Efforts to Improve Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) through the Role of Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

Improving Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) is one of the main focuses in vocational education to prepare students to face complex industry challenges in the world of work. This study aims to analyze efforts to improve HOTS through the application of the Problem Based Learning method at SMA Negeri 19 Surabaya. The research method used is Classroom Action Research (PTK) by going through several cycles and implementing the Problem Based Learning method in the learning process. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and HOTS tests before and after the implementation of Problem Based Learning. The results of the study were carried out over two cycles and showed that the application of Problem Based Learning significantly increased the HOTS ability of students from before implementing Problem Based Learning to obtain a score of 65 and after implementing Problem Based Learning to obtain a score of 80, especially HOTS in the aspects of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The conclusion of this study is that Problem Based Learning is effective as a learning strategy to improve HOTS at SMA Negeri 19 Surabaya and is recommended to be implemented more widely in the vocational education curriculum at the Vocational High School (SMA) level.