Centre for Learning and Teaching | UTAR R&D Annual Report 2017

Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT)

Activities Report

JSF for developing web applications and JASPER for creating dynamic report with JAVA
Date: 9 Jan and 11 March 2017 Veneu: UTAR Kampar Speaker: Mr. Anbuselvan Sangodiah The workshops were conducted by Mr Anbuselvan Sangodiah, a member from the Center of Learning and Teaching (CLT) on 9 Jan 2017 and 11 March 2017 respectively. The Faculty of Information and Communications Technology (FICT) assisted in providing support in issuing certificates of attendance and in providing room facility to conduct the workshops. ThE workshops were conducted in computer lab/room at Block N at FICT. The workshops were conducted free of charge for UTAR students from FICT. This type of workshop is held at least twice a year and has been ongoing since 2012. The workshops aim to help participants to provide some exposure on latest tools and techniques used to develop web application and to generate web reports; acquire skills in developing small scale web application; and acquire skills in generating web reports in web application. The students found the workshop beneficial as they are able to apply the technical skills acquired from the workshops in the final year projects and at work after completion of their studies. Based on the industry feedback and surveys, the content of the workshops is essential in IT industry. A total of nine (9) students attended the 9 January workshop and thirteen (13) students attended the 11 January workshop. Both workshops began with ice-breaking session where participants were asked to introduce themselves and speak up their opinions and ideas related to the content of the workshops. It was then followed by a short briefing on relevant professional certifications which are related to the workshop. Shortly after that, the participants obtained some hands-on experience to developing a small-scale web application with report generating capability. And this was achieved through guided real time examples facilitated by the facilitator. In the second half of the workshops, the participants were put to test by giving a scenario where they had to develop some applications based on the scenario without the guidance of the facilitator. At the end of the workshops, the participants were requested to fill up a post-test survey questionnaire. Participants on the 9 January 2017 workshop together with Mr Anbuselvan Participants on the 11 March 2017 workshop together with Mr Anbuselvan

JSF for developing web applications and JASPER
for creating dynamic report with JAVA

Date: 9 Jan and 11 March 2017
Veneu: UTAR Kampar
Speaker: Mr. Anbuselvan Sangodiah

The workshops were conducted by Mr Anbuselvan Sangodiah, a member from the Center of Learning and Teaching (CLT) on 9 Jan 2017 and 11 March 2017 respectively. The Faculty of Information and Communications Technology (FICT) assisted in providing support in issuing certificates of attendance and in providing room facility to conduct the workshops.
ThE workshops were conducted in computer lab/room at Block N at FICT. The workshops were conducted free of charge for UTAR students from FICT. This type of workshop is held at least twice a year and has been ongoing since 2012.
The workshops aim to help participants to

provide some exposure on latest tools and techniques used to develop web application and to generate web reports;
acquire skills in developing small scale web application; and
acquire skills in generating web reports in web application.

The students found the workshop beneficial as they are able to apply the technical skills acquired from the workshops in the final year projects and at work after completion of their studies. Based on the industry feedback and surveys, the content of the workshops is essential in IT industry.
A total of nine (9) students attended the 9 January workshop and thirteen (13) students attended the 11 January workshop. Both workshops began with ice-breaking session where participants were asked to introduce themselves and speak up their opinions and ideas related to the content of the workshops. It was then followed by a short briefing on relevant professional certifications which are related to the workshop. Shortly after that, the participants obtained some hands-on experience to developing a small-scale web application with report generating capability. And this was achieved through guided real time examples facilitated by the facilitator. In the second half of the workshops, the participants were put to test by giving a scenario where they had to develop some applications based on the scenario without the guidance of the facilitator. At the end of the workshops, the participants were requested to fill up a post-test survey questionnaire.

Participants on the 9 January 2017 workshop together with Mr Anbuselvan

Participants on the 11 March 2017 workshop together with Mr Anbuselvan

CLT Staff Development Talk on “Integrating UNESCO resources into Childhood Education”
Date: 9 March 2017 Venue: Institute CECE, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur Speaker: Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er The Staff Development Talk was conducted by Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er, the CLT Chairperson, on 9 March 2017, from 11am to 12pm, at the invitation of Ms Choo Poh Lin, the Director of the Institute of Childhood Education and Community Engagement (Institute CECE). The talk was conducted in the staff meeting room at Institute CECE at Setapak, Kula Lumpur, Malaysia. Ten (10) lecturers attended the talk, together with Ms Choo. The talk aimed to help the lecturers of Institute CECE to be familiar with the UNESCO Educational Resources on materials and software that are relevant to the teaching of English and early childhood education. Institute CECE lecturers at the Staff Development Talk

CLT Staff Development Talk on “Integrating UNESCO
resources into Childhood Education”

Date: 9 March 2017
Venue: Institute CECE, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur
Speaker: Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er

The Staff Development Talk was conducted by Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er, the CLT Chairperson, on 9 March 2017, from 11am to 12pm, at the invitation of Ms Choo Poh Lin, the Director of the Institute of Childhood Education and Community Engagement (Institute CECE). The talk was conducted in the staff meeting room at Institute CECE at Setapak, Kula Lumpur, Malaysia. Ten (10) lecturers attended the talk, together with Ms Choo.
The talk aimed to help the lecturers of Institute CECE to be familiar with the UNESCO Educational Resources on materials and software that are relevant to the teaching of English and early childhood education.

Institute CECE lecturers at the Staff Development Talk

ICT Workshop for Teachers and Focus Group Discussion
Event details Venue: Maldives National University, Maldives Date: 25 May 2017 The CLT research team on the Impact Study on UNESCO Educational Resources and Corresponding Training (Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er and Ms Chooi-Yi Wei) conducted a workshop in the Faculty of Education, Maldives National University (MNU) on 25 May 2017. The workshop was organised in collaboration with the School of Education, MNU, which is also a Resource Distribution and Training Centre (RDTC) of UNESCO Bangkok. A total of 22 in-service teachers and 2 pre-service teachers attended the workshop from 9am to 11am. The participants were introduced to the 21st Century Learning Design program, which provided a 21st Century skills framework to guide a new model of educator professional learning. The participants were next introduced to the six learning activity rubrics of 21 CLD - Collaboration, Knowledge construction, Self-regulation, Real-world problem-solving and innovation, the use of ICT for learning and Skilled communication. Some sample class activities or work assignments were put up. They were then shown the latest 2 UNESCO DVDs, i.e. Classroom Productivity and Directory of Science for Teachers. The research team and Mr Mohamed Shihab from MNU then facilitated the participants on the use of the DVDs. Some of the teachers had to leave for their school session after the workshop, while some remained for the focus group discussion that was held after the workshop. ICT Workshop for Teachers at Maldives National University on 25 May 2017 at the Maldives National University, Maldives. In-service and pre-service teachers at the ICT Workshop for Teachers at Maldives National University on 25 May 2017. Ms Winnie Er facilitating the ICT Workshop for Teachers at Maldives National University. Focus group interview with in-service teachers after the ICT Workshop for Teachers at Maldives National University on 25 May 2017.

ICT Workshop for Teachers and Focus Group Discussion

Event details

Venue: Maldives National University, Maldives
Date: 25 May 2017
The CLT research team on the Impact Study on UNESCO Educational Resources and Corresponding Training (Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er and Ms Chooi-Yi Wei) conducted a workshop in the Faculty of Education, Maldives National University (MNU) on 25 May 2017. The workshop was organised in collaboration with the School of Education, MNU, which is also a Resource Distribution and Training Centre (RDTC) of UNESCO Bangkok. A total of 22 in-service teachers and 2 pre-service teachers attended the workshop from 9am to 11am.
The participants were introduced to the 21st Century Learning Design program, which provided a 21st Century skills framework to guide a new model of educator professional learning. The participants were next introduced to the six learning activity rubrics of 21 CLD - Collaboration, Knowledge construction, Self-regulation, Real-world problem-solving and innovation, the use of ICT for learning and Skilled communication. Some sample class activities or work assignments were put up. They were then shown the latest 2 UNESCO DVDs, i.e. Classroom Productivity and Directory of Science for Teachers. The research team and Mr Mohamed Shihab from MNU then facilitated the participants on the use of the DVDs. Some of the teachers had to leave for their school session after the workshop, while some remained for the focus group discussion that was held after the workshop.

ICT Workshop for Teachers at Maldives National University on 25 May 2017
at the Maldives National University, Maldives.

In-service and pre-service teachers at the ICT Workshop for Teachers at Maldives National University on 25 May 2017.

Ms Winnie Er facilitating the ICT Workshop for Teachers at Maldives National University.

Focus group interview with in-service teachers after the ICT Workshop for Teachers at Maldives National University on 25 May 2017.

Focus Group Discussion with Pre-service, In-service Teachers and the RDTC Trainers
Date: 28 - 29 June 2017 Venue: University of the East, Manila, Philippines The CLT research team on the Impact Study on UNESCO Educational Resources and Corresponding Training (Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er and Dr Go You How) conducted three (3) sessions of focus group discussion in the University of the East, Manila, Philippines, on 28-29 June 2017. The University of the East, like CLT, is also a Resource Distribution and Training Centre (RDTC) of UNESCO Bangkok. The focus group discussion was held with 3 in-service teachers and 1 in-service teacher and 3 RDTC trainers. In service teachers The teachers teach a broad-base group of secondary school students, from 3rd grade, 11th grade to 12th grade. They used the UNESCO resources in their teaching for students, who in turn also loved the resources since this was integrating technology, something that the young students were good at. The teachers did not expect a lot of reward or recognition because they just wanted to encourage students to look for new materials and sources. The trainings really helped them in looking for and identifying materials for context. The teachers pointed out that the problem encountered was that some laptops do not have CD-ROMs, hence the resources could not be installed. Although they had the CDs, they felt that some CDs need update, and hence they looked forward to updates of the resources. The teachers recommend that it would be good if UNESCO produces CDs that are specialised and concentrated for specific teaching purposes. For example, CDs for teaching in the Philippines, in China or in Malaysia. Pre- service teacher The pre-service teacher mentioned that she used the UNESCO CDs when she was first undergoing training in teaching English language. The resources were useful, easy to understand, and not that complicated as compared to blended learning. The DVDs were a great resources for school curriculum, and the syllabus is compatible with UNESCO educational resources. What she likes about the UNESCO resources is that they are very flexible. Each file is on its own and she can just download it. For example, she found that for one file, she could use it for different subjects, and could integrate into different subjects. She also found the resources very easy to use and that she is likely to integrate UNESCO educational resource in future teaching. The teacher recommend that in trying to adapt the resources, it would be better to still use English as the common language. This is because in the Philippines, there are not only different languages, but also different dialects of the Filipino language. RDTC Trainers During trainings, the RDTC Trainers mentioned that they incorporated pedagogy, following the TPACK framework, wherein contents had to be matched with a certain pedagogy or strategy. Their participants were happy with the tools, and they also think of the challenges of using in class. Hence, the trainers would teach the teachers on how they can use the tools in the classroom and also what challenges they might have. The Trainers mentioned that they would appreciate reproduction of more resources to be distributed among schools. Currently, much depends on the schools’ financial resources to supply the RDTC with blank CDs in order to duplicate the CDs. Further, there should be more reproduction of the resources, perhaps more in the use of USB instead of CDs or DVDs. The trainers mentioned that recognition was in the form when their colleagues and management found out about the RDTC network. When these colleagues and management realised the significance of the institution being in the RDTC network, only then they see it was good for the college, after so many years. A challenge encountered is that the trainers have many teachers to train. Since the CDs were limited in number, they found that they had to get the institutions (that invite them to conduct trainings) to provide the CDs. The trainers mentioned there should be new contents that would be more helpful for teachers and also resources for tertiary level. Since there are already resources on English and Sciences, then the content that they think is necessary is digital citizenship. Focus Group Discussion with In-service and Pre-service Teachers on 28 June 2017 at the University of the East, the Philippines Focus Group Discussion with RDTC Trainers at the University of the East, the Philippines

Focus Group Discussion with Pre-service, In-service
Teachers and the RDTC Trainers

Date: 28 - 29 June 2017
Venue: University of the East, Manila, Philippines

The CLT research team on the Impact Study on UNESCO Educational Resources and Corresponding Training (Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er and Dr Go You How) conducted three (3) sessions of focus group discussion in the University of the East, Manila, Philippines, on 28-29 June 2017. The University of the East, like CLT, is also a Resource Distribution and Training Centre (RDTC) of UNESCO Bangkok. The focus group discussion was held with 3 in-service teachers and 1 in-service teacher and 3 RDTC trainers.

In service teachers
The teachers teach a broad-base group of secondary school students, from 3rd grade, 11th grade to 12th grade. They used the UNESCO resources in their teaching for students, who in turn also loved the resources since this was integrating technology, something that the young students were good at. The teachers did not expect a lot of reward or recognition because they just wanted to encourage students to look for new materials and sources. The trainings really helped them in looking for and identifying materials for context. The teachers pointed out that the problem encountered was that some laptops do not have CD-ROMs, hence the resources could not be installed. Although they had the CDs, they felt that some CDs need update, and hence they looked forward to updates of the resources. The teachers recommend that it would be good if UNESCO produces CDs that are specialised and concentrated for specific teaching purposes. For example, CDs for teaching in the Philippines, in China or in Malaysia.

Pre- service teacher
The pre-service teacher mentioned that she used the UNESCO CDs when she was first undergoing training in teaching English language. The resources were useful, easy to understand, and not that complicated as compared to blended learning. The DVDs were a great resources for school curriculum, and the syllabus is compatible with UNESCO educational resources. What she likes about the UNESCO resources is that they are very flexible. Each file is on its own and she can just download it. For example, she found that for one file, she could use it for different subjects, and could integrate into different subjects. She also found the resources very easy to use and that she is likely to integrate UNESCO educational resource in future teaching. The teacher recommend that in trying to adapt the resources, it would be better to still use English as the common language. This is because in the Philippines, there are not only different languages, but also different dialects of the Filipino language.

RDTC Trainers
During trainings, the RDTC Trainers mentioned that they incorporated pedagogy, following the TPACK framework, wherein contents had to be matched with a certain pedagogy or strategy. Their participants were happy with the tools, and they also think of the challenges of using in class. Hence, the trainers would teach the teachers on how they can use the tools in the classroom and also what challenges they might have. The Trainers mentioned that they would appreciate reproduction of more resources to be distributed among schools. Currently, much depends on the schools’ financial resources to supply the RDTC with blank CDs in order to duplicate the CDs. Further, there should be more reproduction of the resources, perhaps more in the use of USB instead of CDs or DVDs. The trainers mentioned that recognition was in the form when their colleagues and management found out about the RDTC network. When these colleagues and management realised the significance of the institution being in the RDTC network, only then they see it was good for the college, after so many years. A challenge encountered is that the trainers have many teachers to train. Since the CDs were limited in number, they found that they had to get the institutions (that invite them to conduct trainings) to provide the CDs. The trainers mentioned there should be new contents that would be more helpful for teachers and also resources for tertiary level. Since there are already resources on English and Sciences, then the content that they think is necessary is digital citizenship.

Focus Group Discussion with In-service and Pre-service Teachers on
28 June 2017 at the University of the East, the Philippines

Focus Group Discussion with RDTC Trainers at the University of the East, the Philippines

ICT Workshop for Teachers
Date: 5 July 2017 Venue: Education District Office, Bau, Sarawak UTAR CLT collaborated with Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang College Sarawak and the Bau Education District Office to conduct a one-day workshop in the Education District Office, Bau, Sarawak, Malaysia on 5 July 2017. Just like CLT, Tun DAtu Tuanku Haji Bujang College is also another Malaysian Resource Distribution and Training Centre (RDTC) of UNESCO Bangkok A total of 48 primary in-service teachers and 2 secondary in-service teachers attended the workshop from 9am to 4 pm. Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er conducted the morning session of the workshop, followed by Mr Anson Tho-Lip Liew (Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang College, Sarawak), who handled the afternoon session. The participants were introduced to the 21st Century Learning Design program and the six learning activity rubrics of 21 CLD - Collaboration, Knowledge construction, Self-regulation, Real-world problem-solving and innovation, the use of ICT for learning and Skilled communication. Some sample class activities or work assignments were put up. They were then given the latest 2 UNESCO DVDs, i.e. Classroom Productivity and Directory of Science for Teachers. The teachers mentioned that they were attracted to the DVDs and they intended to use them in their classrooms. Teachers at the ICT Workshop held on 5 July 2017 at the Education District Office, Bau, Sarawak, East Malaysia. Group photo of teachers, district education officials and the 2 RDTC Trainers (East Malaysia and West Malaysia) at the ICT Workshop held on 5 July 2017 at Bau, Sarawak, East Malaysia. Teachers at the ICT Workshop held on 5 July 2017 at the Education District Office, Bau, Sarawak, East Malaysia. The ICT Workshop conducted by Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er from RDTC Utar CLT.

ICT Workshop for Teachers

Date: 5 July 2017
Venue: Education District Office, Bau, Sarawak
UTAR CLT collaborated with Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang College Sarawak and the Bau Education District Office to conduct a one-day workshop in the Education District Office, Bau, Sarawak, Malaysia on 5 July 2017. Just like CLT, Tun DAtu Tuanku Haji Bujang College is also another Malaysian Resource Distribution and Training Centre (RDTC) of UNESCO Bangkok
A total of 48 primary in-service teachers and 2 secondary in-service teachers attended the workshop from 9am to 4 pm. Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er conducted the morning session of the workshop, followed by Mr Anson Tho-Lip Liew (Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang College, Sarawak), who handled the afternoon session.
The participants were introduced to the 21st Century Learning Design program and the six learning activity rubrics of 21 CLD - Collaboration, Knowledge construction, Self-regulation, Real-world problem-solving and innovation, the use of ICT for learning and Skilled communication. Some sample class activities or work assignments were put up. They were then given the latest 2 UNESCO DVDs, i.e. Classroom Productivity and Directory of Science for Teachers. The teachers mentioned that they were attracted to the DVDs and they intended to use them in their classrooms.

Teachers at the ICT Workshop held on 5 July 2017 at the Education
District Office, Bau, Sarawak, East Malaysia.

Group photo of teachers, district education officials and the 2 RDTC Trainers (East Malaysia and West Malaysia) at the ICT Workshop held on 5 July 2017 at Bau, Sarawak, East Malaysia.

Teachers at the ICT Workshop held on 5 July 2017 at the Education
District Office, Bau, Sarawak, East Malaysia.

The ICT Workshop conducted by Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er from RDTC Utar CLT.

CLT Workshop on Advanced Facilitation Skills for Teaching Professionals
Date: 14 and 15 July, 2017 Venue: Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), Melaka, Malaysia Speakers: Mr Chee-Heong Lee, Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er, and Dr Phaik-Kin Cheah and Dr Priscilla Moses The workshop was conducted by a training and research team from the Center of Learning and Teaching (CLT) from 14 to 15 July 2017. The CLT team comprised two facilitators (Mr Chee-Heong Lee and Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er), two research supervisors (Dr Phaik-Kin Cheah and Dr Priscilla Moses) and two research assistants. The workshop was conducted in Melaka for the trainers of Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM) or the Malaysian Maritime Academy. This workshop was the second in a planned series of intervention workshops to be conducted as a follow up to Phase I of the Project on “Evaluating teaching delivery and identifying training needs”. An earlier workshop was conducted in December 2016, and the participants comprised the second cohort of trainers who were slotted for this workshop. From the Final Report of Phase 1, it was found that majority of the trainers required this workshop. The workshop aims to help participants to understand 21st Century Learning & Teaching and the TPACK framework. acquire skills in facilitation as one of the important learning needs for instructors; and A total of twenty-five (25) ALAM trainers participated in the 2-day workshop. Mr Lee Chee Heong conducted the first part of the workshop on ‘21st Century Learning and Teaching’ and the TPACK framework. A pre-test evaluation was conducted shortly before the workshop started. Each participant filled up a survey questionnaire. During the workshop, the participants were put to some activities designed to build up their understanding of 21st Century learning and teaching. Ms Winnie Er conducted the second part of the workshop on Effective Facilitation. On the second day (15 July), the participants were required to conduct Mock Facilitation sessions on individual basis. This was in order for them to practise what they learnt from the workshop the day before. At the end of the workshop, the participants were requested to fill up a post-test survey questionnaire. A full Final Report on the findings of the workshop was presented to ALAM in September 2017. Among the key findings from the analysis of data on the workshop are as follows: The trainers’ teaching approaches and methods mostly registered moderately high scores when mapped against the 21st century skills-set. All post-tests show that there will be a change in the flow and series activities that the trainers now plan for their regular classes. Among the key improvements of their new plan over their existing practices are in introducing facilitating sessions, student-centred activities and adoption of OER, drawing on what they have learnt from the workshop. Majority of the trainers indicated that they would not be making any changes to the methods of assessment. This is most likely attributed to the institution’s existing policies and also their current syllabi’s rules and regulations set by the Marine Department. A fair number of trainers also plan to use more technological tools and OER, apart from just the existing power-point slides. The other trainers opine that based on the nature of the subject they teach, technological tools are not required or unnecessary. Participants consulting with Dr Cheah at the CLT workshop on “Advanced Facilitation Skills for Teaching Professionals” at ALAM, Melaka. Second part of CLT workshop, conducted by Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er Group photo session of the CLT training and research team for the workshop on “Advanced Facilitation Skills for Teaching Professionals”, at ALAM, Melaka.

CLT Workshop on Advanced Facilitation Skills for Teaching Professionals

Date: 14 and 15 July, 2017
Venue: Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), Melaka, Malaysia
Speakers: Mr Chee-Heong Lee, Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er,
and Dr Phaik-Kin Cheah and Dr Priscilla Moses
The workshop was conducted by a training and research team from the Center of Learning and Teaching (CLT) from 14 to 15 July 2017. The CLT team comprised two facilitators (Mr Chee-Heong Lee and Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er), two research supervisors (Dr Phaik-Kin Cheah and Dr Priscilla Moses) and two research assistants. The workshop was conducted in Melaka for the trainers of Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM) or the Malaysian Maritime Academy.
This workshop was the second in a planned series of intervention workshops to be conducted as a follow up to Phase I of the Project on “Evaluating teaching delivery and identifying training needs”. An earlier workshop was conducted in December 2016, and the participants comprised the second cohort of trainers who were slotted for this workshop. From the Final Report of Phase 1, it was found that majority of the trainers required this workshop.
The workshop aims to help participants to

understand 21st Century Learning & Teaching and the TPACK framework.
acquire skills in facilitation as one of the important learning needs for instructors; and

A total of twenty-five (25) ALAM trainers participated in the 2-day workshop. Mr Lee Chee Heong conducted the first part of the workshop on ‘21st Century Learning and Teaching’ and the TPACK framework. A pre-test evaluation was conducted shortly before the workshop started. Each participant filled up a survey questionnaire. During the workshop, the participants were put to some activities designed to build up their understanding of 21st Century learning and teaching. Ms Winnie Er conducted the second part of the workshop on Effective Facilitation. On the second day (15 July), the participants were required to conduct Mock Facilitation sessions on individual basis. This was in order for them to practise what they learnt from the workshop the day before. At the end of the workshop, the participants were requested to fill up a post-test survey questionnaire.
A full Final Report on the findings of the workshop was presented to ALAM in September 2017. Among the key findings from the analysis of data on the workshop are as follows:

The trainers’ teaching approaches and methods mostly registered moderately high scores when mapped against the 21st century skills-set.
All post-tests show that there will be a change in the flow and series activities that the trainers now plan for their regular classes. Among the key improvements of their new plan over their existing practices are in introducing facilitating sessions, student-centred activities and adoption of OER, drawing on what they have learnt from the workshop.
Majority of the trainers indicated that they would not be making any changes to the methods of assessment. This is most likely attributed to the institution’s existing policies and also their current syllabi’s rules and regulations set by the Marine Department.
A fair number of trainers also plan to use more technological tools and OER, apart from just the existing power-point slides. The other trainers opine that based on the nature of the subject they teach, technological tools are not required or unnecessary.

Participants consulting with Dr Cheah at the CLT workshop on “Advanced Facilitation Skills for Teaching Professionals” at ALAM, Melaka.

Second part of CLT workshop, conducted by Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er

Group photo session of the CLT training and research team for the workshop on “Advanced Facilitation Skills for Teaching Professionals”, at ALAM, Melaka.

DLL-CLT camp on EXtra English 6.0
Conducted by: UTAR pre-service English teachers Date: 5 August 2017 Venue: Bandar Seri Botani Chinese Primary School. The EXtra English Camp 6.0, organized on 5 August 2017, was an inspiring and fruitful camp for 30 camp facilitators who were UTAR (Kampar) pre-service teachers pursuing the English Education and English Language degree programmes as well as 96 camp participants who were Standard 6 students from Bandar Seri Botani Chinese Primary School, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. Four (4) lecturers from the Department of Languages and Linguistics (DLL), who are also members of the UTAR Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT), namely, Cik Siti Ummaizah Binti Meor Musa (Head of Department), Ms Zao-May Ooi, Ms A.Avene a/p Atputharaj and Ms Viji a/p Ramamuruthy, were involved in making this EXtra English Camp 6.0 a success. They were ably assisted by Ms Chooi-Wan Lee from the Department of Soft Skills Competency (Kampar Campus). This camp was fully-funded by the Department of Languages and Linguistics, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, UTAR Kampar and organised in collaboration with UTAR CLT. During the camp, the participants enjoyed four fun-filled lessons which were designed by the camp facilitators with the objective of making the process of learning English more joyful and stress-free. The four lessons focused on the four essential skills in mastering English, which are, reading, writing, speaking and listening. The interesting teaching materials were prepared by the camp facilitators, who are taking the course “Teaching Materials” conducted by Cik Siti Ummaizah for the May 2017 semester. The teaching materials were used to aid the participants in learning a large variety of new vocabulary as well as the grammatical rules involved in constructing longer sentences. Apart from these, the participants had the opportunity to explore the kinds of English Language specifically used in Mathematics, Science and poem writing, through a creative game during their reading lesson. Cik Siti Ummaizah shared that, “this camp is an opportunity for UTAR ED and EL pre-service teachers to get out of their classrooms and experience the real joy in teaching primary school students. Their valuable camp experience can also prepare them for the real challenge of teaching when they enter the teaching field in future. They cannot learn everything in classrooms.” Ms Chooi-Wan Lee from Department of Soft Skills Competency highlighted that, “the stress from homework and school examinations might have diminished the interest towards learning English among school children. Without any interest, it could be a daunting task in mastering the four essential skills of English. It is hoped that this camp has helped to ignite the love for English among Standard Six students in SJK(C) Bandar Seri Botani in some ways.” A UTAR pre-service teacher, Mathuri a/p Sahathavan, expressed her joy gained from playing her role as a camp facilitator, “I would definitely love to participate as a camp facilitator for such an English Camp again in the future. Thank you to everyone for their efforts.” Speaking Activity: Participants guessing the unseen word on their forehead as acted out by their team members Speaking Activity: Participants presenting their guessed words orally by describing the definitions of the words Listening Activity: Participants listening to the explanation about the different uses of prepositions from the camp facilitators Listening Activity: Camp facilitators guiding the participants in arranging pictures of different items according to the given instructions laden with a variety of prepositions Writing Activity: Participants excitedly furnishing their imaginary house after being rewarded with imaginary furniture for constructing grammatically correct sentences Reading Activity: Participants reading their questions obtained through spinning the Magic Wheel while thinking of their suitable answers UTAR lecturers, pre-service teachers (camp facilitators), school teachers and student participants posing for a happy group photo to celebrate the completion of their participation in EXtra English Camp 6.0 after receiving small gifts from their camp facilitators.

DLL-CLT camp on EXtra English 6.0

Conducted by: UTAR pre-service English teachers
Date: 5 August 2017
Venue: Bandar Seri Botani Chinese Primary School.

The EXtra English Camp 6.0, organized on 5 August 2017, was an inspiring and fruitful camp for 30 camp facilitators who were UTAR (Kampar) pre-service teachers pursuing the English Education and English Language degree programmes as well as 96 camp participants who were Standard 6 students from Bandar Seri Botani Chinese Primary School, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. Four (4) lecturers from the Department of Languages and Linguistics (DLL), who are also members of the UTAR Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT), namely, Cik Siti Ummaizah Binti Meor Musa (Head of Department), Ms Zao-May Ooi, Ms A.Avene a/p Atputharaj and Ms Viji a/p Ramamuruthy, were involved in making this EXtra English Camp 6.0 a success. They were ably assisted by Ms Chooi-Wan Lee from the Department of Soft Skills Competency (Kampar Campus). This camp was fully-funded by the Department of Languages and Linguistics, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, UTAR Kampar and organised in collaboration with UTAR CLT.

During the camp, the participants enjoyed four fun-filled lessons which were designed by the camp facilitators with the objective of making the process of learning English more joyful and stress-free. The four lessons focused on the four essential skills in mastering English, which are, reading, writing, speaking and listening. The interesting teaching materials were prepared by the camp facilitators, who are taking the course “Teaching Materials” conducted by Cik Siti Ummaizah for the May 2017 semester.
The teaching materials were used to aid the participants in learning a large variety of new vocabulary as well as the grammatical rules involved in constructing longer sentences. Apart from these, the participants had the opportunity to explore the kinds of English Language specifically used in Mathematics, Science and poem writing, through a creative game during their reading lesson.
Cik Siti Ummaizah shared that, “this camp is an opportunity for UTAR ED and EL pre-service teachers to get out of their classrooms and experience the real joy in teaching primary school students. Their valuable camp experience can also prepare them for the real challenge of teaching when they enter the teaching field in future. They cannot learn everything in classrooms.”

Ms Chooi-Wan Lee from Department of Soft Skills Competency highlighted that, “the stress from homework and school examinations might have diminished the interest towards learning English among school children. Without any interest, it could be a daunting task in mastering the four essential skills of English. It is hoped that this camp has helped to ignite the love for English among Standard Six students in SJK(C) Bandar Seri Botani in some ways.”

A UTAR pre-service teacher, Mathuri a/p Sahathavan, expressed her joy gained from playing her role as a camp facilitator, “I would definitely love to participate as a camp facilitator for such an English Camp again in the future. Thank you to everyone for their efforts.”

Speaking Activity: Participants guessing the unseen word on
their forehead as acted out by their team members

Speaking Activity: Participants presenting their guessed words orally
by describing the definitions of the words

Listening Activity: Participants listening to the explanation about
the different uses of prepositions from the camp facilitators

Listening Activity: Camp facilitators guiding the participants in arranging pictures of
different items according to the given instructions laden with a variety of prepositions

Writing Activity: Participants excitedly furnishing their imaginary house after being
rewarded with imaginary furniture for constructing grammatically correct sentences

Reading Activity: Participants reading their questions obtained through
spinning the Magic Wheel while thinking of their suitable answers

UTAR lecturers, pre-service teachers (camp facilitators), school teachers and student participants posing for a happy group photo to celebrate the completion of their participation in EXtra English Camp 6.0 after receiving small gifts from their camp facilitators.

CLT Workshop on “Advanced Facilitation Skills for Teaching Professionals”
Date: 29 and 30 September 2017 Venue: Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), Melaka. Speakers: Mr Chee-Heong Lee, Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er, Dr Phaik-Kin Cheah and Dr Priscilla Moses The workshop was conducted by a training and research team from the Center of Learning and Teaching (CLT) from 29 to 30 September 2017. The CLT team comprised two facilitators (Mr Chee-Heong Lee and Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er), two research supervisors (Dr Phaik-Kin Cheah and Dr Priscilla Moses) and four research assistants. The workshop was conducted in Melaka for the trainers of Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM) or the Malaysian Maritime Academy. This workshop was the third in a planned series of intervention workshops to be conducted as a follow up to Phase I of the Project on “Evaluating teaching delivery and identifying training needs”, offered to the rest of the trainers who were unable to join earlier workshops in December 2016 and July 2017. The workshop aims to help participants to understand 21st Century Learning & Teaching and the TPACK framework. acquire skills in facilitation as one of the important learning needs for instructors A total of twenty (20) ALAM trainers participated in the 2-day workshop. Mr Lee Chee Heong conducted the first part of the workshop on ‘21st Century Learning and Teaching’ and the TPACK Framework. A pre-test evaluation was conducted shortly before the workshop started. Each participant filled up a survey questionnaire. Ms Winnie Er conducted the second part of the workshop on Effective Facilitation. On the second day (30 September), the participants were required to conduct Mock Facilitation sessions on individual basis. This was in order for them to practise what they learnt from the workshop the day before. At the end of the workshop, the participants were requested to fill up a post-test survey questionnaire. A full Final Report on the findings of the workshop is under preparation and due to be presented to ALAM in January 2018. Group photo of participants at the CLT workshop on “Advanced Facilitation Skills for Teaching Professionals” at ALAM, Melaka. Second part of CLT workshop, conducted by Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er Group photo session of the CLT training and research team for the workshop on “Advanced Facilitation Skills for Teaching Professionals”, at ALAM, Melaka.

CLT Workshop on “Advanced Facilitation Skills for Teaching Professionals”

Date: 29 and 30 September 2017
Venue: Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), Melaka.
Speakers: Mr Chee-Heong Lee, Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er,
Dr Phaik-Kin Cheah and Dr Priscilla Moses

The workshop was conducted by a training and research team from the Center of Learning and Teaching (CLT) from 29 to 30 September 2017. The CLT team comprised two facilitators (Mr Chee-Heong Lee and Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er), two research supervisors (Dr Phaik-Kin Cheah and Dr Priscilla Moses) and four research assistants. The workshop was conducted in Melaka for the trainers of Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM) or the Malaysian Maritime Academy.
This workshop was the third in a planned series of intervention workshops to be conducted as a follow up to Phase I of the Project on “Evaluating teaching delivery and identifying training needs”, offered to the rest of the trainers who were unable to join earlier workshops in December 2016 and July 2017.
The workshop aims to help participants to

understand 21st Century Learning & Teaching and the TPACK framework.
acquire skills in facilitation as one of the important learning needs for instructors

A total of twenty (20) ALAM trainers participated in the 2-day workshop. Mr Lee Chee Heong conducted the first part of the workshop on ‘21st Century Learning and Teaching’ and the TPACK Framework. A pre-test evaluation was conducted shortly before the workshop started. Each participant filled up a survey questionnaire. Ms Winnie Er conducted the second part of the workshop on Effective Facilitation. On the second day (30 September), the participants were required to conduct Mock Facilitation sessions on individual basis. This was in order for them to practise what they learnt from the workshop the day before. At the end of the workshop, the participants were requested to fill up a post-test survey questionnaire.
A full Final Report on the findings of the workshop is under preparation and due to be presented to ALAM in January 2018.

Group photo of participants at the CLT workshop on “Advanced
Facilitation Skills for Teaching Professionals” at ALAM, Melaka.

Second part of CLT workshop, conducted by Ms Winnie Pek-Hoon Er

Group photo session of the CLT training and research team for the workshop
on “Advanced Facilitation Skills for Teaching Professionals”, at ALAM, Melaka.

CLT participation in the UNESCO-Korean Funds-in-Trust Project Meeting on “Enhancing National Capacity to Foster Digital Citizenship Education in Asia-Pacific”
Date: 16-17 October 2017 Venue: the Double-Tree at Hilton Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand The Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT), being an official Resource Distribution and Training Centre (RDTC) of UNESCO Bangkok, was invited to participate in an event organised by UNESCO Bangkok, the Project Meeting on “Enhancing National Capacity to Foster Digital Citizenship Education in Asia-Pacific”, which was held from Oct 16-17, 2017, in Bangkok, Thailand. The UNESCO Bangkok launches the “Enhancing National Capacity to Foster Digital Citizenship Education in AsiaPacific” Project that will run from 2017 to 2021. The project, expanding on the previous phases in 2013-2017, aims to support Member States in building national capacity in making informed policy decisions in fostering digital citizenship in the education setting, with special emphasis on incorporating these into teacher training and development. In line with this, the project consists of 3 components: Establishment of a regional comparative framework to help gather baseline information on children’s perception, competency levels, behaviours and use of ICT in education settings. Expansion of national capacity building efforts in developing, implementing, and monitoring competency-based ICT teacher training and development programmes, focusing on competency assessment and recognition mechanisms as well as training of master teacher trainers on enhanced curriculums. Continued provision of regional platforms for high-level policy dialogues to disseminate project outcomes, to advocate the importance of comprehensive digital citizenship competencies, and to strengthen regional partnerships in the area of ICT in Education. To celebrate the successful implementation of the previous KFIT-ICT project and kick off the new phase of the Project, UNESCO Bangkok will convene the Project Meeting with key stakeholders. It will bring together the advisory committee, country project teams, international experts, and project evaluators to collectively evaluate the progress and achievements of the recently concluded KFIT Project. The discussions will logically progress to an examination of the initial design and workplan of the current KFIT project. Among the objectives of the Meeting was to evaluate the impact of the previous KFIT Project on the target pilot countries: Take stock of overall project implementation, achievements, and challenges using objectively verifiable indicators Gather, validate, and analyze feedback and recommendations on the various project components to serve as inputs to the new KFIT Project CLT Chairperson, Ms Winnie Er Pek Hoon, who was also the Head of the Research Working Group (RWG) of the RDTC network, together with Dr Elenita Que, who was the Head of the Training Working Group (TWG), were both invited to present an update on the research and training activities that had been conducted by the entire RDTC network from 2013 to 2017. Both were assisted by Dr Jong-Hwi Park, the Programme Specialist and Ms Maria Tan Melizza, the Programme Officer of the RDTC network. Ms Winnie Er, the Head of the RWG of the UNESCO RDTC network, presenting updates on the research activities of the RDTC network, moderated by Dr Jong-Hwi Park, Unesco Programme Specialist. Dr Elenita Que, the Head of the TWG of the UNESCO RDTC network, presenting updates on the training activities of the RDTC network.

CLT participation in the UNESCO-Korean Funds-in-Trust Project Meeting on “Enhancing National Capacity to Foster Digital Citizenship Education in Asia-Pacific”

Date: 16-17 October 2017
Venue: the Double-Tree at Hilton Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

The Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT), being an official Resource Distribution and Training Centre (RDTC) of UNESCO Bangkok, was invited to participate in an event organised by UNESCO Bangkok, the Project Meeting on “Enhancing National Capacity to Foster Digital Citizenship Education in Asia-Pacific”, which was held from Oct 16-17, 2017, in Bangkok, Thailand.
The UNESCO Bangkok launches the “Enhancing National Capacity to Foster Digital Citizenship Education in AsiaPacific” Project that will run from 2017 to 2021. The project, expanding on the previous phases in 2013-2017, aims to support Member States in building national capacity in making informed policy decisions in fostering digital citizenship in the education setting, with special emphasis on incorporating these into teacher training and development. In line with this, the project consists of 3 components:

Establishment of a regional comparative framework to help gather baseline information on children’s perception, competency levels, behaviours and use of ICT in education settings.
Expansion of national capacity building efforts in developing, implementing, and monitoring competency-based ICT teacher training and development programmes, focusing on competency assessment and recognition mechanisms as well as training of master teacher trainers on enhanced curriculums.
Continued provision of regional platforms for high-level policy dialogues to disseminate project outcomes, to advocate the importance of comprehensive digital citizenship competencies, and to strengthen regional partnerships in the area of ICT in Education.

To celebrate the successful implementation of the previous KFIT-ICT project and kick off the new phase of the Project, UNESCO Bangkok will convene the Project Meeting with key stakeholders. It will bring together the advisory committee, country project teams, international experts, and project evaluators to collectively evaluate the progress and achievements of the recently concluded KFIT Project. The discussions will logically progress to an examination of the initial design and workplan of the current KFIT project.
Among the objectives of the Meeting was to evaluate the impact of the previous KFIT Project on the target pilot countries:

Take stock of overall project implementation, achievements, and challenges using objectively verifiable indicators
Gather, validate, and analyze feedback and recommendations on the various project components to serve as inputs to the new KFIT Project

CLT Chairperson, Ms Winnie Er Pek Hoon, who was also the Head of the Research Working Group (RWG) of the RDTC network, together with Dr Elenita Que, who was the Head of the Training Working Group (TWG), were both invited to present an update on the research and training activities that had been conducted by the entire RDTC network from 2013 to 2017. Both were assisted by Dr Jong-Hwi Park, the Programme Specialist and Ms Maria Tan Melizza, the Programme Officer of the RDTC network.

Ms Winnie Er, the Head of the RWG of the UNESCO RDTC network,
presenting updates on the research activities of the RDTC network,
moderated by Dr Jong-Hwi Park, Unesco Programme Specialist.

Dr Elenita Que, the Head of the TWG of the UNESCO RDTC network,
presenting updates on the training activities of the RDTC network.

CLT participation in the UNESCO Regional Seminar of the Resource Distribution and Training Centres (RDTC) 2017
Date: Held on 6th to 8th November 2017 Venue: Microtel Hotel, Manila, Philippines The Centre for Learning and Teaching is a Resource Distribution and Training Centre (RDTC) of UNESCO Bangkok. CLT attended the UNESCO Regional Seminar for RDTC 2017, from 6th to 8th November 2017, in Manila, Philippines. The CLT delegation comprised Ms Lau Siew Yee (Faculty of Business and Finance) and Ms Winnie Er Pek Hoon (CLT Chairperson). “Global citizenship” refers to a sense of belonging to a broader community and common humanity. It emphasizes political, economic, social and cultural interdependency and interconnectedness between “the local, the national and the global”. Taking on a life-long and life-wide learning experience, application of global citizenship in the teaching and learning context looks into three core inter-related conceptual dimensions, cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioural. In recognition of its crucial contribution to sustainable development, GCED was re-emphasized in Education 2030 as one of the core areas that countries need to address. In this regard, UNESCO has included GCED (Global Citizenship Education) as one of the strategic areas of the Education Sector programme for the period 2014‐2021. It has been in the forefront of promoting GCED to the general public by engaging stakeholders in various advocacy and policy dialogues, developing guidance tools and reference materials, capacitating educational institutions and monitoring global progress. To contribute to regional efforts in promoting GCED and capacitating teachers, this year’s Regional Seminar for UNESCO Bangkok Resource Distribution and Training Centres (RDTCs) will provide member institutions an avenue where they can actively engage in meaningful, scholarly discourse in order to enhance their understanding of GCED. The Regional Seminar also intends to help the RDTC members in enhancing their capacity to integrate GCED in the curriculum and their teaching and learning practices, and translate these into their teacher training programmes as well as in scholarly works, as aligned to their respective needs and conditions. During Session 4 of the Regional Seminar, CLT Chairperson, Ms Winnie Er presented the findings on the “Impact Study on UNESCO Educational Resources and Correspondent Studies”, a UNESCO research grant on a cross-country study that involved Maldives, Philippines, East Malaysia, Thailand and India. The study report will work as an important reference document for Teacher-Educational Institutions (TEIs) worldwide on how they can effectively use free digital educational resources and deliver related trainings, as well as how partnership can facilitate the entire process to achieve desired outcomes. UTAR CLT also put up a poster presentation that underscored the activities and achievements of UTAR in its RDTC networks from 2016-2017. The video on the RDTC Regional Seminar 2017 and all presentation slides can be viewed at: http://bangkok.unesco.org/content/rdtc-regional-seminar-2017-global-citizenship-education Ms Winnie Er presenting on the findings of the “Impact Study on UNESCO Educational Resources and Correspondent Trainings”. Ms Siew Yee Lau and Ms Winnie Er during the poster presentation on the activities and achievements of UTAR in its RDTC networks from 2016-2017. Among the delegates of the UNESCO Regional Seminar for RDTC 2017 Among the delegates of the UNESCO Regional Seminar for RDTC 2017 Visit and classroom observation at a school in Manila, Philippines

CLT participation in the UNESCO Regional Seminar of the Resource
Distribution and Training Centres (RDTC) 2017

Date: Held on 6th to 8th November 2017
Venue: Microtel Hotel, Manila, Philippines

The Centre for Learning and Teaching is a Resource Distribution and Training Centre (RDTC) of UNESCO Bangkok. CLT attended the UNESCO Regional Seminar for RDTC 2017, from 6th to 8th November 2017, in Manila, Philippines. The CLT delegation comprised Ms Lau Siew Yee (Faculty of Business and Finance) and Ms Winnie Er Pek Hoon (CLT Chairperson).

“Global citizenship” refers to a sense of belonging to a broader community and common humanity. It emphasizes political, economic, social and cultural interdependency and interconnectedness between “the local, the national and the global”. Taking on a life-long and life-wide learning experience, application of global citizenship in the teaching and learning context looks into three core inter-related conceptual dimensions, cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioural.
In recognition of its crucial contribution to sustainable development, GCED was re-emphasized in Education 2030 as one of the core areas that countries need to address. In this regard, UNESCO has included GCED (Global Citizenship Education) as one of the strategic areas of the Education Sector programme for the period 2014‐2021.

It has been in the forefront of promoting GCED to the general public by engaging stakeholders in various advocacy and policy dialogues, developing guidance tools and reference materials, capacitating educational institutions and monitoring global progress.

To contribute to regional efforts in promoting GCED and capacitating teachers, this year’s Regional Seminar for UNESCO Bangkok Resource Distribution and Training Centres (RDTCs) will provide member institutions an avenue where they can actively engage in meaningful, scholarly discourse in order to enhance their understanding of GCED. The Regional Seminar also intends to help the RDTC members in enhancing their capacity to integrate GCED in the curriculum and their teaching and learning practices, and translate these into their teacher training programmes as well as in scholarly works, as aligned to their respective needs and conditions.

During Session 4 of the Regional Seminar, CLT Chairperson, Ms Winnie Er presented the findings on the “Impact Study on UNESCO Educational Resources and Correspondent Studies”, a UNESCO research grant on a cross-country study that involved Maldives, Philippines, East Malaysia, Thailand and India. The study report will work as an important reference document for Teacher-Educational Institutions (TEIs) worldwide on how they can effectively use free digital educational resources and deliver related trainings, as well as how partnership can facilitate the entire process to achieve desired outcomes.
UTAR CLT also put up a poster presentation that underscored the activities and achievements of UTAR in its RDTC networks from 2016-2017.

The video on the RDTC Regional Seminar 2017 and all presentation slides can be viewed at: http://bangkok.unesco.org/content/rdtc-regional-seminar-2017-global-citizenship-education

Ms Winnie Er presenting on the findings of the “Impact Study on UNESCO
Educational Resources and Correspondent Trainings”.

Ms Siew Yee Lau and Ms Winnie Er during the poster presentation on the
activities and achievements of UTAR in its RDTC networks from 2016-2017.

Among the delegates of the UNESCO Regional Seminar for RDTC 2017

Visit and classroom observation at a school in Manila, Philippines

DLL-CLT camp on EXtra English 7.0
Conducted by: UTAR pre-service English teachers Date: 25 November 2017 Venue: SRJK(C) Jeram, Perak. Speaker: Ms Ooi Zao May, Ms. A. Avene a/p Atputharaj, Ms Viji a/p Ramamuruthy and Puan Nurullashkeen Binti Mohd Anis. The EXtra English Camp 7.0 was organized on 25 November 2017, a school holiday at the end of the school year for 2017. 65 school children from SRJK (C) Jeram participated in the Extra English Camp 7.0 which was choreographed by 19 UTAR pre-service teachers. The school children were from Standard 3 to Standard 6. The UTAR pre-service teachers planned and thought out various creative language game ideas to make the English Camp a colourful and educational experience for the school children. The pre-service teachers are undergraduate students from the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English Language and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English Education programmes. They were well-guided by four UTAR lecturers from the Department of Languages and Linguistics (DLL), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FAS), who are also members of the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT), namely Ms Ooi Zao May, Ms. A. Avene a/p Atputharaj, Ms Viji a/p Ramamuruthy and Puan Nurullashkeen Binti Mohd Anis. This camp was fully-funded by the DLL and organised in collaboration with CLT. The participants were kept entertained throughout the English Camp through language activities like Ladder Builder, Guess My Name, I Am A GPS, English Is Fun, Say Anything, Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day and Act Like A Star. All these language activities encompass the four essential skills for mastering English, namely, listening, speaking, reading and writing. The planning of this English Camp is grounded on the saying, “If learning is fun, it will be more effective.” The participants were kept entertained throughout the English Camp through language activities like Ladder Builder, Guess My Name, I Am A GPS, English Is Fun, Say Anything, Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day and Act Like A Star. All these language activities encompass the four essential skills for mastering English, namely, listening, speaking, reading and writing. The planning of this English Camp is grounded on the saying, “If learning is fun, it will be more effective.” One camp facilitator, Edwin Chih E Khang, from the B.A (English Education) programme, enthused “I am very happy because the seniors who took care of me have taught me a lot of things. Only through this programme would I have the chance to explore my ability and create something good out of my enthusiasm. The children are very adorable and fun to teach! As a future educator, I will work harder on my character- building. I will not give up on my dreams”. During the Reflection session, a Standard Six participant, Chai Jie Ling, wrote that she enjoyed the process very much because for every game station that she went to, she managed to learn some words that she had not known. She also picked up some moral values. Another Standard Six participant, Ng Li Ping, wrote that she gained great satisfaction from this English Camp by learning new English words and fostering her friendship at school. EXtra English Camp 7.0 came to a beautiful conclusion with each participant receiving a cartoon notebook and a highlighter, which would undoubtedly come in handy for him or her while doing English self-learning. Group Photo The Camp Facilitators Drama Performance Sitting in a Circle while Speaking English Build the Ladder, Build a Sentence Children Smiling while Learning English Happy Faces during EXtra English Camp 7.0.

DLL-CLT camp on EXtra English 7.0

Conducted by: UTAR pre-service English teachers
Date: 25 November 2017
Venue: SRJK(C) Jeram, Perak.
Speaker: Ms Ooi Zao May, Ms. A. Avene a/p Atputharaj,
Ms Viji a/p Ramamuruthy and Puan Nurullashkeen Binti Mohd Anis.

The EXtra English Camp 7.0 was organized on 25 November 2017, a school holiday at the end of the school year for 2017. 65 school children from SRJK (C) Jeram participated in the Extra English Camp 7.0 which was choreographed by 19 UTAR pre-service teachers. The school children were from Standard 3 to Standard 6. The UTAR pre-service teachers planned and thought out various creative language game ideas to make the English Camp a colourful and educational experience for the school children.
The pre-service teachers are undergraduate students from the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English Language and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English Education programmes. They were well-guided by four UTAR lecturers from the Department of Languages and Linguistics (DLL), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FAS), who are also members of the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT), namely Ms Ooi Zao May, Ms. A. Avene a/p Atputharaj, Ms Viji a/p Ramamuruthy and Puan Nurullashkeen Binti Mohd Anis. This camp was fully-funded by the DLL and organised in collaboration with CLT.

The participants were kept entertained throughout the English Camp through language activities like Ladder Builder, Guess My Name, I Am A GPS, English Is Fun, Say Anything, Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day and Act Like A Star. All these language activities encompass the four essential skills for mastering English, namely, listening, speaking, reading and writing. The planning of this English Camp is grounded on the saying, “If learning is fun, it will be more effective.”

One camp facilitator, Edwin Chih E Khang, from the B.A (English Education) programme, enthused “I am very happy because the seniors who took care of me have taught me a lot of things. Only through this programme would I have the chance to explore my ability and create something good out of my enthusiasm. The children are very adorable and fun to teach! As a future educator, I will work harder on my character- building. I will not give up on my dreams”.

During the Reflection session, a Standard Six participant, Chai Jie Ling, wrote that she enjoyed the process very much because for every game station that she went to, she managed to learn some words that she had not known. She also picked up some moral values. Another Standard Six participant, Ng Li Ping, wrote that she gained great satisfaction from this English Camp by learning new English words and fostering her friendship at school.

EXtra English Camp 7.0 came to a beautiful conclusion with each participant receiving a cartoon notebook and a highlighter, which would undoubtedly come in handy for him or her while doing English self-learning.

Group Photo

The Camp Facilitators

Drama Performance

Sitting in a Circle while Speaking English

Build the Ladder, Build a Sentence

Children Smiling while Learning English

Happy Faces during EXtra English Camp 7.0.

CLT Talk on “Education for Sustainable Development”
Date: 29 November 2017 Venue: IDK3, Block I, UTAR Kampar campus, Perak. Speakers: Dr Subarna Sivapalan and Ms Nor Shidawati With emphasis placed on the importance of realising sustainable development goals (SDGs) in local universities, the talk organised by the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) saw invited speaker and senior lecturer from Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) Dr Subarna a/p Sivapalan sharing the definition of sustainable development (SD), definition of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), transitions from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to SDGs, efforts of mobilising stakeholders for SDGs locally, and the introduction to projects conducted under the National ESD Work Group (NESDW). Present among the participants were also the organising committee, which comprised the Organising Chairperson Dr Wei Chooi Yi, Deputy Organising Chairperson Ms Lau Siew Yee and CLT Chairperson Ms Winnie Er Pek Hoon. They were assisted by the Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Lau Lin Sea and lecturer Dr Tan Ai Lian, whom with them had enabled the talk to be successfully organised. Titled “Realizing Sustainable Development Goals through Education for Sustainable Development”, the talk aimed to provide participants with insights on the SDGs, and to provide various ideas that the university can do in order to carry out ESD initiatives, which saw participants benefiting from Dr Subarna’s introduction on sustainability. De Subarna, who is also the Head of Centre for Social Transformations and Sustainable Lifestyles in UTP, elucidated to participants that sustainability, according to the World Commission on Environment and Development, is “the ability to meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. On that point, she mentioned, “Sustainability competence is highly valued in the workforce. Students need to have the knowledge on how they contribute to the goals of sustainability. Take example when working in a company, students can help the company by finding ways to save costs or even help develop business strategies that could help make the environment greener.” Offering participants a clearer understanding, she explained that sustainable development is comprised of four key dimensions, namely social sustainability, economic sustainability, cultural sustainability and environmental sustainability, and that ESD revolves around these dimensions. According to the speaker, ESD is the umbrella term for education that aims to develop sustainability literate individuals, and ESD is the term commonly used by the United Nations (UN), which she then shared to participants the core principle of ESD. From her explanation, participants understood that ESD is based on the principles and values that underline sustainable development; it deals with the well-being of all four dimensions of sustainability; promotes lifelong learning; and it is locally relevant and culturally appropriate. ESD is also based on local needs, perceptions and conditions but acknowledges that fulfilling local needs often has international effects and consequences. The last principle of ESD shared to participants was that ESD builds civil capacity for community budget, decision-making, social tolerance, environmental stewardship, an adaptable workforce, and a good quality life. She also emphasised that ESD efforts are not done alone, but rather through collective efforts ranging from international to local levels. “UNESCO highlights to us that ESD is about engaging people in sustainable development issues, developing their capacities to give meaning to SD and to contribute to its development, as well as utilising the diversity represented by all people in generating innovative solutions to SD challenges and crises,” explained Dr Subarna. The 17 SDGs outlined by UN that were shared to participants are as below: End poverty in all its forms everywhere End hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation Reduce inequalities within and among countries Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reserve land degradation and halt biodiversity loss Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development Aware that UTAR also encourages commitment to lifelong learning; Dr Subarna encouraged staff and students present to use that platform as an opportunity to engage in ESD, and to use ESD for researches that would greatly help nearby areas to build sustainable living. Beginning with simple actions, she gave example such as how to inform food operators in cafeteria to not sell seafood from the endangered list. The speaker also complimented the lush greenery of UTAR which she spoke of as being very suitable for developing sustainable environment project, which she also then shared that upon entering UTAR, seeing the large number of bicycles in the premise inspired her to advocate further the green transportation project in UTP. Under the organisation, WWF Malaysia, Dr Subarna is the Co-Chair of the National Education for Sustainable Development Work Group (NESDW) and the Deputy Chair of the National Eco-Campus Committee. Ms Nor Shidawati Abdul Rasid, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)’s Senior Manager of Formal Education, was later invited to share briefly about NESDW and encouraged UTAR to participate in this group with hope to spread the good efforts of the ESD initiatives. Tokens of appreciation were later presented to Dr Subarna and Ms Nor Shidawati by Dr Wei. Dr Subarna explaining the concept of sustainability Ms Nor Shidawati giving an overview about NESDW. From left: Dr Wei presenting tokens of appreciation to Dr Subarna and Ms Nor Shidawati, while Er and Siew Yee looks on.

CLT Talk on “Education for Sustainable Development”

Date: 29 November 2017
Venue: IDK3, Block I, UTAR Kampar campus, Perak.
Speakers: Dr Subarna Sivapalan and
Ms Nor Shidawati
With emphasis placed on the importance of realising sustainable development goals (SDGs) in local universities, the talk organised by the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) saw invited speaker and senior lecturer from Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) Dr Subarna a/p Sivapalan sharing the definition of sustainable development (SD), definition of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), transitions from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to SDGs, efforts of mobilising stakeholders for SDGs locally, and the introduction to projects conducted under the National ESD Work Group (NESDW).

Present among the participants were also the organising committee, which comprised the Organising Chairperson Dr Wei Chooi Yi, Deputy Organising Chairperson Ms Lau Siew Yee and CLT Chairperson Ms Winnie Er Pek Hoon. They were assisted by the Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Lau Lin Sea and lecturer Dr Tan Ai Lian, whom with them had enabled the talk to be successfully organised.

Titled “Realizing Sustainable Development Goals through Education for Sustainable Development”, the talk aimed to provide participants with insights on the SDGs, and to provide various ideas that the university can do in order to carry out ESD initiatives, which saw participants benefiting from Dr Subarna’s introduction on sustainability.

De Subarna, who is also the Head of Centre for Social Transformations and Sustainable Lifestyles in UTP, elucidated to participants that sustainability, according to the World Commission on Environment and Development, is “the ability to meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

On that point, she mentioned, “Sustainability competence is highly valued in the workforce. Students need to have the knowledge on how they contribute to the goals of sustainability. Take example when working in a company, students can help the company by finding ways to save costs or even help develop business strategies that could help make the environment greener.”

Offering participants a clearer understanding, she explained that sustainable development is comprised of four key dimensions, namely social sustainability, economic sustainability, cultural sustainability and environmental sustainability, and that ESD revolves around these dimensions.

According to the speaker, ESD is the umbrella term for education that aims to develop sustainability literate individuals, and ESD is the term commonly used by the United Nations (UN), which she then shared to participants the core principle of ESD.

From her explanation, participants understood that ESD is based on the principles and values that underline sustainable development; it deals with the well-being of all four dimensions of sustainability; promotes lifelong learning; and it is locally relevant and culturally appropriate.

ESD is also based on local needs, perceptions and conditions but acknowledges that fulfilling local needs often has international effects and consequences. The last principle of ESD shared to participants was that ESD builds civil capacity for community budget, decision-making, social tolerance, environmental stewardship, an adaptable workforce, and a good quality life.
She also emphasised that ESD efforts are not done alone, but rather through collective efforts ranging from international to local levels.

“UNESCO highlights to us that ESD is about engaging people in sustainable development issues, developing their capacities to give meaning to SD and to contribute to its development, as well as utilising the diversity represented by all people in generating innovative solutions to SD challenges and crises,” explained Dr Subarna.

The 17 SDGs outlined by UN that were shared to participants are as below:

End poverty in all its forms everywhere
End hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
Reduce inequalities within and among countries
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reserve land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

Aware that UTAR also encourages commitment to lifelong learning; Dr Subarna encouraged staff and students present to use that platform as an opportunity to engage in ESD, and to use ESD for researches that would greatly help nearby areas to build sustainable living. Beginning with simple actions, she gave example such as how to inform food operators in cafeteria to not sell seafood from the endangered list.

The speaker also complimented the lush greenery of UTAR which she spoke of as being very suitable for developing sustainable environment project, which she also then shared that upon entering UTAR, seeing the large number of bicycles in the premise inspired her to advocate further the green transportation project in UTP.

Under the organisation, WWF Malaysia, Dr Subarna is the Co-Chair of the National Education for Sustainable Development Work Group (NESDW) and the Deputy Chair of the National Eco-Campus Committee.

Ms Nor Shidawati Abdul Rasid, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)’s Senior Manager of Formal Education, was later invited to share briefly about NESDW and encouraged UTAR to participate in this group with hope to spread the good efforts of the ESD initiatives. Tokens of appreciation were later presented to Dr Subarna and Ms Nor Shidawati by Dr Wei.

Dr Subarna explaining the concept of sustainability

Ms Nor Shidawati giving an overview about NESDW.

From left: Dr Wei presenting tokens of appreciation to Dr Subarna and
Ms Nor Shidawati, while Er and Siew Yee looks on.