Assessment of Problem Solving and Higher Order Thinking

Higher order thinking and problem-solving skills have been important educational goals for over a century, but the need for these skills has become even greater during the last few decades. A number of recent studies suggests that each generation needs to use and apply higher order thinking and problem solving to a greater extent than the generation before, largely due to the globalization and computerization of our societies and economies. Therefore, many educators and scholars in the field of education contend that one of the most urgent goals of education is to equip students with higher order thinking and problem-solving skills. However, as these skills go beyond the mere reproduction of knowledge, instead requiring thoughtful application of knowledge in various contexts, their assessment implies a ...