Five Days into SKAA: Learning, Challenges and Inspiration

Today is day five, week two of my Sijil Kursus Asas Akademik (SKAA) 2025. The program started on 2 September and will run until 18 September. Every day from eight in the morning until five thirty in the evening, I join other lecturers at ISES Hall, CTLD, learning new things, sharing ideas and reflecting on our practice. This is one of the probation requirements for UTM lecturers.

I have to admit, it has been exciting but also exhausting. Every day is packed with morning and afternoon sessions. We have learned so many things, from innovation and creativity in teaching, integrated learning experiences and emerging technology for teaching and learning, to professionalism and ethics as a lecturer, academic advising, academic programs and many other topics. Some of it was challenging to grasp at first and there were moments when I looked around at fellow lecturers and thought, “Did anyone else get that, or is it just me?”

Some sharing made me pause and reflect on what it truly means to be an academic. There were also some “aha” moments, little sparks of understanding that made me think about how I could try new approaches in my own teaching. During the sessions on design thinking and integrated learning experiences today, I found myself scribbling frantic notes, drawing tiny diagrams and realizing that my notebook is slowly turning into a beautiful mess of ideas, sticky notes and doodles. Somehow, that chaos feels like a badge of honor.

Of course, sitting all day, listening, taking notes, discussing and reflecting takes its toll. By the afternoon, my brain was definitely begging for a break and I could almost hear my coffee mug calling my name. Yet, there is something energizing about sharing these moments with others who are equally committed to growing as educators. Sometimes we laugh together over a confusing concept, sometimes we exchange tips or stories from our own classrooms and it makes the long hours feel lighter.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. SKAA is more than just a course. It is a mirror, a compass and a map that helps us navigate our journey as academics.

A few days remain and I am sure there are more sessions that will challenge me, inspire me and change the way I approach teaching. For now, I take a deep breath, recharge and get ready for what comes next.

With love,
NKN