HOTS Skills in Arabic Learning: What are the Opportunities and Challenges in The Digital Age?

Authors

  • Fitri Alrasi Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Barat
  • Mahyudin Ritonga Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Barat
  • Muhammad Jalel Ritonga Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Barat
  • Apip Muda Ritonga Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Barat

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31958/lughawiyah.v7i2.15968

Keywords:

21st Century Skills, Arabic Learning, Digital Era, HOTS

Abstract

The integration of HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) into Arabic language learning is essential to prepare 21st-century students for increasingly complex global demands. This study explores the implementation of HOTS-based Arabic learning by examining the opportunities and challenges encountered in the digital era, with a specific focus on a technology-integrated Islamic boarding school context. Employing a qualitative case study approach at Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) Malang, Indonesia, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Analysis followed the Miles and Huberman framework, encompassing data reduction, presentation, and verification, with validity strengthened through triangulation of data and sources. The findings indicate that: a) HOTS implementation in Arabic learning is highly relevant and feasible through digital platforms, yet it faces significant challenges; b) the primary opportunities include enhanced accessibility, student engagement, and global competitiveness, while the most dominant challenges stem from teachers’ limited HOTS pedagogical knowledge, uneven student Arabic proficiency, and a lack of HOTS-oriented teaching materials. This study concludes that HOTS skills, when effectively integrated with digital tools, can significantly foster globally competitive learners, provided that systemic supports are strengthened

References

Abdullahi, A., Rouyan, N. B. M., & Noor, S. S. binti M. (2018). The Use of Web 2.0 Technologies to Determine Receptive Skills Among Malay Learners of Arabic Language. International Journal of Asian Social Science, 8(9), 651–659. https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.1.2018.89.651.659

Affandy, H., Aminah, N. S., & Supriyanto, A. (2019). The Correlation of Character Education with Critical Thinking Skills As An Important Attribute to Success in the 21st Century. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1153(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1153/1/012132

Al-shaye, S. (2021). Cypriot Journal of Educational Skills, and Self-Regulated Learning Skills. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 16(4), 2049–2069. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v16i4.6074

Albantani, A. M., & Madkur, A. (2019). Teaching Arabic in the Era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 in Indonesia: Challenges and Opportunities. ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement, 3(2), 196–212. https://doi.org/10.7454/ajce.v3i2.1063

Alsowat, H. (2016). An EFL Flipped Classroom Teaching Model: Effects on English language Higher-Order Thinking Skills, Student Engagement and Satisfaction. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(9), 108–121. https://doi.org/v7 n9 p108-121 2016

Anagün, Ş. S. (2018). Teachers’ Perceptions About the Relationship Between 21st Century Skills and Managing Constructivist Learning Environments. International Journal of Instruction, 11(4), 825–840. https://doi.org/10.12973/iji.2018.11452a

Baransi, R. A. J., & Burbara, R. J. (2019). Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and Their Contribution to Turning the Teaching of Arabic Reading Comprehension Into a Meaningful Process. International Journal of Language & Linguistics, 6(2 June), 121–132. https://doi.org/10.30845/ijll.v6n2p16

Dakhi, O., Jama, J., Irfan, D., Ambiyar, & Ishak. (2020). Blended Learning: a 21st Century Learning Model At College. International Journal of Multi Science, 1(2), 17–23.

Fatimah, A. S., & Santiana, S. (2017). Teaching in 21St Century: Students-Teachers’ Perceptions of Technology Use in the Classroom. Script Journal: Journal of Linguistic and English Teaching, 2(2), 125. https://doi.org/10.24903/sj.v2i2.132

Hadinugrahaningsih, T., Rahmawati, Y., & Ridwan, A. (2017). Developing 21st Century Skills in Chemistry Classrooms: Opportunities and Challenges of STEAM Integration. AIP Conference Proceedings, 1868. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4995107

Hashim, N. C., Aini, N., Majid, A., Arshad, H., Nizam, S. S. M., & Putra, H. M. (2017). Mobile Augmented Reality Application for Early Arabic Language Education-: Arabic. International Conference on Information Technology (ICIT), 761–766. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICITECH.2017.8079942

Hasibuan, A. M., Saragih, S., & Amry, Z. (2019). Development of Learning Devices Based on Realistic Mathematics Education to Improve Problem Solving Ability and Student Learning Independence. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 14(2), 243–252. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/5729

Ichsan, I. Z., Sigit, D. V., Miarsyah, M., Ali, A., Arif, W. P., & Prayitno, T. A. (2019). HOTS-AEP: Higher Order Thinking Skills From Elementary to Master Students in Environmental Learning. European Journal of Educational Research, 8(4), 935–942. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.8.4.935

Ilmiani, A. M., & Delima, D. (2021). Innovation in Learning Arabic Reading Skills using Higher Order Thinking Skills. Al-Ta’rib : Jurnal Ilmiah Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Arab IAIN Palangka Raya, 9(1), 99–110. https://doi.org/10.23971/altarib.v9i1.2603

Jubran, S. M., & Arabiat, R. M. (2021). Using Translation in the Framework of Learning a Foreign Language from Learners’ Perspectives. Multicultural Education, 7(8), 61–67. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5167622

Kamarudin, M. Y., Yusoff, N. M. R. N., Yamat, H., & Abdul Ghani, K. (2016). Inculcation of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in Arabic Language Teaching at Malaysian Primary Schools. Creative Education, 7(02), 307–314. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2016.72030

Kövecses-Gősi, V. (2018). Cooperative Learning in VR Environment. Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, 15(3), 205–224. https://doi.org/10.12700/APH.15.3.2018.3.12

Latorre-Cosculluela, C., Suárez, C., Quiroga, S., Sobradiel-Sierra, N., Lozano-Blasco, R., & Rodríguez-Martínez, A. (2021). Flipped Classroom Model Before and During Covid-19: Using Technology to Develop 21st Century Skills. Interactive Technology and Smart Education. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITSE-08-2020-0137

Lee, J., & Choi, H. (2017). What Affects Learner’s Higher-Order Thinking in Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments? The Effects of Learner Factors. Computers and Education, 115, 143–152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2017.06.015

Mansor, N. R., Zakaria, R., Rashid, R. A., Azmy, S. N. M. S., Ahmad, M., Rahim, B. H. A., & Zakaria, R. (2021). A Preliminary Survey of Language Learning in Digital Age: Higher Thinking Order Skills and Technology Used. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1793(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1793/1/012001

Masyhud, Nurbatra, L. H., & Hartiningsih, S. (2021). The Implementation of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) trough Lesson Study: A Case Study at Islamic School in Thailand. JINoP (Jurnal Inovasi Pembelajaran), 7(1), 92–101. https://doi.org/10.22219/jinop.v7i1.10357

Mei, S. Y., Ju, S. Y., & Adam, Z. (2018). Implementing Quizizz as Game Based Learning in the Arabic Classroom. European Journal of Social Sciences Education and Research, 12(1), 208–212. https://doi.org/10.26417/ejser.v12i1.p208-212

Micheli, P., Wilner, S. J. S., Bhatti, S. H., Mura, M., & Beverland, M. B. (2019). Doing Design Thinking: Conceptual Review, Synthesis, and Research Agenda. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 36(2), 124–148. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12466

Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative Data Analysis. Sage Publications.

Moleong, L. J. (2017). Metodologi Penelitian Kualitatif. PT Remaja Rosdakarya.

Muradi, A., Mubarak, F., Darmawaty, R., & Hakim, A. R. (2020). Higher Order Thinking Skills Dalam Kompetensi Dasar Bahasa Arab. Arabi: Journal of Arabic Studies, 5(2), 177–190. https://doi.org/10.24865/ajas.v5i2.293

Nachiappan, S., Osman, R., Masnan, A. H., Mustafa, M. C., Hussein, H., & Suffian, S. (2019). The Development of Preschools’ Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Teaching Model towards Improving the Quality of Teaching. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v8-i2/5601

Nira, R. D., & Fauziyah, Y. (2021). Development of Arabic Curriculum In Improving Pedagogic Competence of Lecturer Ma’had Umar Bin Al-Khattab. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 4(2), 294–309. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v4i2.1480

Nofrion, N., & Wijayanto, B. (2018). Learning Activities in Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Oriented Learning Context. Geosfera Indonesia, 3(2), 122. https://doi.org/10.19184/geosi.v3i2.8126

Puriwat, W., & Tripopsakul, S. (2020). Preparing for Industry 4.0-Will Youths Have Enough Essential Skills?: An Evidence from Thailand. International Journal of Instruction, 13(3), 89–104. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.1337a

Rachmadtullah, R., Yustitia, V., Setiawan, B., Fanny, A. M., Pramulia, P., Susiloningsih, W., Rosidah, C. T., Prastyo, D., & Ardhian, T. (2020). The Challenge of Elementary School Teachers to Encounter Superior Generation in the 4.0 Industrial Revolution: Study Literature. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research, 9(4), 1879–1882. http://www.ijstr.org

Ritonga, A. W., Ritonga, M., Nurdianto, T., Kustati, M., Rehani, Lahmi, A., Yasmadi, & Pahri. (2020). E-learning Process of Maharah Qira’ah in Higher Education During the Covid-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Higher Education, 9(6), 227–235. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v9n6p227

Ritonga, A. W., Ritonga, M., Septiana, V. W., & Mahmud. (2021). Crossword Puzzle as a Learning Media During the Covid-19 Pandemic : HOTS, MOTS or LOTS ? Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1933. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1933/1/012126

Ritonga, A. W., Wargadinata, W., Hasan, N., & Ahmad, B. M. B. (2021). Teacher’s Challenges in Implementing HOTS in Learning Arabic During Covid-19 Pandemic. Izdihar : Journal of Arabic Language Teaching, Linguistics, and Literature, 4(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.22219/jiz.v4i1.15606

Silalahi, T. F., & Hutauruk, A. F. (2020). The Application of Cooperative Learning Model During Online Learning in the Pandemic Period. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute (BIRCI-Journal): Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(3), 1683–1691. https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v3i3.1100

Sulaiman, T., Muniyan, V., Madhvan, D., Hasan, R., & Rahim, S. S. A. (2017). Implementation of Higher Order Thinking Skills in Teaching of Science. International Research Journal of Education and Sciences, 1(1), 1–3.

Sultonova, R., & Ahmedov, S. (2021). Effective Technique of Teaching and Learning Arabic Language in the Classroom in Uzbekistan. Science and Education Scientific Journal, 2(5), 716–724. https://doaj.org/toc/2181-0842

Supena, I., Darmuki, A., & Hariyadi, A. (2021). The Influence of 4C (Constructive, Critical, Creativity, Collaborative) Learning Model on Students’ Learning Outcomes. International Journal of Instruction, 14(3), 873–892. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2021.14351a

Tyas, E. H., & Naibaho, L. (2021). HOTS Learning Model Improves the Quality of Education. International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH, 9(1), 176–182. https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v9.i1.2021.3100

van Laar, E., van Deursen, A. J. A. M., van Dijk, J. A. G. M., & de Haan, J. (2020). Determinants of 21st-Century Skills and 21st-Century Digital Skills for Workers: A Systematic Literature Review. SAGE Open, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019900176

Widayanti, Abdurrahman, A., & Suyatna, A. (2019). Future Physics Learning Materials Based on STEM Education: Analysis of Teachers and Students Perceptions. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1155(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1155/1/012021

Zhaffar, N. M., Abdullah, W. A. A. W., Nor, N., Musa, N. A., & Othman, M. S. (2021). Issues and Challenges of the Implementation of HOTS in Religious Teaching in Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v10-i2/9789

Zohar, A. (1999). Teachers’ Metacognitive Knowledge and the Instruction of Higher Order Thinking. Teaching and Teacher Education, 15(4), 413–429. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0742-051X(98)00063-8

Downloads

Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Alrasi, F., Ritonga, M., Ritonga, M. J., & Ritonga, A. M. (2025). HOTS Skills in Arabic Learning: What are the Opportunities and Challenges in The Digital Age?. Lughawiyah: Journal of Arabic Education and Linguistics, 7(2), 66–77. https://doi.org/10.31958/lughawiyah.v7i2.15968

Issue

Section

Articles