In a world that’s changing faster than ever—where technology grows rapidly, and everyday problems get more complex—there’s one thing we can no longer ignore in education: the ability to think. Not just memorize formulas or definitions, but to truly think—analyze, evaluate, and create. That’s what we call Higher-Order Thinking Skills.
The purpose of this article is simple: to explore why HOTS matters so much for the future of our students, and how we as teachers, parents, and policymakers can help develop it in schools today.
What is HOTS? Why Does It Matter?
To better understand HOTS, here are the six levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy (from easiest to hardest):

1. Remembering – Recalling facts and basic concepts

2. Understanding – Explaining ideas and concepts

3. Applying – Using information

4. Analyzing – Breaking down and examining information

5. Evaluating – Justifying decisions and opinions

