Congratulations MScTILS Graduates

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) celebrated the 16th Convocation Ceremony from 6 August to 9 August 2022 in the Sports Hall, UMP Gambang Campus. A total of 4,083 graduates for 2021 comprising doctoral and master’s graduands (280), bachelor’s (2,235) and diploma graduands (506), and UMP Advanced graduands (1,062) received degrees and diplomas

Seni dalam penyeliaan pascasiswazah

Bidang penyeliaan bukanlah satu bidang yang mudah. Apatah lagi apabila seorang ahli akademik yang baharu sahaja tamat pengajian ijazah doktor falsafah (PhD) terus diberikan tanggungjawab menyelia pelajar di peringkat ijazah sarjana atau Doktor Falsafah

Student Voice Assessing Oral Presentations In Virtual and Physical Settings

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed traditional educational practices, forcing educational institutions worldwide to transition to online learning platforms rapidly. Instructors and students have no other option but to adapt to new pedagogical approaches that suit the instructional sessions and assessments conducted in virtual settings

Pre-school Teachers’ Beliefs towards Their Abilities of Teaching English to Pre-schoolers in Pahang, Malaysia

Recent studies have revealed that English has become a global language that is commonly used, particularly in the education sector, for various purposes. In the education sector, teachers serve as the most important role model in improving learners’ English language competency. Evidently, at the age of 4 to 6 years old, preschoolers are proven to be able to learn a second language sufficiently hence it is critical for pre-school teachers to be able to teach English to the children at this stage precisely. English, however, is not set to become one of the major requirements for pre-school teachers, especially in Pahang, Malaysia. Due to this, the beliefs of the pre-school teachers initiate a critical indicator in deciding if, given the circumstances, pre-school children can receive adequate English inputs and exposure at their age. The aim of this study is to identify the beliefs of pre-school teachers in their ability of teaching English to preschoolers in Pahang, Malaysia. In the study, 60 pre-school teachers in Pahang were given a set of questionnaires consisting of 14 items and all 60 were returned. In the pilot study, the questionnaire showed a 0.9 Cronbach alpha value indicating a high reliability point. The findings of this study suggest a much more positive view of teachers’ beliefs in pre-school English teachings. This can become a stimulus for the growth of English proficiency among Malaysian children and consequently improve the standard of English in Malaysia in the future

Pre-school Teachers’ Beliefs towards Their Abilities of Teaching English to Pre-schoolers in Pahang, Malaysia

In the education sector, teachers serve as the most important role model in improving learners' English language competency. Due to this, the beliefs of the pre-school teachers initiate a critical indicator in deciding if, given the circumstances, pre-school children can receive adequate English inputs and exposure at their age. In this study, 60 private pre-school teachers were given a set of questionnaires consisting of 14 items to investigate their beliefs towards their abilities of teaching English to pre-schoolers in Pahang, Malaysia. The findings of this study revealed a much more positive view of teachers’ beliefs in pre-school English teachings. This can become a stimulus for the growth of English proficiency among Malaysian children and consequently improve the standard of English in Malaysia in the future

Towards the Effectiveness of Utilizing ICT in Enhancing Language Learning Process: A Pilot Study

In the educational arena, technology in general and the Information & Communication Technology (ICT) in particular have become one of the significant tools in enhancing language learning process. Furthermore, the support to realize Vision 2020 has inspired many language practitioners to integrate ICT into their language classes. However, many questions have arisen demanding for answers: Can ICT really enhance language learning process? How effective can it be? Can ICT change students’ attitudes towards language learning? And most importantly, what are the technological resources and tools that can be effectively utilized? In language education, these questions have provided a new dynamic field of research. On this basis, this paper will move towards uncovering the effectiveness of utilizing ICT in enhancing language learning process. This move will go beyond the conventional 'board and chalk' approach; thus, it is vital that relevant theories or models of learning are provided. ICT resources will also be identified in order to demonstrate the significance of ICT in maximizing student-centered learning (SCL) approach. Findings of research are gathered from questionnaire and interviews which are conducted in University College of Engineering & Technology Malaysia (KUKTEM), Pahang, Malaysia

Impediments to Delivering Oral Presentations in English among Malaysian ESP Undergraduates

A common issue faced by many undergraduates in the classroom is the requirement to deliver oral presentations in English. The current study investigates local and international undergraduates’ attitudes towards oral English presentations in class. Then, the correlation is examined between the undergraduates’ attitudes and their performance scores in oral presentation in English. Moreover, this study tries to shed some light on the problems hindering undergraduates in delivering oral presentation in the classrooms. Questionnaire and Semi-structured interviews were conducted with undergraduates at the Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Malaysia. The results show that the undergraduates possess a positive attitude towards oral English presentations. Additionally, a positive correlation is found between the students’ attitudes and their scores in oral presentation. The findings of the semi-structured interviews reveal a number of impediments exist in presenting orally in English. These hindrances include anxiety, poor English language proficiency and classroom atmosphere. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the nature of the undergraduates’ attitudes with regards to their oral performances in tertiary academic and professional spheres

Identifying English language needs among administrative support staff in a Malaysian Public University: A preliminary study

English skills particularly in conversation are essential in workplace situations especially in the context of higher learning institutions. Little attention is being given to examining the needs of English communication skills and issues related to administrative support staff at their workplace particularly at public universities. A questionnaire was adopted to gauge the English language needs of support staff, their English skills perception as well as usage at the workplace. Data were collected from a group of 40 support administrative staff from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) involving three administrative departments. The findings were gathered using survey and analyzed using content descriptive analysis. The results of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents strongly agreed that having a good English ability will increase their chance of being promoted to a higher position. Data also revealed that staff use English mostly during interaction with foreign staff and students. In addition, staff perceived that they need to improve their English writing skills the most. This study hopes to give better insight towards English proficiency among administrative support staff and explicit policy on English language at workplace. Therefore, English continuous professional development programmes should be developed and introduced to assist in improving their English language abilities

Present Pro Programme empowers form 3 students of SMK Dato Mahmud Mat, Pekan

The Centre for Modern Languages (CML) Community Service Unit, stepped up its commitment through the initiation of Present Pro! programme, held on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m

CML ENGAGEMENT IN ENGLISH COMPETENCY FOR TVET EDUCATORS

From May 6-10, 2024 – A team of 10 English language instructors of the Centre for Modern Languages (CML) engaged with 26 Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA Kuantan (KKTM) in the English Competency Training. The training, which was carried out at KKTM Kuantan Perpustakaan Al Jazari and Smart Classroom, aims to improve understanding and mastery of the English language to improve the KKTM technical instructors’ teaching and learning quality in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) arena