Malaysian Secondary School Students Research Articles

TikTok Use as Strategy to Improve Knowledge Acquisition and Build Engagement to Learn Literature in ESL Classrooms

The introduction of literature into English classes is an attempt to improve students' language skills. In Malaysian schools, students’ interest in the chalk-and-talk method of teaching and learning literature has waned, leading to a decline in students' knowledge acquisition and a reduction in their engagement in learning. One of the ways to solve this problem is to integrate technological platforms, such as social media platform TikTok, into literature assignments. However, there are not many studies that have investigated the use of this application in literature learning for Malaysian secondary school students. In this quasi-experimental quantitative study, the researchers used TikTok as a strategy in teaching literature to 150 Form Two students, selected through purposive sampling, to determine students' engagement in learning literature and improve their knowledge acquisition. The two instruments used were an adopted questionnaire, and pre-tests and post-tests administered to control and experimental groups. Descriptive statistics, such as number, percentage, independent and paired t-tests, were used to analyse the results. The results of the study show that the overall mean of students' engagement with TikTok in learning literature is very high and students' knowledge acquisition in learning literature is positive. The study elucidates how teachers can improve their students' knowledge and promote engagement in literature using TikTok. Both the teaching and learning literature become fun and foster creativity as an appropriate medium, like TikTok, enables student-centred learning.

An Investigation on the Online Learning Engagement of Malaysian Secondary School Students from Different School Types

This study explored the perceptions of students from different types of schools in Malaysia towards their online learning engagement during COVID-19's movement control order using Fredricks et al.'s framework of behavioural, cognitive, and emotional engagement. In addition to these variables, external support provided to the students was also considered. To this end, a questionnaire that examined the students' general online practices and online learning engagement was administered. Seven hundred sixty-eight students from four different types of secondary schools (national, Chinese, international, and high performing schools) responded to the questionnaire. The findings from the ANOVA analysis indicated that generally the respondents demonstrated positive online learning practices. However, the amount of time spent interacting with teachers online should be much improved. The findings also indicated significant differences in perceptions towards online learning engagement and external support based on school types.

A Study on the Perception of the Pharmacy Profession in Higher Secondary Students of Taiping, Malaysia

The pharmacy profession is undoubtedly one of the healthcare professions with high responsibilities, particularly in ensuring the effective, safe, and reasonable use of medicines. The evolution of the pharmacist’s role in the healthcare system has been significant over the past few years as pharmacists play a critical role in connecting healthcare providers and forming coherent relationships between patients as well as the healthcare team. To date, no studies have been done involving higher secondary school students and their awareness or perception of the pharmacy profession and its relevance in the healthcare system, especially in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the difference between higher secondary school students’ perception of the pharmacy profession, which involves higher secondary school students from several secondary schools located in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia. Quantitative research was performed using a questionnaire survey to study perceptions towards the pharmacy profession in higher secondary school students. One-way ANOVA was performed to study the difference between higher secondary school students’ perception of the pharmacy profession according to their current forms. The result of the analysis shows that there is no statistical difference between the perception of the pharmacy profession of each form, and this also shows that the higher secondary school students have similar levels of knowledge on the pharmacy profession. Further research may be required as this study was focused on one state, Perak; therefore, the data or results do not represent the perception of all higher secondary school students in Malaysia.

Gender and the Use of English Language Among Form 3 Secondary School Students in Malaysia

Gender and the Use of English Language Among Form 3 Secondary School Students in Malaysia

Language Attitude among Form Four Students in ESL Classroom at Tebedu Secondary School, Sarawak

Language attitude is one of the important aspects in language learning. It is the understanding of the linguistics position, perception and action towards the language. Therefore, as part of a significant role in language learning, this study is aimed to identify the language among the Malaysian secondary school students in ESL classrooms. A total of 30 participants from the form four classes in Tebedu secondary school participated in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data by determining the mean score. The study was employed by survey questionnaires. Overall, the finding suggested that the students have moderately positive language attitudes towards English language learning. The cognitive attitude obtained the highest mean score followed by the affective and conative attitude. The study also highlighted a few implications which concern the role of the teacher, parents and the school authority in developing a positive language attitude among the students. The findings of the study will be beneficial to those in the education field to develop an effective remedy for the problem. Keywords: language attitude; rural school; language learning; ESL classroom; target language

Factors and Effects of Internet Usage among Secondary School Students in Malaysia

The use of the internet in this digital age is seen to be a basic necessity in the life of a universal human being. This is due to its need in performing various activities and meeting the psychological and physiological needs of its users. The convenience of the internet network service provided allows anyone to use it for various purposes. Teenagers are seen to be the most users of the internet nowadays. This is because almost every teenager is already able to have a smartphone to access the internet anywhere. The internet networking services provided allow teenagers to interact, entertain, and get information. However, the uncontrolled use of the internet can have a detrimental effect on adolescents. Therefore, this study aims to look at the factors of internet use and the impact of internet use on secondary school students in Malaysia. The method of this study is a survey study which involved 1376 form four secondary school students in seven states in Malaysia. Data were collected using a set of questionnaires. Descriptive data analysis was performed using SPSS software. The results show that the main factor of internet use by students is to find entertainment, add knowledge and eliminate loneliness. Meanwhile, the most felt effects by students are that they feel bored of not having internet, sleep late, fail to control time, feel lonely when not online and are late in completing schoolwork. Thus, this research paper also discusses the steps that need to be done by all parties to control the use of the internet among secondary school students.

Positive School Climate and Emotional Engagement: A Mixed Methods Study of Chinese Students as Ethnocultural Minorities in Malaysian Secondary Schools

Past research on ethnocultural minority students indicates that persistent inequities require greater attention to the multiple learning supports needed to enhance school success. The present study was designed to extend research in this area by exploring school climate and emotional engagement among minority ethnocultural Chinese students in Malaysian secondary schools. We employed quantitative surveys with 724 students ( Mage = 16.1 years; 47.9% female), followed by qualitative interviews with a subset of 25 students ( Mage = 16.1 years; 52% female). Path analysis indicated that feelings of safety, socio-emotional support from teachers and peers, and student voice were predictors of emotional engagement for Chinese students, which further predicted cognitive engagement, academic performance, and school behavior. Thematic analysis further revealed that language and communication barriers and bullying negatively impacted students’ sense of safety and engagement. Caring, respectful relationships with teachers led to students having opportunities to direct their own learning and make decisions on schoolwide activities, promoting students’ feelings of engagement. Support from peers increased students’ emotional engagement by reducing school-related stressors. The findings suggest that a mutually respectful, caring school climate and opportunities for student voice can enhance critical school experiences for ethnocultural minority high school students.

Assessing Graphic Stories as Indicators of Creative Thinking and Literacy Level among Malaysian Secondary School Students

With the current uncertainties of future employment and Malaysian poor literacy rates, effective reading activities, which embed creative thinking, must be reconsidered in teaching and learning. While studies on creative thinking and assessment are available, none considered graphic stories as an assessment of creativity. Based on two short stories, graphic stories produced by secondary school students are assessed for creativity using a rubric of creativity. The assessment consists of four – Novelty, Utility, Aesthetic and Authentic. Findings revealed that Novelty was indicated in the interpretation of the texts to show understanding based on the given resources. Aesthetic was also indicated through the form of graphic stories presented through careful planning. The creative assessment on the participants’ graphic stories provided a glimpse of literacy level among the rural high school students in Malaysia. This paper contributes perspective on creativity among ESL students and guides for further research on literacy in Malaysia.

Secondary School Students’ Online Activities and Their Experience in Cyber Risks

Today's technology and communications (ICT) facility has seen the creation of various social media platforms, chat application and even online entertainment platforms. So, more and more generations are accessing these platforms in search of entertainment, information and even communicating with others. This situation actually opens the door to cyber risk when it is not used wisely and responsibly. As a result, in recent times, various incidents have been reported in adolescents that involve cyber risk, affecting psychological, mental and physical health. These include cyberbullying, digital games and social media addiction, pornography, grooming, cybersex and the misuse of personal information. The purpose of this research is to investigate the online activities among school students and to examine their online risks experienced by Malaysian secondary school students. A total of 1376 form four students (16 years old) were involved in this research. The research data was collected using a set of questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20 software. The findings show a high trend of online student activities for communicating, socializing, watching videos and finding information. Although students' experiences of cyber risk are low, steps to control the situation need to be taken in order to prevent the any risks when they are online. Therefore, this research paper also discusses the role of all parties in ensuring that the cyber world is used wisely and responsibly.

Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis for Disposition Levels of Computational Thinking Instrument Among Secondary School Students

<p style="text-align:justify">Computational thinking (CT) is a method for solving complex problems, but also gives people an inventive inspiration to adapt to our smart and changing society. Globally it has been considered as vital abilities for solving genuine issues successfully and efficiently in the 21st century. Recent studies have revealed that the nurture of CT mainly centered on measuring the technical skill. There is a lack of conceptualization and instruments that cogitate on CT disposition and attitudes. This study attends to these limitations by developing an instrument to measure CT concerning dispositions and attitudes. The instruments' validity and reliability testing were performed with the participation from secondary school students in Malaysia. The internal consistency reliability, standardized residual variance, construct validity and composite reliability were examined. The result revealed that the instrument validity was confirmed after removing items. The reliability and validity of the instrument have been verified. The findings established that all constructs are useful for assessing the disposition of computer science students. The implications for psychometric assessment were evident in terms of giving empirical evidence to corroborate theory-based constructs and also validating items' quality to appropriately represent the measurement.</p>

Language Learning Strategy Used among Secondary School ESL Students

The role of English as a Second Language in Malaysia has prompted ESL learners to explore multi techniques and strategies in learning. However, popular strategies applied by secondary students in Malaysia are not much known. Hence, this study aims to identify the language learning strategies employed by successful language learners among secondary school students in Malaysia. This research employs a survey research design that encompasses the strategy inventory for Language Learning (SILL) It includes the six strategies proposed by (Oxford, 1989). About 38 secondary school students from different states were selected through a purposive sampling technique to answer the survey for the data collection. For the finding, it is revealed that the secondary school students use metacognitive strategies the most, followed by cognitive and memory strategies, which are considered the least used among learning learners. As a result, even though all the three strategies are being employed in their language learning process, it appears that the metacognitive strategy is the one that stands out the most thus confirming its interrelations with successful language learners. Therefore, the language learners strategies practised among secondary school varies from metacognitive as the most preferable one, followed by cognitive, and lastly memory strategies hence reflecting their proficiency level as good language learners.

An Investigation of Malaysian Secondary School Teachers and Students’ Perspectives towards Computer Technology in Education during the Covid‑19 Pandemic

The present study aims at investigating the perspectives of Malaysian secondary school teachers and students towards computer technology in education during the Covid‑19 Pandemic. A questionnaire adapted from Christensen and Knezek (1998) was used as a data collection instrument in this study. The participants included 49 secondary school teachers, 63 student teachers and 125 secondary school students. The main result of the study indicates that teachers have the most positive perspectives towards computers than that of student teachers and senior high school students. In contrast, senior high school students do not have positive perspectives towards the use of computer technology. In addition, they have different perspectives concerning different constructs including enthusiasm, email, vocation, aversion and enjoyment. The results of this research offer an understanding of Malaysian secondary school teachers’ and students’ perspectives to computer technology in education. Therefore, it can help promulgate computer usage in secondary education. In addition, the findings will inform policy-makers and stakeholders of secondary schools to prepare particular strategies for diverse targeted groups to enhance computer applications.

An Investigation of Malaysian Secondary School Teachers and Students’ Perspectives towards Computer Technology in Education during the Covid-19 Pandemic

An Investigation of Malaysian Secondary School Teachers and Students’ Perspectives towards Computer Technology in Education during the Covid-19 Pandemic

A Study of Written Noun Pattern Sequences among Secondary School Students in Malaysia

The following research work aimed to investigate the language change of learners through their usage of noun pattern in order to identify which words occur with which patterns and then create a repertoire of the three learners’ particular ways of using them. In order to do so, like previous studies, the study relied on the theoretical framework of Hunston’s Pattern Grammar Approach (1997) and the conceptual framework of Larsen-Freeman’s Complexity Theory (2006). This mixed method study adopted a longitudinal research approach into Chau (2015) students’ data to observe the commonly occurred noun pattern sequences within their writing tasks over three years. This helped to understand the changes on the noun pattern about language learning by associating meaning production via noun pattern sequences. Data collection and analysis method was adopted from Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2010. The codification of noun patterns were done quantitatively and then its frequency was quantified. The five nouns have been identified from the analysis at keyness cut-off of 25 via Keywords Extractor followed by a codification of noun pattern sequences done via the framework by Collins Cobuild English Dictionary and Francis et al. (1998). The result of the analysis shows that students do follow noun patterns yet they also tend to produce structures in their very unique ways. Likewise, the repetition of pattern over the years observed in learners suggests language could be both regressing and progressing simultaneously, unlike the developmental leader metaphor applied in most educational settings. In other words, the study suggests that students should be acquainted with patterns instead of words in isolation because their association with different words makes them a natural accompaniment to a lexical approach. This paves the way for unorthodox scoring or marking system, shifting the focus from error analysis to meaningful production of language.

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC TOWARDS MALAYSIA’S SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

The COVID-19 pandemic has been spreading all across the globe since December 2019. The pandemic has brought a threat by not only risking peoples’ lives but also impacting society’s mental well-being. This research aimed to discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological health of secondary school students in Malaysia who were expected to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination in 2020 but it got postponed due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The objectives of the proposed research revolve around the idea of investigating the underlying causes affecting these students’ mental well-being and identifying any coping mechanisms used to overcome this issue. A total of 137 respondents took part in completing the online survey from the period of February 16th to 21st 2021. Results indicated that 59.6% of the respondents are being psychologically impacted by the current pandemic, followed by 32.7% of the respondents who mentioned they somehow are being psychologically impacted, and 7.7% stating that the COVID-19 has not impacted them psychologically at all. A variety of external stressors led to a finding in the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) that respondents were asked to respond to, indicating that 37.6% of respondents had extreme anxiety, 28.8% had moderate anxiety, 20.0% had mild anxiety, and 5.6% & had normal mental well-being. It is highly suggested that the mental health of secondary school students needs to be monitored by the respective authorities to achieve a quality education among the students.Keywords: Coronavirus, pandemic, students’ mental well-being, mental health, education, online distance learning

Calcium and iron intakes of adolescents in Malaysia and their relationships with body mass index (BMI): Findings from the Adolescent Nutrition Survey 2017

Introduction: Adolescent health is a priority considering they represent the future generation. Data from the Adolescent Nutrition Survey 2017 were analysed to determine the prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy, particularly calcium and iron, and the relationship with body mass index (BMI) among Malaysian secondary school students. Methods: This cross-sectional study included students aged 13 to 17 years old studying at public and private schools. Twenty-four hours dietary recall via face-to-face interview was conducted by trained nutritionists to obtain data on dietary intake. For nutritional status, BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ) was analysed using WHO Anthroplus software. Results: From 999 respondents, 449 were boys and 550 were girls. Overall findings indicated that both boys and girls had inadequate intakes of calcium and iron in their daily diet. Mean intakes of calcium (695.7±463.2 mg/day) and iron (23.4±21.0 mg/day) were higher among boys aged 16 to 17 years old. Mean intake of iron were higher among the older age groups. Majority of the respondents (boys: 94%; girls: 97%) did not meet the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for calcium and more than half (boys: 50%; girl: 80%) did not achieve the RNI for iron. Current findings also found significant positive but weak correlations between calcium (r=0.112, p=0.001) and iron (r=0.084, p=0.008) intakes with BMI-for-age. Conclusion: BMI-for-age was related to calcium and iron intakes among secondary school students in Malaysia. Thus, intervention strategies should focus on early screening and nutrition education on food choices of high calcium and high iron contents, including iron supplementation programmes, if needed.

The Effect of Collaborative Strategic Reading on ESL Students’ Reading Comprehension Through Online Teaching

The purpose of this study are to investigate the effect of Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) on the reading comprehension of ESL secondary school students through online teaching and to find out the ESL secondary school students’ perceptions of the Collaborative Strategic Reading approach in online teaching. Ten secondary school students in Malaysia participated in this study. This study adopted an experimental design which is pre-test and post-test with a control group and an interview. In the experimental group, the students were taught using CSR while the students in the control group were taught in the traditional way. The result indicated that CSR had a positive effect on ESL secondary school students’ reading comprehension. However, the statistical analysis did not show that CSR significantly improve reading comprehension of the students compared with the traditional teacher-centered approach. The results of interview further proved that all students held a positive attitude towards CSR approach. Some suggestions for future research to further validate the effectiveness of CSR are also provided.

Hubungan Persekitaran Sekolah dan Guru dengan Amalan Akhlak Murid Sekolah Menengah Malaysia

This article examines the moral practice of secondary school students in Malaysia and their perception towards the school environment and the teachers of Islamic education. This article is part of the findings of a study that has used the survey as a method of data collection. The questionnaires were distributed to the students in the form four and lower six of secondary schools in Malaysia. They were selected based on the of multi stages cluster sampling. A total of 3 ,262 students were involved in answering the questionnaires. SPSS software has been used to analyze the data. It can be concluded that, the Islamic practice of Muslim students in secondary schools is categorized as ‘a high level of religious practice’ and their perception on school environment and Islamic education teachers also is high. This study also shows that there is a significant correlation between the Islamic moral practices of students and their perceptions of the school environment, and between Islamic education teachers.

The Development of an SRSD-Based ESL Writing Instruction Module for Malaysian Secondary School Students

Writing has been known to be a demanding and difficult skill to teach and master in the ESL secondary school context. Writing intervention modules can be effective add-ons to existing writing lessons to help students who are struggling with writing to cope with the demands of this difficult skill. Despite many writing interventions developed, little has been explored on including self-regulation strategies explicitly into these interventions. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of a self-regulation strategies-based writing instruction module for secondary school students. The writing module adopted the Self-regulation Strategies Development model (SRSD) as its theoretical foundation and utilised a qualitative design through content analysis as data collection method. The six units writing instruction module was developed using the Kemp model as a design framework, including a need analysis, whereas the content validation was done through experts’ panel evaluation. The results from the content validation suggest that the module can be used in the classroom to guide teachers to help them develop their students’ self-regulation skills to help them cope with ESL writing. Future research suggestion includes testing the module’s usability in real classrooms.

Islamic Self-Identity Formation Through Language Learning: A Study of Religious Secondary School Students in Malaysia

Self-identity formation becomes increasingly challenging for students as they are exposed to different norms in the school environment. Education, language, and religion are crucial in the process of self-identity formation. Therefore, this study aims to explore how English language learning and the school environment influence Islamic self-identity formation among students in selected religious secondary schools in Terengganu, Malaysia. The study employed a qualitative approach in which 90 religious secondary school students in the State of Terengganu were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Focus group interviews were used as a data-gathering instrument. The students were divided across different sessions to ease the process of data collection. The data were transcribed and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The study found that English language learning does not influence the students’ Islamic self-identity formation negatively. Instead, certain morals such as respect, self-esteem, and cooperation, are instilled in the students’ self-identity. This study provides evidence on the students’ ability to construct Islamic self-identity despite the challenges of second language learning.