted in suboptimal learning evaluation quality and limited student readiness for national assessment. The program employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, emphasizing the active involvement of participants throughout all stages. The implementation included the planning stage through needs assessment and problem identification, the action stage through training and mentoring in HOTS-based item development, the observation stage through evaluation of participants’ work, and the reflection stage to identify achievements and challenges. Data were collected using pre-test and post-test, observation, and reflective discussions. The results indicate an improvement in teachers’ understanding and skills in developing HOTS-based items, as reflected in higher post-test scores. Teachers were able to design competency-based blueprints, contextual stimuli, and analytical, evaluative, and creative questions. This program effectively strengthens teachers’ professional competence and school readiness for ANBK.

This study investigates the implementation of history learning based on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in developing students' analytical history skills. This research is motivated by the dominance of conventional teaching focused on lectures that emphasize memorization of facts rather than critical and analytical thinking. The study aims to describe how HOTS-based strategies are implemented in history classes and to analyze their impact on students' analytical skills. This research uses a qualitative descriptive methodology. Data were collected through classroom observations, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing techniques. The findings show that before the implementation of HOTS, students' responses were mostly descriptive and limited to recalling factual information. After the implementation of HOTS-based learning through the use of analytical questions, historical case studies, source analysis, and structured group discussions, students showed significant improvement in explaining cause-and-effect relationships, evaluating historical evidence, and building logical arguments. Students became more active in discussions and demonstrated a deeper conceptual understanding than mere memorization. However, several challenges were identified, including students' limited experience in critical thinking, time constraints, and the need for teachers to be better prepared in designing HOTS-oriented learning instruments. Overall, this study concludes that HOTS-based history learning effectively improves students' analytical history skills and shifts the learning orientation from lower-order thinking to higher cognitive engagement. This approach pedagogically contributes to fostering a critical, reflective, and contextual understanding of history that is relevant to the demands of 21st-century education.

The criterion for students who have been able to think critically is when they can think systematically, besides having awareness in thinking, then they can see the difference between mistakes and truths. The purpose of this research is to measure the extent of students' ability to think critically on the completion of Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) questions, especially in the subject of mathematics and social arithmetic material for grade VII students. This research is classified as qualitative descriptive research. The subjects involved were 6 students in grade VII D SMPN 3 Ngawi. The method used is qualitative descriptive with data analysis techniques using models from Miles & Huberman. Meanwhile, at the time of data collection, the instrument was in the form of 2 HOTS questions that were in accordance with the research subject. In data collection using tests and interviews, tests are used to measure cognitive competence while interviews are used as a follow-up to explore in depth related to students' answers. Based on a series of research processes, it can be proven that the students studied are divided into 3 categories of ability, namely low, medium, and high.

Physics learning requires higher-order thinking skills, particularly critical thinking and conceptual understanding. However, students’ critical thinking skills and physics learning outcomes at the senior high school level are still relatively low due to teacher-centered instruction and the limited use of innovative learning models and media. This study aimed to examine the effect of the CORE (Connecting, Organizing, Reflecting, Extending) learning model assisted by Lumio by Smart media on students’ critical thinking skills and physics learning outcomes. This research employed a true experimental design with a post-test only control group design conducted at SMAN 4 Jember in the 2025/2026 academic year. The samples consisted of two classes, with class XI Umum 2 as the experimental class and class XI Teknik 3 as the control class. Data were collected through tests and analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. The results showed significance values of 0.027 ≤ 0,05 for critical thinking skills which means H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted and 0.020 ≤ 0,05  for physics learning outcomes which means H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. Therefore, it can be concluded that the CORE learning model assisted by Lumio by Smart media has a significant effect on students’ critical thinking skills and physics learning outcomes.

This study addresses the problem of how the implementation of HOTS-based Android gamification influences the higher-order thinking skills of students with ADHD, a group that often faces challenges in traditional learning environments. A quantitative experimental research design was applied, involving 26 students with ADHD from four special needs schools (SLBs) in West Kalimantan. The intervention included HOTS-oriented Android gamified learning, and students' performance was measured using pre-tests and post-tests based on HOTS-level questions. The average pre-test score was 23.72, while the post-test score increased to 53.21. A paired sample t-test showed a significant improvement (t = 8.688 > t_table = 1.708, at a 5% significance level). However, only 57.69% of students met the minimum mastery criteria (KKM = 67), indicating that 15 out of 26 students achieved the expected learning standard. The implementation of HOTS-based Android gamification significantly improved the higher-order thinking skills of students with ADHD. Nonetheless, the overall results, based on average scores and classical completeness, indicate that many students still did not reach the expected level of mastery. Further enhancements in instructional design may be necessary to optimize outcomes for this group of learners.

This study aims to develop a Student Worksheet (LKPD) on Chemical Bonding assisted by Augmented Reality (AR) based on deep learning and to examine its feasibility, practicality, and effectiveness in improving learning activities and higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) of high school students. The research employed a 4D development model (define, design, develop, and disseminate) using a pretest posttest control group design involving 11th grade students. Research instruments included expert validation sheets, learning activity questionnaires, and HOTS test instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results indicated that the AR-based LKPD met very feasible and practical criteria based on expert judgment and student responses. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in learning activities and HOTS achievement (p = 0.005). The increase in HOTS scores in the experimental group was categorized as moderate, indicating meaningful learning gains. These findings demonstrate that the AR-assisted Chemical Bonding LKPD is effective as an innovative learning medium for supporting students’ understanding of abstract chemistry concepts and fostering higher-order thinking skills.

This study reviews the implementation of Content and Language Learning (CLIL) in Indonesia senior high school through a systematic review. The review aim to identify research trends, report benefits, and key challenges of CLIL in Indonesia education context. Following the FRISMA guidelines, nine peer-reviewed studies published between 2021 and 2025 were selected from reputable academic databases. The analysis focuses in research design, learning outcomes, and implementation n issues, and it applies the CLIL 4Cs framework—Content, Communication, Cognition, and Culture—as the main analytical lens. The finding indicates that CLIL has appositive impact on student engagement, learning   motivation, and better understanding of content and increased confidence in using English in academic context. CLIL also support active learning and encourages higher-order thinking skills. However, the review reveal several challenges that limit effective implementation. These include limited teacher readiness, insufficient English proficiency among teachers and students, lack of collaboration between subject teachers and English teachers, nd difficulties is assessing content and language learning simultaneously. Analysis the 4Cs framework show that Content and Communication are the most emphasized componet in current CLIL practices, while Cognition receives moderate attention and culture is rarely adressed explicitly. The study concludes that although CLIL is feasible and beneficialfor Indonesia senior high schools, its long-term succes depend on continues teacher professiional development, stronger institutional support, and clearer integration within the Merdeka Curriculum. Theis review provide useful insights for educators, researcher, and policemakers to improve bilingual and CLIL-based instruction in Indonesia.

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model integrated with Canva in improving students’ reflective thinking skills in the Aqidah Akhlaq subject at MTsN 3 Tuban. Reflective thinking is an essential competency that enables students to analyze moral behavior, evaluate decision-making processes, and connect Islamic ethical concepts with real-life experiences. However, preliminary observations indicated that students’ reflective thinking skills were still low and tended to remain at the level of theoretical understanding without deeper analysis. This research employed a pre-experimental design using a one-group pretest–posttest model. The subjects consisted of 30 eighth-grade students. The research instrument was a reflective thinking test developed based on indicators of moral evaluation, situation analysis, and experiential reflection, which had been validated through expert judgment. The learning process was conducted by applying the stages of Problem Based Learning integrated with Canva as a visual media to organize problem-solving steps and present students’ reflective outputs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired samples t-test. The findings showed a significant improvement in students’ reflective thinking skills after participating in PBL learning supported by Canva. Pretest scores ranged from 48 to 71 with an average of 59.67, while posttest scores increased to a range of 60 to 89 with an average of 71.20. The mean gain of 11.53 points was statistically significant as indicated by the t-test results (t = 10.39; sig. = 0.000), further supported by Cohen’s d value of 1.90, which falls into the category of a very large effect size. Qualitatively, students demonstrated enhanced abilities in identifying core problems, analyzing alternative actions, evaluating their cognitive processes, and visualizing moral reflections systematically through Canva. In conclusion, the PBL model integrated with Canva is effective in improving students’ reflective thinking skills in the Aqidah Akhlaq subject. This model not only enhances academic outcomes but also strengthens character development, creativity, and higher-order thinking skills, which are essential for 21st-century learning.

In the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, Islamic Religious Education (PAI) must emphasize not only memorizing religious content, but also fostering advanced thinking skills such as analysis, evaluation, and creativity through the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) method. This study aims to describe the implementation of HOTS-oriented Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning at SMAN 2 Banjit, focusing on implementation methods, supporting and inhibiting factors, and their influence on students. This study uses a qualitative descriptive methodology with data collection methods such as observation, interviews, and documentation. The subjects of the study were Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers. Data analysis was carried out by means of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study indicate that Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers at SMAN 2 Banjit have implemented host-based Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teaching methods. HOTS-based learning through discussion methods, advanced question and answer, and problem-based learning, but the implementation has not been evenly distributed across classes. Teachers understand the basic concepts of HOTS, but still face obstacles in preparing HOTS-based learning devices and assessment instruments. Supporting factors for implementation are the support of the principal, technological facilities, and the enthusiasm of some students. Meanwhile, emerging obstacles include a rote-oriented learning culture, unequal distribution of learning facilities, and teacher administrative burdens. The implementation of HOTS has a positive impact on improving students' critical thinking skills and argumentative skills, as well as helping them understand Islamic values ​​more contextually.

The evaluation of Indonesian language instruction at the junior secondary level remains predominantly oriented toward lower-order thinking skills, thereby constraining the advancement of students’Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). This situation necessitates the development of comprehensive assessment tools that are coherently aligned with the Merdeka Curriculum. The present study introduces a model for constructing HOTS-oriented assessment instruments targeting procedural text writing in Phase D. The development process was systematically organized through several stages: translating learning outcomes into measurable indicators, preparing assessment blueprints, creating item cards, formulating scoring rubrics for attitudes, knowledge, and skills, and finally analyzing and interpreting the assessment data. These instruments were specifically designed to capture students’ analytical, evaluative, and creative abilities in producing procedural texts that are logical, coherent, and effective. Findings demonstrate that the instruments provide an objective and holistic representation of students’ competency attainment. In summary, the proposed HOTS-based assessment model for procedural text writing is practical, methodical, and contextually relevant, serving as a valuable framework for evaluating Indonesian language learning in accordance with the Merdeka Curriculum principles.

Reading literacy among 6th grade elementary students is often superficial, limiting their ability to analyze implicit meanings and connect texts to real-world contexts. This review examines the potential of deep learning as a pedagogical approach to enhance in-depth text comprehension. Deep learning emphasizes active engagement, reflection, and the construction of meaningful knowledge, aiming to foster critical thinking and improve comprehension. Recent studies highlight implementation strategies such as reflective journaling and interactive discussions, which have demonstrated significant improvements in students' critical thinking and comprehension scores (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that deep learning methods surpass traditional approaches by promoting higher-order cognitive skills, enabling students to analyze and interpret texts more effectively. However, challenges such as inadequate teacher training persist, which may hinder the full integration of deep learning techniques. To address these challenges, further research is needed to explore scalable digital tools that can support deep learning in diverse classroom settings. By examining the potential for digital integration, future studies could provide insights into how technology can facilitate the widespread adoption of deep learning strategies, making them more accessible and effective for a broader range of students. Ultimately, this review underscores the promise of deep learning in enhancing reading literacy and suggests that addressing the barriers to its implementation could have significant educational benefits.

Histology practicum, as one of the compulsory practicum courses, offers a great opportunity to practice various aspects of science process skills through microscopic tissue observation activities, identification of cell and tissue structures, and analysis of tissue functions in organisms. This study aims to analyze the science process skills biology education students through histology practicum activities. This study uses a quantitative descriptive approach with a survey method to analyze the science process skills of biology education students through histology practicum activities. Data collection in this study used three main techniques, namely science process skills tests, direct observation, and analysis of practicum report documents. Furthermore, the data were analyzed descriptively quantitatively using descriptive statistics to describe the profile of students' science process skills. Analysis per aspect revealed that students had good skills in the aspects of observing (78.50%), classifying (76.33%), interpreting data (71.67%), applying concepts (73.25%), and communicating results (73.40%), which indicates that histology practicum is effective in developing basic science process skills. However, the aspects of formulating hypotheses (58.17%) and planning experiments (54.83%) were still in the sufficient category, indicating that students experienced difficulties in integrated science process skills that require higher-order thinking skills. The findings this study provide important implications for the development of more comprehensive histology practicum learning strategies, including the integration of inquiry approaches, the use of continuous formative assessment, the application of differentiated learning, and strengthening the connection between theory and practice to optimize the development of all aspects of science process skills of prospective biology teachers.