Optimizing the discussion methods in blended learning to improve student’s high order thinking skills

Abstract

The purpose of this study was is to analyze how the implementation of the discussion method was carried out in on and offline modes in order to improve students' high-order thinking skills in university because this skilss is necessary in this globalization era. The qualitative observation was an approach exercised in collecting the data. There are 123 Educational Technology students of Universitas Negeri Padang as a research participants in this research. The finding signifies that the repetitive synchronous and asynchronous discussion methods better improve the students' higher order thinking skills through sharing knowledge/ information, exploring and investigation, and making critical judgment synchronously and asynchronously. Consequently, it grows the students' digital literacy. The implications of this finding are to encourage the lecturers to prepare discussion scenarios, learning materials, and assessment. Flow of Blended Learning Discussion Forum is the novelty of this study. In conclusion, repetitive blended learning discussion methods scaffold them to analyze, evaluate, and create new ideas.

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