Q-MATRIX AS A METHOD IN PROMOTING STUDENT-GENERATED QUESTIONS TO DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

Abstract

Malaysian students mostly lack critical thinking skills which are essential for them to be effective in the real world. The goal of this study was to explore the application of q-matrix as a technique which can be used by students to generate their own questions that involve lower order and higher order thinking questions. 17 secondary school students were required to apply this technique in ESL reading tasks. They were trained and guided on how to use the tool in order to generate questions that include higher order thinking questions. They were then required to answer these questions. Their self-generated questions and answers were assessed using Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) Rubric. The findings revealed that Q-matrix is a feasible technique in enhancing students’ higher order thinking skills especially in generating critically challenging questions.