Higher Learning In Malaysia Research Articles

Perpaduan dalam Pembangunan Ekonomi 1957-1970, Kesan terhadap Keamanan, Keharmonian dan Kestabilan Politik di Malaysia

This writing is about unity in economic development in Malaysia from 1967 to 1970 and its effect on peace, harmony and political stability in Malaysia. The study is to evaluate national issues related to unity and political stability in Malaysia since before independence until the country achieved independence. The history of Malaya has gone through various experiences since the British colonial entry and the Japanese occupation so much influenced the political, social and economic conditions in Malaysia. This study uses qualitative methods by analyzing documents obtained from the National Archives and public institutions of higher learning in Malaysia in addition to making references to secondary materials such as history books and journals. The findings of the study show that Malaysia has a very long history in forming a society that lives in unity and harmony. Socioeconomic issues and problems are matters that need to be resolved in the multi-racial society in Malaysia in addition to empowering educational institutions as a way to build harmony, unity and stability in the country. In conclusion, the writing of this study shows that the issues of unity, harmony and political stability are closely related to current factors especially related to socioeconomics and politics in Malaysia.

Perpaduan dalam Pembangunan Ekonomi 1957-1970, Kesan terhadap Keamanan, Keharmonian dan Kestabilan Politik di Malaysia

This writing is about unity in economic development in Malaysia from 1967 to 1970 and its effect on peace, harmony and political stability in Malaysia. The study is to evaluate national issues related to unity and political stability in Malaysia since before independence until the country achieved independence. The history of Malaya has gone through various experiences since the British colonial entry and the Japanese occupation so much influenced the political, social and economic conditions in Malaysia. This study uses qualitative methods by analyzing documents obtained from the National Archives and public institutions of higher learning in Malaysia in addition to making references to secondary materials such as history books and journals. The findings of the study show that Malaysia has a very long history in forming a society that lives in unity and harmony. Socioeconomic issues and problems are matters that need to be resolved in the multi-racial society in Malaysia in addition to empowering educational institutions as a way to build harmony, unity and stability in the country. In conclusion, the writing of this study shows that the issues of unity, harmony and political stability are closely related to current factors especially related to socioeconomics and politics in Malaysia.

Challenges faced by ESL in-service teachers enrolled in a teacher education programme via open distance learning in Malaysia

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the challenges experienced by in-service English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in an open distance learning (ODL) institution of higher learning in Malaysia. Many in-service ESL teachers who do not have the necessary teaching qualifications are seeking to obtain their teaching qualifications via the ODL mode of studies as it allows them to work as teachers while obtaining their teaching qualifications at the same time. They face multiple challenges which lead to high attrition rates, a concern for ODL institutions of higher learning worldwide.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design using a case study approach was used in this study where in-depth interviews were conducted with four in-service ESL teachers who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) programme conducted via ODL.FindingsThe research is exploratory in nature. Findings highlighted four major challenges by these in-service ESL teachers: (1) financial difficulties, (2) work commitments, (3) family sacrifices and (4) emotional stress. However, technological use was not considered a challenge as mentioned by literature.Practical implicationsFindings from the study may be useful to ODL institutions to provide relevant support to ODL students to improve student retention rates in ODL institutions.Originality/valueThis study may be considered as a baseline analysis on the challenges experienced by in-service ESL teachers in ODL institution of higher learning in Malaysia. Further in-depth studies are needed to understand how ODL institutions can better support their education programme students to complete their teacher education programmes.

Postgraduate Research on International Tertiary Students: The Case of Malaysia

This paper sought to enumerate theses produced by postgraduate researchers of Malaysian universities that focus on international students enrolled in Malaysian tertiary institutions. Using the Malaysian Theses Online (MyTO) and the university libraries’ Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) databases to gather the initial data, this paper went on to present metadata about the researchers as well as the participants of these postgraduate studies. It concluded that though there has been quantitative progress since the first thesis on international students was produced in 1999, there is a need to address the unevenness of focus that was leaning more towards the experiences of postgraduate students in public institutions of higher learning and less on those enrolled in undergraduate programs, especially at private institutions of higher learning in Malaysia.

Good Practices to Ensuring the Sustainability of Trade Unions in Public Institute of Higher Learning in Malaysia

Good Practices to Ensuring the Sustainability of Trade Unions in Public Institute of Higher Learning in Malaysia

Open Distance Learning of Modern Engineering Tool and Its Assessment for Civil Engineering Design Project

Open distance learning (ODL) is a new paradigm shift from conventional education systems that provide flexibility to learners in accessing education and training without constraints of time and place. Full Implementation of ODL initiated in all institutions of higher learning in Malaysia after announcement of movement control order by the prime minister of Malaysia in March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate the impact of ODL in the attainment of program outcome (PO5) in modern engineering tool usage for a civil engineering design project course. In the ODL environment, the teaching method, assessment method, tool of assessment and rubrics in the assessment of PO5 were revised accordingly. Online practical test was set as the only tool to evaluate students’ ability in using the modern engineering tool of this course. Prokon software was employed as the modern engineering tool used by the students in carrying out their individual projects as well as online practical tests. Result of this study has shown that the average attainment of PO5 dropped significantly when online teaching and learning of Prokon software took place. Also, the percentage of students failed in PO5 rose for the semesters during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is anticipated that the remote evaluation process could be unrealistic to measure the ability of students in the psychomotor domain. The challenges of online teaching and learning of modern engineering tools are discussed, and actions need to be taken to tackle the problems and improve the attainment of PO5 among students under an ODL environment.

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE INTERNET ACCESS AND ACCESSIBILITY INITIATIVES ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ONLINE LEARNING AMONG STUDENTS AT HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS

The spread of COVID-19 has shifted teaching and learning methods at all institutes of higher learning in Malaysia from traditional methods to online distance learning. To cope with this new teaching method, students face some difficulties. One of the most challenging is the lack of internet access and accessibility that constrains students’ engagement and motivation toward online distance learning. The unaffordability to purchase internet data and poor internet connectivity are common problems that have often been voiced by students, as this greatly affects their attendance, communication, and submission of each class assignment. To reduce the burden faced by the students, government and telecommunication services providers introduced some initiatives to enhance internet access and accessibility. Thus, this study aims to review the impacts of internet access and accessibility initiatives on the effectiveness of online learning during the COVID-19 era. The conceptual reviews will acknowledge the policymakers on the barriers faced by the students, the impact of internet initiatives on online learning, and the recommendations to improve current practices on internet access and accessibility, It can be used by the policymakers to provide relevant initiatives to assist teaching and learning among students.

Best Practice: Waste to Fertilizer in Polytechnic Mersing

Institutions of Higher Learning in Malaysia which serve as an educational and research institution need to emphasize on sustainability issues to ensure continuous efforts. However, acceptance from campus staff makes it difficult for these sustainability efforts to continue due to the lack of strong support and high awareness of the importance of caring for the environment. The purpose of this study was to provide knowledge and awareness on food waste can be used as fertilizer. These composite fertilizers are then used in agricultural activities at polytechnics to generate income. The knowledge and awareness of sustainability is very high among campus residents. However, the practice and willingness to be involved in the implementation is at a low level and needs to design more awareness programs and activities that are more interesting to campus residents so that sustainability practices can become a culture in their daily lives.Keyword: Awareness on sustainability, sustainability practice and food waste and waste to fertilizer

Relationship Between Leadership Style and Entrepreneurial Tendency Among Students in A Public Institution of Higher Learning in Malaysia: The Research Framework

21st century leadership can be seen as an individual and collective response to changing the environment for the better. An understanding and practice of environmentally responsive leadership is needed given today’s world that depends on individuals who have leadership criteria in students in institutions of higher learning. The 21st century now requires continuity between leadership and entrepreneurship which is a value-added feature that can produce students who are self-disciplined, creative in decision making, have self-confidence and positive thinking. This article provides research framework on leadership styles and its interaction with the aspects of entrepreneurial among Bachelor’s degree students at a public university of Malaysia. Thus, this research is designed to provide more complete description of university students leadership style so that students can prepare for entering the workforce or starting a business by contributing to the development of leadership as a necessary talent.

The Validation of Psychological Capital Instrument: An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) in Research Involving Lecturers in Private Institutes of Higher Learning in Malaysia

The Validation of Psychological Capital Instrument: An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) in Research Involving Lecturers in Private Institutes of Higher Learning in Malaysia

Acculturative Stress Among International Students: A Case of Malaysian Universities

Globalization of education is not uncommon in many countries where international education is of major importance to many, including Malaysia. Malaysia has increasingly become a popular destination for study pursues recently due to various attributes such as the wide verbal implementation of English by the locals, affordable accommodation cost, unique traveling experiences, and great opportunities offered at Malaysian higher learning institutions. Globalization of education develops a proactive global learning environment for local students. When international students come to Malaysia, they must adjust rapidly and learn fast, coping academically and socially. This study aims to assess the acculturative stress experienced by international students in Malaysian public universities. The findings indicate that most international students are under moderate cultural pressure, especially cultural changes or shocks, language barriers, and anxiety. These findings have implications for research on stress and cultural change for international students.

PENDIDIKAN ETIKA REKA BENTUK DALAM PROGRAM INDUSTRI KREATIF DI INSTITUSI PENGAJIAN TINGGI MALAYSIA [DESIGN ETHICS EDUCATION FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRIES PROGRAMMES IN MALAYSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Nowadays, the creative industry is rapidly developing with various technologies and creativity moving forward. However, problems and issues involving ethical aspects are still often seen on social media, television and print media, it clearly shows the lack of values and ethical aspects of the individual in the production of designs. Therefore, this study is conducted to propose the guidelines on ethical education design for creative industry programs in the institutions of higher learning. The objective of this study is to evaluate students' behavior towards design ethics among students of higher education institutions, evaluate teaching practices implemented by educators of higher education institutions as well as to assess challenges related to design ethics faced by creative industry professionals in submitting proposal regarding ethical education guidelines for creative industry programs. This study uses quantitative method which is the survey method in which questionnaires are distributed to respondents. For the sampling of studies, which is stratified sampling that refers to individual specific characteristic features in terms of his/her involvement in the creative industry. The numbers of respondents were 164 for the students, 108 respondents for the teaching staff and 89 respondents were from creative industry professionals. The findings of this study that are based on the mean value and standard deviation from the data collected through the survey study, show that students' behavior on ethical aspects is an important aspect of design ethics. Meanwhile, for the lecturers, the teaching practices implemented show that ethical aspects are a crucial element in the teaching sessions. Next, for the creative industry professionals, ethical aspects are considered as an important element in facing the challenges regarding design ethics. This is explained through the findings of students, lecturers and creative industry professionals through high recorded mean value. Therefore, it is clear that ethical aspects are a vital element to these three groups. Thus, a guideline on ethical education design for creative industry programs in institutions of higher learning is produced through the findings. Hence, this study provides a module on design ethics education that can be practiced in creative industry programs in Institutions of Higher Learning in Malaysia.

النهج الديني في ماليزيا لتكملة التعامل مع القضايا الجنسية للمراهقين المصابين بالتوحد

Adolescents with autism (AWA) suffer limitations in communication, social interaction and behaviour as well as inability to manage their sexuality in a normal way. A more efficacious approach needs to be introduced to deal with their sexuality problems. Hence, the purpose of this research is to analyse a religious approach in dealing with sexuality of adolescents with autism. This research used interview method as the research instrument. Research data was obtained from interviewing 13 participants comprising of parents of AWA, teachers of AWA, and students of institutes of higher learning in Malaysia. Research analysis used NVivo software to thematically analyse the data obtained. In the religious approach, three methods were used in dealing with the sexuality issue of AWA, namely, performing congregational prayer and reading al-Quran, applying religious education from childhood and attending religious classes. The religious approach can help AWA to cope with their sexuality issue. The originality of this paper comes from the empirical studies to analyse a religious approach to deal with sexuality of AWA. Furthermore, this research is supported by literature review of publications in Arabic, English and Malay and sources from Islamic and conventional scholars.

Analysing Land-use Land Cover (LULC) and Development Change in Nearby University Campuses’ Area: A Case of Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

After 20 years of establishment, the number of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) campuses across Malaysia has reached 35 in number. Although the campuses' development of campuses had somehow made the location widely known as one of the education hubs in Malaysia, there exist doubts about the extent of development of each campus in an area that can benefit the locality. The focus of this paper is assessing the land-use changes due to the development of three campuses of UiTM Negeri Sembilan from 1999 to 2019. This study uses satellite images, GIS technology, and web-based maps applications as data collection tools. Two aspects were assessed, viz; Land-use Land Cover (LULC) and change detection. The result shows an increasing pattern of LULC. Also, the land conversion occurred more in Seremban compared to UiTM Kuala Pilah and Rembau. Change detection analysis in this paper reveals that the green area is declining via a higher percentage of deforestation and urbanization. Land-use change detection technique is confirmed as an effective method for measuring and evaluating urban development operations and their effect. Therefore, this research emphasized that LULC and change detection analysis results beneficial in identifying the development impact and important to facilitate strategize steps and policies in averting the affected areas from pollution and deforestation side effects. This study also suggests that such research extended to more Institutes of Higher Learning in Malaysia and South East Asia. The findings should be valuable to researchers, town planners, university administrators, and local authorities alike and contribute towards sustainable land-use planning and management in Malaysiain the near future.

The Effect of The Entrepreneurial Career Intention Program (ECIP) on The Entrepreneurial Career Intention (ECI) among Counseling Students in A Private Institution of Higher Learning in Malaysia

The Effect of The Entrepreneurial Career Intention Program (ECIP) on The Entrepreneurial Career Intention (ECI) among Counseling Students in A Private Institution of Higher Learning in Malaysia

KAJIAN MENYELURUH KETAGIHAN INTERNET DALAM KALANGAN PELAJAR PUSAT PENGAJIAN TINGGI AWAM DI MALAYSIA

Internet addiction among teenagers is an important issue discussed around the world. Almost all experts cite this issue as part of the main problems of the country. The main purpose of this study was to study internet addiction among students in public institutions of higher learning in Malaysia. The main focus of the study is to examine the addiction from the aspects of emotional and cognitive preoccupation with the internet among IPG students in Malaysia. The study also examined addiction from the aspect of loss of control and disruption of daily life to the internet among IPG students in Malaysia. This study uses quantitative methods as the main design. This survey study involved respondents consisting of 614 trainee teachers selected according to IPG zones throughout Malaysia. A descriptive statistical approach was used to obtain the level of internet addiction. The questionnaire instrument was adapted from An Internet Addiction Scale by Kimberly (1998) which was modified to coincide with the study conducted. The analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Vol. 21 (SPSS) and analyzed descriptively to explain the findings of the study. The findings of this study as a whole found that internet addiction among students at IPG is at a moderate level. It is hoped that this study can provide good input to all parties to formulate actions for the well-being of society by forming a new generation that is concerned about the selection and use of information resources on the internet effectively.

Does it Matter with Physical classes in Blended Learning or without in Full Online Learning for Undergraduate Programming Course in the Pandemic Situation

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, all institutions of higher learning in Malaysia have shifted to online learning to ensure that teaching and learning (T&L) are continued despite the movement control order (MCO) imposed by the government. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak embraced a fully online T&L approach for all courses including programming courses at the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology. This ad-hoc shift to online T&L had raised some concerns which normally require hands-on training. One of the concerns is whether students can do their tests well with the change of medium of instructions from having physical classes to fully online without any physical class. Before the MCO, a blend of physical lectures and labs with online activities were conducted and followed by an online test (Test 1). During MCO, in order to accommodate fully online T&L approach, recorded lecture videos, live video teaching and online forum for discussions were the main medium of instructions replacing physical classes. For the duration of the online T&L, two more online tests (Test 2 and Test 3) were given to the students. The students’ performance for Test 1 was then compared to their performance in Test 2 and 3. Our investigation showed that there was no significant change in the students’ performance in the tests regardless of whether their medium of instruction is with or without physical classes. This provides an indication that the ad-hoc online T&L approach assisted students’ learning during the pandemic.

Meneroka Pengaruh Komunikasi Kepemimpinan terhadap Kepuasan Kerja dalam kalangan Kakitangan di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Swasta Malaysia

This exploratory study investigates the influence of leadership communication on staff members’ job satisfaction at a private institution of higher learning in Malaysia, in a multicultural setting. The turnover rate among academics in Malaysia is increasing extensively and leadership communication was identified as one of the factors that contribute to poor job satisfaction at the workplace. Good leadership communication is able to create trust and understanding that would inspire people towards the goals of the organization and improve job satisfaction of an organization’s staff members. Theoretically, transformational leadership theory discusses that a leader with effective leadership communication skills could contribute to a positive working culture or environment that motivates staff members to progress in their career. However, it was found that leadership communication between leaders and subordinates was not fully explored in a multicultural perspective. A qualitative methodology was utilized in order to gain insights into the influence of leadership communication on job satisfaction from selected academics’ perspectives. Data were collected through a series of intensive interviews with 22 informants. Based on the findings, three themes emerged; leadership communication practices, the expectation towards leadership communication, and staff members’ feedback towards leadership communication. The findings of this study contribute to a new dimension of leadership communication from a multi-cultural context, specifically from the context of academicians at higher learning institutes. Furthermore, it was discovered that leadership communication affected job satisfaction among academic staffs. A good leadership communication is able to create a positive environment for effective communication among staff members in the organization. Keywords: Superior-subordinate, leadership communication, organisation, transformational leadership communication, job satisfaction.

KEBERKESANAN MODUL PEMBELAJARAN SUBJEK BALAGHAH DI INSTITUSI PENGAJIAN TINGGI AWAM MALAYSIA

Balaghah is one of the main components in Arabic literature and it is mandatory for every student of the Arabic language at any learning institution to learn it either as a major or minor subject, compulsory or elective. In addition, learning Balaghah is also a crucial element in the process of mastering the Arabic language. However, students’ inability to master this subject has become an issue due to the absence of a specific Balaghah module prepared for them. Therefore, this study aims to identify the features of a learning module for the Balaghah subject at the Institutes of Higher Learning in Malaysia, evaluate the effectiveness of the learning module, and propose features and framework of the module based on the research findings. The findings of the study show that students’ ability to master the knowledge of Balaghah is at a low level and this is due to the approach, strategy, and teaching method that is not so effective and suitable for students of Public Higher Learning Institutions. In line with that, a Balaghah module has to be developed and introduced in order to create coordination for this subject among the Institute of Higher Learning in Malaysia. This is because there are many Institutes of Higher Learning that do not have a specific module for the Balaghah subject. This directly creates a vacuum in the teaching of Balaghah itself. Besides that, an effective teaching approach has to be planned and reorganized so that the teaching and learning objective of Balaghah can be achieved.

21st Century Skills in Practice: Malaysian Trainee Teachers’ Experience at Managing Students’ Learning during the Pandemic

Teaching practicum is an essential part of teacher-training that provides real classroom engagement for a beginner teacher. It is considered as one of the most critical components of teacher preparation with the greatest impact on teacher quality (Mtika, 2011; Zeichner, 2010; Graham, 2006; Tang, 2003) and is significant for the development of their pedagogical skills (Kauffman, 1992). The sudden upsurge of the Covid -19 infections around the world in the first quarter of 2020, witnessed massive closure of schools worldwide in order to contain the spread of the pandemic. This unexpected turn of events had flipped the more traditional face-to-face method of teaching and learning into distance learning that requires 21st. Century technology and skills. This paper explores the experience of a group of trainee teachers from an institute of higher learning in Malaysia, at managing this unprecedented challenge in delivering education remotely via technology. Data were collected from interviews and supplemental written records in the form of lesson plans, teaching evidence, and online tools employed for teaching and learning. The findings show that the trainee teachers undergo varied and often challenging experiences in ensuring the continuity of curriculum-based education and the students’ progress in learning. Their successes in delivering the lessons amidst the novel encounters are the epitome of resilient and flexible teachers in the making.