Statement of Purpose

My primary motivation in education is to provide the conditions in which students can learn. I believe that each individual have different style of learning (be it visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic). Therefore, the use of various teaching styles and approaches is essential to ensure that knowledge is effectively transferred to students. I do believe that the attainment of knowledge starts with understanding and not merely memorizing. Once students have an understanding of the knowledge, they can surely apply it seamlessly. This will spark their interest in learning and eventually bring them to the stage of unconscious competency. I strongly believe that there are no particular teaching styles that are appropriate for each learner. Therefore, as an educator, I am flexible, adaptable and more than willing to try new ways of passing on knowledge to ensure that students can excel in their undertakings.

Teaching Philosophy

My motto in life is to remain flexible and teachable so that necessary adjustments can be made throughout this journey in life. I do not place my priority during the teaching and learning process only on the students' notes, but I look forward to their continued progress. To me, it is useless to have good grades without having strong knowledge, skills and competencies to work with. Successful people must not stand idly by, they think outside the box and offer unique concepts and innovations, and most importantly, they are willing to learn. 

As an educator, it is crucial to model a strategic learning approach that can accommodate diverse learners. In line with Jabatan Pendidikan Tinggi (JPT) motivation to provide Experiential Learning and Competency-Based Education, I have embedded the "IDEAL - Industry driven Experiential Learning" and "POISE - Personalized Experiential Learning" in my teaching and learning approach. Downplaying the "chalk-and-talk" method to a more engaging method really helps students learn better. The employment of multiple LMS - Learning Management System such as Edmodo and Author help students to be more active in asking questions and provide suggestions. Ongoing evaluation (weekly quizzes) helps both students and myself assess performance and understanding of knowledge. A step-by-step discussion on the best approaches to answering the quiz and test questions is published every week on my own YouTube channel to help students learn better. 

For research students, I've put my focus upon "REAL - Research Infused Experiential Learning" approach. Industrial research (focusing on nanomaterials and waste water treatment) is being undertaken. Students are also encouraged to participate in national and international research competitions. It will broaden their horizons and help them think about their research from a different angle. In addition, by joining these activities should widen their link with other research as well. By employing simulation based learning and experiential learning helps the students understand more on their research work and shall appreciate the knowledge even more. I look forward for our weekly discussion (to catch up on students' progress) and lab work was done under my observation. I also cultivated the concept of "do it right the first time" to all of my postgraduate students. From data accuracy, cleanliness of glassware and apparatus to significance of the results are all recorded accordingly for easy access and discussion among the research team. WhatsApp, Edmodo/ UTHM Author and Google Drive are the applications that are very handy to my research team.   

Analytical Thinking

Each week, students shall prepare their own notes (in their individual e-portfolio) by referring to the lecture notes and also list of reference books given at the beginning of the semester. By making their own notes, students shall have an overview of what they are about to learn for the week. Lecture shall be conducted online via Google Meet with interval for some activity. 

At the end of each lecture sessions, students' understanding on the topics shall be evaluated. Quiz was conducted via Edmodo and Author (the teaching LMS). This is very convenience as both parties can track the progress real time. Class activity was also conducted by using whiteboard.fi. This is a very versatile interactive tools to really engage with students (especially the timid ones). As an educator, i have the urge to ensure that each topics taught are delivered well and students have a safe space to voice out their difficulties or challenges in capturing the input. By employing whiteboard.fi in doing class activity, I am able to see student's activity in real time. From here, i can evaluate student's way of thinking and can collaborate with them personally (in their own personal whiteboard). 

Creative Thinking

Creativity is one of the key attributes that makes a graduate stand out as compared to others. Ability to think creatively can somehow be overlooked by quiz/test scores. Assignments such as producing e-books/academic posters / videos and pitching ideas is a great way to cultivate creative thinking among students. 

Students shall have the opportunity to learn something new prior fulfilling each task given. From time management, communication skills, validity of resources to learning new applications shall shape the students to be more agile, flexible and a fast learner. These are the attributes that are mostly needed when they step into working life later on. Unlike quizzes, test or final exam which focus on evaluating students' cognitive level, by giving students the aforementioned tasks can help them to see the theoretical knowledge they've learn in another angle. They can see how it can be applied industrially or in everyday use. Appreciation of knowledge shall be enhanced once students' get to know the importance and practicality of the knowledge they learn day by day.  

Positive and effective learning process need a two-way communication. Students are also free to voice out their opinion throughout the semester in Edmodo or in Padlet. This way, students can share their view on the different approaches that they feels more comfortable. I cherished every feedback from the students for the betterment of my teaching skills.   

Continuous engagement with the industry is also crucial in ensuring the relevancy of the knowledge taught in the University with the fast-moving industries. In line with JPT's motivation in providing Industry driven Experiential Learning, Industrial Talks was conducted to provide the opportunities for students to actively engaged with the major industrial player in Malaysia. From here, students get to understand how the theoretical part of the course is being implemented in the actual industry. Students can also brush up their communication skills by communicating with the industry representative and build a positive connections with them. 

Practical Thinking

Practical thinking attributes can hardly be evaluated from quiz/test/examination score. It emphasizes intelligence in a practical sense (ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions and to shape the environment so as to maximize students' strengths and compensate on their weaknesses). By using Edmodo/UTHM Author, students are free to have an open discussion on topics they they are struggling with. Students with better understanding can contributes in giving their point of view and not only focusing on feedback from the lecturer. 

Group work can also enhances students' practical thinking. Each student have their own strength and weaknesses. Hence by having group work, task can be distributed in accordance to their strength and a high quality assignment/ project can be achieved by doing so.