A case study of using authentic assessment in project-based learning in excellent teachers' english classrooms

Authentic assessment is a variation of alternative assessment. It is a classroom assessment which comprises of teacher‟s observation, feedback as well as self and peer assessments. It can be used in student-centred teaching approaches namely project-based learning (PjBL). Although PjBL is recognised across the globe, not all teachers in the 21st century classrooms adapt this method with young learners. While authentic assessment advocates student-centred approach, this assessment method is still poorly implemented. To worsen the situation, primary school teachers do not have a guideline on how to use authentic assessment in their classroom. Excellent teachers who are model teachers use PjBL but lack knowledge on authentic assessment. This qualitative case study seeks to explore the process of using authentic assessment in assessing PjBL in the English classes of six excellent teachers from a Northern state in Peninsula Malaysia who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, a series of classroom observations and document analysis. Atlas ti. Version 8 was used to aid the researcher in analysing and collapsing categories into emerging themes from the findings. Five themes that emerged were Student-centred learning; Teacher Quality; Variations in authentic assessment; Catering for learners‟ needs and Communicating assessment rubrics with learners. The implication of this research is for teachers to be able to use a set of guidelines from the best practices of the excellent teachers. The guidelines were developed from the findings to assist primary school teachers to embed authentic assessment in PjBL in their respective classrooms

Improving Process Writing with the Use Authentic Assessment

The paper discusses on how process writing is improved with the use of authentic assessment in an English Language classroom. Eleven primary school children from Year 4 in a rural school in Sabah are the participants of the study. Data were collected by observing them during the English Language lessons and at the end of the series of observations, an interview session was conducted. The results of the study revealed thatusing authentic assessment to assess young learners’ writing skills is beneficial and effective in helping them to write better in the English Language classroom. The presentation will therefore provide suggestions for the use of more authentic assessment in the classroom, particularly in English Language teaching and learning

Drone Detection and Classification using Passive Forward Scattering Radar

Radar is a system that can analyze object detection that uses radio waves to determine the range, angle or velocity of the object. The passive radar system consists of both transmitters, to generate microwaves domain and produce the electromagnetic waves for radio system, and the receiver, to receive and process the data obtain from the transmitter signal to determine the Doppler signature of the objects that can be used to detect any presence of drone, aircraft and guided missiles that pass through the system between the transmitter and receiver. The objective of this study was mainly to detect drones, which can be liken to a situation where an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is used, and the drone is mainly used by humans to enter or trespass private and secured zone. Besides that, this study can help improve the security at Malaysian borders or at important events, such as during the latest Malaysian 14th General Election, where man flew a drone during the nomination process. The detection can be done by differentiating the size of the drone and prototype, with a focus on the dimension. In this study, we used passive forward scattering radar for drone detection to get the Doppler signature. The Doppler signature is produced when the antenna detects the presence of the drone passing between the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter produces a power signal that transmits a frequency of Long-Term Evolution (LTE), and in this study, the frequencies used were 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz. The 1.8 GHz signal provided better quality compared to 2.6 GHz because it has wider and better network coverage known as 4G LTE as introduced by Maxis provider. Furthermore, all of the data collected was processed and analyzed using MATLAB software to classify drone and prototype signatures through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results. For future contribution of this project, it can be used at the airport to detect any unwanted drones trespassing the flight departure area, and important areas such as the Federal Administrative Centre of Malaysia, Putrajaya for spying purposes

Motivasi dan tahap penglibatan belia Felda dalam kesukarelawanan di Felda Bukit Rokan, Negeri Sembilan

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan hubungan antara motivasi dan tahap penglibatan belia dalam aktiviti sukarela di Felda Bukit Rokan, Negeri Sembilan. Objektif khusus kajian ini adalah untuk i) memperihalkan sosio demografi responden; ii) mengenal pasti dimensi dan tahap motivasi responden dalam aktiviti sukarela; iii) mengenal pasti jenis dan tahap penglibatan responden dalam aktiviti sukarela; dan iv) menentukan hubungan antara motivasi dan tahap penglibatan responden dalam aktiviti sukarela. Seramai 136 responden yang terdiri daripada 54.4 peratus lelaki dan 45.6 peratus perempuan terlibat dalam kajian ini. Responden dipilih melalui kaedah persampelan bertujuan. Data diperolehi dengan menggunakan borang soal selidik yang ditadbir sendiri oleh responden. Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI) telah digunakan untuk mengukur motivasi sukarelawan, manakala tahap penglibatan diukur menggunakan alat ukuran yang dibina sendiri oleh penyelidik. Kedua-dua alat ukuran mempunyai nilai pekali kebolehpercayaan Cronbach’s alpha 0.939 dan 0.696. Analisis statistik yang digunakan adalah korelasi Pearson. Hasil kajian menunjukkan motif utama penglibatan responden dalam aktiviti sukarela adalah motif pemahaman, diikuti oleh motif nilai dan motif sosial. Manakala, jenis aktiviti utama yang disertai oleh belia adalah aktiviti sukarela berbentuk sukan, diikuti oleh aktiviti berbentuk khidmat sosial dan masyarakat serta aktiviti keagamaan. Selain itu, kajian turut mendapati tahap motivasi responden adalah tinggi, manakala tahap penglibatan dalam aktiviti kerja sukarela adalah sederhana. Keputusan analisis korelasi Pearson menunjukkan hubungan positif secara signifikan antara kesemua dimensi motivasi dengan tahap penglibatan responden dalam aktiviti sukarela (r = .547 hingga .649, p<.01). Kesimpulannya, motivasi sukarelawan iaitu motif untuk terlibat dalam aktiviti sukarela mempunyai hubungan dengan tahap penglibatan dalam aktiviti sukarela dalam kalangan belia di Felda. Justeru, untuk meningkatkan tahap penglibatan belia dalam aktiviti sukarela, faktor motivasi memainkan peranan yang penting, selain daripada menambahbaik penganjuran aktiviti-aktiviti sukarela di kawasan Felda

Analysis On Drone Detection and Classification in LTE-Based Passive Forward Scattering Radar System

Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is most commonly used in connection with 4G networks with high spectral efficiency, high peak data rates, flexible in frequency and bandwidth. By utilizing LTE signal in passive forward scattering radar as transmitter, this system is able to create a microwave domain at the radar's receiver part which generated a moving object's Doppler signature. The emergence of guided missiles, humans, airplanes, and drones that travel through between the forward scatter radar systems can really be spotted with this passive radar system. This study's primary goal is to employ passive forward scattering radar and an LTE signal to detect drones, which are commonly used by individuals to violate or invade private and secure places. In detail, a drone was detected at two distinct heights of two meters (lower) and three meters (higher) from the ground by utilizing passive forward scattering radar to generate Doppler signature of the flying drone. This experimental work is conducted at two locations which are Taman Suria (UiTM, Shah Alam) and Teluk Kemang (Port Dickson), due to the telecommunication transmitter antenna transmits Long-Term Evolution (LTE) signal with frequency of 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz. The results of drone detection at various heights were evaluated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA)&nbsp;on all the experimental data obtained. According to the evaluation, the lower height of the drone performed better in classification and confusion matrices analysis than the upper height due to a larger cross-sectional area for the lower height of the drone that travelled through the forward scatter zone. In summary, the overall study clearly demonstrates the effective categorization of flying drone detection at upper and lower positions in Principle Component Analysis (PCA). For future contribution of this research, it can be used at the airport to detect any unwanted drones trespassing the flight departure area, and important areas such as the Federal Administrative Centre of Malaysia, Putrajaya for spying purposes

Analysis On Drone Detection and Classification in LTE-Based Passive Forward Scattering Radar System

Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is most commonly used in connection with 4G networks with high spectral efficiency, high peak data rates, flexible in frequency and bandwidth. By utilizing LTE signal in passive forward scattering radar as transmitter, this system is able to create a microwave domain at the radar's receiver part which generated a moving object's Doppler signature. The emergence of guided missiles, humans, airplanes, and drones that travel through between the forward scatter radar systems can really be spotted with this passive radar system. This study's primary goal is to employ passive forward scattering radar and an LTE signal to detect drones, which are commonly used by individuals to violate or invade private and secure places. In detail, a drone was detected at two distinct heights of two meters (lower) and three meters (higher) from the ground by utilizing passive forward scattering radar to generate Doppler signature of the flying drone. This experimental work is conducted at two locations which are Taman Suria (UiTM, Shah Alam) and Teluk Kemang (Port Dickson), due to the telecommunication transmitter antenna transmits Long-Term Evolution (LTE) signal with frequency of 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz. The results of drone detection at various heights were evaluated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA)&nbsp;on all the experimental data obtained. According to the evaluation, the lower height of the drone performed better in classification and confusion matrices analysis than the upper height due to a larger cross-sectional area for the lower height of the drone that travelled through the forward scatter zone. In summary, the overall study clearly demonstrates the effective categorization of flying drone detection at upper and lower positions in Principle Component Analysis (PCA). For future contribution of this research, it can be used at the airport to detect any unwanted drones trespassing the flight departure area, and important areas such as the Federal Administrative Centre of Malaysia, Putrajaya for spying purposes

Endearing epistles from a Dutch Colonial Governor to a Malay ruler and a Malay ruler to a Dutch Colonial Governor: a comparison

In this paper two letters will be studied, one from a Dutch Colonial Governor to the ruler of Sambas dated 1848 and the other from Sultan Ahmad Ibn Sultan Zain Al-‘Abidin of Terengganu to Genderal Baron van der Capellen in Betawi (Jakarta) dated 1824. The studies are in the forms of transliteration and annotation of the letters and also a general discussion of the historical background and content of the letters. Discussion on the common features of the two letters will be made, namely the writing of a short formulaic heading on top of the page as a kind of statement, kind words of endearment and honorable words of addressing the recipients, prayer to the Almighty for the long life and good health of the addressee and the mention of the exchange of precious gifts. One feature that is in complete contrast with the etiquette of Malay rulers’ letter writing was the conspicuous introduction in the opening line of the Governor-General’s letter, of the status of the sender with grandeurs mentions of one’s honor and awards, and also the use of plain paper without illumination by the Dutch Governor-General. These were in complete contrast to the Malay rulers’ letter writing style of a simple mention of the status of the ruler and the using of intricate illumination. This study also revealed that although the letter from a Dutch colonial Governor-General was to one of the Malay rulers in his dominions, the civility, mutual respect and appropriate decorum of addressing between rulers, were practiced and adopted

A study on the implementation of remote learning: Malaysian students’ struggles and suggestions for improvement

This study seeks to explore Malaysian undergraduates’ perspectives on the implementation of remote learning in their university during the period of the movement control order (MCO). Since teaching and learning activities have been impacted by the pandemic, it is imperative to consider students’ perspectives on carrying out classes via the online platform as many studies claim that the pandemic has disrupted teaching and learning activities. A total of 1,028 undergraduate students participated in this voluntary study by answering an open-ended survey sent out to their student email addresses during the MCO period that restricted students and lecturers from going to the university. The qualitative responses from the students were critically analyzed for thematic patterns. The four themes emerging from the data provide future teaching and learning plans that should embed self-learning techniques that could aid students if a similar predicament should hit us in the future. Course instructors can use this information to design future lessons that could assist their learners better

Challenges in using authentic assessment in 21st century ESL classrooms

This paper seeks to explore the challenges faced by excellent teachers in preparing for authentic assessment in their English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms. This qualitative case study involving six excellent teachers was based on purposive sampling. Data sources in this study used classroom observation and a series of semi-structured interviews with the excellent teachers. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes from the codes gathered from the interviews and observations. Data showed that excellent teachers faced multiple challenges prior to preparing for authentic assessment. They have also been using variations of authentic assessment to help children in their learning besides accurate documentation and extensive reading from around the globe to equip themselves with the current knowledge. Since there is no clear guideline for teachers who practice authentic assessment in their classes, this study provided some insights on the preparations and the use of authentic assessment as part of their teaching and learning process

Challenges in using authentic assessment in 21st century ESL classrooms

This paper seeks to explore the challenges faced by excellent teachers in preparing for authentic assessment in their English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms. This qualitative case study involving six excellent teachers was based on purposive sampling. Data sources in this study used classroom observation and a series of semi-structured interviews with the excellent teachers. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes from the codes gathered from the interviews and observations. Data showed that excellent teachers faced multiple challenges prior to preparing for authentic assessment. They have also been using variations of authentic assessment to help children in their learning besides accurate documentation and extensive reading from around the globe to equip themselves with the current knowledge. Since there is no clear guideline for teachers who practice authentic assessment in their classes, this study provided some insights on the preparations and the use of authentic assessment as part of their teaching and learning proces