INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELLING (IJEPC)

SOCIAL INFLUENCE AND INTENTION TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION AMONG ASNAF STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA

Ahmad Zulhusny Rozali — 2025-07-21

This study aims to examine the influence social influence (family and peer) factors on the intention to pursue higher education among Asnaf students in Perlis. It addresses the need to understand how social influences shape educational aspirations among students from low-income backgrounds. The study uses a quantitative approach based on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze survey data collected from 418 Asnaf students in 27 listed secondary school in Perlis. The model tests two hypotheses relating to the impact of family influence and peer influence on students' intention to further their education. The results show that family influence has a significant and positive effect on students’ intention to pursue higher education, while peer influence does not show a statistically meaningful impact. These findings highlight the critical role of family in shaping students’ educational decisions within this demographic group. This study contributes to the limited body of research focusing on Asnaf students and provides evidence on the different roles that family and peer relationships play in influencing their higher education intentions. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and educators to design support strategies that strengthen family engagement in educational planning.

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL OBSTACLES AND THEIR CAUSES IN AFFECTING STUDENTS' ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND METHODS OF TREATMENT IN THE UAE: STUDENTS OF THE THIRD CYCLE OF ZAYED THE FIRST SCHOOL – MODEL

Asma Abdul Rahman — 2025-08-07

This study examines the impact of social obstacles on the academic achievement of third-cycle students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and proposes solutions to address these challenges. Using a social survey methodology, data were collected via a questionnaire at Zayed the First School in Abu Dhabi, involving 73 participants, including students, teachers, families, and staff. The study categorizes obstacles into cultural, familial, professional, and self-imposed barriers, highlighting key issues. This includes strained student-teacher relationships, bullying, excessive academic workloads, and extended study hours, negatively impacting students' academic and social development. Additionally, the lack of cultural awareness among some expatriate teachers and family challenges, including neglect, overprotection, or disintegration, undermined students' self-confidence and engagement. The study emphasizes the need for a holistic educational framework that prioritizes students' emotional and social well-being alongside academic growth. Schools must function as socio-educational institutions, fostering collaboration between families and educators to create a supportive and culturally sensitive environment. Open communication is critical for addressing challenges, reinforcing positive behaviors, and ensuring alignment in supporting students. The findings advocate for strategic interventions to enhance social cohesion, emotional support, and cultural understanding, enabling students to thrive academically and socially within a nurturing educational ecosystem.

INTRA-SENTENTIAL CODE-SWITCHING IN YEAR 5 ENGLISH CLASSROOM: A STUDY ACROSS FIVE SELECTED NATIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Vijaya Mohan — 2025-09-10

This study explores the types of intra-sentential code-switching (CS) used by Year 5 pupils during English lessons in five selected national primary schools on Penang Island, Malaysia. The purpose of the study is to examine how bilingual pupils employ different types of CS to navigate linguistic challenges and enhance classroom communication. The study is based on Muysken’s (2000) typology of intra-sentential CS, which includes alternation, insertion, and congruent lexicalization. A qualitative research design was used. Data were collected through classroom observations involving audio recordings of 160 English lessons. All the recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase framework. The findings reveal that insertion was the most frequently used form of CS. Pupils used it to fill lexical gaps and maintain fluency. Alternation occurred at clause boundaries to facilitate clarification. Congruent lexicalization was observed when pupils blended elements from different languages using compatible grammatical structures. Pupils used CS to support vocabulary, clarify meaning, and assist peers during lessons. The study concludes that intra-sentential CS serves several communicative purposes among bilingual pupils. These findings provide valuable insights for English language teachers working in multilingual classrooms. Understanding the types and functions of CS may help teachers design instructional strategies that accommodate pupils’ bilingual capabilities while supporting their English language development. The study also contributes to the growing body of knowledge on bilingual speech in Malaysian primary schools and reinforces the significance of code-switching as a pedagogical resource rather than an obstacle in language learning.

THE EXPOSURE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN EAST COAST AND WEST COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA AND ITS IMPACTS ON SOCIAL, IDENTITY AND CULTURAL BUILDING OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Anis Athira Syahirah Saifuddin — 2025-09-17

Malaysia, a country which is rich with cultures, languages and identities, embraced English as its second language. With English as its second language, this language also represented the language of empowerment, educational, social integration and other purposes. This paper aims to study English language exposure to the undergraduate students and its impacts on constructing their social and cultural identities as a Malaysian. Thus, Norton and Darvin’s Model of Investment is employed as the framework and thematic analysis is done on data collected by interviewing undergraduate students from East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia and West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The findings of this study revealed that the exposure of English language to the undergraduate students are through family, schools or educational institutions and community. However, the students from the West Coast of Malaysia added individual effort and official matters are two other methods of exposure of English language. In addition, the impacts of the exposure on their social and cultural identity can be divided into their (1) identity as a student along with their national identity and race, their (2) ideology on English language and their mother tongue which somehow shaped their social and cultural perspectives and identities, and their (3) capital on future demand from employers and experience as a consumer due to English as a tool to conduct business or transaction. Finally, this study proves that the exposure and impacts of the English language traverse beyond the surface level as they vastly influence an individual. Although Malaysians embrace their identity as a Malaysian with Malaysian values and national language, the micro scrutiny revealed more details due to the unique multicultural, multi-language, and multi identities of Malaysians.

TUGAS, CABARAN DAN IMPLIKASI PENGURUSAN PROFESIONAL PENOLONG KANAN KOKURIKULUM DALAM PENGAJARAN

Aisyah Mohammad Roslan — 2025-09-19

Dalam menempuhi dunia pendidikan masa kini, Penolong Kanan Kokurikulum di sesebuah sekolah merupakan nadi penggerak utama dalam bidang kokurikulum. Tidak hanya menguruskan bidang kokurikulum, Penolong Kanan Kokurikulum juga merupakan seorang guru yang bertanggung jawab dalam pengurusan pengajaran. Penolong Kanan Kokurikulum perlu membahagikan masa antara pengurusan professional kokurikulum dan juga pengurusan pengajaran. Biarpun bidang Pendidikan merupakan bidang utama bagi Penolong Kanan Kokurikulum, namun adakah bidang utama ini diberi tumpuan dengan sewajarnya dan sebaiknya. Justeru, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti tugas, cabaran dan implikasi pengurusan professional yang dipikul oleh Penolong Kanan Kokurikulum dalam pengajaran. Melalui dapatan kajian, pengkaji menemui 12 tugas pengurusan pengajaran, 11 cabaran yang dihadapi dalam pengurusan pengajaran dan 2 implikasi iaitu terhadap guru dan murid dari sudut pandang positif dan negatif. Data dan maklumat diperoleh daripada temu bual, analisis dokumen dan juga pemerhatian melalui enam orang informan daripada sekolah terpilih di salah sebuah zon Daerah Ranau.

In navigating the current educational landscape, the Assistant Principal for Co-curricular Activities at a school is the main driving force in the field of co-curricular activities. Not only does the Assistant Principal manage co-curricular activities, but they are also a teacher responsible for managing instruction. The Assistant Principal is seen as needing to divide their time between professional co-curricular management and instructional management. Although education is the primary field for the Assistant Principal, is this main field given the appropriate and best focus? Therefore, this study aims to identify the tasks, challenges, and implications of professional management carried out by the Assistant Principal in teaching. Through the study findings, the researcher identified 12 instructional management tasks, 11 challenges faced in instructional management, and 2 implications for teachers and students from both positive and negative perspectives. Data and information were obtained from interviews, document analysis, and observations through six informants from selected schools in one of the zones in the Ranau District.

THE IMPACT OF ZAKAT ASSISTANCE ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF ASNAF IN PERLIS

Ernie Adnan — 2025-07-21

This study investigates the impact of zakat assistance on the academic performance of Asnaf students in the state of Perlis. Grounded in the objective of evaluating the influence of zakat aid on academic outcomes, the study addresses the central research question: What is the impact of zakat assistance on the academic outcomes of Asnaf students? A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to a sample of 155 Asnaf students from three selected primary schools in Perlis. The findings reveal a positive correlation between the zakat assistance received and the students’ academic performance. Specifically, students who reported receiving consistent zakat support demonstrated improved academic results, higher motivation, and greater school engagement compared to their peers who received minimal or no assistance. The study suggests that zakat assistance, when allocated effectively, plays a significant role in supporting the educational development of underprivileged students by alleviating financial burdens and providing access to learning resources. These findings underscore the importance of continuous and well-managed zakat distribution to enhance educational equity and contribute to the broader goal of social upliftment among the asnaf community. The study concludes by recommending further research to explore the long-term effects of zakat assistance on academic and socio-economic outcomes across different educational levels.

PENGARUH BAHASA INGGERIS TERHADAP PENGUASAAN BAHASA MELAYU DALAM KALANGAN MURID: FAKTOR, IMPLIKASI NEGATIF DAN PERANAN PIHAK BERTANGGUNGJAWAB

Nurul Sapika Ramli — 2025-08-15

Kajian ini dijalankan bagi melihat faktor, implikasi dan peranan pihak bertanggungjawab dalam menangani isu pengaruh bahasa Inggeris terhadap penguasaan bahasa Melayu murid. Setiap negara memiliki bahasa rasmi dan kebangsaanya yang tersendiri. Pemilihan dan penetapan bagi sesuatu bahasa rasmi dan kebangsaan negara biasanya bergantung kepada majoriti sesebuah kaum atau bangsa yang mendominasi negara yang diduduki. Sebagai contoh, negara Malaysia berlatar belakangkan negara yang penduduknya terdiri daripada pelbagai lapis masyarakat yang berbeza dari segi kaum, bangsa dan agama. Disebabkan masyarakat di Malaysia majoritinya berbangsa Melayu. Oleh itu, bahasa Melayu telah diangkat sebagai bahasa rasmi dan kebangsaan negara Malaysia. Pewartaan ini telah melahirkan satu akta atau undang-undang yang dijadikan sebagai panduan dan terpakai kepada semua perkara yang melibatkan urusan negara iaitu Perkara 152, Perlembagaan Malaysia yang memperuntukkan bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa kebangsaan negara Malaysia. Selain itu, seseorang individu tidak boleh dilarang atau dihalang untuk mengajar atau belajar bahasa lain (selain bagi maksud rasmi) dan Kerajaan Persekutuan atau Kerajaan Negeri tidak boleh dijejaskan haknya untuk memelihara dan meneruskan penggunaan dan pengajian bahasa mana-mana kaum lain di dalam Persekutuan. Walaupun perlembagaan ini telah menyatakan peranan bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa rasmi dan kebangsaan negara dan membolehkan seseorang individu untuk mempelajari selain daripada bahasa Melayu bagi urusan tidak rasmi, namun terdapat segelintir rakyat yang menyalah tafsir maksud perlembagaan tersebut dengan mengaplikasikan bahasa pertama atau kedua mereka (Bahasa Inggeris) dalam setiap urusan sehingga mereka ternormalisasi dengan bahasa tersebut. Oleh itu, kajian ini mencadangkan beberapa langkah untuk mengatasi isu ini dari berlaku dengan pendekatan yang perlu diambil oleh guru, ibu bapa dan kerajaan. Dapatan kajian ini dijangka dapat mengelakkan murid daripada terpengaruh dengan bahasa Inggeris sekaligus membantu murid dalam menguasai bahasa Melayu dengan lebih baik.

This study is conducted to examine the factors, implications, and the role of responsible parties in addressing the issue of the influence of the English language on pupils' mastery of the Malay language. Every country has its own official and national language. The selection and designation of an official and national language usually depend on the majority race or ethnic group that dominates the country. For instance, Malaysia is a nation with a population comprising diverse communities differing in terms of race, ethnicity, and religion. Since the majority of the population in Malaysia is Malay, the Malay language has been elevated as the official and national language of the country. This declaration gave rise to an act law that serves as a guideline and is applicable to all matters related to national affairs, namely Article 152 of the Federal Constitution, which stipulates that the Malay language is the national language of Malaysia. Furthermore, no individual may be prohibited or restricted from teaching or learning any other language (other than for official purposes), and neither the Federal Government nor the State Government may be deprived of the right to preserve and sustain the use and study of the language of any other communities within the Federation. Although the Constitution clearly defines the role of Malay as the official and national languge of the country Malay for non-official purpose, there are still some citizens who misinterpret the meaning of the provision by applying their first or second language (English) in every context to the extent that they become normalized with it. Therefore, this study proposes several measures to address this issue through approaches that should be taken by teachers, parents, and the government. The findings of this study are expected to help prevent pupils from being overly influenced by the English language, while at the same time helping them to master the Malay language more effectively.

DEVELOPING LAB PROCEDURES FOR IoT POWER MANAGEMENT USING SLEEP MODE: AN OBE APPROACH FOR TVET EDUCATION

Siti Maryam Zainol — 2025-09-17

As awareness of the importance of energy efficiency in Internet of Things (IoT) systems is increasing, there is a need for educational tools that promote sustainable technology practices. In this paper, a laboratory procedure for power management using sleep mode on microcontroller-based Internet of Things devices is developed. This laboratory procedure is specifically designed for students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions studying IoT. A microcontroller, ESP32 and a temperature sensor, DHT11 are used as an IoT system that monitors temperature by sending to the cloud, Thingspeak. While another ESP32 and a current sensor, INA219, are used to measure power consumption in active, light sleep and deep sleep modes, and the current data is sent to Excel. Experimental results show that using sleep mode strategically can result in significant power savings and energy efficiency gains supported by quantitative data. A laboratory framework that is in line with the principles of Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) and the relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), is proposed based on these findings. Clear Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs), assessments with an emphasis on sustainability, and a CLO- Course Learning Outcomes (PLO) mapping structure that can be incorporated into current TVET curricula are all features of the lab design. This framework creates a foundation for future implementation and evaluation, despite the lack of data on student learning outcomes. This work offers a pedagogical model that promotes energy-conscious engineering education in addition to technical analysis of IoT power optimization.

CLASSROOM INTERACTION AS A PREDICTOR OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HISTORY EDUCATIONAL TRIPS

Meilan Zhu — 2025-09-17

This study examines the effectiveness of classroom interactions and history educational trips. Drawing on existing research, three hypotheses were developed for the study. The results of the study, obtained through quantitative analysis, corroborate and add to previous findings, suggesting that such interactions facilitate effective learning environments and student learning on history trips. The study also provides recommendations for teachers and administrators.

USE OF AI TOOLS IN DEVELOPING RESEARCH PROPOSALS AMONG PRE-SERVICE SCIENCE TEACHERS: A CASE STUDY

Azlina Amir Hamzah — 2025-09-22

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into academic research has become increasingly prevalent among higher education students. This case study explores how pre-service science teachers at Penang Teachers’ Training Institute utilise AI tools during the development of research proposals in the "Fundamental Research in Science Education" course. A mixed-methods questionnaire was used to explore AI usage patterns, perceived benefits and challenges, and ethical practices. Findings revealed that all students (100%) used ChatGPT, with 53.8% using it daily and 84.6% integrating AI-generated content for less than half their proposals. The data reveals that 76.9% used AI primarily for first drafts, 69.2% for topic exploration, and 53.8% for grammar checking. Students reported high perceived benefits, with 84.6% agreeing that AI enhanced proposal quality, 76.9% cited time savings, and 76.9% found it helpful for idea generation. However, the major challenges emerged with 76.9% encountering inaccurate information and 15.4% noting AI's limited understanding of specialised scientific concepts. Students exhibited strong ethical awareness, with all participants disclosing AI use to instructors, demonstrating transparency. Although only 38.5% expressed full trust in AI outputs, 84.6% actively verified content using academic sources. Open-ended responses further highlighted AI’s role in refining language, generating ideas, and clarifying research focus. The study concludes that pre-service science teachers engage thoughtfully with AI tools as supplementary academic supports rather than replacements for critical thinking. It also highlights the importance of integrating AI literacy, ethical guidelines, and institutional support into teacher education programs to foster responsible and effective AI engagement in academic work.

KENAPA TIDAK MINAT? KEMEROSOTAN PEMILIHAN MATAPELAJARAN STEM DALAM KALANGAN PELAJAR DARI SUDUT PANDANGAN GURU

Bibi Noraini Mohd Yusuf — 2025-07-21

Malaysia masih belum mencapai matlamat nisbah Dasar STEM negara iaitu 60:40 seperti yang telah disasarkan iaitu 60% aliran sains dan teknikal dan 40% aliran sastera/sains sosial. Kajian ini dilaksanakan bagi mengenalpasti tiga objektif yang utama iaitu 1) Faktor-faktor kemerosotan pemilihan matapelajaran STEM, 2) Cabaran dalam PdPc matapelajaran STEM serta 3) Kaedah yang paling sesuai untuk menangani kemerosotan pemilihan matapelajaran STEM. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif iaitu dengan menemubual 5 orang guru di sekolah menengah negeri Perlis. Hasil kajian mendapati terdapat 3 tema faktor kemerosotan matapelajar STEM iaitu aliran sains sukar, silibus sukar dan pelajar tidak minat. Cabaran dalam PdPc pula telah menghasilkan 4 tema iaitu asas STEM pelajar lemah, penguasaan penggunaan teknologi guru rendah, peruntukan untuk eksperimen/projek terhad dan peluang kerjaya STEM kurang dicakna. Cadangan peningkatan pemilihan matapelajaran STEM pula menghasilkan 4 tema iaitu perlunya sokongan ibu bapa kepada anak untuk mengambil matapelajaran STEM, latihan penguasaan silibus matapelajaran STEM kepada guru, sokongan pihak berautoriti dan kolaborasi bersama institusi pendidikan tinggi/agensi tempatan untuk meningkatkan lagi minat pelajar mengambil aliran STEM di sekolah. Kajian ini memberi sumbangan dari segi rujukan garis panduan kepada pemegang untuk mancapai matlamat Dasar STEM Negara yang telah ditetapkan.

Malaysia has yet to achieve the national STEM Policy target ratio of 60:40, which aspires for 60% of students to pursue science and technical streams, and 40% in the arts/social science streams. This study was conducted to identify three main objectives: 1) the factors contributing to the decline in STEM subject selection, 2) the challenges faced in the teaching and learning (PdPc) of STEM subjects, and 3) the most appropriate methods to address the declining interest in STEM subjects. A qualitative approach was employed through interviews with five secondary school teachers in the state of Perlis. The findings revealed three key themes regarding the decline in STEM subject selection: the perception that science streams are difficult, the complexity of the syllabus, and students' lack of interest. Challenges in STEM teaching and learning were categorized into four themes: students’ weak foundation in STEM, teachers’ limited proficiency in using technology, limited funding for experiments and projects, and a lack of awareness about STEM career opportunities. Recommendations to improve STEM subject selection yielded four themes: the need for parental support in encouraging students to choose STEM subjects, targeted training for teachers to master the STEM syllabus, stronger support from relevant authorities, and collaboration with higher education institutions or local agencies to boost students’ interest in pursuing the STEM stream. This study contributes by offering guideline references for stakeholders to achieve the goals set by the National STEM Policy.

THE IMPACT OF DYSLEXIA GAME LEARNING ‘LEXIPLAY’ ON CHILDREN’S LEARNING PROGRESS

Farah Najiha Ahmad — 2025-08-07

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects children's reading, writing, and comprehension abilities. Various educational interventions, including digital learning tools, have been designed to support dyslexic learners. This study explores the impact of LexiPlay, an interactive dyslexia game learning application, on children’s learning progress. Through a mixed-method approach incorporating quantitative assessments and qualitative feedback, the study evaluates improvements in literacy skills, cognitive engagement, and motivation. The findings suggest that LexiPlay significantly enhances reading fluency, phonemic awareness, and confidence in dyslexic children, indicating its potential as an effective educational tool.

TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN INTELLIGENT AGENT FOR SOCIALLY SHARED REGULATED LEARNING (SSRL): A BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW

Asmara Alias — 2025-08-18

The integration of intelligent agents in supporting Socially Shared Regulation of Learning (SSRL) has gained significant scholarly interest in recent years, aligning with the broader evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Despite its growing relevance, a comprehensive understanding of research trends, influential contributions, and thematic developments within this niche remains limited. This study aims to address that gap by conducting a bibliometric analysis titled “Trends and Developments in Intelligent Agent for Socially Shared Regulated Learning (SSRL),” using a dataset of 1951 publications retrieved from the Scopus database. Employing Scopus Analyzer, OpenRefine, and VOSviewer software, we systematically examined publication output, citation patterns, country contributions, author impact, keyword co-occurrences, and collaboration networks spanning from 1983 to 2025. The analysis revealed a sharp increase in publication volume post-2010, with peak activity occurring between 2010 and 2023, driven predominantly by contributions from the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Canada. Keyword clustering highlighted dominant themes, including metacognitive support, agent-based learning systems, collaborative regulation, and AI-driven feedback mechanisms. Furthermore, the co-authorship and institutional analysis demonstrated an emerging but fragmented research community, suggesting opportunities for enhanced international collaboration. The findings map the intellectual landscape of intelligent agents in SSRL and provide actionable insights for future research. It highlights areas with high potential for interdisciplinary integration and technological innovation. This study provides a foundational perspective for researchers, policymakers, and developers seeking to leverage intelligent agents in fostering effective collaborative learning environments.

KAJIAN RINTIS KEBERKESANAN PROGRAM BINA MOTIVASI KE ARAH KECEMERLANGAN AKADEMIK BAGI PELAJAR SEKOLAH MENENGAH

Ummi Syarah Ismail — 2025-09-17

Program Bina Motivasi Ke Arah Kecemerlangan Akademik diadakan bertujuan bagi membina keyakinan diri dan motivasi pelajar. Di samping itu, ia bertujuan bagi meningkatkan prestasi akademik pelajar sekolah menengah terutamanya melibatkan mata pelajaran yang mempunyai pencapaian rendah dalam peperiksaan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) iaitu Bahasa Inggeris, Bahasa Arab, Matematik dan Perniagaan. Oleh itu, kajian rintis ini dijalankan bagi meninjau keberkesanan Program Bina Motivasi Ke Arah Kecemerlangan Akademik para pelajar. Bagi merealisasikan kajian ini, reka bentuk kajian kuantitatif digunakan dengan mengumpul data menggunakan instrumen soal selidik dan dianalisa secara deskriptif menggunakan perisian IBM SPSS Statistik. Soal selidik ini menggunakan pengukuran skala Likert lima mata bagi mengenal pasti tahap pengetahuan pelajar terhadap empat subjek yang dinyatakan dan tahap motivasi pelajar sebelum dan selepas program. Nilai min digunakan bagi mengukur perbezaan min pengetahuan dan tahap motivasi responden sebelum dan selepas mengikuti program motivasi. Sampel kajian yang terlibat sebagai peserta program seramai 67 orang pelajar tingkatan empat dan lima dari Sekolah Menengah Agama Nurul Islam Ayer Hitam Kedah. Penilaian keberkesanan untuk program ini dilakukan dengan membandingkan pencapaian sebelum dan selepas program ini dilaksanakan dengan menggunakan soal selidik pra dan soal selidik pasca. Dapatan ini menunjukkan, nilai positif selepas program dijalankan berbanding sebelum program. Secara keseluruhannya, hasil dapatan kajian menunjukkan pelajar lebih bermotivasi untuk mempelajari dan menguasai keempat-empat mata pelajaran selepas menghadiri program motivasi ini.

The Motivational Program Towards Academic Excellence was implemented to enhance students’ self-confidence and motivation, with the aim of improving academic performance among secondary school students. This initiative particularly targeted students with low achievement in Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) examination subjects, namely English, Arabic, Mathematics, and Business. A pilot study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the program. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a questionnaire as the main data collection instrument. Data were analysed descriptively using IBM SPSS Statistics software. The questionnaire adopted a five-point Likert scale to measure students' knowledge in the four target subjects as well as their motivation levels, both before and after the program. Mean scores were used to examine differences in knowledge and motivation levels pre- and post- questionnaire. The sample comprised 67 Form Four and Form Five students from Sekolah Menengah Agama Nurul Islam, Ayer Hitam, Kedah, who participated in the program.Results indicated a positive shift in both academic knowledge and motivational levels following the program’s implementation. Overall, the findings suggest that the students became more motivated and showed improved mastery of the targeted subjects after participating in the motivational program.

KEBERKESANAN PEMBELAJARAN TERADUN TERHADAP AMALAN MORAL MURID SEKOLAH RENDAH

Maziah Ismail — 2025-09-19

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menyelidik keberkesanan pembelajaran teradun dalam Pendidikan Moral bagi meningkatkan amalan moral dalam kalangan murid sekolah rendah. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan reka bentuk kajian tindakan. Data dikumpul melalui kaedah temu bual, pemerhatian dalam bilik darjah dan catatan jurnal bagi memperolehi data secara mendalam. Data diperolehi daripada 12 orang murid di tiga buah sekolah rendah. Data yang dikumpul daripada ketiga-tiga kaedah ini dianalisis secara teknik analisis tema. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa pembelajaran teradun dapat meningkatkan kesedaran moral, pemikiran reflektif dan kemahiran menyelesaikan konflik moral dalam kalangan murid. Ternyata kajian ini menyerlahkan keberkesanan pembelajaran teradun sebagai alternatif bagi mendorong murid untuk menghayati dan mengamalkan nilai moral dalam kehidupan seharian. Kajian ini memberikan implikasi penting terhadap pedagogi Pendidikan Moral sekolah rendah yang mana pembelajaran teradun berpotensi memperkukuhkan pemahaman dan amalan moral murid. Sehubungan dengan itu, kajian ini mencadangkan agar pembelajaran teradun diterapkan secara meluas dalam Pendidikan Moral, khususnya sekolah rendah sebagai usaha membentuk generasi berakhlak serta mencapai matlamat Pendidikan Moral seperti mana yang digariskan dalam Dokumen Standard Sekolah Rendah.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of blended learning in Moral Education to enhance moral practices among primary school pupils. The study employs a qualitative approach using an action research design. Data were collected through interviews, classroom observations, and journal entries to obtain in-depth insights. A total of 12 pupils from three primary schools participated in this study. The data gathered from all three methods were analysed using thematic analysis techniques. The findings show that blended learning enhances pupils’ moral awareness, reflective thinking, and skills in resolving moral conflicts. This study highlights the effectiveness of blended learning as an alternative approach to encourage pupils to internalise and practise ethical values in their daily lives. This study offers significant implications for the pedagogy of Moral Education in primary schools, suggesting that blended learning has the potential to strengthen pupils’ understanding and practice of moral values. Therefore, the study recommends that blended learning be widely implemented in Moral Education, particularly at the primary school level, as a means to nurture morally upright individuals and achieve the objectives of Moral Education as outlined in the Primary School Standard Curriculum Document.

PENDEKATAN KECERDASAN PELBAGAI DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEMAHIRAN PENULISAN BAHASA INGGERIS MURID B40 DI SEKOLAH MENENGAH NEGERI PERLIS: SUATU TINJAUAN

Jauriah Md Azali — 2025-07-21

Kajian ini bertujuan meneliti keberkesanan pendekatan Kecerdasan Pelbagai dalam meningkatkan kemahiran penulisan karangan Bahasa Inggeris dalam kalangan murid B40 di sekolah menengah negeri Perlis. Objektif kajian merangkumi dua aspek utama: pertama, mengenal pasti domain kecerdasan pelbagai yang paling dominan dalam kalangan murid B40 yang lemah dalam penulisan Bahasa Inggeris; dan kedua, menilai peningkatan pencapaian penulisan selepas pelaksanaan program intervensi “Smart Score” melalui My English Writing Guide Book (MyEWGB). Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk penyelidikan deskriptif dengan melibatkan 30 orang murid B40 sebagai sampel. Instrumen kajian terdiri daripada soal selidik untuk mengenal pasti jenis kecerdasan dominan serta ujian pra dan pos bagi menilai tahap pencapaian kemahiran penulisan. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa tiga jenis kecerdasan yang paling dominan ialah kecerdasan intrapersonal, naturalis dan kinestetik. Analisis perbandingan antara keputusan ujian pra dan pos menunjukkan peningkatan yang signifikan dalam kemahiran penulisan karangan Bahasa Inggeris selepas pelaksanaan program “Smart Score”. Penemuan ini menyokong keberkesanan pendekatan Kecerdasan Pelbagai sebagai strategi pedagogi yang dapat memenuhi keperluan pembelajaran murid secara lebih holistik, khususnya dalam kalangan pelajar daripada kumpulan sosioekonomi rendah. Kajian ini mencadangkan agar guru-guru mempertimbangkan pelaksanaan kaedah pengajaran yang mengambil kira kepelbagaian kecerdasan dalam kalangan pelajar bagi meningkatkan pencapaian akademik secara menyeluruh.

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Multiple Intelligences (MI) approach in enhancing English essay writing skills among B40 students in secondary schools across Perlis. The research focuses on two key objectives: (1) to identify the most dominant MI domains among B40 students with weak English writing skills, and (2) to assess improvements in writing performance following the implementation of the “Smart Score” intervention, delivered through My English Writing Guide Book (MyEWGB). Adopting a descriptive research design, the study involved 30 of B40 students as participants. Data were collected using a questionnaire to determine dominant intelligences, along with pre- and post-tests to measure writing proficiency. Findings revealed that the most dominant intelligences among participants were intrapersonal, naturalistic, and bodily-kinesthetic. A comparative analysis of pre- and post-test results demonstrated a significant improvement in students’ English writing skills after the intervention. The results affirm the potential of the Multiple Intelligences approach as an effective pedagogical strategy that caters to diverse learning needs, especially among students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study recommends that educators incorporate intelligence-based instructional methods to foster more inclusive and impactful academic outcomes.

PENGARUH MOTIVASI INTRINSIK DAN EKSTRINSIK TERHADAP PENCAPAIAN SAINS DAN MATEMATIK DALAM KALANGAN PELAJAR ASNAF SEKOLAH MENENGAH DI NEGERI PERLIS

Shuhairi Razak — 2025-08-12

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk meneliti pengaruh motivasi—baik intrinsik mahupun ekstrinsik—terhadap pencapaian akademik dalam subjek Sains dan Matematik dalam kalangan pelajar asnaf di sekolah menengah di negeri Perlis. Pelajar asnaf, yang berasal daripada latar belakang sosio ekonomi yang kurang berkemampuan, sering berhadapan dengan pelbagai cabaran dalam proses pembelajaran. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif melalui reka bentuk kajian tinjauan. Teknik persampelan bertujuan telah digunakan untuk memilih 300 orang pelajar asnaf dari tiga buah sekolah menengah. Data dikumpul melalui soal selidik berskala Likert yang menilai tahap motivasi intrinsik dan ekstrinsik serta sokongan keluarga dan dianalisis menggunakan statistik deskriptif melalui perisian SPSS versi 27. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa tahap motivasi pelajar terhadap pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik berada pada tahap sederhana, dengan motivasi intrinsik mencatatkan skor min yang sedikit lebih tinggi berbanding motivasi ekstrinsik. Pelajar didapati lebih terdorong oleh matlamat jangka panjang seperti cita-cita kerjaya dan kebanggaan keluarga berbanding ganjaran material atau pujian. Kajian ini merumuskan bahawa tahap motivasi sedia ada masih belum mencukupi untuk membawa peningkatan pencapaian akademik yang signifikan. Oleh itu, intervensi berfokus perlu dirangka bagi meningkatkan motivasi pelajar secara menyeluruh, terutama motivasi intrinsik yang mempunyai kesan jangka panjang terhadap kejayaan akademik. Dapatan kajian ini penting bagi membantu pihak sekolah, pembuat dasar dan institusi berkaitan seperti agensi zakat dalam merancang program pendidikan yang menyeluruh dan bersesuaian dengan keperluan pelajar asnaf. Penglibatan keluarga serta penyediaan pengalaman pembelajaran yang bermakna disarankan sebagai strategi untuk merangsang motivasi dan memperkukuh pencapaian pelajar dalam subjek Sains dan Matematik.

This study aims to examine the influence of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on academic achievement in Science and Mathematics among asnaf students in secondary schools in the state of Perlis. Asnaf students, who come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, often face various challenges in the learning process. The study employed a quantitative approach using a survey research design. Purposive sampling was applied to select 300 asnaf students from three secondary schools. Data were collected through a Likert-scale questionnaire assessing levels of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, as well as family support, and were analysed using descriptive statistics via SPSS version 27. The findings indicate that students’ motivation towards learning Science and Mathematics is at a moderate level, with intrinsic motivation recording a slightly higher mean score compared to extrinsic motivation. Students were found to be more driven by long-term goals such as career aspirations and family pride rather than material rewards or praise. The study concludes that the current level of motivation is insufficient to produce significant improvements in academic achievement. Therefore, targeted interventions should be designed to enhance students’ overall motivation, particularly intrinsic motivation, which has a long-term impact on academic success. The findings of this study are significant in assisting schools, policymakers, and relevant institutions such as zakat agencies in planning comprehensive educational programmes tailored to the needs of asnaf students. Family involvement and the provision of meaningful learning experiences are recommended as strategies to stimulate motivation and strengthen students’ performance in Science and Mathematics.

DIGITAL GAME-BASED LIT-KEW MODULE FOR KEMAS PRESCHOOLERS: A MODIFIED NOMINAL GROUP TECHNIQUE APPROACH

Norhashimah Abdul Rani — 2025-09-17

This study aims to design a Digital Game-Based LIT-KEW Module tailored for TABIKA preschool children, aligned with the Malaysian National Preschool Standard Curriculum (KSPK 2017). The primary objective was to obtain expert consensus on the essential components of the module through the Modified Nominal Group Technique (Modified NGT). Nine experts comprising early childhood education lecturers, experienced TABIKA teachers, and language specialists participated in the session. Consensus analysis revealed agreement levels exceeding 80% for learning objectives (83%), financial literacy content covering monetary value, spending, and saving (86%), and game-based teaching strategies (82%). Meanwhile, appropriate hardware and engaging digital media reached 78% and 81% agreement, respectively. These results confirm the robustness of the module’s design, which is grounded in constructivist learning theory and informed by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to ensure holistic and meaningful learning. The study contributes a novel framework for contextual, interactive, and developmentally appropriate digital financial literacy education at the preschool level. Findings underscore practical implications for curriculum developers and early childhood policymakers, who may consider integrating digital financial literacy into preschool education as a foundation for lifelong financial competence.

PHONETIC AND PEDAGOGICAL BARRIERS IN ARABIC READING AMONG NON-NATIVE SECONDARY STUDENTS IN PERLIS: A DESCRIPTIVE-ANALYTICAL STUDY

Nurul Husna Noorzamri — 2025-09-17

Reading is a fundamental phonetic skill and plays a vital role in the teaching and learning of languages. Accurate pronunciation of letters, words, and sentences is key to conveying intended meaning. However, non-native Arabic learners often face challenges in this area, reflected in frequent pronunciation errors during reading. This study aims to identify the primary difficulties faced by secondary school students in Perlis in mastering Arabic reading skills. Employing a descriptive-analytical method, the research explores the types and stages of reading, highlighting their impact on skill development. Data were collected using a questionnaire distributed among students and analyzed to determine the most significant barriers to effective reading. The findings indicate that students struggle particularly with pronouncing certain Arabic sounds due to phonetic differences between Arabic and their native languages. These difficulties hinder their comprehension and reading fluency. This study contributes to the field of Arabic language education for non-native speakers by pinpointing key obstacles and proposing targeted pedagogical solutions.

EVALUATING HUMAN DIMENSION VARIABLES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS OPERATIONAL READINESS IN THE ROYAL MALAYSIAN POLICE FORCE

S Inderjit — 2025-09-22

The operational readiness of law enforcement agencies, such as the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP), is critically influenced by various human dimension factors, including quality of life, morale, and psychological well-being. Research indicates that intangible human factors are critical for operational success and include aspects such as leadership, teamwork, quality of life, morale, psychological factors, resilience, trust, and organizational culture. Operational readiness encompasses the preparedness of the police force to respond efficiently to various incidents, ensuring public safety and effective crime prevention. Mental health issues, which are prevalent in high-stress environments like policing, can severely affect officers' performance and overall operational readiness. Police officers often operate in high-stress environments, which can lead to decreased morale and compromised psychological well-being. There is a lack of comprehensive studies specifically examining how these human dimension factors interact and influence the operational readiness of the RMP. This gap in research presents a significant challenge, as it hampers the development of targeted interventions that could enhance the effectiveness of the police force. This research aims to analyse these factors, providing insights that can enhance operational effectiveness among the RMP personnels. By identifying and measuring these human intangible factors, RMP can develop preventive measures that enhance overall operational effectiveness. This research is pivotal for ensuring that the Royal Malaysian Police and other security agencies are not only equipped with the necessary tools and technology but also possess the human capabilities required to face modern security challenges. By focusing on the human dimension, the research contributes to a more holistic and sustainable approach to national and global security.

INTERGENERATIONAL DYNAMICS IN LANGUAGE AND LITERACY: THE INFLUENCE OF GRANDPARENT AND PARENT-CHILD INTERACTIONS ON EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Zhang Ting — 2025-08-07

Early childhood development in language and literacy is influenced by interactions with caregivers. This study examines the differential impacts of grandparent and parent-child interactions on these developmental outcomes using a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 families, including both grandparents and parents of children aged 2 to 5 years, focusing on the nature and frequency of interactions and their perceived impact on children's language and literacy development. The qualitative data revealed distinct interaction styles between grandparents and parents, with grandparents often engaging in storytelling and cultural transmission, while parents focused on structured learning activities. Both types of interactions were perceived to contribute uniquely to children's development. These findings underscore the significant influence of intergenerational interactions on early childhood development, suggesting the need for educational interventions and policies that consider the full range of family dynamics.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FASTING IN MANAGING SEXUAL DESIRE: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS FROM AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE (2015–2024)

Ahmad Akmal Wan Muhayudin — 2025-08-18

This study presents a bibliometric analysis on the topic of the effectiveness of fasting in managing sexual desire, aiming to uncover scholarly trends, key contributors, and research patterns in this niche but increasingly relevant field. The research is motivated by the growing interest in Islamic psycho-spiritual approaches to managing human desires, particularly in response to rising social concerns such as premarital sex and hypersexualized content in digital media. Despite the traditional and spiritual significance of fasting in Islam, little is known about the academic development of this subject from a bibliometric standpoint. The study employed three main keywords: Islamic, fasting, and desires, in order to retrieve data from the Scopus database using advanced title-based search parameters to ensure content relevance. The inclusion criteria focused on English and Arabic language articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2015 and 2024. The initial dataset was refined using OpenRefine for data cleaning and deduplication, followed by analysis through the Scopus Analyzer and VOSviewer software for mapping co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, and country collaboration networks. A total of 736 documents were included in the final dataset. The numerical results indicate that the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada are among the most active contributors, while keywords such as "Ramadan," "spirituality," and "self-control" frequently co-occur with fasting-related studies. The visualized networks highlight significant collaborative potential across Islamic and non-Islamic research contexts. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate an emerging scholarly interest in the intersection between Islamic practices and psychological well-being. This study offers valuable insight into how Islamic fasting is conceptualized within academic discourse and identifies gaps and opportunities for future interdisciplinary research, particularly in the domains of Islamic studies, psychology, and health sciences.

TAHAP PENGETAHUAN GURU PENDIDIKAN MORAL TERHADAP AKTIVITI LUAR BILIK DARJAH: PERBANDINGAN ANTARA GURU OPSYEN DAN BUKAN OPSYEN DI SEKOLAH MENENGAH DAERAH KLANG

Siva Sanggita Munandy — 2025-09-17

Aktiviti Luar Bilik Darjah (ALBD) berfungsi sebagai suatu pendekatan pembelajaran berasaskan pengalaman yang dapat membantu murid memahami aspek kehidupan secara lebih menyeluruh dan mendalam. Dalam konteks pelaksanaan pembelajaran ini, peranan guru amat signifikan. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijalankan bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti opsyen pengajaran dalam kalangan guru Pendidikan Moral di sekolah menengah, menilai tahap pengetahuan mereka terhadap ALBD, serta menganalisis perbezaan tahap pengetahuan ALBD berdasarkan opsyen pengajaran guru. Ini kerana terdapat guru Pendidikan Moral yang bukan opsyen mengajar di luar bidang, yang berkemungkinan menjejaskan keberkesanan pelaksanaan ALBD. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan reka bentuk tinjauan. Instrumen kajian berupa soal selidik yang merangkumi dua bahagian utama, iaitu maklumat demografi responden dan tahap pengetahuan guru terhadap ALBD. Seramai 30 orang guru Pendidikan Moral dari sekolah menengah di sekitar daerah Klang, Selangor telah dipilih sebagai responden. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif dan inferensi dengan menggunakan perisian SPSS. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa tahap pengetahuan guru terhadap ALBD adalah tinggi, dan terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan antara guru opsyen dan bukan opsyen dalam aspek pengetahuan mengenai ALBD. Justeru, kajian ini menekankan kepentingan penyediaan latihan serta bimbingan khusus kepada guru bukan opsyen bagi meningkatkan pengetahuan mereka. Guru opsyen Pendidikan Moral turut disarankan untuk memainkan peranan sebagai mentor dalam usaha membimbing guru bukan opsyen dan guru baharu, agar pelaksanaan pengajaran berasaskan ALBD dapat dilaksanakan dengan lebih berkesan.

Outdoor Classroom Activities (ALBD - Aktiviti Luar Bilik Darjah) serve as an experiential learning approach that facilitates a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of life among students. In implementing this form of learning, the role of teachers is crucial. Therefore, this study aims to identify the teaching options among Moral Education teachers in secondary schools, examine their level of knowledge regarding ALBD, and analyse the differences in the level of ALBD knowledge based on teachers' teaching options. This is particularly relevant as some non-option Moral Education teachers are teaching outside their field of expertise, which may negatively impact the effectiveness of ALBD implementation. This study employed a quantitative approach using a survey design. The research instrument was a questionnaire consisting of two main sections: respondents’ demographic information and teachers’ knowledge of ALBD. A total of 30 Moral Education teachers from secondary schools in the Klang district, Selangor, were selected as respondents. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS software. The findings revealed that the overall level of teachers’ knowledge regarding ALBD was high, and there was a significant difference in knowledge between option and non-option teachers. Accordingly, the study highlights the importance of providing targeted training and guidance for non-option teachers to enhance their knowledge. It is also recommended that option Moral Education teachers serve as mentors to support non-option and novice teachers in ensuring more effective implementation of ALBD-based teaching.

EXPLORING THE QUALITY AND STRUCTURE OF THESIS STATEMENTS IN DIPLOMA STUDENTS’ ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING

Rafidah Amat — 2025-09-18

Academic Writing is an important skill for tertiary students at higher education. One of the components of academic writing is thesis statement which it established the writer’s stance and direction for the essay. However, students are still struggling with writing a good thesis statement or at least a structurally sound. Thus, this study aims to examine the structure and the quality written by Part 3 diploma students in Universiti Teknologi MARA Kedah Branch. There were 26 thesis statements collected form students; written argumentative essay which was a part of their Final Assessment. The thesis statements were analysed based on their quality and their structural patterns. Findings revealed that students relied heavily on the same formulaic stance markers such as “I strongly believe…” and often used simple cause-effect formula. A minority showed the use of generalised sentence structures but most of the students demonstrated the ability to use a higher argumentative potential. In the perspective of quality, the students mostly categorised as medium – high range quality. Hence, these results showed that students relied on memorised structures and have limited linguistics styles when constructing thesis statement. It is essential to enhance students’ awareness on thesis statement structures in improving their academic writing skills.

THE IMPACT OF LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM QUALITY ON STUDENT’ PERFORMANCE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ACTUAL USAGE

Lixiu Zhang — 2025-09-23

As a critical support platform for online learning, Learning Management Systems (LMS) play a vital role in modern higher education. While previous studies have confirmed a link between LMS use and academic success, the multi-stage pathways by which LMS quality affects learning performance have not been fully explored.This study employed a quantitative approach, distributing 447 questionnaires and analyzing 406 valid responses. PLS-SEM was used to examine the relationships among the variables. The results supported five hypotheses. Findings indicate that the quality of the U-Campus system positively influences perceived usefulness, which in turn is positively associated with actual usage. Moreover, actual usage significantly enhances students’ English performance.The study confirms that actual system usage mediates the relationship between U-Campus quality and English performance, highlighting the critical role of frequent system engagement in improving academic outcomes. By offering empirical evidence on how LMS quality contributes to student learning, this research adds to the growing body of literature on digital learning platforms. Future research should expand the geographic scope and incorporate system-logged usage data to further validate these findings.

CADANGAN MODEL TINGKAH LAKU ISLAM DALAM MEMPERKASAKAN KESEJAHTERAAN PSIKOLOGI PELAJAR MUSLIM DI INSTITUSI PENDIDIKAN TINGGI

Azlini Hassan — 2025-07-21

Pembentukan tingkah laku Islam yang mantap adalah penting dalam memperkasakan kesejahteraan psikologi pelajar Muslim di institusi pendidikan tinggi. Didapati, kajian berkaitan tingkah laku Islam adalah agak terhad berbanding dengan kajian tingkah laku konvensional yang sedia ada dari barat. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijalankan untuk membangunkan model tingkah laku Islam yang boleh menyumbang kepada kesejahteraan psikologi pelajar Muslim di institusi pendidikan tinggi. Pendekatan kualitatif telah digunakan dengan menggunakan teknik analisis kandungan dan temubual terbuka terhadap pelajar pascasiswazah Muslim yang melanjutkan pelajaran di institusi pendidikan tinggi di Perlis. Berdasarkan temubual yang dijalankan, tiga tema utama yang bersesuaian telah dikenalpasti melalui analisis tematik iaitu tingkah laku spiritual, tingkah laku emosi, dan tingkah laku sosial yang berteraskan Islam. Hasil kajian ini akhirnya telah menyumbang kepada pembangunan model tingkah laku Islam dalam memperkasakan kesejahteraan psikologi pelajar Muslim di peringkat pendidikan tinggi. Pelbagai pihak yang berkepentingan boleh merujuk kepada dapatan kajian ini bagi meluaskan skop kajian ini ke peringkat yang lebih meluas.

The formation of solid Islamic behavior is important to strengthening the psychological well-being of Muslim students in higher educational institutions. It was found that the studies on Islamic behaviour are quite limited compared to the existing conventional behavioural studies from the West. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop a model of Islamic behaviour that can contribute to the psychological well-being of Muslim students in higher education institutions. A qualitative approach was utilised using content analysis techniques and open-ended interviews with Muslim postgraduate students pursuing their studies in higher education institutions in Perlis. Based on the interviews conducted, three main themes were identified that were appropriate through thematic analysis, namely spiritual behaviour, emotional behaviour and social behaviour based on Islam. The results of this study have ultimately contributed to the development of an Islamic behaviour model in empowering the psychological well-being of Muslim students in higher education. Various interested parties can refer to the findings of this study to broaden the scope of this study to a wider level.

BRIDGING CULTURES IN HISTORY EDUCATION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TEACHING METHODS IN CHINA AND MALAYSIA'S UNIVERSITIES

Bih Ni Lee — 2025-08-10

This study comparatively analyzes university history teaching methods in China and Malaysia, and explores their efforts in overcoming cultural differences and improving learning effects. China's history teaching is deeply influenced by Confucian educational concepts and tends to be teacher-centered, emphasizing the memory and inheritance of knowledge; while Malaysia, due to its cultural diversity, has gradually adopted a more student-centered teaching model that emphasizes interaction and Participatory teaching methods. Researchers employed a synthesis-sources method in this study. The researchers adopted a comprehensive source approach in this study, integrating multiple documents and cases to provide a comprehensive perspective. Although the educational backgrounds and cultural traditions of the two countries are very different, the study found that they are both committed to promoting students' dynamic understanding of local and global history through innovative teaching strategies to meet the challenges of contemporary education. Interactive discussions in Malaysian classrooms stimulate critical thinking and enhance learning engagement through the exchange of ideas among students. Collaborative analysis projects in Chinese history teaching encourage students to work in groups and share insights, cultivating teamwork and in-depth understanding skills, all of which reflect the characteristics of a dynamic learning environment.

INSIGHTS FROM ACADEMIC TRIP: A SCOPUS-AI REVIEW ON BUMIPUTERA ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGES

Siti Murni Mat Khairi — 2025-09-17

Bumiputera entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economic development, yet Bumiputera entrepreneurs face persistent challenges that hinder their ability to thrive in competitive markets. Key issues include limited access to funding, inadequate business skills, cultural barriers, and low levels of technological adoption, which collectively restrict their capacity to scale operations and compete effectively. To address these concerns, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by Bumiputera entrepreneurs by using a Scopus-AI-driven systematic review from 2010 to 2025, with experiential learning opportunities gained through academic trips. This study also synthesizes findings through concept mapping. The main findings highlight Bumiputera entrepreneurship challenges include market access and competition, human capital issues, financial constraints, cultural and social factors. Insights from academic trips further enrich the findings and reveal that experiential learning opportunities, such as academic trips, play a transformative role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By integrating classroom learning with real-world exposure, participants gain actionable insights into overcoming challenges and developing critical skills. This study emphasizes on the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and industry leaders, to design inclusive support mechanisms and scalable solutions. The implications of this research extend to fostering inclusive economic growth by empowering Bumiputera entrepreneurs to overcome the entrepreneurship challenges and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s development agenda. Future research should explore cross-disciplinary approaches and evaluate the effectiveness of innovative policies aimed at addressing these challenges.

AN ANALYSIS ON HUMBLEBRAGGING LANGUAGE IN PRINCE SYED SHAHID’S SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Hanani Mohamed Hamdan — 2025-09-17

Humblebragging is a common practice among social media users, characterised by self-promotion that is disguised as modesty or even complaint. This paper examines the psychology behind humblebragging, including its underlying causes, audience reactions, and effects on social perception and communication. Drawing on attribution theory, social desirability, and impression management, we investigate why individuals engage in indirect self-promotion and how such behaviour is interpreted by others. This qualitative study analyses the frequently used illocutionary points in complaint-based humblebrags and humility-based humblebrags by one Malaysian influencer, Prince Syed Shahid, as observed on social media platforms. Content analysis was employed to extract data from selected Instagram posts and TikTok videos featuring Prince Syed. The study is grounded in Searle’s Illocutionary Act Theory and the Complaint- and Humility-based Humblebragging Framework proposed by Sezer, Gino, and Norton. Findings suggest that while humblebragging may appear to be a safer and more socially acceptable method of sharing personal achievements, it often backfires and is perceived as insincere. This research contributes to a better understanding of self-presentation strategies in contemporary digital communication, particularly in a social media landscape where individuals constantly navigate the tension between self-promotion and authenticity.

KEPIMPINAN DISTRIBUTIF DENGAN KOMUNITI PEMBELAJARAN PROFESIONAL DALAM KALANGAN GURU PRASEKOLAH

Norazera Rosmin — 2025-09-19

Kepimpinan distributif dilihat sebagai factor penting dalam memperkukuh pelaksanaan komuniti pembelajaran profesional (PLC) dalam kalangan guru prasekolah. Komuniti pembelajaran profesional berperanan sebagai medium kolaboratif yang menyokong perkomngsian ilmu, refleksi amalan dan peningkatan prfesionalisme guru secara berterusan. Pendekatan kajian ini ialah pendekatan kuantitatif melalui kaedah tinjauan dengan soal selidik sebagai instrument utama melibatkan guru prasekolah daerah Kota belud negeri Sabah, Malaysia. Data mentah yang diperoleh seterusnya dianalisis menggunakan kaedah statistik deskriptif dan analisis inferensi untuk mengetahui tahap dan hubungan antara kepimpinan distributif dan komuniti pembealajaran profesional. Dapatan menunjukkan wujud hubungan yang signifikan antara kepimpinan distributif dengan komuniti pembelajaran profesional. Hasil kajian ini memberi gambaran bahawa usaha memperkukuh komuniti pembelajaran profesional memerlukan sokongan kepimpinan yang inklusif, budaya kolaboratif serta tahap keyakinan profesional yang tinggi dalam kalangan guru prasekolah di negeri Sabah. Implikasi kajian boleh dijadikan rujukan oleh pihak pentadbir sekolah, pembuat dasar dan penyelidik dalam usaha menambah baik kualiti pendidikan prasekolah secara holistik dan berkesan.

Distributive leadership is seen as an important factor in strengthening the implementation of professional learning communities (PLC) among preschool teachers. Professional learning communities serve as collaborative mediums that support knowledge sharing, practice reflection and continuous improvement of teacher professionalism. The approach of this study is a quantitative approach through a survey method with a questionnaire as the main instrument involving preschool teachers in the Kota Belud district of Sabah, Malaysia. The raw data obtained was then analyse using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to determine the level and relationship between distributive leadership and professional learning communities. The findings show that there is a significant relationship between distributive leadership and professional learning communities. The results of this study provide an impression that efforts to strengthen professional learning communities require inclusive leadership support, a collaborative culture and a high level of professional confidence among preschool teachers in the state of Sabah. The implications of the study can be used as a reference by school administrators, policy makers and researchers in efforts to improve the quality of preschool education holistically and effectively.

LARGE LANGUAGE MODEL AND HALLUCINATIONS: A BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW

Nur Emma Mustaffa — 2025-08-07

The rapid advancement and widespread adoption of Large Language Models (LLMs) have spurred increasing interest in understanding their capabilities and limitations, particularly the phenomenon of "hallucination"—the generation of plausible yet factually incorrect information. This bibliometric review aims to map the scientific landscape and research trends surrounding LLMs and hallucinations within the broader context of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Despite the growing relevance of these issues, the scholarly discourse remains fragmented, necessitating a comprehensive synthesis of the existing literature. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic search using the keywords “LLM,” “hallucination,” and “AI” across the Scopus database. The resulting dataset, comprising 513 relevant publications, was cleaned and standardised using OpenRefine. Further analysis was conducted using Scopus Analyser to identify publication trends, citation patterns, and prolific contributors. Meanwhile, VOSviewer software was employed to construct co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence maps, and thematic clusters. The analysis revealed a marked increase in publications post-2020, with a significant concentration of research in computer science, linguistics, and ethics. Keyword mapping highlighted emerging themes such as factual consistency, trustworthiness, and prompt engineering. Co-authorship networks revealed a growing yet still loosely connected research community. These findings suggest that while interest in LLM hallucinations is rising, there is a need for deeper interdisciplinary collaboration and more rigorous evaluation frameworks. This study provides a foundational overview of the current research landscape and identifies critical directions for future investigation, especially in mitigating hallucinations and enhancing the reliability of LLM-generated content.

A BIBLIOMETRIC STUDY ON THE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN LONELINESS AND FAMILY COMMUNICATION

Nur Nabilah Ibrahim — 2025-08-18

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of scholarly research examining the associations between loneliness and family communication from 2020 to 2025. Drawing on data retrieved from the Scopus database and analyzed using VOSviewer, the study maps the evolution, thematic trends, and geographic distribution of academic output in this field. Findings indicate a sustained growth in publications, with a pronounced focus on the psychological and social dimensions of loneliness, particularly among children and adolescents. The analysis reveals that effective family communication functions as a protective factor against loneliness by fostering emotional support, relational closeness, and a sense of belonging. Conversely, poor family communication is linked to heightened levels of loneliness and associated maladaptive behaviors such as problematic internet use and vulnerability to cyberbullying. The most influential studies emphasize the mental health implications of social isolation, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. While China, the United States, and the United Kingdom lead in publication volume, citation data suggest high-impact contributions from several European countries. Keyword and co-authorship analyses highlight an emerging focus on youth well-being, caregiver roles, and limited international collaboration. These findings underscore the critical role of familial interactions in addressing loneliness and inform future interdisciplinary research and intervention strategies.

KONSENSUS PAKAR TERHADAP ELEMEN KRITIKAL DALAM KONSTRUK MENJAGA KESEJAHTERAAN AGAMA BAGI PEMBANGUNAN MODEL PERKHIDMATAN HOTEL PATUH SYARIAH DI MALAYSIA: SATU ANALISIS MENGGUNAKAN KAEDAH FUZZY DELPHI (FDM)

Siti Nur Husna Abd Rahman — 2025-09-17

Kajian ini bertujuan mendapatkan konsensus pakar secara sistematik terhadap elemen penting dalam konstruk "Menjaga Kesejahteraan Agama", salah satu domain utama dalam Maqasid Syariah, bagi pembangunan Model Perkhidmatan Hotel Patuh Syariah di Malaysia. Pendekatan kaedah Fuzzy Delphi (FDM) telah digunakan dengan melibatkan panel pakar yang terdiri daripada individu berpengalaman dalam bidang syariah, hospitaliti dan pengurusan halal. Sebanyak 12 item dinilai dan dianalisis berdasarkan tiga kriteria utama: nilai threshold (d ≤ 0.2), peratusan persetujuan (≥ 75%) dan nilai fuzzy score yang melepasi skor min. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahawa enam item telah mencapai konsensus dan disahkan sebagai elemen kritikal. Antaranya termasuk penyediaan kemudahan solat, paparan jadual waktu solat, arah kiblat yang jelas, dan sokongan terhadap ibadah semasa Ramadan. Dapatan kajian ini memberikan asas kukuh bagi pembentukan garis panduan dan pembangunan model perkhidmatan hotel patuh syariah yang lebih tersusun dan berasaskan nilai Maqasid Syariah. Kajian ini juga membuktikan keberkesanan kaedah FDM dalam mendapatkan penilaian pakar secara sistematik dan berstruktur.

This study aims to systematically obtain expert consensus on the critical elements within the construct of "Preserving Religious Wellbeing", one of the core domains in Maqasid Shariah, for the development of a Shariah-compliant hotel service model in Malaysia. The Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) was employed, involving a panel of experts with experience in Shariah, hospitality, and halal management. A total of 12 items were evaluated and analyzed using three main criteria: threshold value (d ≤ 0.2), percentage of agreement (≥ 75%), and fuzzy score exceeding the mean score. The analysis revealed that six items achieved consensus and were validated as critical elements. These included the provision of prayer facilities, display of prayer times, clear qibla direction, and support for worship during Ramadan. The findings provide a strong foundation for developing structured guidelines and models for Shariah-compliant hotel services based on Maqasid Shariah values. The study also demonstrates the effectiveness of the FDM in obtaining systematic and structured expert evaluations.

THE INFLUENCE OF LECTURER PERSONALITY TRAITS ON STUDENTS’ SUFO RATINGS IN UITM

Norlizawati Md Tahir — 2025-09-18

Student Feedback Online (SUFO) ratings remain a significant system of measurement for teaching quality at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), yet they may reflect factors outside of instructional effectiveness. This study examines how lecturers’ personality traits influence students’ SUFO ratings and whether detected effects are mediated by teaching behaviours and classroom environment. Data was collected through a structured online questionnaire developed in Google Forms, focusing on perceived lecturer personality traits and examining the influence of these traits on student evaluations. Open-ended questions were also designed to gain insights and allow students to elaborate on factors influencing their SUFO ratings. The survey was administered using simple random sampling to undergraduate students. Findings show that student ratings are overwhelmingly positive across all six indicators (enthusiasm, confidence, friendliness/approachability, calm/composed demeanour, organisation, and expressive/engaging communication). Other than that, findings also show clear acknowledgement that lecturer personality affects SUFO ratings with most students indicating personality matters and many concede they tend to give higher ratings to lecturers they like. It can be concluded that SUFO ratings appear to capture both instructional quality and personality-driven impressions. Findings from this study may be used to chart future directions in research on lecturer’s personality as well as providing important pointers for the lecturers to improve themselves to be more approachable and likeable in the classroom.

RELIGIOUS PLURALITY AND INTERFAITH COEXISTENCE IN SABAH: REALITIES AND CHALLENGES FROM AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Nor Iman Nabila Abu Bakar — 2025-09-22

Religious tolerance plays a crucial role in maintaining social harmony within multicultural societies, particularly in regions with diverse ethnic and religious compositions such as Sabah, where Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous belief systems coexist. This study explores the lived realities and emerging challenges of religious tolerance in Sabah, drawing from a qualitative content analysis of theological, legal, and socio-cultural sources. Findings reveal that the state's long-standing culture of openness, shaped by pre-colonial intercommunal interactions, interfaith marriages, and shared community spaces, has fostered a spirit of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Everyday practices, such as shared worship infrastructure and community collaboration during religious events reflect deep-rooted intercultural integration, reinforced by local wisdom and Islamic ethical values. While a general sense of religious harmony prevails, this study highlights those challenges to religious plurality in the lens of Islamic perspectives. The study identifies realities and challenges, including identity issues surrounding interfaith marriage, limited religious literacy among certain Muslim populations, and the risk of syncretic practices arising from uncritical adoption of local customs such as adat sogit. These realities highlight the fragile balance between cultural openness and religious integrity. While the spirit of tolerance remains strong, the lack of theological engagement within interfaith dialogues raises questions about the depth of religious plurality in Sabah. The study also finds that contextualof Islamic jurisprudence such as Fiqh Taayush, especially those rooted in Quran and Prophetic tradition offer a flexible yet firm framework for coexistence. This study therefore propose inclusive recommendations include strengthening Islamic education, enhancing public awareness of religious duties, and fostering institutional collaboration across. These steps are vital to preserving religious identity while sustaining interfaith harmony. Ultimately, the study contributes to the discourse on plurality by presenting Sabah as a dynamic case of how Islamic theological and legal perspectives can coexist with and support multicultural realities.

PENENTUAN KEPENTINGAN RELATIF KRITERIA YANG MEMPENGARUHI MINAT TERHADAP STEM

Wan Norsyafawati W. Muhamad Radzi — 2025-07-21

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti dan menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi minat pelajar asnaf terhadap subjek Sains, Teknologi, Kejuruteraan dan Matematik (STEM). Lima faktor utama telah dikenal pasti, iaitu Sikap Pelajar, Motivasi Pelajar, Sokongan Ibu Bapa, Kaedah Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran (PdP), serta Konsep Mata Pelajaran STEM. Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah Rank Order Centroid (ROC) untuk menentukan pemberat relatif bagi setiap faktor berdasarkan penilaian pakar. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa Kaedah PdP merupakan faktor paling dominan yang mempengaruhi minat pelajar asnaf terhadap subjek STEM, diikuti oleh Sikap Pelajar dan Konsep Mata Pelajaran STEM. Sokongan Ibu Bapa dan Motivasi Pelajar pula didapati memberikan kesan yang lebih sederhana. Hasil analisis ini menekankan kepentingan strategi pengajaran yang berkesan serta pengukuhan faktor dalaman pelajar dalam usaha meningkatkan minat terhadap bidang STEM dalam kalangan pelajar asnaf. Kajian ini mencadangkan agar dapat memberi tumpuan kepada aspek pedagogi dan pembangunan kendiri pelajar untuk merangsang keterlibatan aktif mereka dalam STEM.

This study aims to identify and analyze the factors that influence the interest of Asnaf students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Five main factors have been identified, namely Student Attitude, Student Motivation, Parental Support, Teaching and Learning Methods (T&L), and STEM Subject Concepts. This study uses the Rank Order Centroid (ROC) method to determine the relative weight of each factor based on expert assessment. The study findings show that T&L Methods are the most dominant factor influencing the interest of Asnaf students in STEM subjects, followed by Student Attitude and STEM Subject Concepts. Parental Support and Student Motivation were found to have a more moderate effect. The results of this analysis emphasize the importance of effective teaching strategies and strengthening students' internal factors in an effort to increase interest in STEM fields among Asnaf students. This study suggests that it is possible to focus on pedagogical aspects and students' self-development to stimulate their active involvement in STEM.

HOW THE INTERNAL MOTIVATION AFFECTS THE FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT? - ANALYSIS BASED ON THE SEM

Liang Li — 2025-08-10

Based on the perspective of self-determination theory, this study explores the influence mechanism of internal motivation on the faculty professional development, focusing on the three dimensions of identity motivation, social motivation and innovation motivation. Through the establishment of structural equation model (SEM), the empirical analysis of the questionnaire survey of 507 teachers in Guangxi Province, China, found that internal motivation plays an important role in promoting the professional development of teachers. By testing the structural equation model, the standardized path coefficient of identity motivation (IDM) was 0.426, social motivation (SOM) was 0.207, and the path coefficient of innovation motivation (INN) was 0.471, and each path reached high statistical significance (p <0.001). These data not only validate the hypotheses proposed in this study, but also provide strong empirical support for exploring the internal faculty motivation and their impact on professional growth.

PROMOTING LECTURER WELL-BEING THROUGH RESILIENCE: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR ADDRESSING BURNOUT

Kamariah Hussein — 2025-09-10

The escalating rates of burnout among lecturers pose a significant threat to staff well-being, professional longevity, and the overall performance of higher education institutions. In response, this conceptual paper develops a multi-dimensional framework for fostering lecturer resilience. Grounded in recent literature (2020–2025), the framework synthesizes three core domains: psychological (emotional intelligence, mindfulness), professional (mentorship, reflective practices), and institutional (supportive culture, workload clarity). It argues that resilience is a malleable construct, developed through a combination of self-care routines and enabling environments, rather than an innate trait. The paper further specifies the responsibility of institutions to embed mental health policies, promote work flexibility, and champion inclusive cultures. Strategies for evaluating and refining the framework through a mixed-methods lens are also provided. By shifting the focus from reactive stress management to proactive resilience-building, this paper offers a vital guide for educational leaders dedicated to sustaining faculty well-being in a demanding academic world.

ENHANCING STUDENTS’ SELF-EFFICACY IN ORAL PRESENTATIONS: A PROPOSED CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR SEAMLESS LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS (SLEs)

Majdah Chulan — 2025-09-17

Self-efficacy in oral presentations is a significant factor in language learning that influences students' communication skill, and academic performance. In seamless learning environments (SLEs), where learning takes place in both formal and informal contexts, many students struggle with low self-efficacy in their oral presentations due to anxiety, lack of practice, fear of negative evaluation and insufficient feedback. They may also not be exposed to digital tools usage which limits their opportunities for their reflective learning and presentation skill development. These feelings may reduce their confidence and willingness to do their oral presentations even though they have good content knowledge. This conceptual paper explores the challenges students face in developing their self-efficacy, and the role of seamless learning environments (SLEs) in enhancing students’ presentation skills. Thus, an in-depth literature review was conducted related to students’ self-efficacy and their oral presentations in a seamless learning environment (SLE). Furthermore, a conceptual framework that incorporates self-efficacy theory, students’ oral presentations, digital tool usage and seamless learning environment (SLE) is proposed for further exploration. The purpose of the framework is to improve students’ self-efficacy in delivering oral presentations in a seamless learning environment (SLE). It further emphasises the importance of combining both theoretical viewpoints and the existing literature. Apart from that, it also offers experiential learning, personalized feedback, peer collaboration, and emotional support which promote a supportive learning environment for students to develop their oral presentation skills and overcome their self-efficacy barriers.

LEARNING MOTIVATION INTERVENTIONS IN CHINESE HIGHER EDUCATION: INTERNATIONAL INSIGHTS AND LOCAL CHALLENGES

Yuanyuan Zhang — 2025-09-19

Learning motivation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing university students’ academic achievement and psychological well-being. As higher education environments become more complex, motivation-based interventions have emerged as key strategies to enhance student engagement and promote long-term development. This review synthesizes empirical studies on learning motivation interventions in both international and Chinese higher education contexts. International literature identifies three primary categories of intervention: (1) empirical intervention studies informed by motivational theories such as Self-Determination Theory (SDT); (2) instructional and technology-integrated practices, including Project-Based Learning (PBL) and gamification; and (3) psychology-based intervention strategies such as cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and structured counseling. In contrast, interventions in Chinese universities remain limited in scope, predominantly concentrated in language-related instruction with a focus on short-term academic outcomes. Psychological interventions are often small-scale and lack theoretical integration or the use of validated techniques. Concrete and operable intervention programs, whether group-based or individually oriented, are still scarce. Individualized strategies tailored to students’ motivational profiles are rare, and most studies rely on self-report methods without longitudinal or mixed-method designs. Although emerging technologies, such as AI-driven feedback systems, show promise, they are not yet fully integrated with psychological or pedagogical frameworks. To address these challenges, this review proposes three strategic directions: (1) expanding and professionalizing psychological intervention frameworks through localized, theory-informed program design; (2) implementing precision-based, differentiated strategies guided by students’ motivational profiling; and (3) coordinating the parallel development of pedagogical, technological, and psychological supports within clearly defined academic settings. These recommendations offer practical guidance for advancing sustainable and evidence-based learning motivation interventions in Chinese higher education.

KESAN PERMAINAN KECIL BOLA SEPAK TERHADAP FISIOLOGI MURID BERPENDAPATAN RENDAH (B40) DI NEGERI PERLIS

Mohammad Zarid Zaini — 2025-08-05

Kajian ini menilai kesan permainan kecil terhadap fisiologi dalam kalangan murid berpendapatan rendah (B40). Permainan kecil merupakan pendekatan pedagogi yang bersifat interaktif dan berintensiti tinggi, berupaya meningkatkan keterlibatan serta memberi impak terhadap kesejahteraan fisiologi murid. Kajian ini melibatkan seramai 16 orang murid dengan (min [SP]; umur: 16.39 tahun [0.29] tahun; BMI: 20.1 [3.80]). Subjek kajian menjalani empat sesi permainan kecil bola sepak iaitu dua sesi dengan dorongan lisan (SSGE) dan dua sesi tanpa dorongan lisan (SSGNE). Pengukuran kadar denyutan jantung maksimum (%HRmax) direkod menggunakan alat SportsViz 360 sebagai indikator intensiti fisiologi bagi keempat-empat sesi. Ujian-t berpasangan menunjukkan perbezaan yang signifikan antara SSGE dan SSGNE, di mana SSGE mencatatkan skor yang lebih tinggi dalam %HRmax dan lebih konsisten berbanding SSGNE. Keputusan ini menunjukkan bahawa dorongan lisan mampu meningkatkan rangsangan tindak balas fisiologi yang lebih positif semasa aktiviti fizikal. Kajian ini menyokong penggunaan permainan kecil sebagai kaedah pengajaran atau permainan dalam Pendidikan Jasmani dan sukan permainan, khususnya dalam memperkasa pembangunan holistik murid daripada kelompok sosioekonomi rendah.

This study examines the physiological impact of Small-Sided Games (SSGs) among secondary school students from low-income (B40) backgrounds. SSGs are high-intensity, interactive pedagogical approaches that promote active engagement and can positively influence students’ physiological well-being. A total of 16 students participated in the study (mean [SD]; age: 16.39 [0.29] years; BMI: 20.1 [3.80]). Participants underwent four football-based SSG sessions, including two with verbal encouragement (SSGE) and two without verbal encouragement (SSGNE). Physiological intensity was measured through percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax) using the SportsViz 360 device across all sessions. Paired t-tests revealed a statistically significant difference between SSGE and SSGNE, with SSGE yielding higher and more consistent %HRmax values. These findings indicate that verbal encouragement enhances physiological responses during physical activity. The study supports the implementation of SSGs as an effective teaching and engagement tool in physical education and sport-related contexts, particularly for fostering holistic development among students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

LAKUAN BAHASA BAGI SITUASI FORMAL DALAM KALANGAN BAKAL GURU BAHASA MELAYU

Nur Adibah Aqilah Mohd Safiee — 2025-08-15

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk lakuan bahasa dalam situasi formal yang digunakan oleh bakal guru Bahasa Melayu. Penekanan utama diberikan kepada bentuk-bentuk lakuan bahasa seperti pengulangan penyoalan semula, penukaran kod, penggunaan bunyi bukan verbal, penggunaan kata ganti nama diri pertama saya serta hentian atau jeda dalam pertuturan. Lakuan bahasa merupakan aspek komunikasi yang bersifat strategik dan berfungsi menyampaikan makna tersirat dalam interkasi terutamanya dalam konteks formal seperti perbentangan, temu bual dan komunikasi bersama pensyarah atau pelatih lain. Sorotan literatur menunjukkan bahasa lakuan bahasa berkait rapat dengan kebolehan pragmatik, kecekapan komunikasi dan kesedaran sosiolinguistik. Selain itu, penekanan kepada pertuturan dalam mengenal pasti strategi interkasi termasuk peranan elemen bukan verbal dalam membantu kefahaman dan penyusunan maklumat. Kertas konsep ini mencadangkan satu kerangka awal untuk menganalisis bentuk-bentuk lakuan bahasa yang digunakan oleh bakal guru dalam konteks formal serta hubung kaitnya dalam pendidikan. Dapatan awal ini dapat menjadi asas kepada penyelidikan lanjutan yang lebih mendalam berhubung strategi komunikasi formal dalam kalangan bakal guru bahasa Melayu.

This study aims to examine the language acts in formal situations used by prospective Malay teachers. The main emphasis is given to forms of language acts such as repetition of re-questioning, code-switching, use of non-verbal sounds, use of the first personal pronoun I and pauses or pauses in speech. Language acts are a strategic aspect of communication and function to convey implicit meaning in interactions, especially in formal contexts such as presentations, interviews and communication with lecturers or other trainees. The literature highlights show that language acts are closely related to pragmatic abilities, communication competence and sociolinguistic awareness. In addition, the emphasis on speech in identifying interaction strategies encompasses the role of non-verbal elements in aiding understanding and organizing information. This concept paper proposes an initial framework for analyzing the forms of language acts used by prospective teachers in formal contexts and their relevance in education. These initial findings can form the basis for a more in-depth study of formal communication strategies among prospective Malay teachers.

INTERVENSI PENDIDIKAN MELALUI BANTUAN TUNAI BERSYARAT DALAM PENGAGIHAN ZAKAT – PEMBANGUNAN DAN KESAHAN INSTRUMEN

Mohd Suffian Mohamed Esa — 2025-09-17

Pembangunan instrumen syarat tingkah laku bagi program Bantuan Tunai Bersyarat (CCT) dalam pengagihan zakat (EC-ZCCT) berpotensi untuk mengatasi cabaran pengagihan zakat yang kurang berkesan dari sudut impak pendidikan. Oleh itu, objektif kajian ini adalah bagi membangunkan serta menguji kesahan kandungan instrumen pengukuran (EC-ZCCT) di Malaysia menggunakan kaedah Nisbah Kesahan Kandungan (CVR) dan Indeks Kesahan Kandungan (CVI). Seramai 10 orang pakar dipilih dalam kalangan ahli akademik dan industri berkaitan zakat dan ekonomi Islam melibatkan 10 item konstruk syarat tingkah laku pendidikan bagi kriteria relevan bagi ujian kesahan kandungan. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan instrumen mempunyai kesahan kandungan tahap tinggi serta kesepakatan yang kukuh di antara pakar dengan 10 item mencapai nilai CVR (0.80 hingga 1.00), I-CVI (0.90-1.00), S-CVI/Ave (0.99) dan S-CVI/UA (0.9). Secara keseluruhan, dapatan kajian menunjukkan instrumen relevan, jelas serta berpotensi menjadi instrumen yang baik bagi mengukur EC-ZCCT kerana dinilai dengan kesahan kandungan yang tinggi dengan kesemua 10 item dikekalkan. Dapat kajian menunjukkan kesepakatan yang kukuh di antara pakar akademik dan industri manakala penyelidikan masa hadapan dicadangkan analisis statistik Kappa bagi menilai kesepakatan pakar bukan secara kebetulan.

The development of a behavioural conditionality instrument for Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs in zakat distribution, referred to as EC-ZCCT, offers potential to address the current limitations in the effectiveness of zakat distribution, particularly in achieving educational outcomes. This study aims to develop and validate the content of the EC-ZCCT measurement instrument in the Malaysian context using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) methods. A panel of ten experts, comprising academics and industry professionals with expertise in Islamic economics and zakat, was engaged to evaluate the relevance of ten items representing behavioural conditions related to education. The findings indicate a high level of content validity, with strong agreement among the experts. All ten items achieved CVR values ranging from 0.80 to 1.00, I-CVI scores between 0.90 and 1.00, and excellent scale-level indices (S-CVI/Ave = 0.99; S-CVI/UA = 0.9). Overall, the results confirm that the instrument is clear, relevant, and holds strong potential as a reliable tool for measuring educational behavioural conditionalities in CCT-linked zakat distribution. The strong consensus among both academic and industry experts reinforce the robustness of the instrument. For future research, it is recommended that the modified Kappa statistic be used to account for agreement among experts beyond chance.

POTENSI DOA DALAM MEMPERKASAKAN KARAMAH INSANIAH : ANALISIS KRITIS TERHADAP TEKS TRADISIONAL DALAM KONTEKS PENDIDIKAN ISLAM KONTEMPORARI

Awang Hat Mohd Noor — 2025-09-17

Artikel ini bertujuan meneliti potensi doa dalam memperkasakan karamah insaniah, iaitu keunggulan rohani dan akhlak insan menurut perspektif tiga ulama besar Islam: Imam al-Ghazali, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah dan Imam al-Nawawi. Kajian ini berteraskan metodologi kualitatif berbentuk kajian analisis kandungan terhadap tiga karya utama mereka iaitu Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din, al-Wabil al-Sayyib, dan al-Adzkar. Penelitian ini juga membandingkan penemuan klasik tersebut dengan rujukan kontemporari untuk menilai relevansi dan panduan praktikal kepada pelajar dan masyarakat Islam hari ini. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa doa bukan sahaja sebagai ritual spiritual, tetapi sebagai alat pembinaan kendiri, pengukuhan nilai insaniah dan pengupayaan kemenjadian pelajar holistik. Artikel ini menyarankan pengintegrasian konsep doa dalam pendidikan karakter dan pembangunan insan dalam sistem pendidikan Islam kontemporari.

This article aims to examine the potential of prayer in empowering karamah insaniah—the spiritual and moral excellence of human beings—from the perspectives of three prominent Islamic scholars: Imam al-Ghazali, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, and Imam al-Nawawi. The study is based on a qualitative content analysis methodology focusing on their three main works, namely Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din, al-Wabil al-Sayyib, and al-Adzkar. This research also compares these classical findings with contemporary references to assess their relevance and practical guidance for students and the Muslim community today. The findings reveal that prayer is not merely a spiritual ritual but serves as a tool for self-construction, strengthening human values, and empowering a balanced personality. This article recommends integrating the concept of prayer into character education and human development within contemporary Islamic education systems.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF MENTAL HEALTH APPLICATIONS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Khairul Nazlin Kamaruzaman — 2025-09-22

The rising issue of mental health problems is not common in society. Mental health, which includes anxiety, depression, and anything related to a stress disorder, is a common phenomenon, especially among university students. One alternative to address this issue is the innovation of mental health applications. This solution might provide cost savings and be easy to access. However, the inconsistent adoption of mental health applications among students might impact the statistics of mental health illness among youth, especially university students. Therefore, this study explored the factors influencing the intention to adopt mental health applications among university students. In this study, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) model by (Davis et al., 1989) was the most suitable model to be tested with an interactivity element. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that contribute to the intention to adopt mental health apps among university students in Malaysia.

IMPLIKASI BANTUAN ZAKAT KEDIAMAN TERHADAP PRESTASI AKADEMIK DAN KESELESAAN ASNAF DI PERLIS: SATU ANALISIS DESKRIPTIF DAN INFERENSI

Umar Kassim — 2025-07-21

Kajian ini meneliti hubungan antara bantuan zakat perumahan dan pencapaian akademik anak-anak asnaf di negeri Perlis, Malaysia, dengan memberi fokus kepada kesejahteraan sosial, pendidikan, dan ekonomi komuniti asnaf. Kajian ini dijalankan berikutan kekurangan penyelidikan yang mengkaji implikasi bantuan zakat terhadap aspek perumahan dan prestasi akademik dalam kalangan keluarga berpendapatan rendah. Objektif utama kajian adalah untuk menilai hubungan reka bentuk dan keselesaan termal dalaman kediaman asnaf bantuan zakat, serta faktor sosio-ekonomi dengan pencapaian akademik anak-anak asnaf. Kaedah penyelidikan melibatkan penggabungan pendekatan kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Seramai 50 responden diberikan soal selidik, dengan 48 borang yang sah digunakan untuk analisis deskriptif dan inferensi. Soal selidik merangkumi item berkaitan reka bentuk rumah, pencapaian akademik, dan tahap keselesaan kediaman. Selain itu, temu bual berstruktur dijalankan terhadap lima orang peserta bagi mendapatkan pandangan lebih mendalam tentang pengalaman kehidupan mereka. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan terdapat hubungan positif antara bantuan zakat perumahan dengan peningkatan pencapaian akademik serta keselesaan kediaman. Reka bentuk rumah yang baik dan keadaan termal yang selesa menyumbang kepada persekitaran pembelajaran yang lebih kondusif. Faktor sosio-ekonomi seperti pendapatan isi rumah, bilangan tanggungan, dan latar pendidikan ibu bapa turut memainkan peranan penting dalam memperkukuh kesan bantuan zakat terhadap prestasi anak-anak. Kesimpulannya, kajian ini menyediakan cadangan praktikal kepada institusi zakat dan pembuat dasar untuk mempertingkatkan kualiti program bantuan perumahan, sekali gus menyumbang kepada peningkatan kesejahteraan dan kejayaan akademik komuniti asnaf secara menyeluruh.

This study examines the relationship between zakat housing assistance and the academic achievement of asnaf children in the state of Perlis, Malaysia, with a focus on the social, educational, and economic well being of the asnaf community. The research was conducted in response to the limited number of studies exploring the implications of zakat aid on housing conditions and academic performance among low-income families. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between housing design and indoor thermal comfort of zakat assisted homes, along with socio economic factors, and the academic performance of asnaf children. The research employed a mixed methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques. A total of 50 respondents were given questionnaires, with 48 valid responses used for descriptive and inferential analysis. The questionnaire covered items related to house design, academic achievement, and housing comfort levels. Additionally, structured interviews were conducted with five participants to gain deeper insights into their lived experiences. The findings indicate a positive relationship between zakat housing assistance and improvements in both academic performance and residential comfort. Good housing design and comfortable thermal conditions contribute to a more conducive learning environment. Socio economic factors such as household income, number of dependants, and parents’ educational background also play a significant role in enhancing the effects of zakat assistance on children’s academic performance. In conclusion, this study offers practical recommendations to zakat institutions and policy makers to improve the quality of housing aid programmes, thereby contributing to the overall well being and academic success of the asnaf community.

THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL SONGS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: FOSTERING VALUES, CULTURAL IDENTITY, AND CREATIVITY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Rasidah Mohd Abdul Rahman — 2025-08-07

This article investigates the role of traditional songs in early childhood education through a systematic review of the literature, emphasizing their pedagogical, cognitive, and socio-cultural value. Traditional songs function as more than just learning tools; they enhance language acquisition, instill moral values, and strengthen cultural identity while encouraging creativity and active participation in young children. The review addresses the ongoing lack of traditional song integration in early education curricula, despite substantial evidence highlighting their benefits for moral development, cultural connection, and imaginative growth. It also notes a shift toward modern educational resources that often neglect local cultural elements. The study involved a comprehensive review of scholarly articles from well-established databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC, focusing on works published between 2021 and 2025. Using the PRISMA framework to guide the selection process, 25 relevant studies were identified and analyzed. The results underscore the significant role traditional songs play in developing children's moral understanding, cultural awareness, creativity, language, and social abilities. Despite these advantages, their presence in contemporary curricula remains limited. The article advocates for renewed attention to the educational value of traditional music and recommends its deliberate inclusion in early learning strategies to support comprehensive and culturally responsive education.

MENEROKA KESAN PEDAGOGI RESPONSIF BUDAYA TERHADAP MOTIVASI DAN PENGLIBATAN PELAJAR DALAM KELAS BAHASA TAMIL SEKOLAH KEBANGSAAN

Kavitha Ramasandra — 2025-09-10

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kesan Pedagogi Responsif Budaya (PRB) terhadap motivasi dan penglibatan pelajar dalam pembelajaran Bahasa Tamil di sekolah kebangsaan Malaysia. PRB menekankan pentingnya mengintegrasikan elemen budaya pelajar ke dalam pengajaran untuk mewujudkan persekitaran pembelajaran yang inklusif dan relevan. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, melibatkan temu bual separa berstruktur dengan lima orang guru Bahasa Tamil di sekolah kebangsaan Pulau Pinang. Data juga dikumpulkan melalui pemerhatian kelas. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa integrasi elemen budaya seperti perayaan dan tradisi Tamil dalam pengajaran memberikan kesan positif terhadap motivasi dan penglibatan pelajar. Pelajar lebih berminat, aktif, dan berkeyakinan apabila budaya mereka diiktiraf dalam pengajaran. Walau bagaimanapun, kajian ini turut mengenal pasti beberapa cabaran utama dalam pelaksanaan PRB, termasuk kekurangan bahan pengajaran yang mencerminkan budaya pelajar, beban kerja tambahan untuk guru, serta kekurangan latihan formal. Oleh itu, kajian ini mencadangkan agar bahan pengajaran yang lebih relevan dan latihan formal yang lebih teratur disediakan untuk guru-guru. Sokongan daripada institusi pendidikan dan komuniti sekolah juga penting untuk memastikan pelaksanaan PRB yang berkesan, seterusnya meningkatkan motivasi dan penglibatan pelajar.

This study aims to analyze the impact of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP) on student motivation and engagement in Tamil language learning at Malaysian national schools. CRP emphasizes the importance of integrating students’ cultural elements into teaching to create an inclusive and relevant learning environment. This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with five Tamil language teachers from national schools in Penang. Data was also collected through classroom observations. The findings reveal that the integration of cultural elements, such as Tamil festivals and traditions, positively impacts student motivation and engagement. Students were more interested, active, and confident when their culture was recognized in the teaching process. However, several key challenges in implementing CRP were identified, including the lack of teaching materials reflecting students’ cultures, the additional workload for teachers, and insufficient formal training. Therefore, the study recommends providing more culturally relevant teaching materials and structured formal training for teachers. Support from educational institutions and school communities is also crucial to ensure the effective implementation of CRP, ultimately enhancing student motivation and engagement.

CABARAN DAN SOLUSI PENGAJARAN BAHASA ARAB BAGI PELAJAR BUKAN MUSLIM DI MALAYSIA

Siti Rohani Jasni — 2025-09-17

Perkembangan landskap pendidikan di Malaysia telah menjadikan penguasaan bahasa Arab menjadi sebagai satu nilai tambah penting terutamanya dalam aspek komunikasi global. Bahasa Arab kini tidak lagi terhad kepada fungsi keagamaan semata-mata, sebaliknya diiktiraf sebagai bahasa ilmu, diplomasi dan budaya yang bernilai tinggi. Perubahan ini telah mendorong penglibatan pelajar daripada pelbagai latar belakang agama termasuk pelajar bukan Muslim untuk mempelajari bahasa Arab bagi pelbagai tujuan seperti akademik, kerjaya dan pemahaman silang budaya. Walau bagaimanapun, penguasaan bahasa Arab bagi pelajar bukan Muslim bukanlah suatu yang dianggap mudah terutamanya apabila mereka tidak mempunyai pengetahuan asas penulisan dan sebutan huruf Arab. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti cabaran yang dihadapi oleh pelajar bukan Muslim dalam pembelajaran bahasa Arab serta mencadangkan solusi yang berkesan bagi menangani isu tersebut. Metodologi yang digunakan adalah kajian kepustakaan yang melibatkan analisis kandungan terhadap literatur berkaitan pendekatan pengajaran bahasa Arab kepada pelajar bukan Muslim. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa kekurangan bahan bantu mengajar yang kontekstual dan mesra pengguna menjadi antara punca utama yang mendorong kepada kesukaran pembelajaran bahasa Arab dalam kalangan pelajar bukan Muslim. Kekangan ini menyumbang kepada penurunan motivasi pelajar dan memberi kesan negatif terhadap keyakinan diri mereka untuk menggunakan bahasa Arab secara aktif. Solusi kajian ini mencadangkan bahawa penggunaan bahan pembelajaran yang relevan dengan konteks kehidupan harian pelajar serta pendekatan komunikasi yang efektif dapat meningkatkan kefahaman pelajar untuk mempelajari bahasa Arab secara lebih bermakna. Kajian ini diharap dapat menyumbang kepada pembangunan pendekatan pengajaran bahasa Arab yang lebih inklusif dan berkesan serta memperkukuh apresiasi terhadap perbezaan budaya dalam kalangan pelajar bukan Muslim.

The evolving landscape of education in Malaysia has positioned Arabic language proficiency as an important value, particularly in the context of global communication. Arabic is no longer confined to religious functions alone, but is now widely recognized as a language of knowledge, diplomacy, and rich of cultural heritage. This shift has encouraged students from diverse religious backgrounds, including non-Muslim learners to pursue Arabic for various purposes such as academic advancement, career development, and intercultural understanding. However, mastering Arabic remains a significant challenge for non-Muslim learners, especially those without foundational knowledge of Arabic script and pronunciation of its letters. This study aims to identify the challenges faced by non-Muslim students in learning Arabic and to propose effective solutions to address these issues. The methodology employed is a literature-based approach, involving content analysis of scholarly works related to Arabic language teaching for non-Muslim learners. The findings of this study indicate that the lack of contextual and user-friendly teaching aids is among the main factors contributing to the difficulty of learning Arabic among non-Muslim students. These limitations lead to reduced motivation and negatively affect students confidence in using Arabic actively. As a solution, the study suggests that incorporating learning materials relevant to students daily lives, along with effective communicative approaches, can enhance their understanding of Arabic in a more meaningful way. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the development of more inclusive and effective Arabic language teaching approaches, while also strengthening appreciation for cultural diversity among non-Muslim learners.

KESAHAN MODUL PEMBANGUNAN KARAKTER BERDASARKAN COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY-HEALING

Rosli Suyot — 2025-09-19

Artikel ini membincangkan kesahan Modul Pembangunan Karakter Berdasarkan Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Healing (MPKCBT-H). MPKCBT-H ini dibina untuk membantu pengamal kaunseling di sekolah menengah khususnya guru bimbingan dan kaunseling (GBK) menjalankan aktiviti kelompok bagi membangunkan karakter murid sekolah menengah secara holistik. Model Kekuatan Karakter (Character Strength Model) oleh Paterson dan Seligmen 2004 digunakan sebagai kerangka pembangunan karakter murid secara holistik. Teori Terapi Tingkah Laku Kognitif- Penyembuhan (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Healing, CBT-H) oleh Widing & Milne, 2008 dan Mohd Aziz Shah, 2017, digunakan sebagai pendekatan kaunseling bagi membangunkan aspek karakter murid sekolah menengah. Bagi mengukur kesahan kandungan, perakuan kesahan oleh lapan orang pakar telah digunakan. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa MPKCBT-H mempunyai nilai indeks kesahan kandungan yang tinggi iaitu 91.5 peratus. Kesimpulanya, MPKCBT-H merupakan satu sumbangan baharu yang bermakna kepada bidang kaunseling di Malaysia serta sesuai digunakan dalam konteks tempatan. Modul ini boleh digunakan oleh guru bimbingan dan kaunseling mahupun fasilitator sebagai salah satu alternatif intervensi pembangunan karakter terhadap pelajar sekolah menengah.

This article discusses the validity of the Character Development Module Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Healing (MPKCBT-H). MPKCBT-H was developed to assist counseling practitioners in secondary schools, particularly guidance and counseling teachers (GBTs), in conducting group activities to foster holistic character development among secondary school students. The Character Strength Model by Paterson and Seligman (2004) serves as the framework for holistic student character development. The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Healing theory (CBT-H) by Widing & Milne (2008) and Mohd Aziz Shah (2017) is employed as the counseling approach to develop aspects of secondary school students' character. To ensure content validity, certification by eight experts was utilized. Study findings indicate that MPKCBT-H has a high content validity index of 91.5%. In conclusion, MPKCBT-H represents a significant new contribution to the counseling field in Malaysia and is suitable for local contexts. This module can be utilized by guidance and counseling teachers or facilitators as an alternative character development intervention for secondary school students.

SELF-EFFICACY, MOTIVATION, AND ANXIETY IN ESL WRITING: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY OF MALAYSIAN B40 SECONDARY LEARNERS

Talha Taufik — 2025-07-21

This study explores how writing self-efficacy and writing motivation shape the relationship between writing anxiety and writing performance among B40 secondary school ESL students in Malaysia. While existing research often highlights the negative impact of anxiety and the benefits of self-efficacy and motivation, little is known about how these factors interact especially in underprivileged learner populations. Using a quantitative correlational design, data were collected from 63 Form Four students through validated questionnaires and a descriptive writing task. Regression analyses revealed that writing anxiety was positively associated with writing performance, while both self-efficacy and anxiety were negatively correlated. However, neither writing self-efficacy nor motivation significantly moderated the anxiety-performance relationship. These findings challenge conventional assumptions by suggesting that, in high-stakes or resource-constrained environments, moderate anxiety may enhance performance, possibly due to increased task focus or pressure to succeed. The study underscores the need to consider contextual and psychological nuances when supporting ESL writers from disadvantaged backgrounds. Further research with larger samples and mixed methods is recommended to deepen our understanding of these complex relationships.

PONTENG SEKOLAH DAN GAYA ASUHAN IBU BAPA DALAM KONTEKS PENDIDIKAN MENENGAH: SATU ANALISIS TRIANGULASI

Liza Saad — 2025-08-12

Gejala ponteng sekolah merupakan salah satu isu disiplin paling membimbangkan dalam sistem pendidikan menengah di Malaysia dan menjadi cabaran besar terhadap pencapaian Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan 4 (SDG 4), iaitu memastikan pendidikan berkualiti dan inklusif untuk semua. Kajian ini dijalankan bagi mengenal pasti gaya asuhan ibu bapa yang dominan dalam kalangan murid yang terlibat dengan ponteng sekolah, menganalisis persepsi murid dan ibu bapa terhadap gaya tersebut, serta menilai keselarasan antara data soal selidik, temu bual dan dokumen refleksi. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk kajian kes dengan pendekatan kualitatif yang disokong data kuantitatif (soal selidik PAQ). Sampel kajian terdiri daripada 15 orang murid asnaf dan lima orang ibu bapa dari sebuah sekolah menengah di Perlis. Data dikumpul melalui tiga instrumen utama: soal selidik, temu bual separa berstruktur, dan dokumen refleksi, serta dianalisis melalui pendekatan statistik deskriptif, analisis tematik dan analisis kandungan. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa gaya asuhan autoritatif adalah paling dominan dalam kalangan ibu bapa, namun murid lebih cenderung menilai gaya autoritarian sebagai lebih ketara. Triangulasi data menunjukkan wujud jurang persepsi antara murid dan ibu bapa serta ketidakkonsistenan dalam pelaksanaan gaya asuhan. Kajian mencadangkan agar intervensi pendidikan melibatkan latihan keibubapaan yang seimbang dan kolaboratif antara pihak sekolah dan keluarga dalam menangani gejala ponteng sekolah secara holistik.

School truancy is one of the most worrying disciplinary issues in the Malaysian secondary education system and poses a major challenge to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which is to ensure quality and inclusive education for all. This study was conducted to identify the dominant parenting style among students involved in school truancy, to analyze the perceptions of students and parents towards that style, and to evaluate the consistency between data from questionnaires, interviews, and reflection documents. The study used a case study design with a qualitative approach supported by quantitative data (PAQ questionnaire). The study sample consisted of 15 asnaf students and five parents from a secondary school in Perlis. Data was collected using three main instruments: a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and reflection documents, and was analysed through descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, and content analysis. The findings show that the authoritative parenting style was the most dominant among parents, but students were more inclined to perceive the authoritarian style as more pronounced. Data triangulation revealed a perception gap between students and parents as well as an inconsistency in the implementation of parenting styles. The study recommends that educational interventions involve balanced and collaborative parenting training between schools and families to address school truancy holistically.

MAPPING THE DRIVERS OF DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Norulhuda Awang — 2025-09-17

This scoping review aims to map the landscape of research on digital entrepreneurial intention among undergraduate students in higher education institutions. The review specifically focuses on undergraduates in universities and colleges, reflecting the growing interest in fostering entrepreneurship through digital means. Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, the review analysed studies published between 2020 and 2025. A total of 100 articles were selected using a structured search strategy with keywords related to entrepreneurial intention, higher education institutions, and undergraduate students. The findings reveal several dominant themes across the literature. Key influencing factors on digital entrepreneurial intention include entrepreneurship education, digital literacy, perceived behavioural control, self-efficacy, and institutional support. Many studies adopt theoretical frameworks such as the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) to explain students' intentions to engage in digital entrepreneurship. There is also growing interest in the role of digital tools, online platforms, and experiential learning in shaping entrepreneurial aspirations. The review concludes that while significant progress has been made in understanding digital entrepreneurial intentions, research gaps remain. These include a lack of longitudinal studies, limited focus on socio-cultural contexts, and underrepresentation of data from developing countries.

GLOBAL TRENDS AND THEMES IN SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) COMPETENCIES AMONG EDUCATORS: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Abdul Karim Gazi — 2025-09-17

Educators’ Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies foster a comprehensive teaching and learning process. This bibliometric analysis investigates the research landscape of lecturers’ SEL competencies over the last 25 years. Data are collected from Scopus and were analysed using MS Excel, Harzing’s Publish or Perish, and VOSviewer. A total of 151 papers were selected for analysis using PRISMA. The results of this study highlighted publication trends, influential contributors, key research areas, and international collaborations in SEL. The number of publications related to SEL competencies rose sharply after 2020, peaking at 32 papers in 2024. The United States takes the lead in research contributions with 99 papers, followed by Canada and other countries across Europe and Asia. The concentration of SEL research in Social Sciences (128 papers) and Psychology (59 papers) illustrates a wide-ranging interdisciplinary relevance in SEL. SEL research indicates key themes include emotional intelligence, classroom management, student engagement, equity, and mental health. The widely cited works of Hellman & Milling (2020) and Mondi & Reynolds (2021) underscore the importance of SEL in education and early intervention studies. Co-authorship and co-citation analyses demonstrate active collaborative networks among scholars and institutions such as Arizona State University. Keyword co-occurrence analyses further revealed emerging trends like social justice, inclusion, and the integration of SEL into digital and culturally responsive educational practices. The study further suggests that it is essential to cultivate an SEL-supportive learning environment through educator SEL skills and techniques.

ENHANCING OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS: THE MEDIATING IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP AND PEER SUPPORT ON AV8 GEMPITA OPERATORS IN MALAYSIA

Fook Wen Kwong — 2025-09-22

This study investigates the mediating role of leadership and peer support in the relationship between workload, skills, experience, training, and work effectiveness among AV8 Gempita armoured vehicle operators in Malaysia. Recognising that human factors are as vital as technical capabilities in military operations, the study employs a quantitative methodology involving 226 qualified operators who responded to structured questionnaires. Data analysis using SPSS 29.0 and SmartPLS 4.0, applying Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), revealed significant findings. The results show that skills, experience, and training have strong positive effects on work effectiveness, while workload, though demanding, can enhance performance when managed effectively. Leadership and peer support partially mediate these relationships, mitigating the negative impacts of workload and amplifying the benefits of training and skills. The structural model accounted for 62% of the variance in work effectiveness, underscoring the critical influence of interpersonal dynamics in operational success. These findings emphasise the importance of cultivating leadership capabilities and fostering peer support networks within military teams. The study recommends comprehensive leadership training, institutionalised peer mentoring, and improved workload management strategies to optimise the operational readiness and effectiveness of armoured vehicle crews. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how leadership and teamwork enhance mission success in high-stress military environments.

THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK MODEL OF STRESS AND CONFLICT AMONG ASNAF FAMILIES

Nurul Naimah Rose — 2025-07-21

This study explores the relationship between stress and conflict in asnaf families, focusing on how financial strain, social stigma, and family dynamics contribute to these issues. A conceptual framework is developed based on existing literature on family stress, conflict theory, and social determinants. Key factors such as financial strain, lack of social support, and mental health are shown to play critical roles in increasing stress and conflict within these families. The framework provides insights into the potential interventions and policies needed to reduce stress and improve family well-being in asnaf families. In this paper, a conceptual framework model has been suggested to understand the dynamic of stress and conflict among the asnaf families.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BUSY TABLE TOWARDS CHILDREN’S LEARNING PERFORMANCE

Farah Najiha Ahmad — 2025-08-07

This study explores the effectiveness of busy tables as an interactive learning tool in enhancing children's learning performance in kindergarten settings. Busy tables, which incorporate a variety of hands-on activities designed to engage young learners, have gained popularity in early childhood education environments. The research investigates how busy tables influence cognitive, motor, and social skills development among preschool-aged children. By providing opportunities for sensory exploration, problem-solving, and collaborative play, busy tables are believed to support holistic development in ways that traditional learning tools may not. Data was collected through questionnaire, conducted in multiple kindergarten classrooms. The findings suggest to provide insights into how integrating busy tables into preschool classrooms can positively impact children's overall learning performance. Further research is recommended to explore how specific busy table designs and activity types may optimize learning outcomes in diverse educational settings.

PARENTING STYLES & INTERGENERATIONAL IMPACT: A GLOBAL BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Azreen Zuhairi Abu Bakar — 2025-08-18

Research on parenting styles and their effects across generations has been gaining notable international interest. However, detailed quantitative mapping of this academic field is still relatively underdeveloped. This bibliometric study was conducted to systematically examine worldwide research patterns, the intellectual foundations, and the thematic progression of parenting and intergenerational studies. Although there has been a steady rise in related publications, there remains a substantial gap in consolidating global findings and recognizing key trends and leading scholars in the field. To bridge this gap, a comprehensive search was carried out in the Scopus database using five primary keywords: Parenting, Intergenerational, Impact, Global, and Bibliometric. The search was carefully narrowed by applying inclusion criteria that focused on English-language journal articles published between 2020 and 2025, while excluding conference papers, books, and review articles. The data underwent cleaning and refinement using Open Refine, while Scopus Analyzer was employed to track productivity patterns. VOS viewer was used to visualize collaborative networks, keyword linkages, and citation structures. Out of an initial 2,006 articles identified, 523 met all selection requirements and were included in the final analysis. The findings indicate a sharp rise in research exploring the intergenerational influence of parenting styles, with substantial contributions from scholars in the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. Key focus areas emerging from the analysis include authoritative parenting, cultural factors, adolescent growth, and enduring behavioral impacts. Furthermore, the study uncovers the development of new interdisciplinary research themes that combine elements from psychology, sociology, and education. This bibliometric assessment provides critical insights for researchers, professionals, and decision-makers by offering a detailed overview of the global research landscape, pinpointing gaps in current knowledge, and proposing potential avenues for future investigation to deepen the understanding of parenting's long-term effects across generations.

DEFENDING ON ALL FRONTS: INTEGRATING THE THREAT RESPONSE MODEL INTO MULTI DOMAIN OPERATIONS

Hasmady Alim — 2025-09-17

The complexity of modern military operations necessitates innovative approaches to threat response models, particularly for nations like Malaysia facing diverse and evolving challenges. This article highlighted the integration of the Threat Response Model into Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) to enhance readiness, adaptability, and effectiveness. By aligning detection, assessment, and response capabilities across land, air, maritime, cyber, space, and information environments, the Malaysia Armed Forces (MAF) and other joint forces can achieve strategic and operational superiority in an increasingly complex battlespace. By addressing the unique requirements of the MAF, this model provides a foundation for future research and practical implementation. The article concludes, by adopting a threat response modal in multi-domain approach, aiming to support the modernization and adaptability of the MAF in response to contemporary modern warfare.

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN MATHEMATICS ATTITUDES: SELF-CONFIDENCE, ENJOYMENT, AND PERCEIVED VALUE AMONG COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS

Asmahani Nayan — 2025-09-18

This study investigates gender differences in attitudes toward mathematics among first-year Computer Science (CS) students, focusing on three key dimensions: self-confidence, enjoyment, and value. Understanding students’ affective orientations toward mathematics is crucial, as these attitudes can influence their engagement, persistence, and performance in mathematics-related courses. The study aims to determine whether male and female students differ significantly in their levels of self-confidence, the value they place on mathematics, and the degree of enjoyment they derive from the subject. A total of 114 first-year CS students participated in the study and completed a structured questionnaire designed to measure the three attitude dimensions. The instrument’s reliability was confirmed through internal consistency analysis, while the Mann–Whitney U test was employed to assess gender differences in the responses. The findings revealed no statistically significant gender differences in self-confidence and enjoyment, suggesting that male and female students hold similar levels of belief in their mathematical abilities and experience comparable levels of positive affect toward the subject. However, the analysis identified a small but significant difference in perceived value, with female students reporting a stronger recognition of mathematics as valuable in their academic and professional pursuits than their male counterparts. These results suggest that while self-confidence and enjoyment in mathematics appear unaffected by gender among CS students, female students may place greater importance on the role of mathematics in their studies and future careers. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on gender and mathematics attitudes, highlighting the need for educators to acknowledge and leverage these perceptions to foster equitable and supportive learning environments.

FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KECENDERUNGAN PELAJAR ASNAF MEMILIH BIDANG PENGAJIAN DI KOLEJ VOKASIONAL PERLIS: ANALISIS REGRESI BERGANDA

Rohani Seman — 2025-07-21

Pendidikan vokasional memainkan peranan penting dalam menyediakan pelajar dengan kemahiran praktikal yang diperlukan untuk memasuki pasaran buruh. Namun, situasi yang berlaku hari ini ialah berlakunya peningkatan kadar pengangguran berikutan ketidaksepadanan kemahiran di pasaran buruh. Fenomena ini terjadi ketika tahap dan kemahiran sumber manusia tidak sepadan dengan keperluan tenaga buruh semasa. Ketidaksepadanan kemahiran ini disebabkan jangkaan kemahiran di pihak pengamal pendidikan tidak selari dengan keperluan industri. Bertitik tolak daripada itu, kajian ini akan meneliti pengenalpastian hubungan antara faktor latar belakang, minat, kualiti pendidikan dan keperluan industri serta bantuan dan sokongan dengan kecenderungan pelajar asnaf dalam memilih bidang pengajian di Kolej Vokasional. Dalam konteks ini, pemahaman kecenderungan pelajar asnaf dalam memilih program wajar menjadi fokus utama dalam usaha mencapai kejayaan dalam pendidikan vokasional di Perlis. Seramai 124 orang pelajar asnaf telah dipilih sebagai responden kajian melalui kaedah persampelan bertujuan. Data dikumpul menggunakan borang soal selidik dan dianalisis secara deskriptif dan inferensi menggunakan analisis korelasi Pearson dan regresi linear berganda. Berdasarkan analisis korelasi, dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa kualiti pendidikan dan keperluan industri (r = 0.68) serta minat pelajar (r = 0.62) mempunyai hubungan yang kuat dengan kecenderungan pemilihan bidang pengajian. Bantuan dan sokongan (r = 0.51) menunjukkan hubungan sederhana, manakala latar belakang keluarga (r = 0.34) menunjukkan hubungan lemah. Ini membuktikan bahawa pemilihan bidang pengajian pelajar asnaf lebih banyak dipengaruhi oleh faktor dalaman dan kebolehpasaran bidang berbanding faktor latar belakang keluarga. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan faktor kualiti pendidikan dan keperluan industri dikenal pasti sebagai pemboleh ubah paling dominan (β = 0.52, p < 0.001), diikuti minat (β = 0.39) dan bantuan dan sokongan (β = 0.21). Sebaliknya, latar belakang keluarga tidak menunjukkan hubungan yang signifikan (β = 0.11, p > 0.05). Model regresi kajian ini menjelaskan 56% varians kecenderungan pelajar terhadap pemilihan bidang pengajian. Kajian ini mencadangkan agar pihak institusi dan pembuat dasar memberi penekanan terhadap pengukuhan minat pelajar, penyediaan bantuan kewangan serta sokongan sosial dan akademik untuk menyokong keputusan pengajian pelajar asnaf secara lebih menyeluruh.

Vocational education plays a crucial role in equipping students with the practical skills necessary to enter the labour market. However, a growing concern today is the rising unemployment rate due to skill mismatches in the workforce. This phenomenon occurs when the level and type of human resource skills do not align with the current demands of the labour market. Such skill mismatches arise when the expectations of education providers are not in line with industry needs. Arising from this issue, the present study aims to examine the relationship between background factors, interest, quality of education and industry needs, as well as assistance and support, with the tendency of asnaf students in selecting fields of study at Vocational Colleges.In this context, understanding the tendency of asnaf students in choosing their programmes should be a key focus in efforts to achieve success in vocational education in Perlis. A total of 124 asnaf students were selected as respondents through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed descriptively and inferentially through Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. Based on the correlation analysis, the findings revealed that the quality of education and industry needs (r = 0.68) as well as students' interest (r = 0.62) demonstrated strong relationships with the tendency to choose a field of study. Assistance and support (r = 0.51) showed a moderate relationship, while family background (r = 0.34) exhibited a weak relationship. These findings indicate that asnaf students' choices of fields of study are more strongly influenced by internal factors and the marketability of the field rather than by family background. Furthermore, the study identified quality of education and industry needs as the most dominant predictors (β = 0.52, p < 0.001), followed by students' interest (β = 0.39) and assistance and support (β = 0.21). In contrast, family background did not show a significant relationship (β = 0.11, p > 0.05). The regression model explained 56% of the variance in students’ tendencies towards their choice of field. This study suggests that institutions and policymakers should prioritise the strengthening of students' interest, the provision of financial assistance, and the enhancement of both social and academic support to more comprehensively facilitate asnaf students' educational decisions.

SOKONGAN KELUARGA SEBAGAI PEMBOLEH UBAH PENYEDERHANA UNTUK MEMUPUK MINAT BAGI SUBJEK SAINS DALAM KALANGAN PELAJAR ASNAF

Sofian Rosbi — 2025-08-12

Minat dalam kalangan pelajar terhadap subjek Sains di Malaysia masih menunjukkan tahap yang kurang memuaskan, khususnya dalam kalangan pelajar daripada keluarga berpendapatan rendah seperti golongan asnaf. Statistik daripada Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia mengesahkan adanya penurunan dalam penyertaan pelajar aliran STEM (Sains, Teknologi, Kejuruteraan, dan Matematik) serta perbezaan prestasi ketara antara pelajar dari latar sosioekonomi rendah berbanding rakan sebaya mereka. Antara faktor penyumbang kepada situasi ini termasuklah kekangan dari segi kemudahan pembelajaran, kurang pendedahan kepada pengalaman saintifik yang bermakna, serta tekanan dari aspek emosi dan sosial yang menghalang perkembangan minat terhadap Sains. Bagi menangani isu ini, kajian ini dijalankan untuk mengkaji bagaimana sokongan keluarga boleh berperanan sebagai pemboleh ubah penyederhana yang mempengaruhi hubungan antara sikap dan motivasi pelajar terhadap minat mereka dalam subjek Sains. Kajian memfokuskan kepada pelajar asnaf di negeri Perlis dan disandarkan kepada tiga pendekatan teori utama. Pertama, Teori Perancangan Tingkah Laku (TPB) yang meneliti bagaimana sikap dan niat boleh mendorong pembentukan tingkah laku. Kedua, Teori Motivasi Kendiri (SDT) yang menekankan pentingnya elemen seperti autonomi dan kecekapan kendiri dalam merangsang motivasi dalaman. Ketiga, Teori Sokongan Sosial yang memberi perhatian kepada pengaruh sokongan emosi dan bantuan praktikal keluarga dalam pembangunan akademik pelajar. Pendekatan kuantitatif digunakan dalam kajian ini, di mana instrumen soal selidik diedarkan kepada 200 pelajar asnaf di peringkat sekolah rendah dan menengah. Analisis data dijalankan melalui kaedah regresi bagi menentukan hubungan antara pemboleh ubah bebas (sikap dan motivasi) dengan pemboleh ubah bersandar (minat terhadap Sains), serta peranan sokongan keluarga sebagai pemboleh ubah penyederhana. Keputusan analisis menunjukkan bahawa sikap dan motivasi pelajar mempunyai hubungan yang signifikan dengan minat terhadap subjek Sains. Di samping itu, sokongan daripada keluarga didapati memperkukuhkan hubungan ini, membuktikan kepentingannya sebagai pengaruh luaran yang utama. Hasil kajian ini memberi implikasi bahawa pembangunan minat pelajar terhadap Sains, terutamanya dalam kalangan pelajar asnaf, memerlukan pendekatan holistik yang bukan sahaja memupuk kekuatan dalaman tetapi turut melibatkan penyertaan aktif pihak keluarga dalam membentuk pengalaman pembelajaran yang positif dan mampan.

Interest in science subject among Malaysian students remains below the desired level, particularly among those from low-income families, including the asnaf group. Recent data from the Ministry of Education Malaysia highlight a decline in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) participation and a substantial performance gap between students from low socioeconomic backgrounds and their peers. Contributing factors include inadequate learning resources, limited exposure to meaningful scientific experiences, and emotional as well as social pressures that diminish interest in science subject. This study examines the moderating role of family support in the relationship between students’ attitudes, motivation, and their interest in science. Focusing on asnaf students in Perlis, the research is based on three theoretical frameworks: the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and Social Support Theory. A quantitative research design was employed, with survey data collected from 200 asnaf students across primary and secondary school levels. Regression analysis indicated that both attitudes and motivation are significant predictors of interest in science subject, and that family support moderates this relationship. The findings highlight the importance of developing a holistic strategy to enhance engagement and cultivates intrinsic motivation for scientific activities. This study suggests involving families to foster positive and sustainable learning experiences in science subject.

PERCEPTION LEVEL OF TIKTOK APPLICATION AMONG IPGKTI STEM TRAINEE TEACHERS IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

Nor’aida Khairuddin — 2025-09-17

Innovative teaching methods in STEM education are essential for fostering engagement, creativity, and problem-solving. Despite the popularity of TikTok as a short-form video platform, little research has examined its educational potential within teacher training, particularly in STEM contexts. This study investigates the perception level of the TikTok application among STEM trainee teachers at Temenggong Ibrahim Teacher Training Campus (IPGKTI), focusing on its implications for teaching and learning. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the survey instrument comprised 13 items across five sub-constructs ease of use, educational value, engagement potential, content quality and relevance, and social influence adapted from the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (AERA, APA, & NCME, 2014). Data were collected through purposive sampling of 88 STEM trainee teachers. The instrument demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89; sub-constructs = 0.78–0.86). Rasch Measurement Model confirmed scale robustness (person reliability = 0.84; item reliability = 0.90). Inferential analysis using independent samples t-tests and ANOVA revealed no significant differences in perception across gender, field of study, or years of study (p > .05; η² < 0.01). Item I5 (TikTok promotes creativity in STEM teaching) recorded the lowest agreement (mean logit = –0.42), while Item I2 (using TikTok to expand social networks) had the highest (mean logit = +0.61). These findings indicate that TikTok is widely perceived as a social networking tool but remains underutilised as a medium for creative STEM instruction. The results highlight a gap in digital pedagogical competence, suggesting the need for teacher training programs to embed TikTok-based microlearning and instructional design strategies. Such targeted training could transform TikTok from a networking platform into a pedagogically meaningful tool for innovative STEM education.

THE USE OF LOGOS, PATHOS AND ETHOS IN STUDENT REASONING: A GENDER-BASED ANALYSIS USING THE ENNIS-WEIR CRITICAL THINKING ESSAY TEST

Farah Fatinah Enche Shaari — 2025-09-17

This qualitative study investigates gender-based differences through the use if Aristotle’s rhetorical appeals (Logos, Pathos and Ethos) in students’ critical thinking performance specifically, reasoning. Using the Ennis-Weir Critical Thinking Essay Test as the instrument and Aristotle’s rhetorical framework as the conceptual lens, the study aimed to identify the most and least preferred appeal employed by male and female respondents when constructing argumentative responses. This study involved ten first year second-semester diploma students (five male and five female) from a local public university. Their written responses were analysed to identify instances of reasoning and classify them according to Aristotle’s appeals. The findings indicated that logos, or logical reasoning, was the most frequently used appeal by both genders which highlighted a shared emphasis on rational and structured argumentation. However, gender differences were evident in the use of pathos. Female respondents employed the emotional appeal specifically to invoke empathy, safety concerns and social well-being. Whereas, male respondents used pathos less frequently. This suggests a tendency among female respondents to integrate emotional and relational elements into their reasoning. Ethos or ethical appeal, was the least preferred by both genders, likely due to the limited opportunity within the task to establish personal credibility seen in the nature of the question posed. The results suggest that while logical reasoning is universally prioritised in structured academic contexts, female respondents are more inclined to employ affective appeals, producing a more nuanced and multi-dimensional rhetorical approach.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PASSWORD PRACTICES: DETERMINANTS OF CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS AMONG STUDENTS IN MALAYSIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Rayyan Tian Ming Cheong — 2025-09-22

This conceptual paper explores the determinants of cybersecurity awareness among students at the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM), with a focus on three key constructs: cybersecurity knowledge, attitude, and password practices. Cybersecurity threats are increasingly targeting educational institutions, making awareness and secure behavior critical, especially in defense oriented universities. The problem lies in the inconsistent awareness levels across student groups and the lack of a unified approach to address knowledge, behavioral, and attitudinal gaps. This study adopts Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) as the theoretical foundation, integrating threat and coping appraisals to explain students’ motivation for protective behavior. A conceptual model is proposed to examine the relationships among the constructs and their collective influence on cybersecurity awareness. The discussion highlights the theoretical contribution of linking cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains under PMT, and the practical implications for policy and curriculum development at NDUM. The paper concludes by recommending future empirical studies to validate and extend the model for broader application in higher education cybersecurity strategies.

DEVELOPING SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE TO ENHANCE TEACHER PERFORMANCE IN SCHOOLS: A BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW

Nor Zairos Abu Zarim — 2025-08-07

This bibliometric review investigates the evolving landscape of research on developing Social-Emotional Competence (SEC) to enhance teacher performance in schools. SEC is increasingly recognized as a foundational element in fostering teacher well-being, classroom management, and student academic success. However, the literature on this topic remains dispersed, lacking a cohesive synthesis of research trends, collaborations, and thematic developments. The study aims to address this gap by systematically analyzing scholarly output using data extracted from the Scopus database. A total of 881 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and May 2025 were selected based on refined inclusion criteria. Data cleaning was performed using OpenRefine, while Scopus Analyzer provided insights into annual publication trends, top contributing countries, and citation metrics. VOSviewer was employed to map co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrences, and collaborative link strengths. The analysis reveals a substantial rise in publication volume after 2020, peaking in 2024, indicating growing global interest in integrating SEC into teacher training and practice. The United States leads in publication count and collaboration strength, followed by China, the United Kingdom, and Australia, reflecting diverse international engagement. Highly cited works highlight the interdisciplinary nature of the field, merging educational psychology, emotional intelligence, and digital learning contexts. Dominant keywords such as “emotions,” “emotional competence,” and “teacher well-being” suggest a research focus on emotional regulation, professional development, and student-teacher relationships. Despite active research growth, limited cross-country collaboration presents opportunities for broader international integration. This review contributes a structured overview of the knowledge base, identifies emerging themes and research gaps, and offers direction for future studies and educational policies aimed at improving teacher performance through social-emotional development.

A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS ON ACADEMIC STRESS AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN MALAYSIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Naimah Abu Kasim — 2025-08-18

Academic stress has emerged as a critical concern affecting the mental health and academic performance of undergraduate students, particularly within the context of Malaysian public universities. Despite a growing body of literature addressing this issue, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis examining publication trends, scholarly impact, and research collaboration is still lacking. This study aims to fill that gap by systematically analyzing the scientific landscape on the causes of academic stress among undergraduates in Malaysian public universities. The main research focus involved three key keywords: “academic stress,” “mental illness,” and “undergraduate.” Using the Scopus database, a total of 813 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2005 and 2025 were retrieved based on specific inclusion criteria namely, English-language journal articles excluding books, reviews, and conference proceedings. The data were cleaned and standardized using OpenRefine, and further analyzed through Scopus Analyzer for general trends and VOSviewer software for visualizing co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and countries collaborations. The results reveal a consistent increase in publication output over the years, with a significant concentration of research contributions from the United States, China, Australia, and Malaysia. “Academic stress,” “mental illness,” and “undergraduate students” were the most frequently occurring keywords, highlighting the central themes within this research domain. Additionally, keyword mapping and co-authorship analysis demonstrated growing interdisciplinary and international collaboration in this field. This study offers a comprehensive overview of the intellectual structure and research evolution concerning academic stress among undergraduates in Malaysia, and serves as a valuable reference for researchers, educators, and policymakers aiming to address this growing academic and psychological challenge.

PEMAKANAN SEIMBANG DALAM PERSEPKTIF ISLAM: ASAS KESIHATAN DAN KESEJAHTERAAN UMMAH

Sharifah Hamzah — 2025-09-17

Pemakanan seimbang merupakan aspek penting dalam menjaga kesihatan fizikal dan kesejahteraan holistik manusia. Dalam perspektif Islam, konsep “halalan tayyiban” yang digariskan dalam al-Quran dan Hadis menyediakan panduan komprehensif untuk pemilihan makanan yang halal, bersih, dan mempunyai nutrisi. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis prinsip pemakanan seimbang dalam Islam, mengenal pasti cabaran dalam pengamalannya, serta menilai hubungan antara pemakanan Islam dan kesejahteraan ummah. Pendekatan kualitatif melalui analisis kandungan digunakan dengan rujukan daripada sumber primer dan sekunder, termasuk kitab tafsir, Hadis, serta kajian literatur. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa prinsip “halalan tayyiban” menyumbang kepada kesihatan fizikal yang lebih baik dan pengurangan risiko penyakit kronik seperti diabetes dan hipertensi. Selain itu, amalan pemakanan sunnah seperti pengambilan kurma dan madu terbukti memberikan manfaat kesihatan signifikan apabila diamalkan secara konsisten. Walau bagaimanapun, globalisasi, gaya hidup moden, dan kekurangan kesedaran tentang pemakanan seimbang yang halal dan tayyib menjadi cabaran utama bagi umat Islam. Kajian ini mencadangkan usaha pendidikan dan kesedaran yang lebih intensif, termasuk integrasi prinsip Islam dalam pendidikan formal dan penggunaan teknologi untuk mendidik masyarakat. Dengan itu, pemahaman dan amalan pemakanan Islam dapat ditingkatkan, menyumbang kepada kesejahteraan ummah secara holistik. Kajian lanjutan disarankan untuk mengkaji keberkesanan modul pendidikan pemakanan Islam, impak teknologi dalam menyokong amalan pemakanan seimbang, serta kesan globalisasi terhadap budaya makanan Islam.

Balanced nutrition is a crucial aspect of maintaining physical health and holistic well-being. From an Islamic perspective, the concept of halalan tayyiban as outlined in the Qur'an and Hadith provides a comprehensive guideline for selecting food that is halal, clean, and nutritionally beneficial. This study aims to analyse the principles of balanced nutrition in Islam, identify challenges in its practice, and assess the relationship between Islamic nutrition and the well-being of the ummah. A qualitative approach through content analysis is employed, referencing primary and secondary sources, including tafsir books, Hadith, and literature reviews. Findings indicate that the principle of halalan tayyiban contributes to better physical health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, the practice of prophetic nutrition, such as the consumption of dates and honey, has been proven to provide significant health benefits when consistently adhered to. However, globalisation, modern lifestyles, and a lack of awareness regarding balanced nutrition that is halal and tayyib pose major challenges for Muslims. This study suggests more intensive educational and awareness efforts, including the integration of Islamic principles in formal education and the use of technology to educate society. Through these measures, understanding and practice of Islamic nutrition can be enhanced, contributing to the holistic well-being of the ummah. Further studies are recommended to examine the effectiveness of Islamic nutrition education modules, the impact of technology in supporting balanced nutrition practices, and the effects of globalisation on Islamic food culture.

FROM PROMPT TO PARAGRAPH: MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ REFLECTIONS ON THE USE AND THE ETHICAL PRACTICES CONCERNING AI TOOLS IN ACADEMIC WRITING

Anis Shaari — 2025-09-18

The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Quillbot in higher education has incited new questions about their role in academic writing and ethical practice. This study aims to explore students’ reflections regarding the use of AI tools in academic writing and to examine students’ awareness and practices related to the ethical and responsible use of AI tools in academic writing. Focusing on Malaysian undergraduates enrolled in an academic writing course, the study analysed 24 student-written reflections using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that students generally reflect AI tools as useful for enhancing writing productivity, overcoming writer’s block, and improving grammar and clarity. However, many students also expressed concerns about overdependence on AI, reduced critical thinking, and loss of writing confidence. In terms of ethics, students demonstrated awareness of academic integrity, reporting practices such as validating AI-generated content, paraphrasing, and limiting reliance on AI outputs. Some also raised concerns about plagiarism, unoriginality, and misuse during online assessments. The study highlights a growing sense of responsibility among students but also points to the need for clearer institutional guidelines and more structured support. These findings contribute to the discussion on AI in education by offering insight into how students weigh the benefits and ethical challenges of AI-assisted writing, and call for targeted academic literacy initiatives and ethical training to support responsible and informed use of AI tools in higher education.

GAMIFIKASI DALAM PEMBELAJARAN DAN PEMUDAHCARAAN (PDPC) SOLAT FARDU: SATU TINJAUAN KEPERLUAN GURU PENDIDIKAN ISLAM SEKOLAH RENDAH

Noraniezahwati Sabit — 2025-09-22

Gamifikasi merupakan pendekatan pedagogi inovatif yang semakin mendapat perhatian dalam kerangka pembelajaran abad ke-21 (PAK21). Ia merupakan pendekatan pengajaran yang menggunakan elemen permainan seperti ganjaran, cabaran dan sistem tahap dalam konteks pembelajaran bukan permainan. Pendekatan ini telah terbukti mampu meningkatkan motivasi, penglibatan dan pencapaian murid dalam pelbagai bidang pendidikan. Dalam mata pelajaran Pendidikan Islam, gamifikasi berpotensi besar untuk menarik minat murid, meningkatkan penglibatan murid, dan memudahkan pemahaman konsep ibadah yang bersifat abstrak seperti solat fardu. Tujuan kertas konsep ini dihasilkan adalah untuk meneliti keperluan guru Pendidikan Islam (GPI) terhadap pembangunan modul pengajaran berasaskan gamifikasi, khususnya di sekolah rendah kawasan pedalaman. Kajian ini bersifat konseptual dan memanfaatkan sorotan literatur untuk mengenal pasti cabaran utama PdPc solat fardu seperti kekangan infrastruktur, kekurangan bahan bantu mengajar (BBM), dan kurangnya pendekatan interaktif. Gamifikasi dicadangkan sebagai strategi inovatif dengan elemen seperti ganjaran, cabaran, dan sistem tahap yang boleh disesuaikan dengan kandungan kurikulum Pendidikan Islam. Artikel ini mencadangkan garis panduan asas pembangunan modul gamifikasi yang mesra guru dan sesuai dengan konteks tempatan. Implikasinya merangkumi transformasi pedagogi PdPc ke arah pembelajaran yang lebih aktif, menyeronokkan dan berkesan.

Gamification is an innovative pedagogical approach that has garnered increasing attention within the framework of 21st century learning (PAK21). It refers to a teaching strategy that incorporates game elements such as rewards, challenges, and level systems into non-game learning environments. This approach has been shown to enhance students’ motivation, engagement, and academic achievement across various educational fields. In Islamic education subject, gamification holds significant potential to attract students’ interest, foster active participation, and facilitate the understanding of abstract religious concepts such as fard prayers. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to explore the needs of Islamic Education teachers regarding the development of a gamified instructional module, particularly in primary schools located in rural areas. This study adopts a conceptual methodogy approach and draws upon literature review to identify key challenges in the learning and simplification of fard prayers, including infrastructural limitations, inadequate teaching resources, and lack of interactive pedagogical strategies. Gamification is proposed as an innovative strategy that can be adapted to align with the Islamic education curriculum content. This article proposes basic guidelines for the development of teacher-friendly gamification modules that are appropriate to the local context. The implications include the transformation of PdPc pedagogy towards more active, enjoyable and effective classroom experiences.

FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATION AMONG ASNAF STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS: EVIDENCE FROM PERLIS

Muhammad Ahmar Ali — 2025-07-21

It is especially important for young Asnaf students to acquire the financial knowledge necessary for them to make informed decisions that can positively impact their life trajectories. This study investigated the level of financial literacy among Asnaf students in secondary schools across Perlis. Financial literacy is assessed through three core dimensions: financial knowledge, financial behaviour, and financial attitudes. A total of 400 respondents were selected from various secondary schools in Perlis. Data were collected using questionnaires, and descriptive analyses were conducted using SPSS. The findings revealed that while the surveyed students demonstrated a moderate level of financial knowledge, their financial behaviour and attitudes were at a high level. These results contributed to an overall high level of financial literacy. Consequently, the study highlights the need for schools, educators, and policymakers to implement targeted initiatives that not only improve financial knowledge but also maintain and enhance positive financial behaviours and attitudes.

PLANTING THE GOOD SEEDS OF DHAMMA: AN INITIAL STUDY ON SUNDAY DHAMMA SCHOOL (SDS) IN THAN HSIANG TEMPLE

Yek Ming Fu — 2025-08-10

Buddhist education has an important role in nurturing the young talents of the Buddhist community. The Dhamma school or Dhamma class is an important platform for laypeople to learn the Buddha’s teachings towards the path of enlightenment. The Than Hsiang Sunday Dhamma School was selected as a case study to demonstrate the contribution of the amma class to individuals and the community. Based on the Four Convictions: “The Young to Learn; The Strong and Healthy to Serve; The Aged and Sick to be Cared for; and The Departed to Find Spiritual Destination,” Than Hsiang’s educational initiatives aim to nurture positive character traits in children and teenagers, foster harmonious parent-child relationships, and cultivate a sense of goodness. This paper will take an initial study of the running of the Sunday Dhamma School in Than Hsiang Temple, to explore the operation of a Sunday Dhamma School in a local Chinese Buddhist organisation in Malaysia through its objectives, curriculum, implementation, activities and members. The quality of dhamma classes relies on three important elements, namely the practitioners, the contents, and the targets. This paper employs a case-study approach, drawing on participatory observations and interviews with leaders, committee members, staff, teachers, and volunteers on their experience with the dhamma classes. The study underscores the Dhamma class’s significant effort in planting good seeds among the Buddhist community, ensuring the preservation and growth of Buddhism in the region.

CHALLENGES IN PHRASEOLOGY: AN ESL STUDY AT SPACE UTM

Fariha Diyana Awang Ali — 2025-09-10

This study investigates the phraseological challenges faced by English as a Second Language (ESL) learners in academic writing at SPACE UTM. Despite ongoing efforts to enhance English proficiency in Malaysia, students continue to struggle with the accurate use of collocations, idiomatic expressions, and syntactically natural constructions, which significantly affect the clarity and fluency of their writing. The research aims to identify the most frequent phraseological errors and uncover the underlying factors contributing to these issues. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study analyzed academic writing samples and responses to structured questionnaires from ten ESL foundation-level learners. Content and thematic analysis revealed that the most common errors included incorrect phrasing, verb form inconsistencies, redundant expressions, and sentence fragments. These issues were linked to first language interference, limited exposure to authentic academic phraseology, and insufficient instruction in fixed expressions. The findings highlight the need for more targeted pedagogical interventions, including explicit teaching of collocational patterns, integration of academic phrase banks, and structured self-editing strategies. By addressing these areas, educators can significantly enhance students’ academic writing proficiency and prepare them for more effective communication in higher education and professional contexts.

IMPAK BENGKEL PEMBELAJARAN KOSA KATA ARAB TERHADAP TAHAP KEMAHIRAN PELAJAR MENGGUNAKAN STRATEGI DAN PENDEKATAN METAKOGNITIF

Nadhilah Abdul Pisal — 2025-09-17

Penguasaan kosa kata bahasa Arab yang baik merupakan asas utama untuk membantu individu meningkatkan kecekapan dalam pelbagai kemahiran bahasa. Walau bagaimanapun, masih banyak kajian yang melaporkan kelemahan pelajar di Malaysia dalam penguasaan kosa kata bahasa Arab. Justeru, pendekatan strategi menghafal yang diketengahkan oleh kebanyakan guru dalam pengajaran kosa kata bahasa Arab perlu diperluaskan dengan pendekatan cara belajar yang lain memandangkan tidak semua pelajar berjaya menggunakannya secara kreatif. Dengan itu, kajian deskriptif ini dijalankan untuk meninjau impak bengkel cara belajar kosa kata bahasa Arab terhadap tahap kemahiran pelajar menggunakan strategi dan pendekatan metakognitif. Seramai 32 orang pelajar tingkatan 4 dari tiga buah Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) sekitar Kedah terlibat sebagai peserta bengkel ini yang menekankan aspek teori dan aplikasi. Dari sudut teori, pelajar diajar mengenai dua konsep utama iaitu; a) penggunaan strategi pembelajaran kosa kata serta b) pendekatan proses metakognitif. Seterusnya, tiga aktiviti bahasa diketengahkan untuk meninjau kefahaman pelajar mengenai cara belajar dan penggunaannya secara praktikal. Setelah berakhirnya bengkel, soal selidik diedarkan kepada pelajar untuk pengumpulan data. Data kemudiannya dianalisis secara deskriptif dengan menggunakan SPSS versi 22. Berdasarkan perbandingan laporan sebelum dan selepas program, dapatan kajian menunjukkan terdapat peningkatan tahap kemahiran menggunakan strategi dan pendekatan metakognitif dalam kalangan pelajar kepada tahap tinggi sama ada secara keseluruhan, berdasarkan kategori mahupun item. Pelajar didapati lebih mahir menggunakan strategi mengingat berbanding strategi memahami makna dan menggunakan kosa kata selepas bengkel. Seterusnya, pelajar didapati lebih mahir menggunakan kemahiran menilai dalam pendekatan metakognitif berbanding kemahiran merancang dan memantau. Kesimpulannya, kemahiran belajar pelajar boleh ditambah baik secara berkala untuk membiasakan diri dengan beberapa kemahiran yang jarang digunakan. Dengan itu, para pendidik boleh mengambil pendekatan eksplisit dengan mendedahkan strategi belajar yang pelbagai dan melatih penggunaannya untuk membantu proses pemerolehan kosa kata pelajar.

A proficient command of Arabic vocabulary is the main foundation for assisting individuals in enhancing their proficiency in various language skills. However, there are still numerous studies that report the weaknesses of Malaysian students in mastering Arabic vocabulary. Thus, the memorisation strategy approach that is emphasised by most teachers in Arabic vocabulary teaching needs to be expanded with other learning methods, as not all students are successful in using it creatively. Therefore, this descriptive study was conducted to examine the impact of the Arabic learning workshop on students’ skill levels using strategies and metacognitive approaches. A total of 32 Form 4 students from three National Religious Secondary Schools (SMKA) in Kedah participated in this workshop, which emphasises both theoretical and practical aspects. From a theoretical perspective, students were taught about two main concepts, namely (i) the use of vocabulary learning strategies and (ii) the metacognitive process approach. Next, three language activities were highlighted to explore students’ understanding of how to learn and their practical implementation. After the workshop, questionnaires were distributed to the students for data collection. The data were then analysed descriptively using SPSS version 22. Based on a comparison of reports before and after the programme, the study findings showed an increase in the level of skills in using strategies and metacognitive approaches among students to a high level, whether overall or based on categories, or items. Students were found to be more proficient in using memorisation strategies compared to strategies for understanding meaning and using vocabulary after the workshop. Furthermore, students were found to be more proficient in using evaluation skills in the metacognitive approach compared to planning and monitoring skills. In conclusion, students’ learning skills can be improved periodically by familiarising themselves with some skills that are rarely used. Therefore, teachers can take an explicit approach by exposing them to various learning strategies and practising their use to assist the students’ vocabulary acquisition process.

PENDEKATAN HEUTAGOGI DALAM PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA MELAYU SEKOLAH RENDAH

Nor Zahid Musa — 2025-09-19

Kajian ini bertujuan menilai tahap pelaksanaan pendekatan heutagogi dalam pembelajaran kendiri Bahasa Melayu dalam kalangan murid Tahun 6 sekolah rendah. Seramai 352 orang murid dari 32 sekolah kebangsaan di Hulu Selangor telah dipilih sebagai sampel menggunakan kaedah tinjauan melalui soal selidik. Instrumen soal selidik terdiri daripada 3 bahagian dan 17 item yang merangkumi demografi, enam elemen heutagogi: penerokaan, penciptaan, kolaborasi, perkongsian, refleksi dan perhubungan serta satu bahagian yang menilai tahap efikasi kendiri murid dalam pembelajaran Bahasa Melayu secara kendiri. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa 82.4% murid aktif melaksanakan pembelajaran berasaskan prinsip heutagogi. Elemen penerokaan dan penciptaan mencatat min tinggi (0.74–0.90), menandakan pelibatan dalam pembelajaran kendiri dan kreativiti murid yang memberangsangkan. Elemen refleksi, perkongsian dan perhubungan juga mencatat tahap pelaksanaan tinggi, namun kolaborasi selepas waktu sekolah masih rendah (min = 0.39). Dalam aspek efikasi kendiri, murid menunjukkan kecekalan dan keyakinan tinggi (min = 0.92–0.94), tetapi hampir separuh masih memerlukan bimbingan guru pada peringkat awal pembelajaran kendiri (min = 0.50). Pendekatan heutagogi berupaya dilaksanakan seawal peringkat sekolah rendah, terutamanya dalam memperkasa kemahiran pembelajaran abad ke-21 seperti amalan refleksi murid, kreativiti dan literasi digital. Walau bagaimanapun, kejayaan pendekatan ini memerlukan bimbingan guru, akses teknologi dan sokongan ekosistem pembelajaran yang kukuh. Kajian mencadangkan pembangunan modul digital interaktif, latihan profesional kepada guru sebagai fasilitator, dan kerjasama strategik antara sekolah dan keluarga bagi memperkukuh budaya pembelajaran kendiri dalam pendidikan rendah.

This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of the heutagogical approach in self-directed Malay language learning among Year 6 primary school students. A total of 352 students from 32 national schools in Hulu Selangor participated through a survey design. A 17-item dichotomous questionnaire was used to assess six key elements of heutagogy—exploration, creation, collaboration, sharing, reflection, and connectivity—as well as a self-efficacy scale. Findings revealed that 82.4% of students actively engaged in learning activities aligned with heutagogical principles. Exploration and creation recorded high means (0.74–0.90), indicating strong self-initiative and creativity. Reflection, sharing, and digital connectivity also showed high engagement, while after-school collaboration remained low (mean = 0.39). In terms of self-efficacy, students demonstrated high levels of perseverance and confidence (mean = 0.92–0.94), although nearly half still required initial teacher guidance (mean = 0.50). In conclusion, heutagogy can be feasibly implemented at the primary level, especially to cultivate 21st-century learning skills such as metacognition, creativity, and digital literacy. However, its success depends on effective teacher facilitation, technological access, and supportive learning environments. This study recommends the development of interactive digital modules, continuous teacher training as facilitators, and strengthened school-family collaboration to enhance the culture of self-directed learning in primary education.

UNVEILING RESEARCH PATTERNS IN PERSONALITY TRAITS: A SYSTEMATIC BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW

Intan Rafidah Yasin — 2025-08-07

Personality traits are pivotal in shaping human behavior and outcomes across diverse contexts, including education, health, work performance, and interpersonal relationships. As interest in this area continues to grow, a substantial body of literature has emerged. However, a structured analysis that captures global publication patterns, research trajectories, and scholarly collaborations remains limited. Thus, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of personality traits research published between 2015 and 2025, to identify publication trends, influential authors, geographical distribution, thematic evolution, and international collaboration patterns. This study addresses the gap in understanding how the field has developed over the past decade by analysing 915 documents retrieved from the Scopus database. Data cleaning and normalisation were performed using OpenRefine, while Scopus Analyzer and VOSviewer software were employed to extract and visualise bibliometric indicators. The analysis revealed a consistent increase in publication output, particularly from 2020 onward. Notably, the United States, United Kingdom, and China were the most productive countries, and network visualisations demonstrated strong co-authorship ties across institutions and continents. Citation analysis identified the most influential authors and sources. At the same time, keyword co-occurrence mapping illustrated a thematic shift from trait measurement to applied domains such as well-being, academic achievement, and organisational behaviour. The findings of this study provide a comprehensive overview of the intellectual landscape and evolution of personality traits research, offering valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. By uncovering key trends and research gaps, this bibliometric review serves as a strategic guide for future investigations and fosters more informed, interdisciplinary, and globally collaborative efforts in the field.

PENDIDIKAN DI GONTOR: IMPLIKASI TERHADAP PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA ARAB

Mohammad Syukri Abdul Rahman — 2025-08-15

Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor (PMDG) merupakan institusi pendidikan Islam terkenal dengan sistem pembelajaran yang ketat dan berdisiplin tinggi. Antara fokus utama institusi ini ialah pembelajaran bahasa Arab yang digunakan sebagai bahasa pengantar dalam pelbagai subjek. Artikel ini membincangkan sistem pendidikan bahasa Arab di PMDG dari aspek pendekatan pembelajaran, disiplin harian, kaedah pengajaran, cabaran serta manfaat kepada pelajar. Melalui metodologi tersendiri, PMDG berjaya melahirkan pelajar yang fasih, berdikari dan berdisiplin. Aspek kepimpinan pelajar, interaksi sosial, dan penggunaan harian bahasa Arab turut menyumbang kepada kejayaan sistem ini. Kajian ini turut meneliti peranan guru dalam menerapkan kaedah pengajaran berkesan serta pentingnya suasana berbahasa Arab bagi meningkatkan penguasaan pelajar. Dapatan kajian ini memberi gambaran tentang keunikan sistem PMDG dan potensi untuk dijadikan model oleh institusi pendidikan Islam lain.

Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor (PMDG) is a well-known Islamic educational institution recognized for its strict and highly disciplined learning system. One of its main focuses is the teaching of Arabic, which is used as the medium of instruction in various subjects. This article discusses the Arabic language education system at PMDG in terms of teaching approaches, daily discipline, teaching methods, challenges, and benefits for students. Through its unique methodology, PMDG has successfully produced students who are fluent, independent, and disciplined. Elements such as student leadership, social interaction, and the daily use of Arabic also contribute significantly to the success of this system. The study also examines the role of teachers in applying effective teaching methods and highlights the importance of an Arabic-speaking environment in enhancing students' language proficiency. The findings of this study provide insight into the uniqueness of PMDG’s educational system and its potential to serve as a model for other Islamic educational institutions.

KEPERLUAN KOMUNIKATIF BAHASA ARAB DALAM KALANGAN GURU PELATIH PENDIDIKAN ISLAM: KAJIAN ADAPTASI PROGRAM PARE INDONESIA

Shahrizad Shahabudin — 2025-09-17

Kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti keperluan komunikatif bahasa Arab dalam kalangan guru pelatih Pendidikan Islam dan menilai potensi adaptasi pendekatan pembelajaran bahasa Arab dari Kampung Pare, Indonesia ke dalam konteks latihan guru di Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia. Pendekatan kualitatif dengan reka bentuk kajian kes digunakan melalui temu bual separa berstruktur melibatkan sepuluh orang guru pelatih semester II di IPGKSAH yang pernah mengikuti program bahasa Arab intensif dalam kursus BAMB1144. Dapatan menunjukkan keperluan komunikasi lisan merangkumi kemahiran memberi arahan, menyampaikan isi kandungan dan berinteraksi secara spontan dalam bahasa Arab. Kajian ini disandarkan pada kerangka teori pendidikan Islam melalui pandangan al-Ghazali serta prinsip komunikasi berkesan dalam al-Quran dan Hadis. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa suasana pembelajaran yang immersif, interaktif dan berbimbingan secara talaqqi seperti di Pare menyokong pembangunan kompetensi komunikatif guru pelatih. Implikasi kajian mencadangkan modul latihan guru yang lebih kontekstual dan berasaskan pengalaman sebenar.

This study aims to identify the communicative needs in Arabic among trainee teachers of Islamic Education and to evaluate the potential adaptation of Arabic learning approaches from Kampung Pare, Indonesia into the teacher training context in Malaysian Teacher Education Institutes. A qualitative case study approach was employed using semi-structured interviews involving ten semester-seven trainee teachers from IPGKSAH who had undergone an intensive Arabic program in Pare. The findings reveal that oral communication needs include giving instructions, delivering content, and interacting spontaneously in Arabic. The study is grounded in Islamic educational theory as proposed by al-Ghazali, along with principles of effective communication in the Quran and Hadith. The findings indicate that an immersive, interactive, and guided learning environment such as in Pare supports the development of communicative competence. The study recommends the incorporation of contextual and experience-based modules in Arabic teacher training.

WINGS OF WORDS: A STRUCTURED USR INTERVENTION FOR GAME-BASED ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING

Nadira M. Jahaya — 2025-09-18

This paper is a study on Wings of Words, a half-day University Social Responsibility (USR) initiative organised to support English language enhancement among underprivileged students using game-based pedagogy. The project was designed to improve English language among children from underserved communities, to promote foundational English language skills in an appealing, inclusive, and interactive manner. Organised by university faculty and student volunteers, the programme implemented three structured activity stations that are Giant Block, Word Treasure, and Blockbuster aimed at enhancing the students’ vocabulary acquisition, listening comprehension, and verbal communication. The games were carefully planned to align with language learning objectives while encouraging active participation, teamwork and learner autonomy. Data was collected through a questionnaire to assess engagement levels and expected learning outcomes. Findings imply that the integration of play-based methods not only amplified student motivation and participation but also enabled meaningful language use in context. Additionally, the project offered university students essential experiential learning opportunities in community service. The Wings of Words project underscores the potential of short-term, university-led interventions to create a measurable impact on language learning in marginalised communities. It also highlights the shared benefits of USR activities for both learners and facilitators. The paper concludes by discussing pedagogical implications and recommendations for planning such initiatives in wider educational contexts.

PENDEKATAN INTERVENSI HOLISTIK TERHADAP KESEJAHTERAAN EMOSI WARGA EMAS: INTEGRASI PSIKOSPIRITUAL, SOKONGAN SOSIAL DAN ADAPTASI SOSIO-DIGITAL

Siti Sarah Ahmad — 2025-09-22

Malaysia sedang menuju ke arah menjadi sebuah negara tua menjelang tahun 2030 dengan peningkatan ketara dalam populasi warga emas. Perubahan demografi ini membawa cabaran besar kepada kesejahteraan emosi warga emas. Mereka sering berdepan dengan pelbagai tekanan seperti kesunyian, kehilangan pasangan hidup, pengurangan peranan dalam keluarga serta kesukaran menyesuaikan diri dengan dunia moden yang semakin pantas. Artikel ini mengemukakan pendekatan holistik yang mengintegrasikan unsur psikospiritual Islam, sokongan sosial keluarga dan komuniti, serta adaptasi terhadap teknologi digital sebagai strategi memperkukuh kesejahteraan emosi warga emas Muslim di Malaysia. Pendekatan psikospiritual memberi penekanan kepada amalan seperti solat, zikir dan penghayatan prinsip tasawuf seperti taubat, sabar, reda dan syukur yang terbukti dapat menstabilkan emosi dan membina kekuatan dalaman. Di samping itu, artikel ini menekankan kepentingan sokongan sosial melalui hubungan erat dengan ahli keluarga, penglibatan dalam komuniti serta interaksi sosial yang menyokong. Adaptasi teknologi seperti penggunaan media sosial dan aplikasi komunikasi moden turut dikenal pasti sebagai medium efektif dalam mengurangkan kesunyian dan menghubungkan warga emas dengan dunia luar. Kajian berbentuk kualitatif ini melalui sorotan literatur dan kajian tempatan yang relevan, artikel ini menggariskan potensi integrasi ketiga-tiga pendekatan ini dalam merangka satu model intervensi yang bersifat menyeluruh dan mesra warga emas. Cadangan ini diharap dapat menjadi asas kepada pembentukan dasar sosial dan inisiatif komuniti yang lebih inklusif dan lestari selaras dengan tuntutan kesejahteraan emosi dan spiritual warga emas Muslim dalam era globalisasi.

Malaysia is heading toward becoming an ageing nation by 2030, with a significant increase in the elderly population. This demographic shift poses major challenges to the emotional well-being of older adults. They often face various stressors such as loneliness, the loss of a spouse, a diminished role within the family, and difficulties adapting to the rapidly changing modern world. This article proposes a holistic approach that integrates elements of Islamic psychospirituality, social support from family and community and adaptation to digital technology as strategies to strengthen the emotional well-being of Muslim elderly in Malaysia. The psychospiritual approach emphasizes practices such as prayer (solat), remembrance of God (dhikr), and internalization of Sufi principles such as repentance (taubah), patience (sabr), acceptance (reda) and gratitude (syukur) which have been shown to stabilize emotions and build inner strength. In addition, the article highlights the importance of social support through close family relationships, community involvement, and supportive social interactions. Technological adaptation, such as the use of social media and modern communication applications is also identified as an effective medium to reduce loneliness and connect the elderly with the outside world. This qualitative study, based on a comprehensive literature review and relevant local research, outlines the potential integration of these three approaches in formulating a holistic and elderly-friendly intervention model. It is hoped that this proposal can serve as a foundation for the development of more inclusive and sustainable social policies and community initiatives in line with the emotional and spiritual well-being needs of Muslim elderly in the era of globalization.