SPECIAL EDITION: TRANSFORMING ENGINEERING EDUCATION
through Active, Blended, and Outcome-Based Innovation at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
Embedded Files
by: the Coordinator of the Engineering Education, FKJ
Credit to: AP. Ts. Dr. Mohd Kamaruddin bin Abd Hamid (Deputy Dean - Academics & International, FKJ)
UMS-ALIEN: The Evolution of Active Learning in Engineering Education
From November 2024 to September 2025, the Faculty of Engineering at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has been at the forefront of reimagining engineering education. Through the UMS-ALIEN (Active Learning in Engineering Education) initiative, every semester brought a new wave of teaching innovation — bridging theory, technology, and collaboration.
This special edition captures the highlights of the journey, from structured SOLO-based learning to immersive blended simulations, all under one unified vision: to shape future-ready engineers through engaging, reflective, and technology-driven learning experiences.
2024 – 2025 Highlights
Nov 2024 — SOLO Taxonomy: A Structured Start
Students in KC32603 Process Simulation & Integration learned through the SOLO Taxonomy, mastering engineering design progressively. Reflective journals, ICE activities, and gallery walks turned theory into practice.
➡ Impact: Deep learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving aligned with OBE principles.
Dec 2024 — Planning for Impact
The Bookend Approach broke long lectures into interactive bursts, while strategic Teaching & Learning Planning ensured each course aligned tightly with CLOs and active learning activities.
➡ Impact: Improved engagement, focus, and teaching efficiency.
Jan 2025 — The Birth of UMS-ALIEN
Launched as a 10-level transformation model, UMS-ALIEN integrates digital tools like Moodle, Aspen HYSYS, and MATLAB to move from passive lectures to active collaboration.
➡ Impact: UMS became a national benchmark for future-ready pedagogical innovation.
Feb 2025 — Learning by Doing (ICE)
Weekly In-Class Exercises (ICE) merged MOOCs with real-world simulation challenges, letting students learn through action.
➡ Impact: Enhanced mastery of simulation tools, teamwork, and applied learning.
Mar 2025 — Mastery Before Progression
Students achieved at least 50% mastery before advancing to new chapters, ensuring true understanding before moving forward.
➡ Impact: Reinforced OBE alignment and deep learning.
Apr 2025 — Gallery Walks: Knowledge in Motion
Students transformed simulations into vibrant posters and participated in critique sessions, making learning visual and collaborative.
➡ Impact: Sharpened reflection, communication, and peer learning.
Jul 2025 — Blended-Cooperative Learning
Blended online–offline methods combined with cooperative design activities. Peer reviews and digital collaboration through Google Workspace elevated the classroom dynamic.
➡ Impact: Met EAC 2024 outcomes for teamwork, problem-solving, and lifelong learning.
Aug 2025 — TPACK-SOLO Integration
Merged Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) with SOLO taxonomy for structured digital learning.
➡ Impact: Increased student performance by ~20% in higher-order cognitive levels.
Sept 2025 — Simulation Reimagined
The blended simulation ecosystem united MOOCs, gallery walks, and reflection journals into one seamless learning experience.
➡ Impact: Students emerged as industry-ready engineers, equipped with critical thinking and teamwork skills.
🧠 QUOTE OF THE YEAR
“When students take charge of learning through teamwork, reflection, and simulation, education becomes transformation, not transmission.”
— Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Kamaruddin Abd Hamid
From SOLO-based scaffolding (2024) to immersive blended simulation (2025), UMS-ALIEN represents a complete evolution in engineering education. Rooted in Active Learning, TPACK-SOLO, and OBE, this initiative continues to transform classrooms into dynamic ecosystems, preparing engineers who think critically, collaborate effectively, and innovate confidently for Industry 5.0.
UMS-ALIEN News October 2025.pdfPage updated
Report abuse