Evaluation of Pupils’ Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills: A Literature Review of HOTS-Based Instruments and Assessment Rubrics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23880646Keywords:
mathematical problem-solving, HOTS, assessment tools, assessment rubrics, literature reviewAbstract
Assessing pupils’ mathematical problem-solving skills requires an instrument capable of revealing both the quality of their thought processes and the accuracy of their solutions. This article aims to examine the characteristics and quality of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)-based instruments, as well as the design and use of assessment rubrics to evaluate pupils’ mathematical problem-solving skills. The method used was a literature review employing a descriptive-qualitative approach. The findings indicate that the characteristics of HOTS instruments need to be determined based on the demands of the cognitive process, rather than solely on the complexity of calculations or the use of real-life contexts. Instruments need to align ability indicators, task requirements and expected evidence of responses, and be supported by relevant evidence of validity and reliability. Assessment rubrics complement the instruments through criteria and descriptors that distinguish the quality of problem understanding, strategy selection, problem-solving execution, and interpretation of results. Analytical rubrics can provide detailed information regarding pupils’ abilities, but consistent application requires clarity in descriptors, response examples, and alignment of assessors’ perceptions. This study concludes that the integration of HOTS-based instruments and assessment rubrics forms the foundation for process- and outcome-oriented evaluation, whilst also providing information for feedback and the improvement of mathematics learning.
Downloads
References
Brookhart, S. M. (2013). How to Create and Use Rubrics for Formative Assessment and Grading. ASCD.
Brown, T. M. (2018). Playing to Win: Applying Cognitive Theory and Gamification to Augmented Reality for Enhanced Mathematical Outcomes in Underrepresented Student Populations. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/97340
Budiman, A., & Jailani, J. (2014). PENGEMBANGAN INSTRUMEN ASESMEN HIGHER ORDER THINKING SKILL (HOTS) PADA MATA PELAJARAN MATEMATIKA SMP KELAS VIII SEMESTER 1. Jurnal Riset Pendidikan Matematika, 1(2), 139–151. https://doi.org/10.21831/jrpm.v1i2.2671
Egodawatte, G. (2010). A Rubric to Self-Assess and Peer-Assess Mathematical Problem Solving Tasks of College Students. Acta Didactica Napocensia, 3(1), 75–88.
Eliyah, E., & Aslan, A. (2025). STAKE’S EVALUATION MODEL: METODE PENELITIAN. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Indonesia, 3(2), Article 2.
Gradini, E. (2022). Development of Rubric of Higher Order Thinking Skills Assessment on Mathematics Learning. Jurnal Teori Dan Aplikasi Matematika, 6(1), 61–74. https://doi.org/10.31764/jtam.v6i1.5342
Ikhlas, I., Aslan, A., & Mutazam, M. (2024). IMPLEMENTASI STRATEGI INQUIRY GURU PAI DALAM MENINGKATKAN CRITICAL THINKING SISWA KELAS VI DENGAN KONSEP HIGHER ORDER THINKING SKILLS (HOTS) DI SDN 06 MENSERE TAHUN PELAJARAN 2023/2024. ADIBA : JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, 4(4), 813–822.
Jonsson, A., & Svingby, G. (2007). The use of scoring rubrics: Reliability, validity and educational consequences. Educational Research Review, 2(2), 130–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2007.05.002
Krathwohl, D. R. (2002). A Revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy: An Overview. Theory Into Practice, 41(4), 212–218. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430421tip4104_2
Lewis, C. W., & Gilman, S. (2005). The ethics challenge in public service: A problem-solving guide (2nd ed). Jossey-Bass.
Melinda, S., Novita, S., Rafiqoh, U. W., Sopariah, S., & Nugraha, D. A. (2024). Pemodelan Matematika dalam Efisiensi Pengisian Ulang Stok Bahan Bakar di SPBU Cikurubuk. Cartesius : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 213–218.
Prasetyaningsih, P., Kaniawati, I., Riza, L. S., & Utama, J. A. (2025). The Role of Edutainment in Shaping Modern Education in Indonesia: A Literature Review. Journal of Mathematics Science and Computer Education, 5(2), 171–187. https://doi.org/10.20527/jmscedu.v5i2.16823
Seaman, M. (2011). Bloom’s Taxonomy: Its Evolution, Revision, and Use in the Field of Education. Dalam D. J. Flinders & P. B. Uhrmacher (Ed.), Curriculum and Teaching Dialogue (hlm. 0). Emerald Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-61735-607-020251004
Sitopu, J. W., Khairani, M., Roza, M., Judijanto, L., & Aslan, A. (2024). THE IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRATING MATHEMATICAL LITERACY IN THE PRIMARY EDUCATION CURRICULUM: A LITERATURE REVIEW. International Journal of Teaching and Learning, 2(1), Article 1.
Walliman, N., & Walliman, N. (2021). Research Methods: The Basics (3 ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003141693
Warju, W. (2016). Educational Program Evaluation using CIPP Model. INVOTEC, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.17509/invotec.v12i1.4502
Wiggins, G. (1990). The Case for Authentic Assessment. Practical Assessment, Research, and Evaluation, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.7275/ffb1-mm19
Zapf, P., & Roesch, R. (2008). Evaluation of Competence to Stand Trial. Oxford University Press.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2023). PISA 2022 assessment and analytical framework. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/dfe0bf9c-en[oecd]




