Developing Students’ Higher-Order Cognitive Competencies Through Problem-Based Learning

This research aims at exploring the use of problem-based learning approach to enhance students' higher order thinking skills in higher education. The research was carried out on 59 students in the undergraduate level of Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages in mixed-method quasi-experimental design. The participants were divided into control and experimental group, with the experimental group given problem-based learning activities and the control group was given conventional instructions. Data gathering techniques included pre-test, post-test, classroom observation and reflective analysis. The results showed that the students who learned using problem-based learning showed significant improvement in analytical thinking, critical evaluation, independent thinking, problem solving and collaborative interaction when compared to students who were taught using conventional teaching methods. The study also revealed that the students were more motivated and participated intellectually in the learning process in situations where they were actively involved in real learning problems. This result has verified that the problem-based learning helps to foster higher order thinking skills and helps modern higher education to move towards more student-centered and competency-based learning.