FIK 3042
GROUP FORUM 1
WHAT IS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND WHAT ARE SOME
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES THAT WILL BENEFIT
TEACHERS.
Jawapan :
Definition of Professional Development is a comprehensive, sustained and intensive
approach to improving teachers effectiveness in raising student achievement. According to
Darling-Hammond, L. (1995), Professional development today is not solely concerned with
supporting teaching and knowledge. Support is also needed for teachers to reflect on their
current practice and adapt new knowledge and beliefs to their own teaching contexts.
Today, teachers can explore lots of professional development resources for education in the
internet, such as reading articles, lesson plans, interactive collaboration, video conferencing
and others useful resources to improve their teaching skills. Attending courses, conferences or
visit some classroom/ school will help the teachers to view innovative teaching method and
provide an opportunity for teacher to develop leadership skill and gain important knowledge.
Besides, school-based professional development workshops will help the teachers to learn
more about a specific area or skill related to teaching and learning. Workshops are designed
to give teachers a chance to try out practical application about the topic. Book study is also an
effective way of professional development. By studying some excellent collection of
professional book s and journals, the teachers could get some useful information and
knowledge to improve their teaching and raising student achievement.
Tarikh Hantar : 12 Mar 2012 03:57:29 PM
Respon 1 :
I agree with what that you had stated above. Apart from that, I think that peer mentoring and
peer coaching are also useful for teachers in professional development. This technique is
suitable for teachers who have not spent much time. It can motivate teacher to reflect on and
refine their own teaching strategies and practices. In peer mentoring, a new teacher is
generally paired with an experienced teacher. It provides an opportunity to focus on
individual teachers, provide support, share knowlege and experience, and answer questions.
By peer coaching, teachers and school administrators will discuss before the observation
and receive feeback about their practices after being observed by a peer. Observation and
assessment encourage teachers to reflect on their professional pratices.
Tarikh : 12 Mar 2012 04:10:39 PM
Balas Kepada : CHEONG YUE LENG
Respon 2 :
Beside what that you said, professional development encompasses all type of facilitated
learning opportunity, ranging from college degrees to formal coursework, conferences and
informal learning oopurtunities situated in practice. There are a vatiety ways of professional
development such as lesson study, mentoring, reflective supervision, consultation and
technical assistance. By working together, teachers can also design new planning materials,
teaching methods, resource materials and assessment tools.
Tarikh : 14 Mar 2012 12:50:51 PM
Balas Kepada : SARIZA BINTI TAN
Respon 3 :
I agreed with your that thru an effective professional development programme, will help the
teachers to implemet thier skill in teaching. Beside that, i think is important that teachers
should consistently attend to such professional development programs every year. This is to
make sure that teachers are adding to their professional knowledge and keeping up to date
with the theory and practice in the field in improving their teaching skills. Support from the
school administrators are also needed, for example provide opportunities for continued the
professional education and encourage the teachers to participate in them.
Tarikh : 26 Apr 2012 12:04:19 PM
Balas Kepada : YANG ROHAIZAAT BINTI MUSA
Respon 4 :
I do read a book regarding professional portfolio. According to Jack and Thomas (2005 ) in
their book Professional Development for Language Teachers: Strategies for Teacher
Learning state that, A professional portfolio is an evolving collection of carefully selected or
composed professional thoughts, goals, and experiences that are threaded with reflection
and self-assessment. Professional portfolio is very useful and effective source to describe
and document the teachers performance, to facilitate professional development, and to
provide a basis for reflection and review.
Tarikh : 26 Apr 2012 12:30:34 PM
Balas Kepada : KITHA A/P RASAMANIKAM
GROUP FORUM 2
WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT? DO YOU
THINK TEACHERS ARE READY FOR IT?
School Based Assessment is an assessment which is embedded in the teaching and learning
process. It has a number of important characteristics which distinguish it from other form of
assessment. In Malaysia, School-based assessment has been suggested in the Blueprint of
Education Development (Ministry of Education Malaysia 2007). This new assessment system
promotes a combination of centralized and school-based assessment and was entrusted by the
Malaysia Teacher Education Division (TED). The aim of this assessment is to improve the
quality of teaching, learning and assessment. Under this assessment format, teachers will be
given greater responsibility in developing assessment and linking it to effective learning
(Hwa Tee Yong, Lim Chao Sam, 2008)
Therefore, I feel that teachers not ready for this new assessment because they have different
perception about what school-based assessment means. Moreover, it is a fairly new
innovation in Malaysia education system. Teachers have problems in how to maintain scoring
objectivity or reliability and how to ensure the validity of the school based test. Currently
majority of the test were prepared by Malaysia Examination Syndicate and the Majlis
Peperiksaan Malaysia. If the school-based assessment was carried out fully in all the public
schools, the teachers should be well-train and experts in handling assessment.
Tarikh Hantar : 13 Mar 2012 05:22:17 PM
Respon 1 :
Im totally agree with your statements about the school-based assessment. Implementation
school-based assessment is not an easy task. Teachers are not ready to implement the
school-based assessment. They do not fully understand the concept of this assessment. Adi
Badiozaman Tuah (2006) pointed out that there are three contributing factors : a) the school
fail to interpret and comprehend assessment into wider operational terms that bring
improvement to the learning and instruction in school; b) the schools will forego the shortterm instructional responsibilities, such as school-based assessment, in order to fulfill the
interest of the public getting good result in the public examinations; and c) there is human
factor where teachers are not preparing or equipping assessment as an integral part of the
school-based curriculum development process.
Tarikh : 14 Mar 2012 01:16:59 AM
Balas Kepada : NOR HAMZANI BINTI MD YUNUS
Respon 2 :
I agree with you that SBA still needs to carry on although teachers have not ready yet due to
dissatisfaction and misunderstanding on the new assessment system. However, the
Minister of Education instituted several changes to improve the assessment system
including placing assessment for learning as one major focus of change. Besides, the
government recommended alternative assessment to provide more hislistic and accurate
judgments of student perfoemance. Teachers should be positif and accept with this new
assessment.
Tarikh : 19 Mar 2012 01:31:27 PM
Balas Kepada : JENNITA A/K WILLIAM
GROUP FORUM 3
SUGGEST WAYS IN WHICH COMPUTERS CAN BE USED INTERACTIVELY IN
THE CLASSROOM.
Jawapan :
Today, computer technology has grown fast development in education. It is a new
instructional system. In schools, computers are widely used and the need for computer
technology and literacy in the educational system has become more relevant. Computer has
been found to be an effective device for presenting an instructional programme. Computers in
the classroom include any digital technology used to enhance, supplement, or replace a
traditional educational curriculum.
The use of the computer in the classroom can be seen from 2 aspects: a) Computer in
teaching Teachers uses the computer as a tool to deliver learning content, explain the
complicated concept and demonstrate concepts. Beside that, with the digital media likes
video clips, it can grab the attention of the students the by illustrate the related lesson. b)
Computer in learning Students seek information by using the computers. Computers enable
students to have text, audio and graphic information and allow the students to have
collaborative learning and sharing information or ideas with other students around the world.
With internet, students can easily access to a particular website that illustrates or introduce
concepts and phenomena related to their contents. Learning is more productive when the
acquired knowledge occurs in an interactive environment.
Tarikh Hantar : 14 Mar 2012 05:56:11 PM
Respon 1 :
I total agree with you. On the other side, with integrate computer in the classroom, students
could easily participates and complete their courseware with more variety learning
experience such as answering the questions directly, taking quizzes, educational games and
product PowerPoint presentation.
Tarikh : 14 Mar 2012 06:45:09 PM
Balas Kepada : NOR HAMZANI BINTI MD YUNUS
Respon 2 :
Your point had remaid me about free computer for students. In the year 2011, our
government had implemented 1Malaysia Computer programme. The aim of this
programme was to benefit to 65% of the stundents in government and government-aided
schools. Family with low household incomes (below RM3000) will received one computer.
This is to help educate and engage poorer students in information and communication
technology (ICT). No doubt computer is an important device to explore the borderless wold
of internet which help us to seach for information needeed. However, students and teachers
who had received the computer should use the facility prudently and ethically.
Tarikh : 21 Mar 2012 11:20:03 AM
Balas Kepada : CHAN CHEO NGOR
Respon 3 :
I agreed with your points. With computers, students can work on problems individually while
the teacher acts more like a facilitator circulating among them and giving assistance. Some
teachers find that they will observe more of the learning process when watching students
interact with computer-based materials. The question is will the computers in school
sufficient for all of the students in class? Nowadays most of the schools do not have enough
computers. Students have to share two or three persons for one computers. Nevertheless,
students stills can collaborate in a task by writing projects and share knowledge in small
group.
Tarikh : 21 Mar 2012 02:10:10 PM
Balas Kepada : NOORUL AMILIN BT OMAR
Respon 4 :
I have read an article about how to integrate PowerPoint into our teaching and learning.
PowerPoint is a widely used presentation programme that become commonplace in the
world of educational technology. There are countless benefits to use PowerPoint in the
classroom. Teachers can create their own animated PowerPoint presentation according to
the syllabus and deliver it in the class. By careful mixing of media, a presentation can appeal
to a number of different learning styles. It is a good aim to introduce new concepts to the
pupils. Besides that, in Science lesson, pupils can enhance their knowledge by building a
solar system with PowerPoint.
Tarikh : 21 Mar 2012 05:47:24 PM
Balas Kepada : CHUAH LAY YUEN
GROUP FORUM 4
HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO READ MORE?
Jawapan :
Reading is important for every student. However research indicates that many students do not
choose to read often or in great quantities. To encourage students to read more, first I think
teachers must have knowledge about students literature. They must find out what the
students enjoy reading about by observing, doing some survey or finding out information
from the librarians. After getting the information, teachers can start to plan and rearrange the
book collection according to the needs, abilities and interests of the students. Teachers must
make the books available and accessible. Besides, teachers must be a good reading modal.
This may not seem obvious but letting students see and letting them know reading is
enjoyable and fun. On the other hands, teachers can encourage students reading by giving the
books as a gift and encouragement for the students when they have achieved their
assessment. Teachers can also plan to have a reading day or week or month to encourage all
year students to read more and win more. Bring the students to free story-time at the library
or computer lab using the application of e-books online. Sometime through hearing an
animated reader read a story will makes all the difference in teaching students to read.
Tarikh : 14 Mar 2012 11:01:42 PM
Respon 1 :
I have read an article regarding reading activity. Students use an easi speak microphone
to record their reading voices and hearing themselves back through the speaker. Through
this activity, students would love to read and found that reading aloud is fun and enjoyable.
On the same time, teachers can easily correct their pronunciation problems right in time.
Another reading activity is Grab some friends and perform a play. The students have to
record what they are doing with a Flip Video Camera. The benefits of students recording
are: It will keeps all students on task, the play can be watched at any time and the students
will keep in mind the stories that they had read.
Tarikh : 14 Mar 2012 10:21:57 PM
Balas Kepada : CHEN MIAW YANN
Respon 2 :
Good idea Ms Jennita. Actually my school did the similar project in the classroom, call
reading corner. Teachers create a small place at a corner in the class by putting some
bookshelves, low chairs and tables on the floor mat. Pupils are encouraged to bring their
books from home and share among with the others in the class. When they have finished
their homework, its time to enjoy reading some story at the corner of the classroom.
Teachers can ask the pupils to read aloud to their friends when they have finished reading
the books. Motivation can be done by giving small gift as a token of appreciation.
Tarikh : 20 Mar 2012 10:59:57 PM
Balas Kepada : JENNITA A/K WILLIAM
Respon 3 :
I agree with your statement. I have an idea in organizing the extensive reading to motivate
students to read. This can be done by set up an award scheme school lever that recognizes
the student who reads the most. At the end of the term, teachers could select the best
reader according to both quantity and quality of reading. Award will be presented in the form
of certificate and book coupons so that he or she can buy and read even more books.
Besides, teachers can plan a reading marathon for their students. Students who read books
during the marathon period will be awarded points in the form of kilometers or miles (for
example 1 book = 4 kilometers). There is no one winner, as anyone who completes the
course win.
Tarikh : 20 Mar 2012 11:27:46 PM
Balas Kepada : JENNITA A/K WILLIAM
Respon 4 :
I agree with your points. One of the best ways to help students learn to enjoy reading is by
reading to them. Dawson (1972) suggests that teachers should read to children every day
from books that are worthwhile, appropriate in level of interest, but probably too hard for
them to read themselves. Spiegel (1981) also point out, All the work is being done by the
readers, the listeners can just relax and enjoy the story. As a result, children may learn to
associate reading with pleasure. Furthermore, teachers are showing the audience that
reading is something they enjoy and value. Reading to students provides the teacher with
an opportunity to choose and help develop a taste for good literature.
Tarikh : 25 Mar 2012 12:28:30 AM
Balas Kepada : YEN LAI TENG
Respon 5 :
I agree with your suggestions. Besides, I think Readers Theater is one of the effective ways
to motivate the students to read. Many teachers have successfully use Readers Theater to
encourage students in reading. Readers Theater is the presentation of literature in which the
students hears the spoken words but must imagine the scenery, action and characters. It is
creative and dramatic.
Tarikh : 25 Mar 2012 12:48:05 AM
Balas Kepada : NOR AZREEN BT RAMLI
GROUP FORUM 5
IS TRUANT A MAJOR PROBLEM IN SCHOOLS? DISCUSS.
Jawapan :
Ever day, hundreds of thousands of youth are absent from school without an excuse and
deemed truant. In Malaysia, it is the number one discipline problem accounting about a third
(32%) of all discipline problems. School, teachers and parents are seeking effective ways to
deal with students who are habitually truant and to prevent truancy. Reid (1999) stated that in
order to reduce truancy problem, it is suggested that teachers and parents should be
responsibility for truant behavior. Parents should give full attention and love to their children.
Lack of guidance or parental supervision, domestic violence, child abuse, family financial
problem will cause to truancy. Besides, educational causes of truancy is children do not like
school. For example, in some school surveys, the main reported categories given for truancy
have included school boring, a lot of homework, dislike of a teacher feeling generally
fed up at school. These surveys suggested that the curriculum, poor teaching and
unsatisfactory teacher-pupil relationships are the main reasons for truancy in most schools.
Therefore, to overcome these problems, efforts should be made to ensure schools become
enjoyable places for their students. Teachers should show their concern, respect and patience.
In addition, teachers apply vary teaching and learning method will attract students to learn.
Apart from it, schools should monitor attendance closely and send a letter to parents if
needed.
Tarikh : 20 Mar 2012 01:27:07 PM
Respon 1 :
I agree with your statement above. Beside of the factor that have stated above, I think
individual factor may cause to truant. Personal characteristics such as lazy, low self-esteem,
less interest in studies, internal fear, mental health difficulties will influences the occurrence
of truancy as well.
Tarikh : 20 Mar 2012 01:48:04 PM
Balas Kepada : JENNITA A/K WILLIAM
Respon 2 :
I agree with your statement above. Most of the surveys show that students admit truancy
because they felt that school is boring and frustrating. The main causes of truancy in school
were: bullying, problems with teachers, problems with lesson, feeling isolated an peer
pressure. To avoid of truant behavior, schools should take some effective actions such as:
reinforcing the schools attendance policies, early identification to prevent the nonattendance from recurring, giving reward for the good attendance, reintegration teaching and
learnings strategies, reforming school ethos and teachers attitudes.
Tarikh : 21 Mar 2012 06:51:22 PM
Balas Kepada : RAIZATUL AZORA BINTI AB RASHID
Respon 3 :
I agree with you that these three factors were the main factors that cause to truant. Beside
that I think today, computer games addiction was also one of the main causes that pupils run
away from school. Many pupils simply grow tired of school and decide that other ways of
spending their time are more interesting. Computer shop or cybercaf was one of their
interest places to go. They rather spend a lot of time and money on playing computer games
than gain knowledge in school. These pupils normally absent from school without the
parents knowledge. Research shows that computerized games have been criticized as
leading to violent behavior and addiction. Those video arcade games will cause aggression,
truancy, and they might have major emotional and behavioral problems (Margaret A. S.,
2005). As a teacher, I think we should educate them with the right use of computer in
education matter.
Tarikh : 28 Apr 2012 09:18:45 AM
Balas Kepada : FOO SIEW FOONG
Respon 4 :
Actually, truancy affects not only to the student but also his or her family and the community.
The students engaged in school truancy contribute to poor academic performance include
unmet mental health needs, alcohol and drug use, gang involvement, teenage pregnancy
and others social problems. Schools and teachers should plan strategies to prevent the
incidence of truancy. For example, by improving school attendance, monitoring the students
development, establishes ongoing truancy prevention programs and involve parents in all
truancy prevention activities.
Tarikh : 28 Apr 2012 09:50:22 AM
Balas Kepada : CHEN MIAW YANN