BUKU ABSTRAK - Universiti Putra Malaysia

Utilisation of Problem-based Learning in Enhancing Learning of Calculus for
Engineering Students
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rohani Ahmad Tarmizi
Mohd. Zin Mokhtar, Ahmad Fauzi Mohd. Ayub and Mokhtar Dato’ Hj. Nawawi
Institute of Mathematical Research, University Putra Malaysia,
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
+603-8946 6889; rht@educ.upm.my
Keywords: Problem based learning, calculus, Mathematics education, performance
The Development of the Mediated Employer-Employee Language Profile (MELP) as a
Mechanism to Benchmark English Language Needs of the Malaysian Service Sector Industry
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosli Talif
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University Putra Malaysia,
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
+603-8946 8729; rosli@fbmk.upm.edu.my
119
Social Sciences
Calculus is an important subject for science and engineering students but they state that it is abstract, difficult
and highly boring. Problem-based learning (PBL) as a student centered and active learning approaches can be
used to improve students’ interests and performance in learning of calculus. This study is designed to investigate:
(1) student’s perception about PBL approach in calculus; (2) student’s engagement to acquire knowledge and;
(3) student’s performance in test. A group of 24 Engineering Foundation Year students was randomly selected
to introduce with PBL approach in basic calculus. The rubric of student engagement, questionnaire with open
ended question and post test (Calculus Achievement Test) were used to identified perception, engagement and
performance of students in this approach. The study showed that the students have a positive perception towards
implement of PBL approach in calculus learning. It also increases their motivation to learn calculus and observe
the applicability of calculus in real-life. Pearson correlation coefficient was a medium positive correlation between
engagement scores and performance with an r of 0.45 [r (24) = 0.45,p < 0.05]. These results indicated that high
score in engagement during learning session are associated with high performance in Calculus Achievement Test.
However, an independent samples t-test show that there was no significant difference in Calculus test achievement
PBL group (M= 78.44,SD = 13.49) and TRAD group (M= 78.23,SD = 15.23); t(46) = 0.05,p = 0.960 > 0.05). This
pedagogical approach has made the teaching and learning of calculus more interesting and effective. It is also able
to develop the potential of individuals to be more creative, critical in thinking and effective in problem solving.
The Mediated Employer-Employee Language Profile (MELP) project focuses on establishing a profile to
benchmark English language needs for the enhancement of employability of Malaysian public university graduates,
and provides a point of reference for industries to actualise their language needs. The profile mechanism attempts
to offer strategies that help to match specific employment sector’s language needs to that of the prospective
employee language profile. The objectives of the study address language needs in relation to employability
through an exploration of attitudes, importance of English, use of English, and the devising of a mechanism that
can help match English language needs between graduates and the private employment sector. Both quantitative
and qualitative procedures were utilised to obtain data for the project. The quantitative data comprised surveys
of employment needs and language audits. The qualitative data were obtained via interviews and field notes. The
project was designed to constitute three major phases. The first phase involved getting information on attitudes
and perceptions on English language needs. The second phase evaluated the importance and use of English, and
level of readiness of students, particularly those of industrial training students, to function at the workplace. The
second phase also targeted at the explication of the nature and relevance of the English language programmes at
tertiary institutions. The final phase constituted the development of the MELP mechanism which was anticipated
to capture the differing English language needs specific to each identified employment subsector. The mechanism
is an important conduit for the dispensing of knowledge and information about workplace needs relevant to
language education. Potential employees can appreciate and digest the values attached to differing aspects of
language use in the workplace. This links the use of pragmatic research outcomes to the real world of work, which
contribute to a more effective workforce for the nation.
Keywords: English language needs for employability, Malaysian public university graduates, perceptions on English
language needs