Higher-Order Thinking

In this activity, students need to do reviews and evaluations, using their creativity. Doing so allows them to improve their grasp, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Therefore, the approach is not about repeating what they have learned. This is about applying their insight to solve problems, make decisions, and form new ideas. 

Higher-order thinking is part of the upper levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy, a framework often used in education to check thinking skills. Those levels are analysing, evaluating and creating. Knowing this method will help them to think and make decisions for themselves, not just follow steps.

Critical thinking

This is one of the parts of higher-order thinking. A note to remember, being critical is not only about finding fault. Students need to evaluate it based on evidence from a variety of sources and make reasoned conclusions. In short, it is to form reasoned judgements. The result will become their argument for why they disagree with the answer they get. However, it can be more than that. They should be able to describe their view and incorporate this into a bigger picture of the literature. Here are some key elements of critical thinking.

1. Questioning - Asking thoughtful questions like “Is this true?” or “What is the evidence?”
2. Analysing - Breaking down ideas or arguments to improve their insight.
3. Evaluating - Assessing the information or strength of an argument.
4. Reasoning - Connecting ideas and solving problems with logical thinking.
5. Reflecting - Creating their argument to improve future decisions.

Creative thinking

Being creative is not only for art or music, but students can apply it to achieve higher-order thinking. It means they have the skill to think in new, original, or imaginative ways. Moreover, this activity involves creating fresh ideas and unique solutions or looking at things from different perspectives. Creative thinking encourages learners to explore, create, and try new things, instead of following rules or repeating what they know.

This trait is useful for their school subjects, like science, math, writing, or even for daily problem-solving. As part of higher-order thinking, this activity is about using their mind to think “outside the box.” In addition, it helps them to become innovative, flexible, and confident thinkers. These are the key features of being creative:

• Originality: Creating new or unique ideas.
• Flexibility: Ability to see things from a different view or try various approaches.
• Imagination: Use higher-order thinking to picture new methods.
• Risk-taking: Understanding that there is a chance of failure in trying new ideas.
• Curiosity: Without it, you cannot explore beyond the clear answers.

Problem-solving

In life, people face obstacles, including in education. Students are going to have issues in acquiring knowledge or developing their higher-order thinking. They need to experience effective learning development to find solutions to handle difficult situations. Not only in the process, but this trait can also be used in handling real-life issues.

Problem-solving is not only about having the proper answer. In higher-order thinking, learners are encouraged to use the process of thinking, trying, learning, and improving to find the solution. Moreover, here are the steps to reach that conclusion.

Identify the issue

The first step in solving problems is to have an insight into the issue. Students can use higher-order thinking to determine it. This is crucial to break down the challenge. If it is too big, it can be confusing. That is why they need to look closely at the situation and try to describe the issue in simple terms.

Find the solution

The next step is to find an innovative solution to handle the issue. Combining higher-order thinking with creativity and openness can make the process much faster. Also, the important thing is not to make a decision too quickly, as it may result in unconscious biases. Oftentimes, more ideas can lead to better choices. It needs to be the most realistic and effective compared to the others. 

Take action

After the learners find the proper answer, it is time to take action. The solution from higher-order thinking needs a follow-through for it to work. It can be challenging, but they need to do what they have planned.

Decision making

Decision making is about identifying issues, gathering insight, developing and evaluating potential solutions, and ultimately selecting the best answer. This higher-order thinking is crucial for students to navigate through academic challenges. Moreover, it optimises the learning experience and helps them to achieve their educational goals.

In life, there are going to be multiple choices, but not every one of them is the best option. Higher-order thinking enables learners to make decisions carefully. They need to know the possibilities, pros and cons, and select the most suitable one. This one is closely related to problem-solving and critical thinking because good decisions come from combining these three abilities.