Transitioning to Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study of a Pre-University Centre in Malaysia

In the last decade, online learning has grown rapidly. However, the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused learning institutions to embrace online learning due to the lockdown and campus closure. This paper presents an analysis of students’ feedback (n=354) from the Centre of Pre-University Studies (PPPU), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Malaysia, during the transition to fully online learning. Three phases of online surveys were conducted to measure the learners’ acceptance of the migration and to identify related problems. The result shows that there is an increased positivity among the students on the vie of teaching and learning in STEM during the pandemic. It is found that online learning would not be a hindrance, but blessing towards academic excellence in the face of calamity like the COVID-19 pandemic. The suggested future research direction will be of interest to educators, academics, and researchers’ community

Classification of Mathematical Transformation Concepts in Pua Kumbu based on Frieze Patterns

Pua Kumbu, the beautiful traditional textile of the Iban in Sarawak, is generally appreciated for its exquisite patterns and designs. This paper aims to explore the examples of mathematical ideas which exist in motifs produced by weavers in Sarawak. Although it is still in the form of preliminary observations, it has been revealed that the principles of geometry such as enlargement, reflection, rotation, and translation are often used in the Pua Kumbu patterns in Sarawak. This woven art by the Ibans indirectly applies the principles of geometry in the form of beautiful and high-value motifs, even if they are not familiar with the concept of transformation taught in school. The observation and interview sessions were conducted with the weavers to identify some of the basic mathematical concepts such as transformations, accuracy and equality, measurement and estimation

Analysis of Frieze Patterns Concepts in Pua Kumbu

A traditional practice of the Iban from Sarawak, Pua Kumbu is a form of textile which is famous for its beauty. There is a general appreciation of how it is exquisitely designed and patterned. It has been recognised by analytical studies that Pua Kumbu designs use transformational geometrical shapes in the frieze. This paper explores the geometry elements that have been portrayed in the form of different flora and fauna motifs. The examples of mathematical ideas in motifs produced by weavers in Sarawak have been analysed through this study. Although it is still in the form of preliminary observations, it has been revealed that the principles of geometry, such as enlargement, reflection, rotation, and translation are often used in the Pua Kumbu patterns. This woven art by the Ibans indirectly applies the principles of geometry in the form of beautiful and high-value motifs. This paper may benefit this field and the professionals related to it to act as a useful guideand also may serve as a point of reference for future studies on the unique patterns and designs of Pua Kumbu. The study also suggests that patterns based on geometry and symmetry exist in the ways Pua Kumbu is created

Transitioning to online learning during COVID-19 Pandemic: Case study of a Pre-University Centre in Malaysia

In the last decade, online learning has grown rapidly. However, the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused learning institutions to embrace online learning due to the lockdown and campus closure. This paper presents an analysis of students' feedback (n=354) from the Centre of Pre-University Studies (PPPU), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Malaysia, during the transition to fully online learning. Three phases of online surveys were conducted to measure the learners' acceptance of the migration and to identify related problems. The result shows that there is an increased positivity among the students on the vie of teaching and learning in STEM during the pandemic. It is found that online learning would not be a hindrance, but blessing towards academic excellence in the face of calamity like the COVID-19 pandemic. The suggested future research direction will be of interest to educators, academics, and researchers' community

Mathematics Practice Sem 1

Mathematics Practice Semester 1 is specially written for foudation students level taking Mathematics at Centre for Pre-University, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak or local matriculation centres. The objective of this book is to provide a comprehensive discourse of the basic concepts and foundation in Mathematics. This book contains ten chapters. Each chapter starts with a page of notes and formulae for easy reference. In each chapter, the concepts are explained clearly with real practice questions. Question and answer for each chapter provide a wide range of examination type question based on the concepts and theories learnt. Answers are also provided for all questions on each chapter. To optimize the effectiveness of this books, students are advised not to simply read the notes and formulae but instead to work out the solution and method on the space provided below the questions. All mathematical concepts are presented clearly in simple English for easy understanding. Practical questions have been incorporated to the chapters to enhance better understanding of the concepts. The book is also suitable for first year undergraduate Mathematics course for a degree or diploma programme

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

Understanding the Relationship Between Students’ Mathematics Anxiety Levels and Mathematics Performances at the Foundation Level

For many students, mathematics is regarded as a challenging subject to learn and master in class. One of the significant factors contributing to the students’ difficulties in learning mathematics is caused by a phenomenon called mathematics anxiety. Mathematics anxiety is a feeling of unease and anxiety toward mathematics and it can be different from person-to-person. Understanding the effects of mathematics anxiety levels on students’ mathematics performances in class can be the key to help students’ mastery of mathematics. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between mathematics anxiety levels and students’ mathematics performances at the foundation level. A sample of 545 students from a local foundation centre was chosen for this study. Data collection via questionnaire was used where quantitative data were analysed using correlation, t-test, and descriptive analyses. The results showed that there was a weak positive correlation between students’ anxiety levels and the students’ mathematics performance in their final examination. Recommendations and future potential for this study were further discussed in this paper