DEL COURSE REVIEW WORKSHOP (CRW) ENHANCES TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES
PEKAN, 26 February 2025 – The Division of English Language (DEL), Centre for Modern Languages (CML), successfully held the Course Review Workshop (CRW) for Semester 2, Session 2024/2025, from 24 to 26 February 2025 at the CML Faculty Meeting Room. The CRW is a twice-yearly event where DEL academic staff engage in discussions within designated teams to review English courses, enhance teaching approaches, and ensure alignment with the centre’s academic objectives.
The workshop commenced with DEL Meeting No. 1/2025, chaired by Dr Umi Kalsom Masrom, DEL Head of Programme. This session set the stage for discussions on departmental initiatives and academic planning. Subsequently, Dr Fatimah binti Ali, CML Deputy Dean of Academics and Student Affairs, provided an academic briefing on Semester 2 updates, ensuring that academic staff were well-informed on course expectations and university policies. Additionally, Azimah Ahmad Zaki and Rosnani Ismail delivered a comprehensive briefing on the ‘TikTok Tutor’ initiative, which aims to enhance the visibility of each course and improve student engagement. One key component of the first day was the SULAM (Service Learning Malaysia-University for Society) briefing, facilitated by Dr Hadijah Ahmad (UMPSA SULAM Coordinator) and Dr Tuan Sidek Tuan Muda (Deputy Dean of Academics and Student Affairs, Centre for Human Sciences). This session focused on experiential learning approaches to foster student engagement. Following the break, discussions on elective courses took place, providing academic staff with insights into curriculum improvements across various subjects, including Fundamentals of English Language (ULE1310), Essential English (ULE1352), and English for Vocational Purposes (ULE1362).
Building on the momentum, the second day featured an extensive teaching team discussion, where course instructors collaborated to refine English for Academic Communication (ULE1322/ULE1222), English for Technical Communication (ULE2332), and English for Professional Communication (ULE2342/ULE2232). These discussions aimed to ensure that course delivery remains relevant and effective, addressing students' linguistic and professional needs. Academic staff were divided into groups based on the courses they teach, allowing for focused and productive discussions. Each group, led by an appointed course coordinator, reviewed key aspects such as the course syllabus, weekly planner, assessments, and digital content development. The discussions also explored ways to enhance instructional approaches, with a particular focus on improving student engagement and learning outcomes.
Wrapping up the workshop, the final day began with a ‘Tanya Diri’ reflective session by Hanisah Bon (Kasbon) and Nurul Nadia Muhammad, followed by presentations from course coordinators on their respective courses. The session continued with the ‘10-Minute Grammar’ module, proposed by Abdul Jalil Abdul Rahim. This standardised module is designed to provide instructors with a structured and effective approach to reinforcing students’ grammar skills in the classroom. The session gathered input and feedback from instructors on implementing the module as a trial in the coming semester. The workshop concluded with engaging discussions on best practices and future improvements for the courses offered at CML.
Once again, the CRW proved to be a valuable platform for academic staff to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and outline better plans for the semester. By fostering collaboration and continuous improvement, DEL reaffirms its commitment to enhancing English language education at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).
Prepared by:
Nur Anisnabila Dianah, Alia Najaa Md Nor & Dr Umi Kalsom Masrom
