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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, an integration of the four disciplines, has been promoted in schools and universities in Malaysia. However, the teachers' readiness in applying STEM has been an apprehension of not only the school administrators, but also the public. The implementation of STEM is observed from the teachers' abilities to organize learning environments that are created to strengthen students' 21st-century skills. As such, the teachers' ability to implement and execute the plan are a concern. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify and evaluate preservice teachers' perceptions of their readiness, experiences, and effort in practising STEM education, as well as their degree of confidence in STEM education teaching and learning. A correlational research design was employed in this research to collect data from 113 science-based pre-service teacher trainees in a public university in Malaysia. The participants answered the questionnaire on their perceptions of their experiences and confidence level in learning STEM skills in their university courses and their views towards activities on STEM. Reflecting on the findings, this study has implications for the pre-service teacher trainees (students), faculty and organization as a whole in the preparation towards the execution of STEM in terms of strategies and intervention in school. This is especially advantageous for the university to raise awareness of the benefits of university STEM-related programs to a diverse background of students.

The purpose of this study is to create a model for measuring suburban teachers' commitments in Kelantan, Malaysia. In this quantitative analysis, a cross-sectional study design was adopted. A total of 182 teachers from elementary schools in the Pasir Puteh district of Kelantan were selected using a stratified random sample procedure to complete the online questionnaire. The data was gathered and evaluated using SEM AMOS, which revealed that 19 of the 24 indicated behaviours are acceptable. Finally, the study's findings effectively verified and validated three constructs: affective commitment, normative commitment, and continuance commitment, and effectively developed a measurement model of suburban teachers' commitments in Kelantan. The outcomes of this study can be used to assess teachers' commitment to their profession. Following that, the Ministry of Education (MOE) can design relevant courses or workshops to assist instructors in gaining a better knowledge of instructors. dedication Future scholars are also encouraged to do research in other Malaysian states so that the study's findings may be generalised.

The association between information management and cloud computing has been supported substantially in the existing literature. However, little is known about the role of national culture in this relationship. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the role of national culture in the relationship between information management and the adoption of cloud computing. A total of 300 Turkish and 349 Malay undergraduate students were recruited for this study. A multi-group structural equation modeling approach is used to investigate cross-cultural differences. The results showed that the relationship between perceived ease of use and usefulness was positively significant for both countries, but this relationship was stronger for Malaysia. Similarly, the relationship between perceived ease of use and behavioral intention was stronger for Malaysia. The results also indicated that perceived usefulness significantly predicts behavioral intention for Turkey, while this relationship was not significant for Malaysia. The results showed that information management impacts perceived usefulness in Turkey, while this relationship was not supported in Malaysia. In conclusion, the findings revealed that national culture plays an essential role in the relationship between information management and the adoption of cloud computing.

Teaching Design and Technology that focuses only on the end product had led to students less exposure to collaboration skills in their learning. Therefore, a study that determines the teaching method in applying collaboration skills among students and its effect is required. The two teaching methods used were the 'doing a project' method for the control group and project-based learning for the treatment group. A quasi-experimental study was carried out with a nonequivalent control group. Two groups were selected from two different daily schools consisting of 34 students for the control group and 32 students for the treatment group. A pre-test, followed by an intervention for 7 weeks was carried out. After the intervention, a post-test was carried out for both groups. A questionnaire regarding collaboration skills was used in both tests. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively and by inference. The pre-test showed that there was no significant difference in the level of collaboration of both groups. However, the results of the post-test showed that the level of collaboration in the treatment group is significantly higher than in the control group. Thus, the study showed that collaboration can be applied and cultivated among students by using project-based learning. This can be achieved by structured discussion from explicit planning, and student-centered learning activities with teaching and learning aids that support the execution of students' project work.

Writing is very important for learners; it is a dynamic and creative skill. Although studies on students' problems when writing a dissertation among Native Speakers (NS) are widely done, studies on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) are limited, especially those which examine problems faced while writing dissertations among Ph.D. EFL learners, in particular, Jordanian Ph.D. candidates. Studies on the supervisors' perspectives of writing a dissertation are scarce among EFL learners, particularly Arab learners. This study aims at focusing on supervisors' perspectives of writing dissertations among Jordanian Ph.D. students who are studying abroad. This study is a qualitative case study. The researchers interviewed nine Malaysian supervisors who supervised 21 Jordanian Ph.D. candidates. The results show that six main themes emerged from the supervisors' perspectives, and they are grammatical mistakes, lack of vocabulary and verbs reporting, personal effects, lack of motivation, writing apprehension, and the problem with generic thesis structure. This paper contributes with a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical perspectives on problems Ph.D. students face when writing a dissertation. The study also fills in the gap in the field of supervisors' perspectives of writing a dissertation. Based on the results found, the researchers suggest a number of recommendations and further research that might help supervisors understand the reasons behind such difficulties.

This study developed the Investigable Questioning Formulation Technique (IQFT) protocol to formulate investigable questions by following the procedures of design-based research. As guiding heuristics, the protocol used two provisional design principles based on teaching experience and previous studies that have applied tools for formulating questions, notably, the question formulation technique, SMART goals, and a typology of investigable and non-investigable questions. Two cycles comprising six lesson interventions were completed with two groups (n = 23, n = 25) of students in the same school in Malaysia. Questions were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and a question typology framework. Findings show the majority of students formulated comparison, exploratory, and validation of mental model questions. Some questions were posed in the prediction, descriptive, and problem-solving categories, but none were categorized as cause and effect, design and make, or pattern seeking. Implications for use of the IQFT protocol to help facilitate Malaysian students' generation of investigable questions, design experiments, and implement open inquiry are discussed.

The Engineering Accreditation Council Standard 2020 requires the stipulated 12 programme outcomes that address complex engineering problems (CEP) and complex engineering activities (CEA) to be incorporated in the engineering programmes. However, the implementation of outcome-based education with regards to CEP and CEA is still in the infancy stage. This study was carried out to give an overview of the implementation of complex engineering problems and activities in Malaysian engineering programmes in relation to the types of assessment used to address CEP and CEA, and the typical weightage and taxonomy level of CEP and CEA employed in these assessments. A survey questionnaire was administered to 256 engineering educators from 25 universities to enquire about the implementation of CEP and CEA in their engineering programmes, particularly in the online teaching and learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings showed that most of the programmes addressed complex engineering problems in assignments or projects as compared to final examinations or mid-term tests. Complex engineering activities were found to be addressed in Final Year Project, Industrial Training and Integrated Design Project and laboratory courses. The findings in this study could act as a guideline for educators to enhance the teaching and learning activities incorporating CEP and CEA elements, and hence facilitating the continual quality improvement for an engineering programme.

Embracing internationalization is the reality in Malaysian tertiary education in this century. Various endeavors and research collaborations have been and are still carried out to achieve the government's vision to position Malaysia as a tertiary education hub in the region. Using phenomenological approach, this study attempts to highlight challenges and strategies towards achieving internationalization of Malaysian higher education. Twelve lecturers from public and private universities were purposively sampled to discuss issues on internationalization of Malaysian tertiary education. Focus Group Discussions using semi structured interview protocol were undertaken. Data analysis and interpretation were carried out through thematic development. The findings revealed all participants are aware of the pedagogical approaches to be in practice to embrace the dynamics of global cultures convening in Malaysian lecture rooms. They highlighted the advantages of having international students from academic and social perspectives. Also included are ways how local students benefit with the presence of international students. These benefits emerged as participants discussed the consequences of Malaysian campus bereft of international students. In-class challenges and strategies to overcome them were deliberated. The findings also informed lecturers, administrators, and policy makers of relevant aspects to consider when dealing with international students at the tertiary level in Malaysia.

The purpose of the study was to examine level of digital citizenship skills among undergraduate students at the Sultan Idris Education University, Perak, Malaysia. The study focused on three sub-variables of digital citizenship skills; online wellbeing, online learning and online safety. The paper present report from a questionnaire conducted on 1000 students from nine different faculties. Items for each variable were constructed based on literature highlights related to digital citizenship framework and through experts' validation. A descriptive statistic was used in determined the level of digital citizenship skills among the undergraduate students. The findings of the study showed that the level of digital citizenship skills of students is at a high level. This study expected to help stakeholders to further emphasize the study of digital citizenship and digital citizenship education in Malaysia in more detail.

The attainment of program outcomes for Solid Mechanic course offered to the Diploma in Civil Engineering students is evaluated. It was found that most of the students were incapable to demonstrate graduate attributes which applying knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering fundamentals and the ability to analyse engineering problems. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of physics and maths scores on the students' performance of solid mechanics. Analysis of the previous results in physics and maths shows that there is a clear link between students' fundamentals knowledge and the understanding of solid mechanics. Meanwhile, this study also aims to find out the root causes that led to the high failure rate of solid mechanics. A quantitative method was employed and a total of 180 students responded to the survey. Results of survey indicate that most of the students perceived that they had limited time to gain deep understanding of the course and they could not visualise the complex problems in solid mechanics. Majority of the students admitted that they did not manage to solve all questions during their final exam, and they were indeed not well prepared for it. Hence, the problem of high failure rate is feasible to be solved provided both lecturers and students making efforts in striving the success of this course.

This study aimed to determine the professional identity concept based on professionalism requirement in Malaysia's new preschool curriculum. Three professional identities identified through works of literature such as professional qualifications, experience and professional development were verified based on the constructed hypothesis to validate the concept of professional identity. The analysis findings showed a significant difference between professional qualifications. The same analysis, however, demonstrated that there was no significant difference on the preschool curriculum knowledge with regards to experience, but there was a significant indication of interaction between professional qualifications and experience on preschool curriculum knowledge. Meanwhile, for the one-way ANOVA test, there was a significant difference in the preschool curriculum knowledge based on professional development. The findings of this study confirmed that professional knowledge and professional development respectively hold a direct impact on the preschool curriculum, while experience acts as a support for professional qualifications.

This article aimed to discuss the implementation of sexuality education in the preschool context in Malaysia based on preschool teachers' understanding. Past studies have reassured that teachers have played an important role in ensuring the success of early childhood sexuality education program. Numerous local and Asian studies have highlighted that due to the lack of training and limited assess on sexuality related resources, the implementation of this program in preschool level remained vague. To close the gap, interviews were conducted to discover Malaysia preschool teachers' content knowledge and delivery on sexuality education in the early years. Ten qualified and experienced preschool teachers from Klang Valley were recruited as the study respondents. Content analysis was employed to extract emerging themes based on the interview scripts. Findings have revealed that the respondents showed a varied understanding about sexuality education in early childhood context, where their thoughts were found heavily confined by the social and cultural norms acquired through their previous experiences, current cognitive understandings and comfort level. The analysis has also expressed a potential risk of misinterpretation on children's sexual behaviors among the preschool teachers, due to their insufficient knowledge on children's sexual development. Further to that, the local early year sexuality education was found to be delivered informally within children's routine in preschool, serving as reminder when necessary rather than pre-planned activities. This study is expected to provide implication to aid useful evidences in enhancing current sexuality education program in the preschool context, and devising comprehensive teachers training module for betterment.

This study aimed to examine the implementation of the teaching and facilitation (PdPc) methods among lecturers and their influence on students' interests in learning Geography. Students' interests in learning were measured based on two aspects: emotional and cognitive aspects. A survey approach was used in this study, involving a total of 120 final year students (seventh semester) who have completed all the eight Geography core subjects offered in Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). The sample was selected using a simple random sampling method. A set of questionnaires with 40 items was distributed to the respondents. The findings from the descriptive analysis indicated that the overall students' interests in learning Geography subjects in UPSI was at a high level (M=4.19, SD=0.83). Additionally, the analysis also discovered that the implementation of the PdPc methods in the Geography subjects using the traditional learning method was moderate (M=2.72, SD=1.34), while the game-based learning method was at a high level (M=4.27, SD=0.75), the flipped-based learning method was at a high level (M=4.32, SD=0.78), and the challenge-based learning method was also at a high level (M=4.36, SD=0.71). The Pearson correlation analysis revealed that students' emotional interests and cognitive interests had a relationship with all the learning methods. The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the game-based learning method was the method that had the most influence on students' interests in learning the Geography subjects with a percentage contribution value of 64.5 percent. Therefore, PdPc methods that are creative and go beyond traditional learning need to be implemented by lecturers to attract interest in learning Geography and further achieve student development.

The ability of rural entrepreneurs to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic greatly depends on their knowledge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to support online business. In this study, online surveys were conducted to assess the readiness and acceptance of rural entrepreneurs in adopting to the pandemic using the available technologies. Data collected were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using ANOVA. Online training modules were designed based on their specific needs. Although participants indicated that their frequency and skills of using the electronic devices or applications had generally increased or improved after the training, the increment was not statistically significant ([alpha]=0.05). This indicated that while the participants, to some extent, benefited from the online training provided, there has not been a significant impact on them.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbots have received considerable attention during the last few years. However, little is known concerning what affects their use for educational purposes. This research, therefore, develops a theoretical model based on extracting constructs from the expectation confirmation model (ECM) (expectation confirmation, perceived usefulness, and satisfaction), combined with the knowledge management (KM) factors (knowledge sharing, knowledge acquisition, and knowledge application) to understand the sustainable use of chatbots. The developed model was then tested based on data collected through an online survey from 448 university students who used chatbots for learning purposes. Contrary to the prior literature that mainly relied on structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques, the empirical data were analyzed using a hybrid SEM-artificial neural network (SEM-ANN) approach. The hypotheses testing results reinforced all the suggested hypotheses in the developed model. The sensitivity analysis results revealed that knowledge application has the most considerable effect on the sustainable use of chatbots with 96.9% normalized importance, followed by perceived usefulness (70.7%), knowledge acquisition (69.3%), satisfaction (61%), and knowledge sharing (19.6%). Deriving from these results, the study highlighted a number of practical implications that benefit developers, designers, service providers, and instructors.

This is a concept paper to review the needs of holistic life planning as a new pathway towards retirement preparation. It is based on the review of literature on the importance of this knowledge to fulfil individual successful planning and preparation for retirement. It includes the review on a planning process theory by Friedman and Scholnick (1997) which provides the basis for generation of retirement preparation. Meanwhile Hansen's Integrative Live Planning (ILP) theory is embedded within the theoretical framework to help better understanding on the domains of planning and preparation for retirement. The purpose is to develop a theoretical model for measuring employees' retirement preparation in government organizations. The primary problem in retirement preparation is the lack of theory to show the development of retirement preparation process. Although prior research has theories explained on retirement thoughts, behaviors, attitudes or goals undertaken to fulfil the retirement preparation, none of it measures applied in the studies were established to directly test the theories according to the process and development of retirement. According to the process theory, individuals acquire an understanding of the problem, goals will be set in making a decision to start preparing and finally behaviors is considered necessary to fulfil the goals (Noone et al., 2009). This raises intriguing questions: What factors influence retirement preparation? Which stages in retirement planning and preparation require intervention and support? (Noone et al., 2009) Which domain in life is significant to retirement preparation? The theory is discussed throughout the paper in the context of the needs of retirement preparation. This paper would be useful for policy makers, practitioners and employees in considering their own retirement preparation for future well-being.

This quantitative study examines the effects of internationalization practices on university quality service and students' loyalty as perceived by international students in Malaysian public universities. A total of 1,575 international students from 10 different public universities in Malaysia and from different home countries participated in this study. Stratified sampling was used to select the international students by dividing the population into continents. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using SmartPLS Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The findings of PLS-SEM confirmed the effect of internationalization of higher education practice and university quality service on international student loyalty in Malaysia. It was also found the effect of internationalization of higher education practice on university quality service. The research reported here adds to the growing body of knowledge on foreign student satisfaction and perceptions of quality, internationalization of education, and student mobility. It also helps provide some insights for the education industry in Malaysia and beyond in their effort to gain global recognition in the field of academic teaching, research, and professional development.

Engineering students at an undergraduate level typically learn the design aspect and concept through lectures and practical sessions using computeraided software. However, the current computer-aided design and engineering (CAD/CAE) course did not expose the students to apply and relate the latest advanced technologies to solve global issues, for instance as listed in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG). Therefore, an improved CAD/CAE course taken by the students of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Programme in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia integrates 3D printing and conduct their project based on UN SDG themes. A total of 22 projects was produced, which involves both mechanical and electrical design with some of the physical models were 3D printed. Thus, students able to strengthen their understanding of the design concept through the integration of 3D printing and simultaneously aware of the current global issues.

This study examined the educational effects in strengthening programming skills among university's undergraduate engineering students via integration of a robotics project and an experiential learning approach. In this study, a robotics project was conducted to close the gap of students' difficulty in relating the theoretical concepts of programming and real-world problems. Hence, an experiential learning approach using the Kolb model was proposed to investigate the problem. In this project, students were split into groups whereby they were asked to develop codes for controlling the navigation of a wheeled mobile robot. They were responsible for managing their group's activities, conducting laboratory tests, producing technical reports and preparing a video presentation. The statistical analysis performed on the students' summative assessments of a programming course revealed a remarkable improvement in their problem-solving skills and ability to provide programming solutions to a real-world problem.

The importance of entrepreneurial role in supporting the country's economic growth has been recognized by experts in the field of entrepreneurship. Today the importance of entrepreneurship has become increasingly important where it has turned into a priority for developing countries including Malaysia. Now, there are many higher educational institutions that are aware of the importance of applying entrepreneurial skills in higher education. Therefore, public universities have to implement entrepreneurship education to encourage students to venture into entrepreneurship. This study examined the effects of entrepreneurship education in influencing business performance among ITM/UiTM graduates. A total of 250 graduates from various businesses in Malaysia participated voluntarily in this study by completing survey questionnaires. A series of statistical analysis were applied including descriptive analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regressions analysis using the SPSS software. The results of the study indicate that university curriculum, relational factor, society factor, and entrepreneurship values were found to have significant influences on business performance. However, the results revealed that the university role has no significant influence on business performance. The findings of this study contribute to entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurship literature by adding new empirical evidence on the relationship between university curriculum, relational factors, society factor, and entrepreneurship values on business performance. In terms of managerial implications, the findings help HEI's in organizing entrepreneurship education dimensions, particularly in strategizing, marketing, decision making, and positioning themselves in the business industry.

The school organization consists of a multi generation teacher community which would mean professional development programs of one-size fits all should change towards fulfilling the needs of all teachers in the effort to strengthen the quality of education. This is because each generation has different ways of accepting changes. Therefore, this study aims to identify the different levels of teacher professional development across the cohort of generations such as the Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y. The quantitative study used survey method through questionnaire where the sample consisted of 300 teachers in Kelantan was selected using purposive sampling technique. Data collection method was primary data with quantitative and analysis techniques using descriptive analysis. The findings show that there was a significant difference in the level of teacher professional development across the cohort of generations. The results of this study can help school management to design a more appropriate professional development approach for all cohorts of teacher generation. This coordination is expected to enhance the professionalism of every teacher towards realizing the ministry's aspiration in upholding the quality of teaching and quality education in Malaysia.

This article discusses a study carried out to investigate scientific reasoning skills among 82 science pre-service teachers at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), one of the public universities in Malaysia. Undeniably, the development of general scientific abilities is critical to enable students of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to successfully handle openended real-world tasks in their future careers. Teaching goals in STEM education include fostering content knowledge and developing general scientific abilities. One such important ability is scientific reasoning. Scientific reasoning encompasses critical thinking skills as a vital learning outcome in modern science education. Lawson (1978) categorized scientific reasoning into four domains: Conservative Concept, Proportional Concept, Control Variable and Probabilistic Thinking, and Hypothetical-Deductive Reasoning. An instrument by Lawson (1978) was adapted for this study. The findings show that a majority of the science pre-service teachers possess low ability in scientific reasoning. It is also found that there was no significant difference among the science pre-service teachers of the physics, biology and chemistry disciplines when examined. The findings showed that Physics students had developed a higher ability in Conservative Concept, Proportional Concept, and Hypothetical-Deductive Reasoning and chemistry students had a higher ability in Control Variable and Probabilistic Thinking, whereas biology students had a moderate ability in the four scientific reasoning patterns.

This study aims to investigate the attitudes of non-Arabic students towards reading short stories in Arabic at universities in Malaysia, with a focus on three variables: the students' university, gender, and mother tongue. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using a questionnaire and semi-structured focus group discussion with 58 participants. The study found that the students had positive attitudes toward reading short stories. There were no statistically significant differences between the participants' attitudes based on type of university, gender, and mother tongue. With respect to the types of short stories students prefer, comic stories were read most frequently by students. Finally, students also found it very encouraging and supporting to use short stories to enhance their Arabic language skills. The study concludes with some recommendations for further research.

Virtual Reality (VR) application in the field of education has been an ongoing endeavour. It is believed that VR provides an opportunity for students to learn in a real situation through the exposure of artificially created reality and the use of visual which improves the learning by enhancing study focus (Piovesan, Passerion and Pereira, 2012). The accessibility to VR is made even easier with the invention of wireless VR. Incorporating this technology in language learning is a logical step, particularly in combatting students' apprehension to carry out presentations. Thus, the focus of this study is to investigate UiTM Faculty of Education TESL postgraduates' attitude in using virtual reality speaking application to ease their presentation apprehension. A mixed-method study is adopted by incorporating both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interviews) approaches. A purposive sampling of twenty-four TESL postgraduates is used to gather data which was then analysed using SPSS version 23 for the questionnaire and thematic analysis for the interview. Descriptive statistics is used to present the findings. The findings show that the participants have a limited knowledge of VR speaking application. Nonetheless, they are very interested and motivated to use the application as part of their presentation preparation especially in easing their apprehension. VR speaking application provides a crucial connection in improving oral presentations skills, but it is not the best approach for teachers to develop speaking skills. As this study is based on the respondents' perceptions, future work is necessary to statistically study the effectiveness of VR speaking technology in language learning as well as investing if any significant relationship is formed between VR speaking application and language learning and teaching variables.

Digital Storytelling is one of the new pedagogical tools that calls upon students' creativity and helps them to "learn by doing". It is one of the important steps towards creating the 21st century learning environment as it promotes the integration of student-centered and technology-enriched learning environment for learners. Despite the many benefits that this learning tool has to offer, many educators are still reluctant to integrate this kind of technology in their classes which resulted in low implementation of this technology among the educators. Therefore, this study is intended to determine pre-service teachers' experience and perceptions towards digital storytelling for 21st century skills in learning environment. A set of questionnaire has been distributed to 150 trainee teachers from the Faculty of Education in one of public universities in Malaysia. The result of this study reveals that pre-service teachers' have moderately experienced the use of digital storytelling in their learning (M=2.98; SD=1.332). The finding also showed that the pre-service teachers responded positively towards the use of digital storytelling in the classroom (M=3.94; SD=0.713). The correlation analysis further showed that, the pre-service teachers' experience with digital storytelling has significantly given impact on their perception towards the implementation of this tool in teaching and learning process. Considering the many advantages of the digital storytelling towards the enhancement of 21st century skills among the younger generations, therefore more aggression steps need to be done to strengthen the teaching preparation programme in higher educational institutions. This is very important to ensure that the future teachers produced are well-equipped with all the teaching skills and technologies to educate the next millennial generations.

Teaching practicum is a component in preparing a student to be a beginner teacher. Yet there are a lot of preparations needed for the trainee teacher before he or she could teach in a school. A lack of preparation at the institution level could significantly affect trainee teachers' readiness to teach in schools. Students who are not well-prepared for teaching assignments could became stressed due to high expectations from their supervisors. This study aimed to investigate the level of trainee teachers' readiness and the challenges encountered during teaching practice. A total of 160 questionnaires were distributed to final year Education students who had completed their teaching practice. A descriptive research design was employed which utilized survey method to analyse teaching experiences of trainee teachers at the Faculty of Education, UiTM. The findings showed a high level of readiness among trainee teachers. An important finding from the data showed that students needed more individual attention be the most predominant challenge in teaching practice among the participants. This study sheds light into the crucial needs to help trainees teachers to raise the standard of teaching and to develop world-class teaching capabilities needed for classroom instructions in the 21st century millenium.

This study further extends a theoretical model of psychological empowerment by investigating the relationships between self-efficacy, self-confidence and self-esteem. A sample of 383 of Malaysian undergraduates participating in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programmes across five public universities is used to test the model employing partial-least squares based structural equation modelling. The results have demonstrated that self-efficacy and self-esteem have a positive and significant relationship with self-confidence. This study also confirms the moderating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between self-efficacy and self-confidence. Furthermore, the findings of this study provide insight about psychological attributes of undergraduates participated in WIL programmes. These findings have implications for WIL stakeholders, which are highlighted in the paper.

The analytical comparative profile of the nursery services of TASKA in three states on the east coast of Malaysia namely Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu is the main idea of this study. Survey method using questionnaire was conducted on 37 TASKA selected based on three registration status. The questionnaire was modified from the SERVQUAL Model. The data were analyzed using statistical chi-squared exact test. The findings show that there is no significant difference in the safety aspect shown by the institutional TASKA whether registered or unregistered. Nevertheless, the analysis shows that there is a significant difference in the nutritional aspect based on several items from the perspective of the caretaker. An independent sample t tests also found no significant difference between the registrationstatusesin all aspects. In conclusion, the difference in terms of the TASKA category can be assessed through different perspectives where safety and nutrition factors are the key indicators in this study.

Malaysian Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs) are expected to provide effective and innovative teaching and learning practices. Academics are to be of high quality and equipped with vital knowledge and skills to assist the IHLs in producing holistic and work-ready graduates. In order to meet these expectations, the implementation of a work-based learning (WBL) strategy is a possible significant learning strategy. However, obstacles and challenges accompany any implementation process. Hence, the purpose of this study is to identify and understand the key challenges faced by a group of academics who have incorporated a work-based learning (WBL) strategy into their teaching and learning activities. In an attempt to reach an inductive conclusion, the researchers used observations as main research strategy, supported with indirect oral interviews as additional sources of evidence. The research processes observed those people who were directly or indirectly involved in implementation of WBL at the Teaching Accountancy Firm Salihin -- UiTM, Faculty of Accountancy, Universiti Teknologi MARA. Their observations and indirect oral interviews regarding the WBL implementation started on 1 March 2017, and data gathering processes were conducted during the first half of the second year of the WBL implementation. The main findings revealed that academic acceptance, industries? acceptance, operationalization, and talent are the key challenges faced by participants. In conclusion, smooth and effective implementation of the WBL can be achieved if these four key challenges can be resolved in advance.

Purpose: Measuring internal response of online learning is seen as fundamental to absorptive capacity which stimulates knowledge assimilation. However, the evaluation of practice and research of validated instruments that could effectively measure online learning response behavior is limited. Thus, in this study, a new instrument was designed based on literature to determine the structural variables that exist in the online learning response behavior. Design/methodology/approach: A structured survey was designed and distributed to 410 Malaysian students enrolled in higher-education institutions. The questionnaire has 38 items, all of which were scored using a seven-point likert scale. To begin with, exploratory factor analysis with three types of extraction methods (i.e. principal component, principal axis factoring and maximum likelihood) was used as the method for comparing the outcomes of each extraction method's grouping variables by constantly using a varimax rotation method. In the second phase, reliability analysis was performed to determine the reliability level of the grouping variables, and finally, correlation analysis was performed to determine the discriminant nomological validity of the grouping variables. Findings: The findings revealed that nine grouping variables were retrieved, with all items having a good value of factor loading and communalities, as well as an adequate degree of reliability. These extracted variables have good discriminant and nomological validity, as evidenced by correlation analysis, which confirmed that the directions of relationships among the extracted dimensions follow the expected theory (i.e. positive direction) and the correlation coefficient is less than 0.70. Research limitations/implications: This study proposes a comprehensive set of questionnaires that measure the student's online learning response behavior. These questionnaires have been developed on the basis of an extensive literature review and have undergone a rigorous process of validity and reliability for the purpose of enhancing students' online learning response behavior. Originality/value: This study's findings will aid academic practitioners in assessing the online learning response behavior of students, as well as enhancing the questionnaire's boost factor when administered in an online learning environment.

This study empirically examines how graduate students' attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, knowledge, and acceptance of agro-business influence student intention to start agro-entrepreneurship and the moderating effect of gender and faculty on the relationship among the factors based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. The study adopted the cross-sectional design from 300 public university students. The results of the study revealed that attitude toward agro-entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, and acceptance of agro-entrepreneurial exert a positive and significant effect on agro-entrepreneurial intention among university students. Moreover, the gender-based multiple group analysis revealed that male graduate students accept more agro-business than female students. Thus, policy makers can facilitate the promotion of agro-entrepreneurship among graduate students. Based on Theory of Planned Behavior, this study improves our understanding on university students' agro-entrepreneurial intention in Malaysia. Finally, the discussion, recommendations and conclusion of the study are discussed in the research paper.

The prevalence of fast food consumption and childhood obesity has increased rapidly. This study aimed to assess the association between the frequency of fast food consumption in the past week with emotional and behavioral problems of 624 adolescents with overweight and obese problems (mean age = 14.6). Frequency of fast food consumption was assessed through a pre-tested nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire. Meanwhile, the Youth Self-Report questionnaire was used to measure emotional and behavioral problems. Multiple linear regression was used to measure the strength of relationships. The strongest and significant positive correlation was reported between frequency of fast food consumption in the past week and aggressive behavior (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). Weak but significant positive correlations were demonstrated between frequency of fast food intake in the past week with somatic complaints (r = 0.328, p < 0.001) and attention problems (r = 0.356, p < 0.001). Therefore, adolescents with obese and overweight problems and their parents should be instilled awareness about the association between fast food consumption and emotional and behavioral problems to achieve their psychological well-being.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a conservation education program in raising awareness among school students about the importance of mangrove ecosystems in Setiu Wetlands. About seventy-four upper secondary students were involved in a survey that was conducted with an educational workshop. The workshop focused on the benefits, threats, conservation, and importance ofmangrove ecosystem services, such as regulating, provisioning, supporting, and cultural services. The respondents were found to be unfamiliar with the benefits offered by cultural services, while regulation, provision, and support services were found to be significant.

Evaluation of research performance has significantly increased in importance, particularly in many emerging higher education systems. In Malaysia, the Malaysian Research Assessment (MyRA) was developed to evaluate the research performance of universities and Research Centres of Excellence (RCoEs). This paper reports on a participatory action research approach aimed at developing a new framework for measuring research performance of Malaysian RCoEs. The introduction provides the contexts leading to the development and adoption of the MyRA including the challenges and its appropriateness as a tool for evaluating the research performance of relatively smaller entities namely, RCoEs. A stepwise approach in developing an alternative system of assessment for RCoEs is then described, leading to a list of prioritised components and criteria for the newly proposed tool. Finally, some of the wider implications of the new assessment framework are discussed, including the applicability to other contexts, lessons learned, and the contribution to the literature.

This study explored the pressing issue of drug and substance abuse (DSA) among adolescents in drug hotspots in Malaysia. The Malaysian Anti-drug Agency (AADK) has identified 155 hotspot areas across Malaysia, of which 78 were randomly selected as the study sites. These areas were identified as having extreme drug-related activities such as drug trafficking and drug-related crimes. According to the literature, several factors influence adolescents to be involved in DSA. Therefore, understanding the risk factors in the context of Malaysian school-going adolescents is of utmost importance. The study examined, in particular, a wide range of potential predictors, including socioeconomic factors, peer influence, family dynamics, educational experiences, drug access, and community characteristics. Adolescents in the hotspot areas were selected by means of a cross-sectional survey design with a cluster sampling method. The sample comprised 3382 school-going adolescents, and the data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The logit model method with STATA software was used to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that school-going adolescents with disciplinary issues face a two-fold increase in the risk of becoming current drug users compared to their peers. Further, those exhibiting externalising behaviours, such as aggression and rule-breaking, also face greater odds of becoming involved in DSA. Drug pushers were identified as the most significant risk factor, with adolescents exposed to them being 46 times more likely to become current drug users. The factors of friends and family also contribute significantly to adolescent drug involvement. However, adolescents with academic-related issues may be less involved if they have the protective factor of better coping skills. These findings will contribute to efforts to mitigate drug addiction and drug-related activities, particularly in high-risk communities, as well as help policymakers and healthcare professionals develop targeted interventions and generally promote the well-being of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the interrelationships between a set of antecedent academic intrinsic motivations and metacognitive strategy such as goal orientation, perceived value and religiosity in Fundamental Knowledge for Matriculation courses (FKM). It also investigated the relationship between intrinsic motivation and metacognitive strategy on one hand, and students' academic performance on the other. Methodology: A total of 471 second-year students (233 males and 238 females) were randomly selected to participate in a survey, following a stratified random sampling. Hypothesized relationships of academic intrinsic motivation, metacognitive strategy and their predictors were then tested by using Structural Equation Modeling. Findings: Using bootstrapping (data-based resampling), the findings confirmed the proposed model which suggests that goal orientation and perceived values contributed to students' academic performance directly and indirectly via intrinsic motivation and metacognition. Additionally, the findings also indicate that goal orientation was the main determinant of intrinsic motivation and metacognition, followed by perceived value. It was also found that religious motives within a perceived value construct contributed significantly to students' academic performance in a direct and indirect manner via intrinsic motivation and metacognitive strategy. Significance: The study suggests the importance of goal orientation especially mastery and performance as well as perceived value and most significantly, religious motive in students' intrinsic motivation and their use of metacognitive strategies. The study also highlights the significance of intrinsic motivation and metacognitive strategies in students' academic performance. Hence, it is recommended that learners should be helped to adopt appropriate academic goals, and be encouraged to use metacognitive strategies to enhance their learning attainments.

The study examines the influence of leadership roles related to organisational capability consisting of directing setting, strategic and organisational process, alignment, intervention and strategic capability on depending variable internalising quality culture in IIUM. The study used 100 samples consisting of lecturers, non-academic staff and students drew through purposive sampling in Gombak campus. The study employed descriptive and multiple regression analysis (MRA) in analysing the data. The results revealed that predictors directing setting, strategic and organisational processes and strategic capabilities significantly influenced internalising quality culture in IIUM.

This research intends to investigate factors affecting students' behavioural intentions to use a massive open online courses (MOOCs) system. Integrating the technology acceptance model (TAM) with the innovation diffusion theory (IDT), the present research proposes an extended technology acceptance model. Testing of data collected from 1148 students using (MOOCs) system in Malaysia achieved the research objective. The findings obtained via a quantitative research method, based on analysing the results using a Structure Equation Modeling (SEM). The outcomes reveal that six views of novelty features swayed students' a (MOOCs) scheme behavioural objective. The properties of the relative advantages, intricacy, trialability, observability, compatibility, and perceived enjoyment on the perceived ease of use are significant. Also, the effects of the relative advantages, complexity, trialability, observability, compatibility, and perceived enjoyment on the usefulness have a substantial impact. Therefore, the practical outcomes offer robust backing for the integrative method between TAM and IDT. The results recommend a prolonged model of TAM with IDT for the taking of MOOCs) system used to improve students learning performance, which can help decision makers in higher education, universities and colleges to planning, evaluating and executing the use of (MOOCs) systems.

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the effect of e-evaluation on work motivation among teachers during the Movement Control Order (MCO) in COVID-19 and determining the mediating role of stress. Design/methodology/approach: The study is designed using a causal research design to examine the cause-effect relationship between the study variables. The study sample consists of 595 school teachers selected via convenient sampling. Quantitative data are collected from an online survey through the questionnaires with demographic, stress, e-evaluation and work motivation developed by the researchers were distributed during the MCO period. To test the model, structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied by using AMOS 21. Findings: The results indicated that the e-evaluation, stress and work motivation of teachers during the MCO were conducted at a moderate level. The stress relationship with work motivation of teachers was also weak and showed a negative relationship, while e-evaluation and work motivation showed a strong relationship. The results of the SEM analysis revealed that the model fit was achieved with RMSEA = 0.07, GFI = 0.96, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97, ChiSq/df = 4.30 and p = 0.00. In addition, there was no role of stress as a mediator in the relationship between e-evaluation and work motivation and e-evaluation contributed 54% to work motivation. Research limitations/implications: This study underlines our contention that teachers' work motivation correlated positively with their e-evaluation. The findings suggest that teachers' stress cannot mediate the relationship between e-evaluation and work motivation. The limitations of the study include the convenience sampling, non-probability sampling technique, not chosen at random and undermines the generalizations from sample to the population. Practical implications: The results provide a useful framework to teachers for the successful implementation of e-evaluations in their instruction to enhance their work-motivation. Originality/value: There is a lack of e-evaluation studies in teacher education and teaching strategies, and the correlation between e-evaluation and work motivation during COVID-19 pandemic is often absent.

Empty and partially filled grain (EPFG) from rice milling factories is usually discarded to landfill. Converting EPFG to valuable products could increase the waste value, improve Malaysia's rice milling waste management, and prevent environmental problems. Utilising the existing and accessible technology in rice mills factories, the optimal waste management practices involving EPFG were investigated. The options were option 1 as biochar, option 2 as compost, and option 3 as bioethanol. Data was obtained from a previous study based on the current Malaysian scenario. A methodology integrating MFA and LCA was applied to observe the environmental performance of these options, which was performed using STAN2 and SimaPro 9.0 software. The best environmental performance was found for the conversion of EPFG to compost (option 2) since less input was used and fewer emissions were released. A total of 3,550 kg CO2 eq. per ton of EPFG used was obtained while avoiding fertiliser products. Therefore, converting EPFG to compost as an easily applied technology can be suggested to rice mill factories to improve their waste management. When deployed in agricultural waste management systems, the integration MFA-LCA model could be referred to as a useful source when implementing policies and industrial uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous literature has demonstrated associations between grit and positive educational and psychological outcomes, such as higher academic grades, lower attrition rates in medical training, and protection from burnout. However, the predictors of grit have yet to be studied, particularly among medical students in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the level of grit and its predictors among Malaysian medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 123 medical students from a public university in Malaysia. Data on sociodemographic and educational characteristics were collected. The student's personality traits were determined using the Big Five Inventory (BFI), while grit was assessed using the validated 7-item Short Grit Scale (Grit-S). Grit was expressed as a mean score, ranging from 1 (not at all gritty) to 5 (extremely gritty). Multiple linear regression was used to determine the association between the predictors (personality, sociodemographic and educational characteristics) and grit among these students. Results: The mean grit score was 3.43 (SD 0.57). Based on the multiple linear regression analysis, the grit score was significantly predicted by three personality traits which were extraversion, b = 0.2 (95% CI: 0.07–0.32), agreeableness, b = 0.28 (95% CI: 0.12–0.44) and conscientiousness, b = 0.6 (95% CI: 0.42–0.77). A 1-point increase in the mean extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness scores would independently increase these students' mean grit scores by 0.2, 0.28, and 0.6, respectively. The sociodemographic and educational characteristics did not significantly predict grit among Malaysian medical students. Conclusions: The mean grit score among Malaysian medical students is comparable to other medical students in Asia. Extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness personality traits were associated with higher grit. As grit is a dynamic trait, appropriate interventions should be implemented to foster and increase it among these students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the prevalence of abnormal lung function and its associated factors among patients recovering from COVID-19 is crucial for enhancing post-COVID care strategies. This study primarily aimed to determine the prevalence and types of spirometry abnormalities among post-COVID-19 patients in Malaysia, with a secondary objective of identifying its associated factors. Conducted at the COVID-19 Research Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University Technology MARA, from March 2021 to December 2022, this study included patients at least three months post-discharge from hospitals following moderate-to-critical COVID-19. Of 408 patients studied, abnormal spirometry was found in 46.8%, with 28.4% exhibiting a restrictive pattern, 17.4% showing preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm), and 1.0% displaying an obstructive pattern. Factors independently associated with abnormal spirometry included consolidation on chest X-ray (OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.75–37.42, p = 0.008), underlying cardiovascular disease (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.19–10.47, p = 0.023), ground-glass opacity on chest X-ray (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.52–4.30, p < 0.001), and oxygen desaturation during the 6-min walk test (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.20–3.06, p = 0.007). This study highlights that patients recovering from moderate-to-critical COVID-19 often exhibit abnormal spirometry, notably a restrictive pattern and PRISm. Routine spirometry screening for high-risk patients is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]