Higher Order Thinking: 7 Ways to Improve this Skill

Higher-order thinking or higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) is based on the theory that some more advanced forms of learning require advanced or complex cognitive processing. Bloom's taxonomy, for instance, suggests the HOTS levels include analysis (breaking apart and organizing information), evaluation (examining the outcome), and synthesis (pulling information together). The teaching of these skills requires different and more advanced instructional methods than those employed at concrete levels of learning, such as rote memorization and repetition.

Higher order thinking skills graphic showing a thoughtful child with a list of skills—analyzing, inferring, synthesizing, evaluating—and text highlighting warning signs and 8 ways to improve higher-order thinking.

How Can We Teach Higher-Order Thinking Skills?

Instead of parroting facts back to a teacher, HOTS asks students to:

understand concepts
making sense of implied meanings from lessons or content cues
connect new learning to old knowledge
categorize information
manipulate information
organize and reorganize new concepts
generate solutions to problems

Common Warning Signs of Higher Order Thinking Skill Weaknesses:

Students who struggle with HOTS often exhibit difficulties:

understanding abstract concepts
answering test questions that are worded differently from the study materials
comprehending and making connections to the material
learning a process or steps that must be completed
making inferences
using metacognition - awareness of one's own thoughts
brainstorming ideas
problem-solving
thinking critically
comparing and contrasting
visualizing concepts and their relationship to other concepts

Higher Order Language Bundle featuring making inferences, main idea, abstract thinking, multiple meanings, paragraph building, word webs, and vocabulary development activities for students.

What Are Some Products that Develop Higher Order Thinking Skills?

Good Sensory Learning offers a range of products that develop higher-order language skills. Click on any of the titles below to learn more about the publication:

As you can see, higher-order language is a critical skill for students to master. If you have any questions, reach out anytime.

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.