CHALLENGES AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN IMPLEMENTING GAMIFICATION APPROACH AMONG VOCATIONAL COLLEGE LECTURERS IN MALAYSIA

Background and Purpose: Gamification is a teaching and learning approach that is gaining popularity among teachers as a way to make classroom learning more enjoyable and engaging with the use of rewards to celebrate accomplishments. With the rise of online learning in Malaysian educational institutions, gamification is viewed as an interactive method of teaching and learning. Due to the fact that limited studies have been conducted to investigate the challenges in implementing gamification approaches among vocational instructors, it is the aim of this paper; therefore, to examine the challenges.   Methodology: This study employed a quantitative research method. The respondents include 55 vocational lecturers from several vocational colleges in Malaysia. A set of questionnaires was used to examine the challenges faced by the lecturers in the implementation of gamification at their institutions. Four constructs were used to differentiate the differences of the challenges, which include support, access, competency, and applicability. Data collected from this study were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean score and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent sample t-test) to identify the differences between gender.   Findings: The findings of this study indicated that the majority of vocational lecturers have moderate challenges when implementing gamification approaches in their teaching and learning based on the findings related to the constructs. In addition, it was found that there were no significant gender differences in terms of the difficulties associated with implementing gamification approaches. This study also showed that most vocational lecturers have the potential to apply gamification in their teaching based on their high competencies with adequate support and enough access given to them.   Contributions: The findings of the study can contribute to vocational lecturers to promote gamification approach during the learning process to increase students’ motivation.     Keywords: Gamification, gender, challenges, approach, vocational.   Cite as: Marlissa, O., Dayana Farzeeha, A., & Fathiyah, M. K. (2023). Challenges and gender differences in implementing gamification approach among vocational college lecturers in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 8(2), 123-140. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol8iss2pp123-14

Concept of circular economy in technical and vocational education: a systematic literature review

Circular economy emphasizes the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. By adopting circular economy concepts in the food system, we can ensure a more resilient and sustainable food supply. Aligned with this, technical and vocational education (TVET) plays an important role in bridging environmental education and the circular economy. Within the realm of TVET, students receive comprehensive training and skill development encompassing subjects related to food preparation and production. Additionally, TVET extends its purview to cover essential areas, including sustainable resource management, renewable energy technology, waste management, and the implementation of environmentally friendly production processes. However, the lack of clear understanding of the circular economy in the education sector requires this to be explored more deeply. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the nature of published scientific literature on this topic and what are the emerging themes of circular economy of food system in TVET education. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) and Dimensions databases. The result from this analysis revealed that four themes emerged: i) skills and competency; ii) implementation in food system; iii) economy, social, and environmental (ESE) impact; and iv) delivery of content. Based on the derived theme, the concept of circular economy is discussed consisting of four pillars in order to provide a clear understanding about the relation of circular economy in TVET education. The findings of this study expand knowledge and the literature on the circular economy within the context of TVET

Challenges in engaging students with learning disabilities in food industry

Students with learning disabilities (SLD) with potential for independent living and economic contribution can thrive by participating in technical and vocational programs tailored to the food industry. To ensure that SLDs do not lag behind a thorough comprehension of the challenges they confront is imperative for all stakeholders, including parents, instructors, and the government. Thus, the study investigated the challenges of engaging in vocational education for SLD. This study utilized systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, which synthesizes research findings to generate new insights and understandings. This study identified six challenges that students with learning disabilities must overcome before entering the workforce. The challenges are i) employment difficulties; ii) lack of resilience; iii) mismatch between special educational institution and industry needs; iv) curriculum deficiency for students with learning disabilities; v) lack of parental involvement and employer support; and vi) insufficient understanding of job descriptions in the food industry. Findings from this study provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by SLDs seeking to be part of the food industry. This knowledge can facilitate further research to develop job profiles that align with their unique abilities, ultimately fostering their success in careers and enriching their lives

Exploration and verification of fourth industrial revolution generic skills attributes for entry-level civil engineers

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) requires the workforce to be equipped with new skills when existing skills need to be upgraded or improved because they are no longer in line with technological advancement in 4IR. Thus, it is crucial to determine what the new skills or 4IR skills are that can help the future workforce obtain a job after graduation. This study aimed to explore and verify the attributes of nine 4IR generic skills (GS4IR) for entry-level civil engineers in Malaysia by using a qualitative approach. An interview session was conducted with five senior engineers in the civil engineering (CE) field and three experts (two engineers in CE and one lecturer in CE faculty) for reliability data verification. The interview data were analyzed using coding analysis and presented in a matrix table. The results show 76 items identified as attributes of nine GS4IR constructs. Next, the verification of the constructs and attributes of GS4IR was obtained from Fleiss Kappa's reliability analysis to determine the overall approval index. The results of the analysis revealed an overall Kappa coefficient value of 0.61, which indicates a good level of agreement. The findings of this study consist of 58 attributes for nine constructs of GS4IR approved after the inter-rater reliability among the experts. The findings from this study are beneficial for the development of a framework of 4IR generic skills for civil engineering graduates as guidance to instill new skills in producing future engineers

Penerokaan spesifikasi kemahiran generik 4IR bagi graduan kejuruteraan awam berdasarkan perspektif daripada industri

Gelombang teknologi baharu yang dikenali sebagai revolusi perindustrian 4.0 (4IR) diiringi dengan penggunaan robotik dan pengautomasian menyebabkan perubahan terhadap permintaan tenaga buruh dan bidang pekerjaan. Profesion jurutera awam merupakan salah satu daripada 53 bidang pekerjaaan kritikal bagi membangunkan ekonomi negara dalam mendepani arus cabaran 4IR. Namun begitu, peratusan bilangan jurutera awam baharu yang diterima bekerja masih lagi rendah disebabkan oleh faktor ketidaksepadanan kemahiran generik sekaligus menyebabkan masalah pengangguran dalam kalangan graduan kejuruteraan awam (KA) masih lagi berlaku. Oleh itu, kajian ini dilaksanakan untuk meneroka spesifikasi yang terperinci mengenai kemahiran generik 4IR (KG4IR) bagi graduan kejuruteraan awam berdasarkan perspektif daripada pihak industri kejuruteraan awam. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui temu bual semi berstruktur atas talian terhadap lima orang pakar bidang KA berdasarkan protokol temu bual. Dapatan temu bual dianalisis menggunakan sistem kod untuk mengeluarkan kategori dan tema bagi membentuk spesifikasi KG4IR. Hasil analisis mendapati bahawa sembilan tema KG4IR telah diperolehi iaitu kemahiran komunikasi, penyelesaian masalah, kepimpinan, kepintaran emosi, kreativiti, pemikiran kritikal, kebolehsuaian, digital dan pengurusan bersama perincian daripada kategori untuk membentuk spesifikasi KG4IR yang sesuai bagi graduan KA. Melalui spesifikasi KG4IR yang terperinci ini, ianya dapat dijadikan panduan bagi penerapan KG4IR oleh pihak pemegang taruh (IPT, pihak industri) untuk menghasilkan graduan kalis masa hadapan yang mampu bekerja dalam suasana pekerjaan 4IR selari dengan inspirasi Kerangka Pendidikan Tinggi 4.0 oleh Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi Malaysia.

Persepsi Pelatih Kurang Upaya Akal Terhadap Masalah Pembelajaran Yang Dihadapi Semasa Mengikuti Latihan Kemahiran Vokasional Di Taman Sinar Harapan,Cheras

Penyelidikan ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti persepsi pelatih kurang upaya akal terhadap masalah pembelajaran yang dihadapi semasa mengikuti latihan kemahiran vokasional di Taman Sinar Harapan, Cheras. Penyelidikan ini mempunyai lima objektif iaitu untuk mengenalpasti pandangan pelatih kurang upaya akal terhadap masalah pembelajaran dari aspek penghargaan kendiri, kurikulum latihan kemahiran vokasional, kemudahan pembelajaran dan sokongan daripada masyarakat (ibu bapa, tenaga pengajar). Bagi objektif kelima, ianya adalah bertujuan untuk mengenalpasti pandangan pelatih kurang upaya akal terhadap masalah pembelajaran yang dihadapi semasa mengikuti latihan kemahiran vokasional mengikut jantina. Instrumen digunakan dalam penyelidikan deskriptif ini adalah berbentuk soal selidik. Soal selidik ini dibahagikan kepada dua bahagian. Bahagian A mengandungi 4 item berkenaan latarbelakang pelatih. Bahagian B mengandungi 25 item berkenaan masalah pembelajaran yang dihadapi semasa mengikuti latihan kemahiran vokasional di institusi ini. Item-item ini dibina berdasarkan soalan kajian. Keesahan soal selidik diperolehi melalui pengesahan daripada pakar dalam bidang ini. Data terkumpul diuji secara manual iaitu menggunakan Microsoft Word 2007 dan ianya dipersembahkan dalam bentuk jadual kekerapan dan peratusan. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa pelatih kurang upaya akal tidak mempunyai masalah pembelajaran dari aspek kurikulum latihan kemahiran vokasional, kemudahan pembelajaran dan sokongan daripada masyarakat (ibu bapa, tenaga pengajar) dengan peratusan pada tahap tinggi iaitu sebanyak 75 peratus, 83 peratus dan 81.43 peratus. Para pelatih juga tidak mempunyai masalah pembelajaran bagi aspek penghargaan kendiri tetapi peratusannya berada pada tahap sederhana iaitu sebanyak 61.43 peratus

Perception of the mentally disable trainees towards learning problem faced in Taman Sinar Harapan, Cheras, Malaysia

This descriptive study was to identify the perception of the mentally disabled trainees towards learning problem faced by the trainees during the practice of vocational training in Taman Sinar Harapan, Cheras, Malaysia. There are five objectives in this study to be identified which aspect of self esteem, vocational skill training curriculum, learning facilities, and motivation support by the society. The sample consisted of 20 trainees at Taman Sinar Harapan, Cheras. Sets of questionnaires used in this study. The results were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 12.0 for frequencies and percentage. The findings show that the trainees did not have learning difficulties in the aspect of vocational skill training curriculum, learning facilities and motivation support from the society (parent and trainers). On the hands, the trainees have an average level of self esteem due the lack of self confidence level during the training program. The strategies towards inclusive education development should be strengthened and expanded to create conducive learning environment in order to sustain the special educational system in Malaysia