The ability to think is broken into two basic levels: higher and lower. These principles are applied to learning and teaching approaches. Higher order thinking , or HOTS, is a topic which is debated among educators for the benefits that are provided to individuals. Lower education is the process of supplying factual knowledge using repetitive routines, students learn through memorization and recall, the information is then applied to questions with a set response. Instructors perform this through lecture, reading, and other such mediums. A student is only required to reproduce knowledge and apply it to the existing patterns. Individuals who use HOTS are required to manipulate the information that is provided to transform the meaning while applying it to solve a given problem. This process is also known as evaluation, synthesis, and analysis, or a combination of critical and creative abilities. Educational providers who supply students with this form of instruction are routinely surprised by the products which their students produce. One level requires an individual to recite information that has been memorized, while the other forces a person to use the knowledge to solve a problem. Problem solving is a skill that is important for all phases of an individual's life. A person who is capable of solving the puzzles of life are considered better prepared for living it. This is why there is a big push to stress HOTS in education. It is essential that a person be given a strong base knowledge and develops thinking skills. As the student matures they need to be taught how to apply that knowledge to other areas to become more productive. These skills can be developed at any age. Higher order thinking is an approach that combines both left and right brain function in the learning process. It requires a person to apply information to develop and uncertain outcome and thus improve problem solving abilities. This can be practiced and enhanced at any age.
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