Fostering problem solving in chemistry: the importance, difficulties and the needs of scientific creativity

Abstract

Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) is a thinking skill that occurs when an individual is facing a remarkable, uncertainty, question or dilemma (Goodson, Rohani, & King, 1998). HOTS enable students to better understand what they have learned (Heong et.al, 2011) and prepare themselves to undergo changes in the 21st century (Geersten, 2003 & Kenney, 2013). According to Zoller (2001) HOTS in the context of chemical education refers to the questioning, problem solving, decision making and critical thinking. HOTS especially problem solving primarily provide individual to meet the challenges in the world of work and everyday life to have enough skills to operate effectively in society and the workplace (Cooper, 2006; Ramos, Dolipas & Villamor, 2013).