Using the Cognitive Research Trust Scale to Assess the Implementation of the Elements of Higher-Order Thinking Skills in Malay Language Teaching and Learning
Anida Sarudin1, Husna Faredza Mohamed Redzwan2, Intan Safinas Mohd Ariff Al-Bakri3, Zulkifli Osman4
1Anida Sarudin, Department of Malay Language and Literature, Faculty of Languages and Communication, Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia.
2Husna Faredza Mohamed Redzwan, Department of Malay Language and Literature, Faculty of Languages and Communication, Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia.
3Intan Safinas Mohd Ariff Al-Bakri, Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Languages and Communication, Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia.
4Zulkifli Osman, Department of Malay Language and Literature, Faculty of Languages and Communication, Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia.
Manuscript received on 28 June 2019 | Revised Manuscript received on 16 July 2019 | Manuscript Published on 26 July 2019 | PP: 392-398 | Volume-8 Issue-2S2 July 2019 | Retrieval Number: B10640782S219/2019©BEIESP | DOI: 10.35940/ijrte.B1064.0782S219
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: The aim of this study is to assess the teaching practices of Malay Language teachers in implementing the elements of higher-order thinking skills in the teaching and learning of Malay Language using the Cognitive Research Trust (CoRT) Scale. Essentially, the scales comprises six devices, namely CoRT 1 (Breadth), CoRT 2 (Organization), CoRT 3 (Interaction), CoRT 4 (Critical Thinking), CoRT 5 (Information and Feeling), and CoRT 6 (Action) that are related to CoRT tests, namely PMI (Plus, Minus, Interesting), CAF (Consider All Factors), C&S (Consequence & Sequel), AGO (Aims, Goal, Objectives), FIP (First, Important, Priorities), APC (Alternatives, Possibilities, Choice), and OPV (Other People’s Views). This study used a qualitative approach using the observation method to elicit data from a study sample consisting of six Malay Language teachers from several schools with as sizeable indigenous or Orang Asli student population in the district of Batang Padang. A descriptive qualitative analysis was conducted to draw pertinent findings of the teachers’ understanding and practices of HOTS. The analysis of the data revealed that the teaching and learning of the subject matter were infused with the elements of HOTS, with the teachers employing a combination of the CoRT devices and thinking techniques. Such an infusion of skills was made evidently clear by students’ answers that demonstrated high critical thinking skills. These findings underscore the importance of using the Cognitive Research Trust Scale to assess the implementation of HOTS in the teaching and learning practice of the Malay Language. In conclusion, the proper and judicious use of CoRT devices and thinking techniques can help students to develop HOTS, which are extremely important to enable them to think and solve problems critically and creatively.
Keywords: High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), Cognitive Research Trust Scale, Malay Pedagogy, Malay Teachers, Indigenous Schools.
Scope of the Article: Natural Language Processing