At the core of my teaching philosophy is that knowledge is most valuable when shared and applied to solve real-world problems, especially in civil engineering. It is important to help the students succeed academically and in developing critical thinking and practical skills. My goals include to impart my industry experience to students by offering them a comprehensive understanding of real-world challenges encountered in construction practice. I strive to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to address these issues professionally and competently, while also emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to the ethical standards established by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). This integration of practical expertise and ethical responsibility is essential in cultivating well-rounded engineers who are prepared to navigate the complexities of the profession with integrity.
As a civil engineering lecturer, I constantly evaluate my behaviors and motivations. I strive to create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment, ensuring my teaching aligns with my values and goals. My teaching philosophy centers around bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. I regularly integrate real-world case studies, industry practices, and problem-solving exercises into my lessons to ensure students are equipped to handle the complexities of the civil engineering field.
My motivation stems from a desire to contribute to the next generation of engineers, helping them build the competence and confidence to excel in their careers. I actively seek to inspire critical thinking, innovation, and ethical decision-making, ensuring that students not only gain technical proficiency but also understand the broader societal and professional responsibilities that come with being an engineer. By consistently aligning my actions with these motivations, I aim to make a meaningful and lasting impact on my students’ academic and professional journeys.
Continuous learning is essential to remain effective and relevant in both teaching and research. I actively seek to improve in three key areas:
- Teaching: I explore new pedagogical techniques and digital tools to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Research: I focus on enhancing my research capabilities, particularly in interdisciplinary areas where civil engineering intersects with technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation in construction. This helps me contribute novel insights to the field while providing students with research opportunities that align with current industry needs.
- Professional Practice: Ensures that I am well-versed in the latest industry standards, regulations, and codes of ethics.
- Academic Leadership: I actively seek to improve my leadership skills in an academic context, focusing on areas such as mentorship, communication, and conflict resolution. This includes learning to better guide student projects, manage research teams, and contribute to departmental leadership.
I believe that success is built on the foundation of good habits and a supportive environment. Here are the specific actions:
- Teaching: I foster an interactive environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and apply their learning to real-world especially in construction.
- Research: I collaborate with students and colleagues to push the boundaries of knowledge. This collaborative approach ensures that my research is innovative, relevant, and impactful to industries.
- Professional Practice: Facilitate connections between students and industry professionals through guest lectures, site visits, and internships. These opportunities help students gain valuable insights into the civil engineering field, build professional networks, and understand the expectations and standards of the industry. I am also emphasize the importance of adhering to the ethical standards set by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) in all aspects of the engineering profession. Through case studies and discussions on engineering ethics, I instill in students a deep understanding of their professional responsibilities and the impact of their decisions on society.
- Daily Life: I maintain a balance between work and personal life, ensuring that I bring energy and focus to all aspects of my role as a wife, daughter, lecturer and researcher.
By concentrating on these foundational pillars, I aim to lead by example, inspire my students, and make a significant impact on the field of civil engineering. My goal is to continuously grow as a leader, ensuring that I am not only teaching the next generation of engineers but also empowering them to innovate and succeed in their careers.