Developing Instruments to Measure Thinking Skills and Problem Solving Skills among Malaysian Primary School Pupils

Abstract

In the new era of information technology, thinking and problem solving skills are crucial for students to master world class knowledge and contribute towards the building of a modern and progressive society. Thinking skills are given importance in the Malaysian national school curriculum at the primary and secondary school levels. Thinking and problem solving skills are incorporated in the learning outcomes to enable learners to solve simple problems, make decisions and express themselves creatively. Studies related to developing instruments to measure thinking skills and problem solving skills among primary school pupils are limited. This paper discusses the instrument developed by the researchers to measure pupils’ thinking skills and problem solving skills using de Bono's CoRT thinking tools (PMI, CAF, RULES, C&S, AGI, Planning, FIP, APC, Decision and OPV). The validity and reliability of the instruments as well as the scale and criteria to rate pupils’ responses are also discussed in this paper.