Year Five Pupils’ Perception Towards Higher Order Thinking Skills in Learning Mathematics

Abstract

Higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) are the cognitive skills that mathematics should apply to fulfil current needs. Unfortunately, Mathematics achievement in Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) has shown that the thinking ability of Malaysian pupils still needs improvement. Identifying pupils' perceptions of implementing HOTS in mathematics is essential. Thus, this study was conducted to determine Year Five pupils' perception towards implementing HOTS in terms of attitude, readiness and belief in Mathematics learning, as well as the differences in these three aspects based on gender. The survey study involved 142 Year Five pupils at a Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) in Johor Bahru district. The instrument used in this study is a questionnaire. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 27. The descriptive statistical analysis results found that pupils’ perception towards HOTS in Mathematics in terms of Attitude and readiness are moderate. At the same time, pupils' perception towards HOTS in mathematics in terms of belief is high. The Mann-Whitney U test results found a significant difference in pupils’ attitudes towards HOTS in Mathematics based on gender. However, this study showed no significant difference in student’s readiness and belief towards HOTS in Mathematics based on gender. This study brings implications for educators in schools to realise the importance of modifying HOTS teaching practices by considering pupils’ perceptions.