Nurturing Habits of Mind (HOM) Through Thinking Based Learning (TBL) in Doing Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Project

Abstract

Habits of mind (HOM) is one of the kind response to those questions and problems whereby the answers to which are not immediately known which can attribute to effective problem solvers and critical thinking development. However, the emphasis on this aspect is still low especially among science educators as well as secondary science students which in the long run will retard the production of knowledge worker who are able to behave when confronted with life's problems. The study addressed the integration of Thinking Based Learning (TBL) and the 6E Instructional Model as a teaching approach in nurturing habits of mind among secondary students while doing their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) project. The study involved 30 students from a Lower Secondary School in a sub urban school in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Students were given a STEM Raft Module integrating TBL and 6E Instructional Model for five weeks to come out with a model of a raft based on science concepts using material available in their community. Data of the study were captured from students' documentation analysis, classroom observation using camera and video cam recording, and interview. The findings showed that TBL and 6E Instructional Model can nurture habits of mind among secondary students while doing their STEM project. Seven characteristics of habits of mind have been identified; (1) questioning and problem solving, (2) listening with understanding and empathy, (3) thinking about your thinking, (4) thinking flexibility, (5) applying past knowledge to novel situations, (6) creating, imagining and innovating and (7) thinking independently.

Implementation of performance assessment in STEM-based science learning to improve students’ habits of mind

“…[41] through integrated science learning STEM can give the impression of an interesting and not boring learning. The results of this study are also in line with Hashim, Ali, and Samsudin [42]. They found that the habits of the mind depend on the classroom environment, a good learning environment, where teachers are responsible for providing a good learning environment and develop productive habits of mind.…”

The effects of project based learning in mandarin language speaking skill

“…Hasil dapatan ini boleh dijelaskan dengan kajian Di (2016) (1950) yang menyatakan sesuatu pembelajaran berlaku apabila ia berkaitan dengan realiti (dipetik daripada Hashim et al, 2018). Hujahan ini juga disokong oleh Iriani et al (2019) serta Zhao dan Beckett (2014) yang menyatakan pelajar mengaplikasikan rangkai kata serta tatabahasa yang dipelajari dalam projek berdasarkan topik pembelajaran.…”