ANALISIS TREN PEMBELAJARAN BIOLOGI BERBASIS HIGHER ORDER THINKING SKILLS (HOTS) DALAM MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA: SEBUAH SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW - Anggi Wulansari; Letti Nainggolan (Smart Education, 2026)
Abstract: Biology learning that integrates Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) has emerged as a significant trend in improving students' critical thinking abilities. This study aims to analyze the trend of HOTS-based biology learning and its impact on students' critical thinking skills through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework, 10 articles published between 2021–2025 were selected from Google Scholar, SINTA, and DOAJ databases based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results show that Problem Based Learning (PBL) and Project Based Learning (PjBL) are the most frequently used HOTS-based learning models in biology education. The application of these models consistently shows a significant positive impact on students' critical thinking skills across various educational levels. Research trends over the past five years indicate an increase in the use of digital media integrated with HOTS to support more effective learning. This study concludes that HOTS-based biology learning is effective and recommended to be widely implemented in Indonesian schools, particularly in the context of the Merdeka Curriculum. Keywords: Higher Order Thinking Skills, Biology Learning, Critical Thinking, Systematic Literature Review, PRISMA Abstrak: Pembelajaran biologi yang mengintegrasikan Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) telah menjadi tren signifikan dalam meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis tren pembelajaran biologi berbasis HOTS dan dampaknya terhadap keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa melalui Systematic Literature Review (SLR). Menggunakan kerangka PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), sebanyak 10 artikel yang diterbitkan pada rentang tahun 2021–2025 dipilih dari basis data Google Scholar, SINTA, dan DOAJ berdasarkan kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Problem Based Learning (PBL) dan Project Based Learning (PjBL) merupakan model pembelajaran berbasis HOTS yang paling sering digunakan dalam pendidikan biologi. Penerapan kedua model tersebut secara konsisten menunjukkan dampak positif yang signifikan terhadap keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa di berbagai jenjang pendidikan. Tren penelitian lima tahun terakhir mengindikasikan peningkatan penggunaan media digital yang terintegrasi dengan HOTS untuk mendukung pembelajaran yang lebih efektif. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran biologi berbasis HOTS efektif dan direkomendasikan untuk diimplementasikan secara luas di sekolah-sekolah Indonesia, khususnya dalam konteks Kurikulum Merdeka. Kata Kunci: Higher Order Thinking Skills, Pembelajaran Biologi, Berpikir Kritis, Systematic Literature Review, PRISMA