Anticipatory Thinking Skills Among Students From Selected Secondary Schools in Malaysia

Author : Wirawani Kamarulzaman, Nik Ahmad Hisham Ismail, Nazariah Shar’ie Janon, Aishah Hanim Abd Karim, Szariannie Sulaiman, Zulfikar Ahmad, Mohd Hendra Che Morad

Abstract :In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and global dynamics, secondary school students in Malaysia encounter multifaceted challenges in preparing for an unpredictable future. Despite the pivotal role of anticipatory thinking skills (ATS) in navigating these challenges, the specific display and developmental pathways of ATS among students remain largely unexplored, creating a critical gap in understanding how to effectively foster these essential skills. This study aims to investigate the display of ATS among secondary school students in various states across Malaysia, including Perak, Pahang, Penang, Kedah, Selangor, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, and Terengganu to ensure diverse representation. With objectives to explain the prevalence of ATS dispositions, explore students' perceptions and experiences related to anticipatory thinking, and provide insights for targeted educational interventions, a qualitative approach was employed. Focused group discussions (FGDs), conducted with 2-3 students per session, facilitated interactive discussions on various themes. Preliminary findings reveal several key ATS dispositions among secondary school students: engagement in their learning processes, skill development through collaborative activities, forecasting future trends based on current information, risk assessment in decision-making, opportunity recognition in various contexts, adaptability to changing circumstances, and awareness of their surroundings and personal growth. These findings highlight the nuanced nature of anticipatory thinking among students, influenced by personal experiences, educational backgrounds, and socio-cultural contexts. The insights gleaned from this research offer valuable guidance for educational practitioners and policymakers in devising strategies to enhance anticipatory thinking skills among secondary school students, thereby better preparing them for an uncertain future

Keywords :Anticipatory thinking skills, secondary school students, engagement, adaptability, opportunity recognition.

Conference Name :World Conference on Educational Sciences (WCOES-25)

Conference Place Istanbul, Turkey

Conference Date 21st Apr 2025