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.
Keyword :
Higher order thinking skills (HOTS), Teaching and learning, Critical Thinking, Innovative Skills, Communication, Creativity, Collaboration