The ‘HOTS Link’ application: A consistent tool for designing lessons that support SDG 4 goals

Lesson planning is a key element in improving student learning outcomes. Teachers must be skilled and competent in designing effective lesson plans. In addition, using of technology in education is essential in modern learning. One of UNESCO’s goals, SDG 4, aims to achieve quality education. The HOTS Link application was developed to support that. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the consistency of the HOTS Link application in lesson planning that supports SDG 4 among students in Teacher Professional Education and prospective teachers. This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, with quantitative data obtained by measuring the consistency of using the HOTS Link application and qualitative data gathered through in-depth content analysis of lesson plans to assess the alignment of their components with SDG 4 principles. Quantitative data were analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. The findings indicate no significant difference between the abilities of students in Teacher Professional Education and prospective teacher students in designing quality lesson plans using the HOTS Link application. The resulting lesson plans support SDG 4 goals through equitable and adaptive learning access, emphasis on critical and scientific thinking skills, integration of global issues and sustainability values, reinforcement of character development, and self-reflection.