Si Pendiri Solat

Si pendiri solat, di Bulan Ramadhan, Penuh rasa kehambaan, Wajah dibasahi wuduk, Berpadu rasa khusyuk, Putus hubungan dunia, Dihalusi indah kalam-Nya, Dinikmati bait kalimah-Nya, Dihayati maksud mukjizat-Ny

TAFSIRAN VIRUS DAN PENYAKIT DALAM AL-QURAN DAN HADITH: SATU ANALISIS

Dalam al-Quran, Allah SWT banyak menyampaikan ayat-ayat-Nya dalam bentuk perumpamaan seperti haiwan, tumbuh-tumbuhan, azab dan sebagainya. Salah satu makhluk unik yang dijadikan Allah di dalam al-Quran adalah virus. Iaitu makhluk yang lebih kecil daripada nyamuk. Berkenaan virus ini pula, para mufassirīn telah membahasnya sekian lama dan pada 2020 ini, dunia dikejutkan dengan kemunculan virus baru yang disebut sebagai coronavirus atau dikenali sebagai Covid-19. Virus ini bukan sahaja merupakan pembunuh senyap malah kepada individu yang terkena serangan virus tersebut, turut mengakibatkan komplikasi penyakit lain seperti paru-paru dan jantung. Justeru itu, satu kajian khusus berkaitan dengan tafsiran virus dan penyakit yang terdapat di dalam al-Quran perlu dilakukan untuk melihat jenis virus dan penyakit tersebut. Kajian ini adalah kajian kualitatif yang menggunakan pendekatan analisis dokumen di mana ayat-ayat al-Quran yang menceritakan berkenaan virus dan penyakit lalu dikaji dengan teliti makna dan konteks ayatnya berdasarkan kepada kitab-kitab tafsir dan jurnal-jurnal yang berkaitan. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa antara virus dan penyakit yang terdapat di dalam al-Quran dan hadis ialah virus yang menyebabkan penyakit kulit. Kedua, virus dan penyakit yang berpunca daripada manusia itu sendiri. Ketiga, virus dan penyakit tau

Assessing ESL University Students’ Metacognitive Online Reading Strategies

Extracting information through online reading has become second nature to ESL students in higher institutions. Although online reading is indispensable among ESL university students, they lack the ability to read effectively. The present study examines students' metacognitive online reading strategies and how those strategies reflect understanding of scientific online reading materials for academic purposes. This was conducted through an online survey and semi-structured interviews. Data was collected among 55 university students enrolled in various Science and Technology courses. Out of the same sample, ten students were selected to participate in the interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis with the use of SPSS and NVivo respectively. Thematic analysis was validated using inter-rater reliability analysis through Cohen Kappa analysis that yielded substantial results, indicating that the findings were reliable. Although the findings from the survey revealed that problem-solving strategies were used mainly by students, semi-structured interviews found contradicting results where support reading strategies were believed to reflect understanding by students. Implications that can be drawn are two folds. Students are motivated to use metacognitive online reading strategies depending on the type of texts; two, the need to use different reading strategies to elicit purposeful information based on the subject matter

Tertiary Students’ Perceptions of Learning Oral Presentation Skills in In-Class and Online Learning Environment: A Case Study

Online learning is seen to be the solution to education throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Instructional sessions and assessments are conducted in the virtual setting which affects instructors and students alike. Oral assessments like presentation sessions are conducted on teleconferencing platforms which bring different dimensions in pedagogy and online learning strategies employed by students. Thus, this study aimed to determine undergraduates’ perceptions of online and in-class presentations. These undergraduates went through remote learning sessions and were not physically campus bound. For this study, the mixed-method approach was adopted and a set of questionnaires with two open-ended questions was distributed online to 1187 Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) undergraduates who were enrolled in the English for Professional Communication (UHL2432) course for Semester 2, session 2020/2021. Quantitative data were collected, and the descriptive statistics were calculated. The findings revealed students’ mixed perceptions towards the effectiveness of applying delivery skills and elements of professionalism in online and in-class oral presentations. Furthermore, although findings have shown that students have adapted to online learning and preferred certain elements of oral presentation in a virtual environment, they also indicated that students preferred to learn oral presentations in a face-to-face classroom. Students’ mixed perceptions were due to challenges in aspects such as maintaining eye contact, projecting voice, using visual aids, gestures and postures as well as interacting with the audience virtually. The findings of this study will provide a useful guide for the enhancement and development of online teaching and learning methodologies

Teachers' Perspectives on the Use of Telegram for Online Distance Learning During the Pandemic of COVID-19

The pandemic of Covid-19 is a blessing in disguise. Academics seem to be using various ways to impart knowledge to their students as far as Online Distance Learning (ODL) isconcerned. One of the applications that they have chosen is Telegram. This study investigates the perceptions of academics teaching English using Telegram as a tool during ODL. The objectives of the study are to identify the academics' beliefs on the benefits of using Telegram, the perceived drawbacks of using Telegram in their teaching and learning, the reflections on the use of Telegram in classrooms, and the intentions of using Telegram during the post-pandemic. The study employed 66 instructors at tertiary level education and teachers teaching primary and secondary schools across Malaysia. The research employed a questionnaire to collect the data for the current study with closed and open-ended items. The results obtained from the study showed that Telegram could support teaching and learning during the pandemic, enhance communication between student-teachers by providing prompt responses, and be used to share information between students and teachers. The research implied that the use of Telegram is relevant, especially during this pandemic. Since teaching and learning is a mutual effort between teachers and students, it is encouraged that the former can assist the latter in making the classroom a fruitful session

Analysing tertiary students’ reading proficiency of CEFR aligned texts via online discussion forum in a learning management system

Learning has taken a new dimension for students in higher institutions because they are now required to read large amounts of online materials constantly for academic purposes. Despite the use of technology, students are unable to take advantage of its full potential to read effectively online. This study investigated ESL learners’ use of Online Discussion Forums (ODFs) in a Learning Management System (LMS) to aid reading of texts aligned within Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This study employed a mixed method approach of collecting data within the context of a 14-week semester. Data collection consists of pre and post-tests as well as ODF threads from 55 ESL students enrolled in various courses at the university. Descriptive and content analyses were performed using SPSS and NVivo programs, respectively. Content analysis was confirmed using Cohen Kappa analysis that gave an almost perfect score, suggesting that the findings were reliable. Data analysis on online discussion threads confirms that students can achieve higher level conversations and discuss ideas to achieve comprehension. Post-test scores reveal ODF's interactive heuristic approach to learning has enhanced learners' ability to comprehend online materials. This becomes significant for instructors and program developers to integrate materials selection as well as relevant ODF topics to maximize learning potential

Analysing tertiary students’ reading proficiency of CEFR aligned texts via online discussion forum in a learning management system

Learning has taken a new dimension for students in higher institutions because they are now required to read large amounts of online materials constantly for academic purposes. Despite the use of technology, students are unable to take advantage of its full potential to read effectively online. This study investigated ESL learners’ use of Online Discussion Forums (ODFs) in a Learning Management System (LMS) to aid reading of texts aligned within Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This study employed a mixed method approach of collecting data within the context of a 14-week semester. Data collection consists of pre and post-tests as well as ODF threads from 55 ESL students enrolled in various courses at the university. Descriptive and content analyses were performed using SPSS and NVivo programs, respectively. Content analysis was confirmed using Cohen Kappa analysis that gave an almost perfect score, suggesting that the findings were reliable. Data analysis on online discussion threads confirms that students can achieve higher level conversations and discuss ideas to achieve comprehension. Post-test scores reveal ODF's interactive heuristic approach to learning has enhanced learners' ability to comprehend online materials. This becomes significant for instructors and program developers to integrate materials selection as well as relevant ODF topics to maximize learning potential

Identification of Tropical Planting Selection for Sustainable Campus Design

Tropical planting plays a crucial role in sustainable campus design in Malaysia. Incorporating tropical planting into campus design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also offers numerous environmental benefits. This research aims to identify suitable tropical plant species for sustainable campus design. The selection of appropriate plant species plays a crucial role in creating environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing campus landscapes. The study employs an observational research approach to gather data on plant characteristics, growth patterns, ecological requirements, and overall sustainability. Data was collected at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Bachok Campus. The results revealed that selection criteria for plants were based on their adaptability to tropical climates, aesthetic appeal, low maintenance requirements, and positive ecological impact. This paper outlines the strength of tropical plantings selection for sustainable campus design based on native trees, shade trees, climbing plants and vines, ground covers, ornamental shrubs, and medicinal and aromatic plants. Some of the tropical plants such as mahogany, kapok tree, frangipani offer numerous benefits in sustainable campus design, contributing to climate resilience, water efficiency, biodiversity conservation, and a vibrant and healthy campus environment. Thus, this research will provide valuable insights for landscape architects, campus planners, and any related built environment professionals in developing sustainable campus designs in tropical regions

Reader’s theatre to improve students’ comprehension

The purpose of this study is to find out whether using Reader’s Theatre had a significant influent to improve students’ comprehension in reading. In Malaysia, English language is used and taught as a second language. However, for some of the foreign students that come to Malaysia to study, there are having difficulties to use English and English may be a third language for them. It is important to use a method that is engaging enough to encourage the students to read aloud and the most important is to help them understand the text that they read. The samples for this study are 10 foreign students. The data were collected by distributing literature response questions form to test students’ reading comprehension. All of the students were given the form before and after Reader’s Theatre. Hence, using Reader’s Theatre has a positive impact on improving students’ reading comprehension and it also provides opportunities for the students to improve their pronunciation and to be more confident. Reader’s Theatre is also proven to improve students’ reading interest and motivation

Tertiary students’ perceptions of learning oral presentation skills in in-class and online learning environment: a case study

Online learning is seen to be the solution to education throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Instructional sessions and assessments are conducted in the virtual setting which affects instructors and students alike. Oral assessments like presentation sessions are conducted on teleconferencing platforms which bring different dimensions in pedagogy and online learning strategies employed by students. Thus, this study aimed to determine undergraduates’ perceptions of online and in-class presentations. These undergraduates went through remote learning sessions and were not physically campus bound. For this study, the mixed-method approach was adopted and a set of questionnaires with two open-ended questions was distributed online to 1187 Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) undergraduates who were enrolled in the English for Professional Communication (UHL2432) course for Semester 2, session 2020/2021. Quantitative data were collected, and the descriptive statistics were calculated. The findings revealed students’ mixed perceptions towards the effectiveness of applying delivery skills and elements of professionalism in online and in-class oral presentations. Furthermore, although findings have shown that students have adapted to online learning and preferred certain elements of oral presentation in a virtual environment, they also indicated that students preferred to learn oral presentations in a face-to-face classroom. Students’ mixed perceptions were due to challenges in aspects such as maintaining eye contact, projecting voice, using visual aids, gestures and postures as well as interacting with the audience virtually. The findings of this study will provide a useful guide for the enhancement and development of online teaching and learning methodologies