TAHAP PENDEDAHAN & KEFAHAMAN SISWA GURU TAHUN AKHIR UNIVERSITI ISLAM SELANGOR TERHADAP KEMAHIRAN BERFIKIR ARAS TINGGI

Abstract

Every educational transformation requires a deep understanding from teachers, including in the implementation of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in schools. This aspect should not only be emphasized when teachers are already in schools, but should also be introduced and understood from the stage of training and higher education institutions. Therefore, this study aims to identify the level of exposure and understanding of final-year student teachers at Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS) toward HOTS. This study employed a quantitative approach through a survey design. The research instrument used was a questionnaire, and the sample consisted of 65 final-year student teachers from the Faculty of Education, Universiti Islam Selangor. The data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. The results of the analysis showed that the levels of exposure and understanding of student teachers toward HOTS were moderately high, with overall mean scores of 3.9 and 3.7, respectively. The findings also indicated that there are still aspects that require greater emphasis, including exposure to actual curriculum forms that integrate HOTS, awareness of the challenges in implementing HOTS, and understanding of lesson planning that incorporates HOTS elements. The outcomes of this study are expected to provide useful insights for teacher training institutions to conduct periodic evaluations of the effectiveness of their training programs, as part of efforts to enhance the competencies of student teachers before they begin their careers as educators.