Effects of concept mapping in laboratory learning activities to generate students’ higher order thinking skills in electrolysis

Abstract

Concept maps are one of the medium with potentials to stimulate students’ higher order thinking skills in learning process. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify the impact of the use of concept maps as an alternative assessment tool in laboratory learning activities towards students’ achievement in answering higher order questions of Electrolysis. A total of 32 secondary school students were involved in this study. Data were collected using comprehension test of Electrolysis, comprising four highest level of cognitive dimension in Revised Taxonomy Bloom. The results of the study showed that, the use of concept maps as an alternative assessment tool in laboratory activities could improve students’ higher order thinking skills. In addition, students and teachers involved gave positive feedback to the use of concept maps as an alternative assessment tool in the laboratory learning activities.