The Influence of Microbiology Dictionary and Microbiology Textbook Utilization in the Contextual Learning Framework on Biology Students Higher Order Thinking Skills

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of
the utilization of microbiology dictionaries and microbiology
textbooks in the contextual learning of the higher order thinking skills of biology students in microbiology courses. The type of the research is quasi-experimental. The population of this study was all sixth-semester students of Biology, State University of Medan, which consisted of eight classes. The sampling technique was random sampling, namely the experimental class1 by using microbiology textbooks in the contextual learning order, experimental class2 by using microbiology dictionaries in the contextual learning and control classes with direct learning in the contextual learning order. The total sample is 102 students. Data were collected using tests. The high-level thinking skills of students were analyzed by covariate analysis techniques (Anacova) and Tukey's advanced tests. The results showed that there was an effect of the utilization of microbiology dictionaries and microbiology textbooks in the contextual learning of students' higher order thinking skills.