Penilaian kurikulum Program Ijazah Sarjana Muda Perguruan (PISMP) Pendidikan Islam di Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia

Audit reports found some weakness aspects in the program of Bachelor Degree in Islamic Education (PISMP). This is in line with the suggestions by evaluation experts which indicate the need for further investigation regarding this issue. Therefore, the study aims to evaluate the Bachelor Degree in Islamic Education (PISMP) program at Malaysian Institute of Teachers Education based on the Context-Input-Process-Product (CIPP) Model. The focus of the study is on the dimensions of context, input, process, and product, as well as the determination of product differences by zone, and identifying the influence of context, input, and process dimensions toward the product of PISMP’s Islamic Education program. A Mixed Method Research (MMR) using questionnaire, interview, document analysis, and experts’ checklists were applied. Quantitative data was gathered through questionnaires from 305 teacher trainees, 96 lecturers and seven evaluation experts. Meanwhile, qualitative data was obtained through the interviews of 11 respondents, and document analysis. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive findings show some aspects of context, input, and process are good, but still require improvements. MANOVA test found a significant difference in knowledge of curriculum content based on zones, but not in pedagogical knowledge, establishment of positive attitudes, transferability of skills, and impact of program satisfaction from product dimensions. Multiple regression test recorded 70.6% of product outcomes were influenced by the predictors of 21st century pedagogy, coursework/project implementation, professional practices, and curriculum content suitability. Hence, this study has sigifican implications to the whole IPG in which the 21st century pedagogical practices, practicum or professional practices, coursework/project alignment and appropriate curriculum contents are vital in producing competent and professional teacher trainees. Moreover, specific Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) for PISMP specialization in Islamic Education and appropriate Program Education Objectives (PEO) are also catalysts for the effectiveness of program implementation

The impaction biodiversity disturbance in mangrove ecosystemonsocio-economic activities in Sg Merbok Forest Reserve

Mangrove forests are an important ecosystem which provides socioeconomic value to humankind. Despite their great value, mangroves have one of the highest rates of degradation of any global habitat, which is about 1% of the existing area per year. In fact, the socioeconomic value and ecosystem services of mangroves as a natural product are underestimated. The ecosystem services provided by mangroves are often ignored by the on-going process of mangrove conversion. This is a major reason why conservation of this ecosystem is not a popular alternative. Thus, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the changes in mangrove forests and valuation of their ecosystem services. SPOT 5 imageries of years 2000 and 2010 have been used for change detection analysis. The vegetation index such as NDVI and AVI and unsupervised classification technique were employed in image processing. In order to obtain the value of socioeconomic impact from the mangrove changes and biodiversity disturbances, the ecosystem service valuation (ESV) model was applied. Results show that the total value of the existing mangrove forest ecosystem service was RM1, 901,859.84. The value per unit area is about RM 1,650.92 /ha. The total values of others were RM161, 33.2 (crop land) and RM3, 107,500 (water bodies), respectively. It is evident that Sungai Merbok’s Mangrove Forest Reserve is very important for coastal ecology, where the orientation of mangrove ecosystem is huge and serves to provide essential services for the community. It also plays a crucial role in providing ecological balance to the coastal environment

Mangrove changes analysis by remote sensing and evaluation of ecosystem service value in Sungai Merbok's Mangrove Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia

Mangrove forests are an important ecosystem which provides socioeconomic value to humankind. Despite their great value, mangroves have one of the highest rates of degradation of any global habitat, which is about 1% of the existing area per year. In fact, the socioeconomic value and ecosystem services of mangroves as a natural product are underestimated. The ecosystem services provided by mangroves are often ignored by the ongoing process of mangrove conversion. This is a major reason why conservation of this ecosystem is not a popular alternative. Thus, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the changes in mangrove forests and valuation of their ecosystem services. SPOT 5 imageries of years 2000 and 2010 have been used for change detection analysis. The vegetation index such as NDVI and AVI and unsupervised classification technique were employed in image processing. In order to obtain the value of socioeconomic impact from the mangrove changes and biodiversity disturbances, the ecosystem service valuation (ESV) model was applied. Results show that the total value of the existing mangrove forest ecosystem service was RM1,901,859.84. The value per unit area is about RM 1,650.92 /ha. The total values of others were RM161, 33.2 (crop land) and RM3,107,500 (water bodies), respectively. It is evident that Sungai Merbok’s Mangrove Forest Reserve is very important for coastal ecology, where the orientation of mangrove ecosystem is huge and serves to provide essential services for the community. It also plays a crucial role in providing ecological balance to the coastal environment

Curriculum content evaluation study of Bachelor of Education Program Specialization in Islamic Education with Islamic Education Philosophy

Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA) (2011) reported that Bachelor of Education Program (PISMP) specialization in Islamic Education should have specific objectives and focus on the programs offered. The existing objectives in the Malaysian Teacher Education Institute (IPG) curriculum are general and seen less appropriate. Therefore, this study aims to assess the context dimension in terms of suitability of the Bachelor of Education Program curriculum content Program specializing in Islamic Education at the Malaysian Teacher Education Institute (IPG). The assessment is on the context dimensions based on the CIPP Assessment Model (Context-Input-Process-Product). Qualitative method by interviewing three pre-service teachers and three lecturers and document analysis was used to answer the research questions. The findings show that the content of PISMP specialization in Islamic Education curriculum with Islamic Education Philosophy is appropriate, comprehensive, and balanced in terms of content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge. Suggestions for improvements to make the curriculum syllabus more detailed have been proposed to make the PISMP curriculum content more enhanced and clear. The implication of the study found that the curriculum content is appropriate and could give a positive impact on pre-service teachers in preparing themselves to be an excellent new teacher and willing to take responsibility as a national education transformation agent

Book review: Archaeology & world religion

This book, Archaeology and world religion is a book compilation from 8 writers or authors. Anders Bergquist -- Bergquist, Rev. Canon Dr Anders, St Albans Cathedral, St Albans, Hertfordshire, DilipChakrabarti -- Chakrabarti, Dr Dilip, Lecturer, Department of Archaeology, Universityof Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, Robin Coningham -- Coningham, Dr Robin, Senior Lecturer, Department of ArchaeologicalSciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, Rachel Hachlili -- Hachlili, Professor Rachel, Chair of the Department of Archaeology, University of Haifa, Israel, Timothy Insoll --Insoll, Dr Timothy, Lecturer in Archaeology, School of Art History andArchaeology, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, Paul Lane -- Lane, Dr Paul, Director, British Institute in Eastern Africa, PO Box30710, Nairobi, Kenya, Rachel MacLean -- MacLean, Dr Rachel, Honorary Secretary, British Institute in EasternAfrica, 10 Carlton House Terrace, London and Mike Parker Pearson -- Parker Pearson, Dr Mike, Reader, Department of Archaeology and Prehistory, University of Sheffield, Northgate House, West Street, Sheffield. It is the definitive text for this growing area of archaeology. The whole book can be divided to two parts, which can then be define by the survey done on each of the religions in question—Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism, and the second one is to address the important themes of ethics, gender and death

Assessment of Practical and Scientific Writing Skills for Pre-University Students through Project-Based Learning

Chemistry is one of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects that has been perceived as an unattractive subject among students due to its scientific theories and practices in a laboratory. Practical and scientific writing skills are two crucial components in chemistry courses, including at the Pre-University level, thus requiring educators to design activities that integrate both skills in chemistry learning. This article describes the assessment using a projectbased learning approach to assess students’ practical and scientific writing skills for the Organic Chemistry course at the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Foundation in Science program. A total of 72 PreUniversity science students participated in a Chemistry Group Project assessment. The students were divided into 6 groups and asked to write a proposal on the basis of a chosen title, conduct laboratory work, collect data, and prepare a final report. The assessment was conducted in a single semester from learning week 1 to learning week 17. Results of this study were collected through the submitted proposal, final reports, practical sessions, and students’ feedback. Students obtained good marks for practical and scientific writing with average marks of 84.9% and 84.4%, respectively. The results revealed that implementing the Chemistry Group Project as project-based learning leads to increased performance in practical and scientific writing skills and social skills among Pre-University students. Therefore, the Chemistry Group Project should be conducted as one of the learning activities and practical approaches at the Pre-University level

The predictive and diagnostic accuracy of vascular endothelial growth factor and pentraxin-3 in severe dengue

This study aimed to evaluate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pentraxin 3 (PTX-3) as predictive and diagnostic markers in differentiating severe dengue from non-severe dengue. The study was conducted in Ampang Health Clinic, Ampang Hospital and Serdang Hospital. The plasma levels of VEGF and PTX-3 were compared between severe dengue and non-severe dengue by ELISA from the day of presentation until discharged. Multiple logistic regression was used to develop predictive and diagnostic models by incorporating other clinical parameters. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to assess the accuracy of the biomarkers and the developed models. Eighty-two patients were recruited, 29 with severe dengue and four died. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) was statistically significant in VEGF as diagnostic marker at Day 2 and 3 of illness with sensitivity of 80.00%-100.00% and specificity of 76.47%-80.00%. The predictive model with AUC of 0.84 (p < 0.01) has a sensitivity of 100.00% and specificity of 79.25% for predicting severe dengue. The diagnostic model with AUC of 0.71 (p < 0.01) has a sensitivity of 76.19% and specificity of 73.58% for diagnosing severe dengue. The AUC for PTX-3 was not statistically significant. VEGF may be used in combination with other clinical parameters to predict the severity of the disease. As a single biomarker, it may be used as an adjunct investigation to support the diagnosis of severe dengue. PTX-3 was not able to differentiate severe dengue from non-severe dengue

Scienceploration 2023

The Scienceploration Camp is an initiative of the Centre for Pre-University Studies, UNIMAS (PPPU), which aims to increase the interest in science among secondary school students. It is also an effort taken by PPPU towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 4 in providing equal quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. On top of that, this camp supports Sarawak’s Digital Economy Strategy in nurturing an integrated ecosystem to foster inclusive digital society, by building the right foundations to grow our local digital economy

The impact of land use change on mangrove ecosystem and evaluation of ecosystem service using remote sensing technology in Sg. Merbok Forest Reserve, Malaysia

Mangrove forests are an important ecosystem which provides socioeconomic value to humankind. Despite their great value, mangroves have one of the highest rates of degradation of any global habitat, which is about 1% of the existing area per year. In fact, the socioeconomic value and ecosystem services of mangroves as a natural product are underestimated. The ecosystem services provided by mangroves are often ignored by the ongoing process of mangrove conversion. This is a major reason why conservation of this ecosystem is not a popular alternative. Thus, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the changes in mangrove forests and valuation of their ecosystem services. SPOT 5 imageries of years 2000 and 2010 have been used for change detection analysis. The vegetation index, such as NDVI and AVI and unsupervised classification technique were employed in image processing. In order to obtain the value of socioeconomic impact from the mangrove changes and biodiversity disturbances, the ecosystem service valuation (ESV) model was applied. Results show that the total value of the existing mangrove forest ecosystem service was RM1, 901,859.84. The value per unit area is about RM 1,650.92 /ha. The total values of others were RM161, 33.2 (crop land) and RM3,107,500 (water bodies), respectively. It is evident that Sungai Merbok’s Mangrove Forest Reserve is very important for coastal ecology, where the orientation of mangrove ecosystem is huge and serves to provide essential services for the community. It also plays a crucial role in providing ecological balance to the coastal environment