The impact of educational change in Malaysian Smart Schools on Islamic Education teachers and students

This study is an attempt to investigate the impact of educational change in Malaysian Smart Schools on Islamic Education teachers and students. This study is trying to understand all aspects of the change process in Smart Schools and to understand the problems of students and teachers as they endeavour to improve learning and teaching in Smart Schools. Following the implementation of the Smart School pilot projects in the Malaysian secondary schools. this study is aimed at suggesting an approach that can be used to incorporate the use of computers and ICT in Islamic Education by taking into consideration the views. experiences, expectations and needs of the teachers and the students themselves. In examining the new initiative of Smart Schools, a mixed methods design was adopted to gather the data needed from Islamic Education teachers and students. A grounded theory approach was used in the early phase of the study as this approach is suitable for this relatively new field where little research has been done. This research began with an exploratory phase which involved the use of focus groups as a means to gain knowledge of respondents' views, perceptions and attitudes about Smart Schools. The results from the focus group were used as initial data to develop a structured questionnaire for a large survey study in the Smart Schools. The last phase of research involved an in-depth interviewing process to clarify and validate the previous two phases of research. This study found that the use of computers was the core feature of the change phenomenon in Smart Schools. Islamic Education teachers and students were hardly coping with the task of incorporating the use of new technology in their teaching and learning. Many barriers and obstacles in using new technology were reported by Islamic Education teachers and students. The most important barriers identified in this study are the lack of computers and available resources, lack of training, shortage of time and the pressure of a heavy syllabus and examination centred learning. This study also notes the influence of subject culture in determining the use of computer in Islamic Education. This study also suggests some recommendations for the future implementation of Smart Schools throughout Malaysia by year 2010

A structured model metametadata technique to enhance semantic searching in metadata repository

This paper discusses on a novel technique for semantic searching and retrieval of information about learning materials. A novel structured metametadata model has been created to provide the foundation for a semantic search engine to extract, match and map queries to retrieve relevant results. Metametadata encapsulate metadata instances by using the properties and attributes provided by ontologies rather than describing learning objects. The use of ontological views assists the pedagogical content of metadata extracted from learning objects by using the control vocabularies as identified from the metametadata taxonomy. The use of metametadata (based on the metametadata taxonomy) supported by the ontologies have contributed towards a novel semantic searching mechanism. This research has presented a metametadata model for identifying semantics and describing learning objects in finer-grain detail that allows for intelligent and smart retrieval by automated search and retrieval software

Knowledge and Attitude of Lecturers Toward Usage of Multimedia in Teaching

Lecturers’ level of knowledge in multimedia and their attitude are expected influence to the usage of multimedia in teaching activities. This study aims to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitude of lecturers towards usage of multimedia in teaching and determined the contribution of each variable toward usage of multimedia in teaching. It was conducted on 250 lecturers covers Higher Learning Institution in West Sumatera, Indonesia. Data was collected by using Likert 5 points type survey questionnaires and analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 19.0 (SPSS version 19) through Multiple Regression Analysis and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Statistical

A systematic review on the formative assessment practice in teaching and learning in secondary school

Formative assessment is an assessment that is conducted throughout the teaching and learning process. Therefore, teachers should play an important role in mastering the appropriate approaches to practicing formative assessment. According to previous studies, some teachers are unable to comprehend the roles of formative assessment practices in teaching and learning, which prevents them from using them effectively in the classroom. Many researchers have conducted research related to the practice of formative assessment in schools due to this issue. Therefore, this article aims to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) on past studies related to the practice of formative assessment in teaching and learning in secondary schools. This SLR writing process has been referred to as the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) writing standard. To find related articles and resources in this systematic literature review, two main databases, namely Web of Science and Scopus, were used. A total of 19 articles were extracted from 366 from 2017 to 2021, with exceptions and inclusion criteria considered. Based on the theme analysis, this SLR has three main themes: assessment diversity; assessment strategies, and student learning development. Thus, this study suggests that all compulsory levels of education understand formative assessment conceptually and its implementation comprehensively. This can be disseminated through teacher professional development training programs. It is hoped that such programs will develop teachers who are committed to integrating the concept and practice of assessment for the benefit of students in twenty-first century education

Implementing Zero Reject Policy: The Study of Adaptive Teaching Skills Among Primary School Teachers In Rural Sarawak

The Zero Rejection Policy (ZRP) is a proactive measure by Malaysia to ensure the rights and equal access of children to education in the country. Thus, the introduction of ZRP introduced in December 2018 brought a paradigm shift to education in Malaysia, especially special education. The admission of Special Needs Pupils (SEN) in schools without any rejection leads to the implementation of inclusive education in mainstream classrooms. Thus, this study aims to examine the level of adaptive teaching skills among primary school teachers in order to implement Zero Reject Policy. This quantitative study had involved 230 primary school teachers for quantitative research and 13 teachers for qualitative research. The findings of the quantitative study show that teachers have a high level of adaptive teaching skills. However, the qualitative study found that the majority of teachers stated their level of adaptive teaching skills among teachers was only in the intermediate level. While almost half of the teachers have not been able to receive MBK in the classroom because they are still not confident to teach inclusive classes. Therefore, it is recommended that courses and training be implemented for teachers to improve the skills and knowledge of teachers to implement ZRP in schools

Pembangunan perisian pengajaran dan pembelajaran multimedia interaktif pengurusan jenazah politeknik Malaysia

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk membangun dan menilai satu perisian pengajaran dan pembelajaran berbantukan komputer (PPBK) multimedia interaktif berpendekatan tutorial bagi tajuk “Pengurusan Jenazah” berasaskan CD-ROM. Perisian kursus ini disediakan berdasarkan sukatan kursus Pendidikan Islam 2 (AA201) Politeknik Malaysia. Perisian ini dibangunkan dengan menggunakan alat pengarangan Adobe Flash CS3 Professional berasaskan model reka bentuk pengajaran ADDIE (2007) yang mempunyai lima fasa iaitu fasa analisis, fasa reka bentuk, fasa pembangunan, fasa pelaksanaan dan fasa penilaian. Untuk menilai perisian ini, kaedah tinjauan dengan menggunakan soal selidik berskala Likert lima pilihan telah digunakan. Seramai 40 orang pelajar semester tiga dan 16 orang pensyarah Unit Pendidikan Islam dan Moral, Jabatan Pengajian Am di Politeknik Ungku Omar, Ipoh, Perak telah dipilih sebagai sampel kajian. Data-data kemudiannya telah dianalisis dengan menggunakan perisian SPSS 13.0 for Windows. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan responden bersetuju bahawa perisian PPBK yang dibangunkan ini memenuhi keperluan dalam proses pengajaran dan pembelajaran mereka. Perisian PPBK ini juga telah menerapkan konsep pengajaran dan pembelajaran. Kombinasi pelbagai media dalam perisian PPBK ini iaitu teks, grafik, animasi dan audio menjadikan pengajaran dan pembelajaran lebih menarik, aktif dan menyeronokkan

Faktor keterlibatan remaja dengan masalah sosial

Kajian ini mengenal pasti faktor yang mempengaruhi penyimpangan akhlak dalam kalangan remaja berikutan peningkatan masalah moral yang berlaku dalam masyarakat hari ini. Responden kajian ini dipilih menggunakan teknik pensampelan bertujuan yang melibatkan 70 orang gadis remaja berusia antara 13 hingga 19 tahun dan ke atas di sebuah pusat perlindungan negeri Selangor. Metodologi kajian ini berbentuk tinjauan dengan menggunakan instrumen soal selidik. Responden kajian ini Analisis data kajian ini menggunakan perisian SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) versi 23.0 bagi menganalisis data yang berbentuk statistik deskriptif (min dan sisihan piawai) dan statistik inferensi (MANOVA Sehala). Hasil kajian menunjukkan pengaruh faktor diri sendiri, ibu bapa, media massa dan rakan sebaya berada pada tahap sederhana. Selain itu, hasil kajian juga mendapati terdapat perbezaan yang antara signifikan faktor diri sendiri dengan faktor media massa yang mempengaruhi masalah sosial remaja berdasarkan umur. Justeru, kajian ini boleh dijadikan panduan untuk mencari jalan penyelesaian oleh pihak berkepentingan dengan mengambil kira beberapa faktor yang mempengaruhi penglibatan remaja dalam masalah sosial. Kesimpulannya, ibu bapa, pihak sekolah, PIBG dan NGO termasuklah penggerak pusat perlindungan dapat mengambil kira faktor yang mempengaruhi penglibatan remaja dalam masalah sosial ini dalam merangka program yang bersesuaian bagi mengelakkan remaja terjebak dengan masalah sosial

Konsep Inovasi dalam Islam Menurut Pandangan Asatizah Inovatif: Innovation Concept in Islam Based on Innovative Asatizah

Pelbagai kajian dilakukan mengenai konsep inovasi dalam Islam, namun fokusnya adalah pada Allah sebagai Inovator, Rasulullah sebagai inovator serta rumusan al-Quran mengenai kaedah mendapatkan pengetahuan untuk berinovasi. Tidak ditemui kajian dilakukan yang memberi fokus kepada ciri inovasi dalam Islam. Oleh itu kajian ini dijalankan dengan tujuan untuk merumuskan ciri inovasi dalam Islam. Kajian kualitatif ini dijalankan dengan mengumpul data daripada temu bual dan analisis dokumen. Seramai tujuh asatizah inovatif dipilih sebagai peserta kajian. Dapatan menunjukkan terdapat tujuh tema bagi konsep inovasi dalam Islam, iaitu; 1) tidak sempurna, 2) ilham milik Allah, 3) manfaat bagi orang lain, 4) patuh syariat, 5) sesuai dengan keperluan, 6) rai metod tradisional, dan 7) dihasilkan dengan ikhlas

Interview Protocol Refinement: Fine-Tuning Qualitative Research Interview Questions for Multi-Racial Populations in Malaysia

A reliable interview protocol is the key to obtain good quality interview data. However, developing a valid interview protocol is not a simple task, especially for beginner-level researchers. Extensive understanding of the research topic is no guarantee to quality interview findings because many other factors may affect the interview process. In our study among injured workers in Malaysia, researchers face additional challenge of interviewing multi-ethnic and multi-cultural study population. Most of them are also from lower socioeconomic status and education level. The objective of this study is to refine the pre-constructed interview protocol to address these challenges for valid data collection. The protocol must be easily understood and cover all research objectives to gain insights of the worker’s return to work experience. This article demonstrated the use of the 4-step Interview Protocol Refinement (IPR) Framework on the interview questionnaire. The steps were (1) ensuring alignment between interview questions and research questions, (2) constructing an inquiry-based conversation, (3) receiving feedback on interview protocols and (4) pilot testing of the interview questions. The IPR framework is an effective tool for improving the interview protocol reliability and validity. The refinement processes corrected some shortcoming in the pre-refined questionnaires and the pilot testing ensured that the refined questions were understood by the respondent and able to obtain the intended answers based on the research objectives. Research quality can be further enhanced by applying additional strategies during the stages of research tools validation and data analysis

Hemangioblastoma in the setting of Von Hippel Lindau disease: a case report

A 21-year-old Chinese gentleman with no known medical illness, presented with a history of right painless blurring of vision with central scotoma of two weeks duration. He also had a history of multiple episodes of seizures prior to presentation. Visual acuity was 1/60 with unremarkable anterior segment findings and no relative afferent pupillary defect. Fundus examination of the right eye revealed dilated and tortuous retinal veins with multiple retinal capillary hemangiomas and sub retinal hard exudates at the macula with edema. A diagnosis of Von Hippel Lindau disease was made when a posterior fossa mass suggestive of hemangioblastoma with obstructive hydrocephalus was seen on computed tomography of the brain. Craniotomy with nodule excision was performed. The retinal capillary hemangiomas were treated with the combination of laser photocoagulation and intravitreal Ranibizumab injections. Visual acuity subsequently improved to 6/36