Malaysian School Students Research Articles

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ARABIC LANGUAGE SPEAKING ANXIETY AND MOTIVATION AMONG RELIGIOUS SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA

Purpose of the study: This study aimed at identifying the level of Arabic language speaking anxiety and its relationship to motivation among students of religious secondary schools in Malaysia.
 Methodology: This quantitative study identifies the anxiety level in speaking Arabic and its relationship with motivation. A survey was done with a selected number of 500 Arabic students out of the total population throughout Malaysia. The survey was done using questionnaires that have been adapted and modified from past studies after completing its validity and reliability process.
 Main Findings: The findings indicate that the level of Arabic speaking anxiety among secondary religious school students in Malaysia is moderately high and also shows that students’ anxiety in speaking Arabic does not have any significant relationship with their motivation. This finding illustrates that Arabic speaking anxiety is unrelated to student motivation in learning the Arabic Language.
 Applications of this study: The study can be useful for Arabic Language teachers. Students with a high anxiety level will feel anxious and avoid taking part in learning activities that will then influence the quality of learning. Hence, speaking anxiety must be tackled separately by the Arabic Language teacher from motivation since there is no significant relationship between the two variables.
 Novelty/Originality of this study: This study produced instruments to assess the level of Arabic speaking anxiety. The result of this study is consistent with previous studies, which investigated the level of anxiety in learning a foreign language and speaking anxiety must be tackled separately from motivation because it has no significant relationship with individual students’ motivation.

The Sequela of Smartphone Usage in the Learning Environment

This paper is to determine the sequela of smartphone usage in the learning environment among school students in Malaysia. The sample size of the study was 150 (n=150). The result demonstrated that smartphone usage increases sympathetic education, understudy commitment, and the upgrade of the student's intellectual limit as well as an inspired concentration in both formal and casual settings. Also, self-governance and certainty assisted with the advancement of customized learning in helping low-accomplishing students to achieve academic excellence. The suggestions confirmed that smartphone usage in the classroom brings about a compelling and legitimate procedure in the learning environment.

A Self-Regulation Model of Mathematics Achievement for Eleventh-Grade Students

In recent years, mathematical thinking and reasoning have been widely discussed to promote students’ abilities to apply mathematical knowledge and ideas in their daily living. However, few studies have investigated the role of self-regulation in relation to reasoning. This study examined the effects of self-regulation processes on student mathematical reasoning and academic achievement. Using a quantitative research design and the PLS-SEM technique, data were collected from 248 private school students in Malaysia. The PLS-SEM results showed that behavioral regulations, including processes of self-observation, self-judgment, and self-reaction, are decisive factors in influencing student academic achievement and student mathematical reasoning ability. The dimensions of motivational regulation, including processes of self-efficacy, task value, and mastery goal orientation, are dominant factors influencing student reasoning ability, followed by cognition regulation, which includes use of elaboration strategy and critical thinking skills. The study also found that cognition regulation is a significant mediator of the relationship between motivational regulation and reasoning ability. Behavioral and cognition regulation processes, as well as students’ reasoning ability, are the mediators of motivational regulation on academic achievement. The results of this study suggest that teachers should foster the adoption of self-regulation processes in mathematics learning.

Utilization of Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory for School Counselling System with Usability Testing

Counselling unit plays a vital role at school as they deal with students’ problem and finding solutions to that. In most cases, students are not aware of their actual strength(s) which led to unsatisfied performance in academic and uncertainty in choosing the right courses which later affect their career. The aim of this research is to identify the evaluation criteria for Malaysian school students’ context in order to discover students’ major strengths, which in turn will help counsellors to consult students in terms of academic achievement and suggest suitable courses for them based on the intelligence test. The interview was conducted with several number of counsellors and the multiple intelligence theory was used to generate set of automated intelligence test based on the evaluation criteria. A series of evaluation were conducted to test its usability and quality requirements.

ESL Learners' Enhancement of Standard English Accent Among Khotimul Quran of A Primary School Students in Malaysia


 
 
 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is a new syllabus for English language subject of Malaysia primary school students. However, none of pronunciation elements involve the stress, rhythm and intonation have been emphasized to accomplish Standard English Accent. The issue is that, Malaysian primary school students do not apply correct stress and intonation while speaking and reading Standard English. Therefore, this study aims to identify the use of stress, rhythm and intonation applied in their spoken English words by both groups. The researcher had choose 15 Khotimul Quran students as the experimental group, whose background had complete reciting Quran for the whole 30 Juz and 15 common students as the control group from Sekolah Kebangsaan Pusat Air Tawar, Johor as the unit of analysis. The researcher uses semi-structured interview, observation and focus group discussion to triangulate the data. Pilot data analysis of the responses had shown a strong correlation between speaking Standard accent with correct stress, rhythm and intonation among the Khotimul Quran. Based on this results, the researcher expects the experimental group those who have Quranic-phonological background achieves higher percentages of accurateness of speaking Standard English accent compares to the control group.
 
 

Non-Linguistic Challenges Faced by Malaysian Students in Enhancing Speaking Skills

One important skill that second language learners find difficult to acquire is speaking skills. Despite learning English language in both primary and secondary school, students face challenges to speak the language confidently. The purpose of this study was to in investigate the non-linguistic challenges faced by Malaysian students in enhancing speaking skills. This quantitative study used a questionnaire consisting 20 items based on five Likert scales. The purposive sampling of form three students, and data were collected from 13 females and 17 males. The data were analysed through SPSS software that suggest most students experience speaking skill is difficult, anxiousness, lack of confidence, shyness and afraid of making mistakes while speaking. The findings could help teachers to understand students’ non-linguistics challenges in speaking skills and adapt various techniques to encourage students to speak in English language. It is suggested more studies need to be done to addressspea- king competency of students in Malaysian schools.

Self-Identity and Academic Achievement among Secondary School Students in Malaysia

This study aims to examine the relationship between self-identity and academic achievement among secondary school students in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. A total of 391 form four students from all over Sarawak were involved in this study. Quantitative methods in the form of a survey and descriptive analysis were employed. The Self-Identity Instrument (IJD) was created to measure the level of self-identity in secondary school students. This study utilized three types of data analysis. The descriptive analyses of frequency and percentage were used to describe the level of student’s self-identity. A further inferential analysis was also conducted and findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between self-identity and academic achievement. From the results of this study, it was concluded that students with a high level of self-identity are more likely to have better academic achievements. Therefore, in order to improve academic performance and achievement, an individual student must have the ability to develop his or her own self-identity.

Acquisition of Vocabulary in Primary Schools Via GoPic with QR Code

Vocabulary acquisition is paramount in English language education yet becomes challenging especially for primary school students in Malaysia. Prior to this, the advancement and integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in 21st-century learning is crucial in teachers’ pedagogical skills and students’ knowledge resulting in student-centered strategies. However, students are still lacking in vocabulary skills as they are learning through traditional methods. This action research conducted in two cycles using GoPic with QR Code investigates the importance of improving students’ language experiences in their acquisition of vocabulary. The first cycle of the intervention was carried out through group approach. The second cycle was carried out using individual approach. The term ‘GoPic with QR Code’ is generated from the blending concept of using ‘BINGO’ word game with picture cards to complement the words (concrete nouns) being applied and assessed for the intervention. The respondents comprise of a total of 64 low proficiency primary school students, that is, 58 Year 1 students from Selangor and 6 Year 5 students from Sabah. Pre and post-test, survey questionnaire and field notes were instruments used in the data collection. The findings concluded that by using GoPic with QR Code, students revealed increment in their English language vocabulary. It also reflected positive implications on the teachers, students and school administrators.

Reading the 21st Century World: Self-Assessment of Digital Media Literacy among Secondary School Students in Malaysia

Students today participate in digital media cultures in numerous ways and it is important to consider their level of confidence in understanding their digital skills. The focus on digital media literacy is important to ensure that students have sufficient knowledge and skills to participate in society and in the economy as productive citizens. This study aimed to examine the digital media skills of Malaysian students in selected schools in Malaysia. The study presents the findings of a self-assessment tool, consisting of 10 core domains that was constructed to respond appropriately to the needs of students in secondary schools in Malaysia. The self-reporting by the students indicated that in general, they were quite self-assured about their capacities and many of them have rated their digital media skills at fairly high confidence levels. The findings suggest that many of students considered that they were competent in the areas of mobile, social and problem solving skills when working within digital platforms. However, the respondents deemed that the most challenging domain was creative as they felt less competent when it came to doing creative tasks using digital tools. By way of conclusion, this paper urges education authorities and schools to develop digital media literacy programmes that enhance students’ capacities in confronting challenges as well as exercising rights as active and responsible digital citizens.

The level of relationship between athletes and coaches among sport school students in Malaysia

Coaches and athletes of different sport background can have a marked influence on their relationship. The objective of this study was to compare the relationship level between the athlete and coach, among sport school students. In addition, this study aimed to compare the level of athlete to coach relationship and vice versa. The Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q) is used in the data collection process. In this study, the measurement is made from the contract of interpersonal relationships (closeness, commitment and complementarity). The findings are presented in the form of descriptive statistics. The comparison and relationship among variables was determined using t-tests and Pearson correlation tests. The study found that there was a significant correlation between coaches in the team sports category with the closeness of t = 2.098, sig = 0041* (p <0.05). The study also found that there was a correlation between the total time of training in a week with the commitment of athletes r = 0.155, sig = 0.016* (p <0.05). These findings indicate that the coaches have a higher level of closeness compared with athletes. Meanwhile, it appears to be no problem with athletes’ commitment with the training period set by their coach. It can be concluded that, the higher the level of interpersonal qualities (closeness, commitment and complement) the higher the level of relationship between athletes and coaches.

The Effect of Road Safety Education on Knowledge, Attitude and Perceived Behavioural Control Regarding Road Safety Among Malaysian School Students

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the revised road safety education module in enhancing knowledge, attitude and perceived behavioural control regarding road safety among school students. Data were gathered from a total of 835 students aged 15 years old (male = 381, female = 454) from six states across Malaysia. The samples were divided into treatment and control groups. The revised road safety module was supplied to the treatment group, whereas the control group did not use any module. For this purpose, a self-developed survey was employed to gauge responses. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 22.0 software. The ANCOVA suggested that the treatment group demonstrated significantly higher mean scores in the post-test for both the knowledge and attitude towards road safety compared to the control group. However, no significant difference between the groups was reported for the construct of perceived behavioural control. The outcome of this research shall provide information to agencies such as the Road Safety Department of Malaysia and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research to plan implementation of the revised module to all schools in 2020.

KEBIMBANGAN BERBAHASA LISAN MURID BAHASA ARAB DI SEKOLAH MENENGAH AGAMA DI MALAYSIA

Anxiety is an affective factor that plays an important role in affecting the mastery and achievement of a language learning. It should be emphasized because the process of language teaching and learning depends on stu-dents' level of emotional readiness and cognitive ability.This study aimed to explore the level of language anxiety in Arabic listening and speaking skills among Malaysian secondary school students in Malaysia. To this end, a set of Likert-scale questionnaires was distributed to 500 fourth-grade students in 20 religious secondary schools who were randomly se-lected randomly based on their zones in Malaysia. This study was quanti-tative by using descriptive data analysis. The findings indicate that the level of Arabic language proficiency in listening skills, in general, is in the medium to high level of value (Min = 3.48; SP = 0.64) and that the level of spoken anxiety is also in the medium to high level (Min = 3.29; SP = 0.57). This study suggests that teachers should always be aware of the students' psychological needs by always motivating, encouraging and using effec-tive teaching methods so that their concerns about learning Arabic can beovercome. Selecting appropriate Arabic language learning techniques and strategies among students can also overcome the language anxiety prob-lem among them.

L2 Learners’ Receptive and Productive Knowledge of Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs (PVs) are very common in English, indicating their usefulness in everyday settings. However, it was reported that language learners generally have great difficulties in understanding and using this linguistic form. This study investigated Malaysian learners’ receptive and productive knowledge of PVs, and some possible factors which may contribute to their difficulties in understanding and using this language feature. A set of PVs test was developed and distributed to 480 secondary school learners in Malaysia to identify their receptive and productive knowledge with respect to PVs. Real data from the English of Malaysian School Students (EMAS) Corpus was used to examine the actual use of PVs by Malaysian learners. Results of the PVs test indicated that in general, Malaysian learners had an average level of knowledge of PVs. Analysis of the EMAS corpus revealed that they faced a lot of problems in the production of PVs. Some possible factors are highlighted which may contribute to such difficulties.

Mobile App for Learning Economics Terminologies

The use of the educational mobile app in teaching and learning is getting popular nowadays due to improvement in technology, better accessibility, users’ acceptance and affordances of mobile devices. This paper discusses the conceptual design of Economics mobile app for learning economics terminologies. The app is designed for ubiquitous self-learning based on cognitive theories, which are information processing theory and cognitive theory in multimedia learning. The users are secondary school students in Malaysia. A qualitative study is adopted for data collection where interviews will be conducted with Economics teachers to identify the list of economic terminologies to be included in the app and also to explore the effective methods of delivering the meaning of those terminologies. The app is aimed to aid students to build understanding and knowledge of the economics terminologies, process the information for long term retention and increase their interest in Economics subject to improve economic literacy. The details of the app are explained in this paper.

Exploring the Psychometric Properties of Mandarin-Translated Zuckerman Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire among Chinese High School Students in Malaysia

The Zuckerman Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ-50-CC) is widely used tool to measure personality traits among the test takers and has been translated in various languages. However, based on the literatures related to personality, it is apparent that there is no Mandarin translated ZKPQ is available to measure personality traits among Chinese population based on the Alternative Five Factor Model. Therefore, the aim of this study is to validate and explore the psychometric properties of the Mandarin-translated version of the Zuckerman Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire. A cross-sectional study was designed involving 250 Malaysian Chinese High school students, aged thirteen to eighteen. Forward-backward translations were performed followed by the factor analysis and reliability testing. The five factors structure was assessed and the factor loadings are similar with the Malay version of ZKPQ. This Mandarin translated ZKPQ comprised of 38 items with the factor loadings ranged from 0.41 to 0.79. The reliability values also showed that Mandarin translated ZKPQ is reliable. As such, the Mandarin translated ZKPQ was found to be valid and reliable to use among Mandarin speaking population for the purpose of personality testing and screening.

P3129Rheumatic heart diseases screening in Bornean Malaysia: a pilot echocardiography study

Abstract Background Rheumatic heart disease is a major public health issue in developing countries including Malaysia. RHD is a preventable disease. Early detection and appropriate treatment may decrease the disease burden to the society. Rheumatic heart disease screening using portable echocardiography may improve early detection among school children in vulnerable community. This is a pilot study of rheumatic heart disease screening using Vscan among primary school students in the Bornean state of Sabah Malaysia. Purpose To evaluate the resources required for RHD screening, prevalence of RHD among school children and awareness among the parents and teachers. Methods A cohort of 211 students from a primary school were recruited in 2017–2018. Parental consents were obtained. Seven sessions were conducted at the school. Echocardiography was performed by 2–3 experienced ultrasonographers. Image interpretation as per the 2012 WHF RHD echocardiographic diagnostic criteria. Results Of the 211 students, 50% female, age range 7–12 year-old. Ethnic groups include Kadazandusun (87%), Rungus (2.4%), Lundayeh (2%), Chinese (2%). Overall, the average number of student scanned was 4.6 students/device/hour. There was a learning curve observed, whereby initial session only scanned 2 students/device/hour which improved to a maximum of 5.9 students/device/hour. Preliminary findings noted probable RHD among 36% (n=76) of screened subjects. Incidental diagnosis of congenital heart disease among 5 students. The suspected RHD cases were referred for formal echocardiography in the tertiary centre for confirmation. Thus far, 12 students were diagnosed with borderline RHD; the main diagnostic criteria in these cases were at least two morphological features of RHD of the MV without pathological MR or MS. Secondary prophylaxis with antibiotic, dental hygiene and patient education were given. Conclusion This is a pilot RHD screening using portable Vscan echocardiography among primary school students in Malaysia. Our study showed it is feasible to conduct RHD screening in the field using portable Vscan. The number of students screened improved with practice. Our preliminary finding suggest RHD is prevalent in this population in Sabah, Malaysia.

Factor analysis on energy saving knowledge among primary school students in Malaysia: A case study in Batang Padang district, Perak

This article verified the key elements for the determinants of students’ knowledge in sustainable practices of energy saving. This study involved 423 students from ten primary schools in Batang Padang district, Perak, Malaysia. A five-level Likert scale was used as an instrument to record the responses. Overall, the questionnaire achieved reliability, with Cronbach alpha values for each variable being greater than 0.7. The data obtained were processed using exploratory factor analysis to observe the factors’ structure of energy saving knowledge. Next, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to validate the pre-determined constructs. The findings from both analyses identified and validated the four key elements of students’ knowledge of sustainable energy conservation practice as: (i) electricity saving; (ii) water saving; (iii) maintaining environmental practice; and (iv) practice of the 3Rs (recycle, reuse and reduce).

Development of Self-learning Economics App for Secondary School Students in Malaysia Based on Information Processing Model

According to the recent development in capabilities of smart mobile devices, their growing penetration rate among students, and the positive impacts of mobile apps on students’ motivation and performance, it is possible to take advantage of these devices to design an app for learning Economics. The aim of this project is to develop the Economics mobile app for secondary school students in Malaysia which can offer ubiquitous self-learning among students. The design is based on information processing model that emphasizes cognitive processes in learning. This paper discusses the development of the app which is named EconsF4.

The Effectiveness of Reality Group Counseling Therapy in Enhancing Multiple Intelligence among Malaysian Students with the Tendency of Problematic Internet Use (PIU)

This study was aimed to explore the effectiveness of group reality therapy in increasing students’ multiple intelligence, focusing on interpersonal skills. We employed quasi-experimental and pretest – posttest design with control group. The statistical population comprised primary and secondary school students in Malaysia, in which out of 24 students were from primary school and 22 students were from secondary school. Participants were selected purposely by school counselors based on students’ vulnerability of having problematic internet use (PIU). Participants then were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group has undergone counseling session of group reality therapy, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The research tools included Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS 2) and Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire (ICQ-15). MIX ANOVA was used to analyze the data. The research results revealed that reality therapy in group counseling has increased the students’ interpersonal skills (P < 0.05).

Effects of a Career Exploration Intervention on Students’ Career Maturity and Self-Concept

This study investigated the effects of a career exploration intervention (CEI) on career maturity and self-concept among Malaysian high school students, using a true experimental design (pretest–posttest with a control group). One hundred thirty-nine high school students in Malaysia were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either a CEI or no intervention. Multivariate analyses of covariance showed significant differences in career maturity and self-concept between the experimental and control groups. Career maturity and self-concept were enhanced immediately after the CEI, and the effects were retained after 4 weeks. Students’ evaluation and feedback on the intervention were also collected. Research and practice implications are discussed.