Chemical problem-solving competency of open-ended problems aiming to improve higher order thinking skills (HOTS): authentic practice

Abstract

Problem-solving is a thinking task of constructing an understanding and applying of new knowledge during a learning process but real world required a competent global citizen, one who is knowledgeable, able to think critically and creatively with problem solving skills that may enable him to communicate with the rest of the world. Therefore, the role of formal education is not merely to transfer knowledge but also to apply it to generate future leaders with higher order thinking skills in solving problems in real life. Unfortunately, most of the school students are facing difficulties in solving open-ended problems in Chemistry. This paper discusses the possibilities of successful problem-solver in Chemistry are determined by a student’s Chemical problem-solving competency. At present, school teachers are lack of specific instructions in using authentic practice as contexts for learning to promote the higher order thinking skills in solving non-routine problem. Learning becomes more meaningful when students can incorporate their existing knowledge and experience to solve non-routine problems in the real world. Therefore, Model of Authentic Chemical Problem-solving Competency is proposed to be developed in order to create an instructional strategy incorporating an authentic practice to enhance student’s problem-solving competency in Chemistry. The authors are currently researching to develop Model of Authentic Chemical Problem-solving Competency for school students.