Using robotic education for high order thinking skills in enhancing science subject achievement

Malaysia students' achievement in the "Programme for International Student Assessment" (PISA) and the "Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study" (TEVISS) is not so good when compared to its neighbouring countries. Therefore, a better approach needs to be done in related subjects so that this situation does not continue in the future. This study was conducted to introduce Robotic education as one branch of the experiment in Science subject for lower secondary students to suit current needs. This is because, Robotic education is based on a concept of constructivism, which stresses the experience-based learning process and can improve students' thinking skills. The study was conducted by an experiment that involved form two students who joined the robotic club and students who do not participate in robotic club from several schools in Negeri Sembilan and Pahang. Based on the results of the study, there was no difference in thinking skills between the robotic students and students who do not participate in the robotic club. This result is unexpected because by examining the previous study, it is found that students who participate in activities based on the problem solving have better thinking skills. Malaysian students' achievement every year in the "World Robot Olympiad" showed a very good performance by being the champion in three times in the last five years .This result is not in line with Malaysia's achievement in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Based on these results, Robotic education can attract students to learn and compete at international level, and can be fully implemented to all students in Malaysia in order to meet the needs of industry to a world-class skilled workforce needed in the final phase of Malaysia to become a developed country. In Eleventh Malaysia Plan, 2016-2020, there is a focus to produce skillful manpower in the field of technical and vocational education as preparation for the developed world. This means that Malaysia is already on the right track in terms of planning but requires the continuation of the activities planned in order to get a good impression for any expenses incurred.