Exploring the Challenges Faced by The Teachers in Developing Higher Order Thinking Skills Among Students at Higher Education Level

Abstract

This study was designed to describe the importance of higher order thinking skills (HOTS) among students by the teachers; to analyze the availability of instructional facilities and to explore the challenges faced by the teachers in developing higher order thinking skills among students at higher education level. The theoretical framework of the study was based on the model of Bloom’s revised taxonomy and higher order thinking skills by Mishra & Kotecha (2016). The model based on six dimensions named as remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating and creating. The research approach was qualitative with case study research design. The population of the study was based on faculty members of the three different departments of the National university of Modern Languages, Islamabad. Convenient sampling was used as the sampling technique. Data was collected by open ended questionnaire. Data was analyzed by categories and sub-categories after that researchers established codes from the responses of the faculty members. The findings of the study revealed that higher order thinking skills are important because it help us to develop critical thinking skills and creativity. Teachers faced many challenges during the class like lack of time, cooperation among students, diverse mental level, large number of students and lack of physical resources. These challenges can be tackled by motivation and suitable teaching method.