Supplementary Material

The role of tasks and assessments in developing Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) among students is crucial. This study explored how HOTS can be assessed in first-year calculus students, guided by the question: What types of assessment questions promote HOTS? The focus was on enhancing problem-solving skills through well-designed assessments. Three participants one from Math 130 and two from Math 140 were involved. The goal was to create purposeful assessment questions aligned with module content to foster HOTS.Effective HOTS development requires assessments with structured formats and relevant, thought-provoking questions. These not only encourage critical thinking but also reveal students’ HOTS abilities. Analysis of written responses and interviews showed gaps in critical thinking and problem-solving. For instance, students struggled to apply mathematical concepts and connect derivatives with trigonometric functions, highlighting weaknesses in their HOTS.The findings underscore the importance of intentional assessment design in evaluating and nurturing HOTS. By refining assessment strategies, educators can better support students in developing deeper conceptual understanding and analytical skills in calculus.