Category: Personal

What to write in your TESDCP teaching portfolio?

There are four aspects that you need to write.  

  1. Goals of student learning,
  2. Philosophy,
  3. Beliefs and practices of assessment and
  4. Self-reflection of teaching development over time.

Some tips:

  1. Write from your heart (either in English or Malay) in Words doc file first (the system is linked to UTMPORTAL, so if you leave it for a while, you will lose all of the things that you have written if you don’t save it)
  2. Highlight NALI (use certain terms commonly related to NALI)
  3. Don’t worry too much about grammar (this is not an SPM essay though.  But, please do proofread your writing because it might reflect your language proficiency as an academician teaching at university).
  4. If you have written somewhere that reflect your belief in either one of the aspects, you can link the URL too (there is a column under each heading of the four aspects).   For example, I link a post that I wrote here in my TESDCP about my belief in assessment.  

How to fill in information on Teaching Excellence System (TES)?

First of all, you need to be UTM staff.

Next, log in to MYUTM (using your ACID and password) to go to UTM Staff Portal (Portal Staf UTM).  

On your left hand side under Sistem UTM, scroll down to Akademik (click).  Choose Profile Akademik (click).

On your right hand side under Quick Links, choose and click Teaching Excellence System.  

Under Teaching Excellence Report, there are four (4) headings: Blended Learning, OBE, NALI & HIEPS and E-content.  

a) Blended Learning

To look at your Blended Learning report (this is based on your eLearning), click Blended Learning.  To see a list of courses that you teach or have taught, scroll down the heading Semester Session.  Click the semester that you want to see the report.  You can see the report any time during the semester.  You don’t have to wait until the end of the semester to see the report.

There is nothing you can add here.  If you want to see the change, make any change by adding activities, notes etc. on your eLearning.

2) OBE

To look at your OBE report (this is based on your OBE), click OBE.  So, once you complete your CAR report on your OBE, the status will automatically change to Complete.  If you have a course (like a module type kind of course) that you don’t need to create a CAR report, let your IT manager knows about it.  For example, in School of Education, there are MPPU1060, MPPU1070 and MPPU1080 (for Full research and mixed mode students).  There is no final examination and there is no grading except students need to comply certain requirements to get a status of PASS or FAIL (LULUS atau GAGAL).  So, if there is this kind of course that you teach, it might appear INCOMPLETE because there is no CAR report in the OBE (Don’t worry though.  It is just a report.  During audit, you can let the auditors know that it is not normal courses with final exam and such.

3) NALI & HIEPS

To look at your NALI & HIEPS report (this is based on ePPP), click NALI & HIEPS.  In your ePPP, there are questions about your teaching practice (strategies, activities that you do in class).  But however, students might not know and aware that when you do, let’s say a discussion on cases in class refers to case based learning.  So, they might not answer the question about case-based learning accurately (they might not state that you use case-based learning in your class).  Sometimes, it is worth to highlight the activity that you do in class is related to certain teaching approach.  For example you might say “You will be given a case based assignment.  You have to do it in group.  I want to emphasize case based learning and active learning in this class.  So, I give you assignment relating to case-based learning“. 

But normally, you assign the assignment on the first two weeks of semester, so students might not remember it by the time they have to fill in the ePPP which is at the end of semester (Week 13 onwards).  So, don’t be disheartened if you don’t see any NALI strategies appear on your report even though you apply it in your teaching.  That is why it is really important to explain your teaching strategies etc. in TESDCP (this one is different from TES) on a) Goals of Student Learning, b) Philosophy, c) Beliefs and Practice of Assessment, d) Self-reflection of Teaching Development.  

4) e-Content

To look at your e-content report (this is based on whatever things you do in class as long as you use the internet), click e-content.  Then select +Add New (on your right side).  There are several headings will appear.  

The several headings are: 

  1. Reference no (no need to fill in anything here)
  2. Project name (if it is based on a project, state the name of the project.  If not, just leave it empty)
  3. Session/Semester (you need to scroll down to make your selection).
  4. Subject Code (you need to type subject code of the course that you teach/taught).
  5. Category (you need to scroll down to make your selection)
  6. URL (you need to link a webpage URL here. See further explanation below).
  7. From (this is the date/duration that you use the material) 
  8. To (this is the date/duration that you use the material) 

Make sure you have your materials ready to be linked.   For example, to add category “Gamification”, make sure you have an online quiz on Kahoot or Quizziz or elsewhere that is open for PUBLIC view.  Don’t set it as PRIVATE (that one might need you to activate the viewing with certain password or code).  After that, copy-paste the link.  For example, HERE is an online quiz that I have made for Research Methodology class (Topic: Pilot study or Kajian Rintis) for Gamification category or HERE is a note for a topic for Educational Psychology class (Topic: Classroom Management) for Learning Management System category.  Using the respective link, I paste it on URL.   

Note of plagiarism: Quizziz and Kahoot allow users as administrator of a quiz to use/take questions from other existing quizzes.  So, in this case, please make sure that you add some questions of your own even though you also take other questions from other quizzes.

Final word

For the marking and evaluation, even though you put more than one quiz under gamification category, the panel would only give one mark for that.  So, make sure you diversify your e-Content category

Disclaimer: I am a novice in this thing.  So, if you need extra help, don’t hesitate to contact Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Nihra Haruzuan (the facilitator of TES workshop).  😀  We are all together in this.  So, let’s support one another in our journey to be the best educators in our respective field.  

If you need the notes from the TES workshop that I attended on 26 June 2019 (Wednesday), click HERE.  I took some personal notes on TES on e-content rubric (my own interpretation though)  and others.

 

Why do I create unrelated posts in people.utm.my?

First of all, after I ended my Latihan Ikhtisas, I was astounded that I have to “maintain” my people.utm.my webpage or blog.  Norah told me that I need to maintain it on regular basis to make UTM visible.  I was thinking at time, how am I going to do that?  Norah teaches me how to maintain it and in her own word “Ala, kau cuba tengok aku punya.  Tak payah letak benda-benda serious pun.  Aku letak resipi.  Nanti ada bengkel webometrik ni, jangan lupa pergi balik.  Cuba ingat balik apa yang aku dengan Nihra dulu pernah ajar.  Kau pernah pergi kan yang bengkel aku dengan Nihra buat dulu kat fakulti?”  [Translated:  Just look at mine. No need to put serious stuff.  I put recipe.  If there is a workshop on webometric, don’t forget to register and attend it.  Refresh back what Nihra and I have taught you before.  You have attended the workshop that we conducted at the faculty, right?”]  

So, I start to post various things that I think might be important to me or benefit others in one way or another especially certain posts that contain information that I get from attending workshop like TES workshop, journal and whatsnot.  Like the half-day workshop on commercialization  and Intellectual Property (IP) that I attended this morning (9 to 12 pm 25 June 2019, Tuesday),  I think I have attended similar workshop before I made some notes but I don’t remember where I put the notes now.   So, as I listen to the facilitator (and ask questions), I also write down the notes using this platform i.e. people.utm.my.  So, perhaps there might be some colleagues who need some information about commercialization (for example), might use my webpage as a guide because I would also link whatever relevant webpage on the post (this is to ensure that I know where to get detailed information myself). 

One of my colleagues said that it is not right to just copy-paste link to here but in my case, I will make sure that I will put some introduction of the link that I provide.  That’s the least I can do.

Secondly, I am not getting any younger.  So, I have the tendency now to forget things that I write on notebook and stuff.  On top of that, I cannot share it with others immediately as compared to if I write it on a post like this.  In a way that, I want to help others and myself just in case if we need some important information relevant to our work.  

Of course, I also write nonsense random rambling like about cat, recipes and whatsnot.  This is a way that I used to do when I did my PhD.  When I experienced writer’s block, I would write blog.  So, just to make sure that I would keep on writing no matter what.  My former supervisor, Steve said to me “Hadijah, if you cannot write or edit your thesis, don’t make yourself of not writing at all in a day.  You need to keep on writing in different format, style or place.  You will not lose the writing momentum“.   After not writing any journal article for one whole year during Latihan Ikhtisas (except editing my students’ articles), I feel as if I am starting to lose my writing style.  I need to do something about this.  When I told Norah about it, with a smile on her face, she replied “Sebab tu lah kau kena tulis post kat sini, Dijah” [Translated: That’s why you need to write any post here, Dijah].  

Thirdly, sometimes I forget how to do certain things even though there are posters about it such as how to apply leave using MyUTM,  or about conferences or events like Car Free Day.  I want to make sure that I can remember those events or conferences and at the same time, help to disseminate the information to others.  

There you go.  My reasons of writing nonsense random rambling posts.  😀

What can be registered for Intellectual Property (IP)?_Part 1 by InnoComm

Why do we file for IP protection?

  1. To protect your IP from others copying, manufacturing, selling or importing your invention without permission
  2. ELPPT purposes: as bonus (10%).  
  3. Commersialisation purpose.  

What can be registered as IP?

  1. Your research output/findings.  For example, if you have a student, you can’t copyright the whole thesis.  You only can copyright the output or findings (which is part of the thesis).  Meaning, the output is UTM property and thus, as a staff or student, you can copyright your output.
  2. Your product such as “tudung” design, song lyric etc. that you can file under “patent“.   But one product can be copyrighted under patent and also industrial design, like tudung.  The design of the tudung itself falls under the industrial design but you declare it as a product that you create, it falls under patent.
  3. Your notes using OCW (this is not under Innovation and Commersialisation Centre or ICC or InnoComm).  

Where to apply a copyright for your product?

Go to this link

But, if you want to skip the process of copyright through ICC or InnoComm, you can use UTIM or do the copyright (pay the fee for RM200) yourself.  

UTIM is a UTM company that help you to copyright your work that you wish it to be yours, not UTM if 1) it is not related to your field, 2) you don’t use UTM facilities and 3) you don’t create the product during office hours.  

Note: Your password would be the one like UTMFIN (if you forget, email the IT manager UTMFIN to reset your password for you).

Who would be the main contributor?

ONLY ONE can be the main contributor.  So, if you have other researchers in your group, please make sure that you negotiate and discuss who would be the main contributor.  

Note: You need to put the percentage of the contributors as well especially if it involves monetary thingy.  Such as a product that you produce something that you can commercialize then later on you declare to cut certain percentage of those you put as contributors.   

Which is which?

a) Patent

Patent is a technical solution.  It has to be something new.  Need to have inventive steps that not obvious to be copied easily.  It has to have industrial applicable.  

It is advisable to patent first your work before you publish.  Once you publish, it is copyrighted under the publisher.  So, technically it is can be used under the copyright of the publisher.  That’s why you cannot recycle it again elsewhere.  

Things that cannot be patented

i) Discoveries like new species of animals, plants, mathematical and scientific methods

ii) Schemes of doing business 

iii) Methods of treatment to save animals or human (kaedah merawat) not medicines (medicines can be patented).

iv) Common name like “Kimono” (this is a common name referring to Japanese traditional clothing).  So, when Kim Kardashian wants to make “Kimono” as her patented and trademark, it is not allowed.  But for Apple, their trademark is the logo of the apple, not the word “Apple” itself.  But when people want to refer to their product, of course they use the word “Apple” but not referring to the fruit, but the gadget/IT product.  

b) Utility Innovation

No need inventory steps.  You still can file it to be IP.  

c) Industrial design 

It has to be external design.  For example, the inside component of a washing machine, you cannot file it under industrial design.  It has limited time frame for 10 years and need renewal.  

d) Trademark

You cannot request for a common name like Apple.  That is why “Apple” product only IP the logo (picture).  There is no duration for renewal and no need to be renewed.  Like paracetamol (is a industrial design) and thus it can reproduced by other company other than Panadol (it is a company).  You can also file IP for “phrases” like I’m lovin’ it (McD) – under branding etc.   but if you can notice it, they make the grammatical error with purpose because if their trademark is the fully grammatically correct phrase, then it would raise the issue of using the phrase for common usage. 

e) Trade secret

Like KFC recipe, coca cola recipe etc.  You can file for Trade secret (because it won’t be disclosed as compared to patent).  Like red velvet cookies (it is your new invention, if you copyright it, it just stops people from reproduce the ingredients but does not stop people from reproducing the product, so better do it under Trade Secret).  

f) Copyright (Hakcipta)

It has to be reduced into material forms like written form, audio/sound form etc.  It has to be the 1st one copyright in Malaysia.  Like Apps, musical work, sound recording, derivative works [(karya terbitan) contohnya kerja-kerja terjemahan] but you need to get permission from the author but is the author has died, you need to wait 50 years after his/her death.  Let’s say you want to translate Terman’s books.  He passed away in 1950s, so we can translate his work after 50 years of his death without getting any permission as long as his work is not published and patented with the organisation he worked when he copyrighted his work.  

It have to be registered under MYIPO.

 

 

Al-fatihah to my former lecturer_Part 1

It would never be easy to receive news about someone who has been in your life especially when you are their students.  You owe them a lot to be who you are today.  Today I receive a news from my friend about the passing of my former lecturer, Brother Muhammad Fuzi Omar (I would refer him as Brother because I known since even before he got his PhD).  Al-fatihah.  

Pasir Gudang oh Pasir Gudang

Last March, Malaysians were shocked with irresponsible act of some individuals that caused pollution and its impact of individuals health.  But, less than 6 months, there are recurrent incidents in Pasir Gudang.  Again?  We need to do something about it ASAP.  Is it enough just to take action by closing schools?  This toxic pollution needs to be stopped.  It is a national disaster and the recurring incidents are the proof that somebody still dumps toxic waste in Pasir Gudang.  

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CERF)

What is CERF?  It refers to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.  You’ve got it right!  It is a European Framework that somehow as Asians, we have to follow.  Ironic, isn’t it?  Nevertheless, with that as reference and guidance, we change our curriculum i.e. in specific the English subject when we started KSSM in 2017.  Yup.  Indeed.  It makes the PT3 for this year different from the last year.  Last year, there was literature part.  But there is no more literature part in PT3 this year. 

But does the change matters?  Well, there are lots of criticism that you find from various parties like teachers, parents and others who are concern with the latest development.   Of course, it is kind of safe to say that you can’t see the impact now but have to wait for few years to see any improvement of the English language proficiency among Malaysians.  Yet, there are various elements that I notice in the textbooks used for the new curriculum. 

When I taught form 1 last year (2018) when I did my Latihan Ikhtisas, other than the literary part (poems and short story/graphic novel), I have to use Pulse 2 textbook to teach form 1 class (which is not readily available in any bookstore like MPH and such.  But you can but the workbook from Lazada though).  There are lots of criticism on this by teachers.   I reserve to comment on this matter.  After all, who am I to comment on this matter when I am not even a teacher?  😀

So, my initial thought is when the PT3 has no longer the literature part starting this year, so it would be the same for SPM then in the next two years.  How wrong I was?  They are introducing “new” literature content.  So, what’s new, pussycat?  Well, the Education director-general Datuk Dr Amin Senin explained the new stuff would be included in the current curriculum.  

For an 18-month curriculum, students have to learn 10 poems, one novel or six short stories, and one drama.  Sound quite the same, right with the current practice?  Wait until you see the lists though.  

Among the literature contents that they have to learn is The Merchant of Venice (William Shakespeare), The Clay Marble (Minfong Ho), and Embra­cing Your Shadow (Chua Kok Yee). The poems would include To Autumn (John Keats) and When You Are Old (by William Butler Yeats).

They are piloting the literature contents in selected schools which started in 2017.  There are around 300 students from seven schools in Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and Sarawak would sit for the International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE) Eng­lish Literature exam in June 2018 instead of the SPM English Litera­ture paper.  I don’t know how the teachers would react towards this.  But most importantly, can teachers i.e. non-option English teachers be better prepared if they take MUET?   That’s what I would like to know and see the impact in the future.

Personally, I am glad that I belong to different era so I won’t be affected by this.  But, I am sad that the current generation has to face this.  All the best, guys!

 

 

 

What did I do while undergoing Latihan Ikhtisas_Part 5

I have to teach poetry and literature while doing my Latihan Ikhtisas.  With zero background in TEASL or BENL (Bachelor in English Language and Literature), I admit that I was struggling to get myself familiar with the poems and short stories.  I start to read poems when I was at university for leisure reading, so I don’t feel the need and pressure to understand it accurately.  I had never learned poems at secondary school (for English).  So, it was a bit stressful for me to teach the students the literature part. 

Some of the poems and literature that I have to teach are as follow.  

For form 1

  1. News Break (poem)
  2. Sad I Ams (poem)
  3. King Arthur (graphic novel)
  4. Fair’s Fair (short story)

For form 4

  1. The Living Photograph (poem)
  2. The Charge of the Light Brigade (poem)
  3. Leaving (short story)
  4. Tanjong Rhu (short story)

I constructed quizzes using Quizziz and also worksheet that I used for class activity.  Nothing much though.  For the Quizziz and worksheet, they have to do it in pair or group.  It depends on the situation.  Sometimes I used the computer room if I wanted to give them a quiz using Quizziz.  It is an element of gamification and active learning that I tried to incorporate in my class.  

Well, at least even though I am not trained in TEASL, but I just gave my best shot.  That’s my motto.  Sometimes I guess we have to be impostor.  A good one to succeed in whatever thing that we do.  In this case, to make sure that I could deliver well my lesson to the students, I become an English teacher impostor.  😀

Poems that I have to teach during Latihan Ikhtisas (and after)_Part 6

This is the first poem that I taught my form 1 students last year when I did Latihan Ikhtisas.  I taught this before the mid term examination.  I did not have the time to revise it before the mid term examination with the students.  Some of them could not answer it well.   So, I didn’t have a quiz on Quizziz on this poem.  I only used a worksheet as an activity which contains the following questions.  

Exercise: News Break

Paste this worksheet on your Literature exercise book.  Write the answer according to the questions given.  You do not need to rewrite the questions again.

  1. What is this poem about?
  2. What does the word ‘crease’ mean in stanza 2?
  3. What animal is the child compared to?
  4. In stanza 4, who does the parent think the child is?
  5. What is the actual reason for the change in the child’s behavior?
  6. Why do you think the child was behaving himself? Give a reason.