My semester in Materials Language for Teaching and Learning has been an exciting one
filled with learning. The entire course was helpful in learning new concepts, setting and
achieving goals, and becoming a better writer overall. Each unit had its specific requirements and
goals that tied into the goals for the course. I learned new concepts and how to use them in my
writing and for everything else.
INNOVATION COMPETITION
As Dr Melor asked the students to join at least one innovation competition, my group
members decided to join ICON 2020 organised by UITM.This event provided a virtual platform
to share the ideas through the competition. Academicians, industry players and students of higher
learning institutions and schools joined too.
Being able to participate in the 2020 ICON was like a dream came true. I was elated that
our innovation called Multipunc had been able to grab the eyeballs and attention of the juries.
We got the chance to represent UKM in the category B which was University category. Being
given the opportunity made me feel anxious and excited at the same time. Anxious because it
was the first time I had ever participated in this competition and have zero experience in it;
excited because it will be a new learning experience for me. I was informed that the date of the
competition, which is 1st November 2020. However, we had to register and send in the abstract
first. We got into the preparation for the competition during the lockdown period.
From my point of view, the major element which aided throughout the planning was our
collaborative approach. This is since we got an opportunity to sit, discuss, exchange variety of
ideas and adapt it according to the chosen learning standards the process of preparation was not
easy. It was excruciating with numerous video calls, zoom sessions. It was quite hard for us as
we had to adhere to nation’s rules where we cannot travel. During the period, we brainstormed
on several possibilities on how the innovation can be improved. We tried our best to equip
ourselves with the crucial skills to deliver an innovation based on punctuation Among them are
we discussed with our seniors on their experiences and to have important guidelines, gained
insights from lecturer and exchanged ideas with other peers. In this case, we were able to take
turn to complete the planned activities in pairs and another one rectified any errors.
Before October, we were informed that we needed to produce a report on the feasibility
of my product supported by data and analysis. Every single detail about my product must be
recorded in the report. Hence, I must do my data collection during the school and continue my
report in the midst of course works. At times I was having too much on my plates and therefore I
must stop working on my innovation project and focus on the more urgent things as the school
was preparing for another lockdown. From my point of view, we learnt to foster a sense of
tolerance to assign ourselves in a convenient way. At the end, we managed to win the bronze
prize for the competition. I was humbled by the creativity of other participants and the way they
presented it
This competition played a key role in my learning throughout the master’s program. It
provided me with an opportunity to apply learning theory to my use of digital technology in
education. In trying to determine what makes an effective MultiPunc, I was able to reflect on
how Multipunc assist in my learning. This competition made me cognizant of the design features
used in online learning environments and how they can support or impede learning. One thing I
realized after completing this showcase was that I needed to continue to identify my personal
definition of learning. I now look beyond the superficial appeal of using digital technology in the
classroom and critically ask myself how using a particular technology will enhance my learning
or that of my students.
COURSE REFLECTION
However, as the weeks progressed, I found that my initial uncertainty was dissipating,
and I was slowing gaining confidence in my ability to read and analyse research. While I
recognize that I still have a lot to learn in materials language, this course provided a solid
foundation to move forward in the master’s program. I have developed a deeper appreciation of
the value of research in guiding decisions. This is important to me as an educator as I have
started to reflect on my teaching practices and question whether they are based on materials.
Each course has its own goals and all together this course had goals for the overall course
that we had to achieve to show that we comprehended everything taught to us. We had
presentation where we had to present our innovation in pairs. The presentation helped us by
giving us practice in creative writing and a little bit of research, and of course helped us to open
our creativity and help us for future assignments. When we moved on to the next requirement of
joining an innovation competition, the course goals changed. We had to research, evaluate, and
properly cite our sources.
This assignment also required that we practice analyzing and write within our field, and
overall be able to demonstrate that we showed organization and style. Moreover, for the
competition and the written research paper, we had to practice collaboration and team building,
and lastly, show a creative approach to visual rhetoric and design. All this also included learning
how to use audio and sound technology. Lastly, I had to reflect on the whole course. At the end,
we learned to explain the theories, concept and components of language teaching materials and
apply the appropriate theory, approach, and strategy development of language teaching materials
. Many thanks to Dr Melor for your patience with all students. You were so
understanding about the fact that people have real-life issues that can interfere with classes.
Finally, I want to thank you for your teaching style. You really seem engaged with the material
you are teaching, and that makes it more exciting for students. I also appreciated the support
given and took time to attend each question asked. It added more to my understanding of your
course. You were so understanding and showed compassion for all students. Thank you for
making this semester so transformative.
As teachers, it is imperative for us to draw our attention to the factors to be considered in
planning and conducting a research. This is to ensure that the lesson is outlined with the suitable
approaches to meet the requirements of young learners particularly, the different learning styles,
their prior knowledge and level of proficiency in the classroom (Kang Shin & Crandall, 2014).
Meanwhile, the main aim of reflection is to help the students for “self-discovery” by encouraging
the development of the skills of perception and interpretation of significant events encounters
(McGarvey & Swallow, 1986, as cited in Wan Zarina & Nik Azraini, 2010). These feedbacks
will be great points of departure for teachers to improve on their teaching skills so that they will
be able to deliver meaningful lessons in the future (Wan Zarina & Nik Azraini, 2010)
REFERENCES
Joan, K.S. & Crandall, J. (2014). Teaching Young Learners English: From Theory to
Practice (pp. 23-157). Boston: Sherrise Roehr.
Wan Zarina & Nik Azraini. (2010) A Study On Microteaching As Perceived By UTM TESL
Undergraduates. Retrieved on March 24, 2014, from
http://eprints.utm.my/11623/1/A_Study_On_Microteaching_As_Perceived_By_UTM_E
SL_Undergraduates.pdf
