SYNERGISING THE ENGLISH FOR TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION, E-LEARNING AND UMPSA LIBRARY USER EDUCATION PROGRAMME: FACILITATING APA 7TH EDITION CITATION STYLES BEYOND CLASSROOMS
On 31st May 2024, UHL2422 English for Technical Communication Semester 2 (2023/2024) teaching team, in collaboration with the Centre for Modern Languages (CML) e-Learning Unit and UMPSA Library, conducted an online workshop on Citation Styles: American Psychological Association (APA) 7th Edition via Microsoft Teams. The workshop, led by the Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Librarians, Ms. Affida Abu Bakar (Senior Librarian) and Ms. Rosfadilla Mohammad Zainun (Assistant Librarian), provided a comprehensive understanding of APA 7th Edition Citation Styles and practical hands-on experience using Mendeley. 70 participants, including UMPSA associates and students, benefited from the 2-hour online session. Additionally, 145 students from nine Gambang and Pekan sections had their face-to-face training on the same topic on 27th- 28th May 2024.
The workshops aimed to expand learning and teaching beyond the classroom setting and focused on referencing and citations using APA Style 7th edition, which are essential topics in writing reports for the UHL2422 English for Technical Communication course. The latest APA style of the 7th edition is a writing style and format for academic documents commonly used for citing sources. Notably, using APA style correctly helps ensure proper attribution of sources and avoids plagiarism while promoting clear and consistent scholarly communication. Providing proper citations is also required in most CML courses. Thus, the sessions encouraged the integration of Mendeley related to citations, as the tool helps to simplify the process of organising and referencing sources, making it more convenient for students.
In conclusion, the workshops successfully provided invaluable resources and knowledge to the participants, equipping them with essential skills that will benefit them throughout their academic. The CML e-Learning Unit supports strengthening digital literacy for CML students and instructors and welcomes more such initiatives to be organised at the centre’s level, while the UMPSA Library's User Education Program, accessible via the On Demand Class Application and Scheduled Classes, aims to enhance literacy skills for UMPSA associates and students. More joint initiatives are expected to continue in the upcoming semesters with increased involvement from all parties.
Prepared by: Dr Nor Yazi binti Khamis & Nurkarimah binti Yusof
