Polytechnics In Malaysia Research Articles

Investigating Students Attitudes in Engineering Science Course: An Analysis using the Tripartite Model

The research aimed to gain insights into the attitudes of first-semester Engineering Science students towards their Engineering Science classes, as well as to investigate whether gender has an impact on these attitudes. A total of 182 students were involved in the data collection process, which included completing a comprehensive questionnaire comprising 20 items rated on a Likert scale. The questionnaire covered affective, behavioral, and cognitive components across five distinct sections.Following this, the gathered responses underwent quantitative analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, including computations of mean values, standard deviations, percentages, and frequencies. The results revealed that the majority of students displayed positive attitudes towards learning physics, with significant variations observed based on the students' gender.These findings have the potential to inform targeted interventions aimed at addressing the underlying barriers to achieving quality physics education for all students especially in context of Polytechnic Malaysia.

Assessing the RIASEC Model’s Impact on Critical Thinking in Industry 4.0

The advent of Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) necessitates not only technologies advancements in manufacturing but also the development of essential human competencies, such as critical thinking, which beyond the capabilities of automated systems. This study draws the inspiration from the Holland theory to examine the influence of RIASEC model on critical thinking competency within the context of IR 4.0. Survey data were gathered from 98 bachelor students enrolled in work-based learning (WBL) programs at polytechnics in Malaysia, with focus on individuals from low-income backgrounds. This study employing a quantitative method and purposive sampling was utilized for sample selection. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) via Smart PLS 3.0 software was employed to analyze both measurement and structural models. The findings indicate a positive relationship between four RIASEC model and critical thinking competency. The study concludes with discussion on the implications and limitations of the findings, along with suggestions for future research direction related to the RIASEC model’s impact on IR 4.0 competency.

Social innovation in working management practices to support facilities management at Malaysian polytechnics

Purpose Operation and maintenance (O&M) processes projects such as identification, assessment, planning and execution, embody a variety of standards such as technical (method of statement), environmental, economic (campus development) and social (health and wellbeing). Because these standards have proven to be challenging to integrate, local governments are increasingly experimenting with social innovation (SI) as a bottom-up form of standard integration. This study aims to apply the concept of SI to the O&M processes of facilities management at polytechnics in Malaysia to identify problems with conventional working practices in this area and to recommend potential solutions. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews evidence that conventional working methods generate significant problems related to paper-based forms, improper database management and flawed decision-making processes. Because of the lack knowledge about different ways of how standard integration is achieved, the comparison of three polytechnic institutions which are Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SPCEET) in USA as well as Seberang Perai Polytechnic, Pulau Pinang (PSP) in Malaysia shares the ambition to realise standard integration of O&M through SI. Findings The findings reveal that SI leads to four ways of standard integration: computerised maintenance management system, online customer complaint, electronic form and relational database. Application of the concept of SI reveals the need for more sophisticated management solutions in the O&M processes of facilities management. Originality/value These standard integration arrangements unfortunately seem to mainly contribute to greater alignment between standard rather than true standard integration. The concept of SI will guide future improvements and developments in maintenance management systems to fulfil requirements in this area.

A MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPED FOR SCAFFOLDING ESL LEARNERS IN PROVIDING PEER FEEDBACK

Background and Purpose: Peer feedback has received significant research attention in teaching and learning of oral presentation skills. However, literature reveals a number of challenges concerning students’ provision of peer feedback. A mobile application was thus developed to scaffold students in this context. This study purports to evaluate the efficacy of the developed application by introducing it to the target users in an actual classroom setting.
 
 Methodology: Thirty-three (33) ESL learners from one of the polytechnics in Malaysia were involved in this descriptive study. Both the peer feedback records (pre- and post-) were analyzed for the differences in peer feedback before and after the implementation of mobile application. A 20-item questionnaire was later administered to the target group to examine their perceptions on the developed application.
 
 Findings: It was revealed that with the use of the newly developed application, students generally constructed more peer feedback with specific suggestions to improve oral presentation. Positive perceptions regarding the presentation, visual design, navigation and mobile app accessibility were also found.
 Contributions: This study adds to the limited research on the use of mobile-assisted peer feedback, which can be a practical way to develop ESL learners’ oral presentation skills. The findings offer insights into how a mobile application can help scaffold students in peer feedback provision and could help inform that scaffolding is deemed necessary in building an effective classroom culture of feedback. The outcome could serve as a guide for instructors who wish to contemplate using similar approach.
 
 Keywords: ESL learners, mobile application, oral presentation, peer feedback, scaffolding.
 
 Cite as: Nguoi, C. C. L., Habil, H., & Siew, M. H. (2022). A mobile application developed for scaffolding ESL learners in providing peer feedback. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 7(2), 291-313. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol7iss2pp291-313

Exploring the use of video-annotated peer feedback in oral presentation lessons

This study explored the use of video-annotated peer feedback in supporting student learning in oral presentation lessons. Nine student volunteers from one of the polytechnics in Malaysia participated in three rounds of video-annotated peer feedback sessions to improve their oral presentation skills. Even though video-annotated peer feedback was found to focus primarily on 'structure' and 'body language', most of the feedback were specific and cognitive feedback consisting of summary comments, problem/strength identification, solution and explanatory comments were identified. Collectively, students perceived the use of video-annotated peer feedback positively in their learning. The prominent themes emerging from the analysis of students' journal entries: students' active engagement in creative problem-solving, enhanced understanding of weaknesses in doing oral presentation and students' self-reflection seem to confirm the potential pedagogical benefits of using this approach in teaching of oral presentation.

Soft skills requirements in e-complaint project team to support facilities management at Malaysian polytechnics

PurposeIn the context of the study, soft skill means identifying efficient and effective approaches for improving operation and maintenance (O&M) processes in facilities management and extending the management of building facilities and infrastructure. Applying the concept of soft skill to the O&M processes of facilities management at polytechnics in Malaysia, the paper aims to identify problems with conventional working practices in this area and to recommend potential solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews evidence that conventional working methods generate significant problems related to paper-based forms, improper database management and flawed decision-making processes.FindingsThe paper finds that the application of the concept of soft skill reveals the need for more sophisticated management solutions in the O&M processes of facilities management.Originality/valueThe concept of soft skill will guide future improvements and developments in maintenance management systems (MMS) to fulfil requirements in this area.

Does a Person-Environment-Fit Promote the Academic Achievement of Hearing-Impaired Students in Malaysian Polytechnics? The Mediating Effects of Satisfaction and Adjustment.

(1) This study investigates the influence of a person-environment-fit on academic achievement and examines mediating effects of adjustment and satisfaction on this relationship; (2) Methods: Data were collected from a sample of 195 hearing-impaired students from five polytechnics in Malaysia that offered the Special Skills Certificate program; (3) Results: Results revealed that the two constructs of the person-environment approach: personality-major fit and needs-supplies fit were positively associated with academic achievement. The adjustment was found to mediate this relationship. Taken together, these results signal that the person-environment constructs contribute to the academic achievement of hearing-impaired students and that adjustment is instrumental in elucidating this relationship; (4) Conclusions: The finding adds to the data, indicating that the person-environment-fit is a possible model of inclusion for hearing-impaired students and also provides initial data about the functioning of hearing-impaired students in Malaysian polytechnics.

Employer’s Perspective Towards Industrial Training Students of Commerce Department, Polytechnic Sultanah Tuanku Bahiyah

Industrial training is a requirement for the acknowledgement of Diploma Polytechnic Malaysia. Vast and varied knowledge and skills are acquired by the students while going through the industrial training. The purpose of this study is to gauge the perspective of the employers towards the industrial training students of the Commerce Department from Polytechnic Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah (PTSB). The study is conducted through survey forms developed by Unit Pengurusan Latihan Industri (UPLI). The questions are in relations to the employer’s perspective towards the industrial trainees in terms of technological literacy, effective communication, teamwork, policies, procedures and regulations, professional ethics and reporting skills. Analysis through the responding data of 375 employers on 375 of the students in the 2019June and December sessions using the percentage and mean score, each one of the aspects were calculated to be above 80% with the mean score of 4.00 to 5.00. Results from this research indicates that employers are content with the performance of the industrial training students of the Commerce Department, Polytechnic Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah in all aspects of the skills required while undergoing the industrial training.

Environmental Concern, Attitude and Intention in Understanding Student’s Anti-Littering Behavior Using Structural Equation Modeling

Concerns about the environment began to rise as various issues such as littering increased. Littering is one of the problems involving the environment, and higher education campuses are also actively practising anti-littering to show their efforts. The aim of this study is to test the relationship between environmental concern, attitude and intention on anti-littering using Theory of Planned Behavior Extended Model. A total of 303 students of the Polytechnic Malaysia campus were respondents in this study and the data were analyzed by Structural Equation Modeling using SPSS Amos 24.0 Statistical Packages. Findings show that there is a direct and indirect effect between environmental concern and student’s anti-littering intention. The indirect result shows that attitude towards anti-littering behavior partially mediates the relationship between environmental concern and anti-littering intention. The implications of the research findings and suggestions for the future study are also included in the study.

THE ATTRIBUTES OF FUTURE SOCIAL LEARNING BUILT ENVIRONMENTS TOWARDS 21st CENTURY EDUCATION IN TERTIARY EDUCATION

In the past two decades, the transformation that has captured tertiary education worldwide is a significant task mentioned as “academic evolution”. Whereby, the vast exploitation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) explicitly mentioned as artificial intelligence (AI), digitisation, automation and Internet of Things (IoT) articulate the term Industry 4.0. Furthermore, the application of ICT in teaching and learning foster a new learning theory designated as Connectivism. Hence, there are needs in the formulation of an ideal and compatible classification of a social learning environment to accommodate the new learning theory, which enhances the informal learning undertaken by learners besides their formal lecture hours. Therefore, this study aims to seek factors that influenced learners’ preferences toward social learning spaces. A qualitative study was adapted to investigate the learner’s preferences attributes on social learning spaces at Polytechnics. An adapted questionnaire consisting of 39 items was administered to 300 Polytechnic students from three Polytechnics in Malaysia. In particular, data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with IBM SPSS version 22. The results from this research recommended a typology of six social learning space preferences attributes as a multidimensional construct with its two underlying dimensions: physical preferences and social preferences. The findings can help in redesigning and planning of social academic learning space in tertiary education institutions to enhance education towards 21st Century Education.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment on Welding Practical Work on Learning Process at Malaysia Polytechnic Diploma of Engineering Programme

Practical work is part of the compulsory process of learning for any engineering student in polytechnic Malaysia. This study focuses on the ergonomic risk assessment during the practical work for Malaysian Polytechnic for mechanical diploma programme. Consequently, it is also implemented to identify potential harm caused by ergonomic risk factors. This study uses quantitative method through the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMQ) framework and is followed by a Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The instruments used are measuring tape, smartphones for recording audio and video as well as digital images, assessment checklists (CMQ and REBA), personal protective equipment, goniometers and weights scale. Based on the study, all elements of value provide high level risk score results and require ergonomic risk control. Therefore, it is recommended to review the body’s posture and improve the techniques during the weld practical work process to reduce ergonomic risk factors.

Digital Learning Demand for Future Education 4.0—Case Studies at Malaysia Education Institutions

The rapid growth of the Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 has prompted the Malaysian Education Institution to transform the current education system into the future education system 4.0. The impact of IR 4.0 has opened a new paradigm for the Malaysian Educational Institution to ensure that all lecturers are capable of using information and communication technologies (ICT) in teaching and learning. However, there is a challenge in identifying appropriate digital learning platforms and tools to engage students in learning at their own pace. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the demand for digital learning platforms and tools according to the needs of students in Polytechnic Malaysia. The study was conducted randomly among 320 students from various fields of study in selected polytechnics. The analysis method used in this study was a quantitative method using questionnaires as an instrument. The results of our study indicated that e-learning platforms were the highest demand students’ preferred compared to other learning platforms and tools. Hence, the implications of this study could be useful as a guideline to assist Malaysian Polytechnic lecturers in strengthening the practice of using digital learning and develop digital proficiency for enabling education 4.0 in the future.

Evaluation on effectiveness of learning linear algebra using gamification

This study evaluate effectiveness of learning Linear Algebra using gamification strategy. In this study, gamification with storytelling strategy is used as teaching tools to attract student to learn Linear Algebra. This study using Polytechnic Malaysia syllabus with focus group of Diploma students for semester three (Mechanical Engineering) and semester four (Electrical Engineering) for two topics; Matrix and Numerical Method. They are five methods of calculation simultaneous linear equations which is ‘Inverse’, ‘Cramer's Rule’, ‘Gauss Elimination’, ‘Lower Upper Doolittle’ and ‘Lower Upper Crout’. They are three main phases to develop this gamification; Pedagogy Phase, Design Phase and Evaluation Phase. Mixed methods approach combining quantitative (survey) and qualitative (Electroencephalogram) is used to evaluate students learning process using Linear Algebra gamification application. The findings of the five items surveyed showed that the acceptance of the prototype of the Linear Algebra Gamification Application was very encouraging from a total of 104 students. This is because all 38 questions for the five items earn a median of four and this indicates the majority of students choose “Agree” and “Strongly Agree”. The findings also show the percent “Agree” and “Strongly Agree” for all questions having a high percentage of between 61.5 and 94.2. This shows more than half satisfied and likes to use the Linear Algebra Gamification Application prototype. With the development of the Linear Algebra Gamification Application prototype, it is hoped that the use of learning based can be extended to a variety of subjects as well as topics to make the learning process more interesting and fun as well as helping to motivate students to learn

Readiness of Polytechnic Manufacturing Program in Malaysia towards Future Industry

Polytechnic education was introduced in Malaysia with funding from the World Bank in 1969. The purpose is to be one of Malaysia’s education provider to access quality in produce holistic, enterprising and competitive human capital in line with global industrial needs. Currently, there are 37 polytechnics in they that offered quality programs with relevant curriculum. One of the programs is Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing) is competent skills in the field of mechanical engineering to fulfill the demand of workers in the engineering manufacturing sector. For remain competitive especially in terms of future technology advancement, this program needs to be revised so that the students who are produced can meet the requirements of the future industry specially to face the challenging in Industrial Revolution 4.0(IR4.0). To get the clear situation, the qualitative study had been conducting with the interview method to identify how far the adequate of polytechnic manufacturing program towards IR4.0 regarding the readiness of student competency, the effect of the changes and actions taken by polytechnics management. From the findings, it shown that the manufacturing programs in Polytechnic Malaysia need to arrange the strategy to make sure the student or the graduates that they develop can fulfil IR4.0 skills and competencies related.

Different Realism Designs of 2D Virtual Agents and i ts' Arousal Effect on Students’ Emotions in Learning

This research was aimed to analyse students’ emotions caused by the character’s realism design in the dimension of arousal and its’ effect on emotions in learning. Thus, 2D female virtual agents with four different realism appearance namely realistic, semi-realistic, stylized and cartoon-like were designed and developed. Thus, quasi experimental design was used to answer the research questions derived from this study. The data obtained from the experiment was analysed using ANOVA, post hoc and bootstrap mediation analysis. A number of 600 Electrical Engineering students were chosen from seven polytechnics in Malaysia as respondents in the experiment. From the research it was found that cartoon-like design obtained the lowest mean score arousal followed by stylized, realistic and semi-realistic designs. However, cartoon-like design scored highest mean score for emotions in learning followed by semi-realistic, realistic and stylized designs. Therefore, cartoon-like agent is the best agent among others in inducing positive emotions in learning. In addition, the mediation analysis shows that arousal has mediating effects on relation between different realism designs and emotions in learning. In conclusion, this study recommends cartoon-like agent as the best suitable design for 2D virtual agent followed by semi-realistic, realistic and stylized designs subsequently. Finally, the findings of this study can be a useful guideline for multimedia designers in determining the ideal 2D virtual agent appearance to elicit maximum impact of it in promoting positive emotions in multimedia learning environment.

A Study of Students’ Motivation in Using the Mobile Arc Welding Learning App

Welding is an introductory core subject that is taught in every mechanical engineering programs at all polytechnics in Malaysia. Normally students will learn the theoretical concepts of welding in the class followed by instruction based training in the workshop. However, students have difficulty to follow everything that has been taught in the class in a limited time. Welding is dangerous for beginners and the welding environments are harmful and injurious to the health. In this paper, we introduce Mobile Arc Welding Learning (MAWL) app, a new approach for learning arc welding that incorporates mobile technology and enhanced with augmented reality (AR). The aim of this app is to enhance the contents used in arc welding learning materials used in the conventional learning by visualizing the information through the use of text, images, videos and 3D models. The MAWL app covers topics related to safety in welding, components of welding and steps in welding. The students can use the app to learn about welding on their own anytime and anywhere. The potential of using the MAWL app for welding learning among the polytechnic students has been investigated, specifically focusing on ease of use, learnability, satisfaction, usefulness, motivation and engagement. The results of the evaluation indicate that the users strongly agreed on ease of use, learnability, satisfaction, usefulness and motivation, while they agreed on engagement. These prove that the MAWL app has the potential to contribute to students’ welding learning through interactive and accessible information that satisfies them.

Generated Formula based on Index Learning Style among Engineering Students towards Academic Achievement at Polytechnic Malaysia

The aim of establishment polytechnic in Malaysia is to produce excellent and quality graduates to cater the needs of human capital in our country. However, the achievement of the graduates is still at a less satisfactory level. The failure among students to achieve outstanding academic achievement is due to not understanding the process and their learning style. This study is conducted to explore and examine the depth of learning style practice among students using Felder-Silverman learning style model (FSLSM) with their academic achievement in engineering study at polytechnic Malaysia. The method of data collection was in the form of survey using questionnaire. There are 36 polytechnics in Malaysia and 8792 students were involved for the study. The results of data analysis obtained among engineering students using Index Learning Style (ILS) were upon four dimensions of FSLSM which are processing, perception, input, and understand. A formula is generated based on ILS referring to the received results as a preliminary measurement of student intake into engineering field at polytechnic Malaysia.

Polytechnic ESL Lecturers’ Acceptance of using Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for Teaching English As A Second Language (ESL)

The implementation of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) in the educational field has become the way of learning in many educational institutions worldwide. MOOC is believed could help to promote active learning among language learners. In Malaysian polytechnic settings, MOOC has just recently implemented for the English course. Thus, this study aimed to investigate polytechnics English as a Second Language (ESL) lecturers' acceptance of using Massive Open Online Course for teaching ESL and the challenges they faced in using MOOC. The methodology used was the survey method where a set of questionnaires was developed and adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model. The respondents for this study were 34 ESL lecturers from different polytechnics in Malaysia. The findings revealed that polytechnic ESL lecturers have positive perceptions towards the ease of use and usefulness of MOOC for teaching ESL. The investigation also revealed the challenges faced by the lecturers in using MOOC for teaching ESL. The results would contribute positively to the policy makers, developers, and administrators to gain more insight on the lecturers' perceptions and challenges related to the use of technology for language teaching and learning in any higher learning institutions.

The Influence Of Feedback Environment Towards Job Satisfaction In Tvet Education Organization

This was a study descriptively identifying relationship between feedback environment and job satisfaction conducted in Polytechnic Malaysia. A total of 105 lecturers via random sampling method were chosen from local Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) education organization in Sarawak. The questionnaire consisted of three parts including the modified items of Job Satisfaction Scale (Ling, 2016; Quinn & Shepard, 1974). The extent of organization support on feedback process was diagnosed using feedback environment questionnaires by Ling (2016). The findings displayed that there is a significant influence in feedback environment towards job satisfaction. Regression analysis also shown that the best combination of feedback credibility, feedback quality and feedback delivery contributed greater change in job satisfaction. In conclusion, this study recommends that feedback environment factors should be prioritized not only to create job satisfaction but to maintain the effectiveness of the organization in the long run.

Validity of Teamwork Instruments in the TIG Welding Training Modules based on Project Based Learning (PBP)

This study is aimed at the validity of a teamwork questionnaire in the TIG Welding Training Module based on Project Based Learning (PBP) in the Subject (DJJ3032) of Mechanical Workshop Practice 3 at Polytechnic Malaysia. This study was quantified using the survey method to get an expert opinion through a questionnaire related to the content of the teamwork instrument. The research sample consists of 8 experts who are experienced in the field of welding in Malaysia. The findings show that this research instrument has a high content validity. The findings of the validity of the content of a team workforce demonstrate the contents of this instrument are valid and of good quality and can be applied. It is hoped that a teamwork workforce in TIG Welding Training Modules will enhance the achievement of polytechnic students in turn to create human capital that will become the catalyst for future development.