Student-centred learning

Student-centred learning (or student-centered learning; also called child-centred learning) is an approach to education focusing on the needs of the students, rather than those of others involved in the educational process, such as teachers and administrators. This approach has many implications for the design of curriculum, course content, and interactivity of courses. Student-centred learning, that is, putting students first, is in stark contrast to existing establishment/teacher-centred lecturing and careerism. Student-centred learning is focused on the student's needs, abilities, interests, and learning styles with the teacher as a facilitator of learning. This classroom teaching method acknowledges student voice as central to the learning experience for every learner. Teacher-centred learning has the teacher at its centre in an active role and students in a passive, receptive role. Student-centred learning requires students to be active, responsible participants in their own learning.

Why student-centred learning should be integrated into the curriculum:
Strengthens student motivation
Promotes peer communication
Reduces disruptive behaviour
Builds student-teacher relationships
Promotes discovery/active learning
Responsibility for one’s own learning
The student-centred learning environment has been shown to be effective in higher education.

Do we need to train all young lecturers in order to have effective approach of SCL(Student centered learning)?

Marine biology research is constantly making new discoveries that help us better understand life in the sea

Malaysia is one of the important maritime countries in the world. The Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea are important shipping routes in the world connecting east and west. Those Straits of Malacca and South China Sea are also important to their biodiversity including fishing industries. Looking at those angle, Malaysia as a maritime country, therefore marine sciences are very important fields, not just in biology and oceanography but in military and defense systems too. Malaysia need to have an experts and research facilities related to marine ecosystems. Existing facilities need to be upgraded urgently and seniour marine scientists need to be asked to lead in building the capacity in marine scientists. A special research and training grants need to be provided by the government immediately if we do not want to be left behind by our neighboring countries.Continuous training for young scientists needed. We do not have good seniour marine scientists around now. So the urgency in marine sciences training and research are needed.

Action Research

Action research is a reflective process of progressive problem solving led by individuals working with others in teams or as part of a "community of practice" to improve the way they address issues and solve problems. Action research is done simply by action, hence the name. Action research can also be undertaken by larger organizations or institutions, assisted or guided by professional researchers, with the aim of improving their strategies, practices, and knowledge of the environments within which they practice (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

The aim of an action researcher is to bring about development in his or her practice by analysing existing practice and identifying elements for change. The process is founded on the gathering of evidence on which to make informed rather than intuitive judgements and decisions.

• Action research is a practical way for individuals to explore the nature of their practice and to improve it.
• Action research encourages practitioners to become knowledge-makers, rather than merely knowledge-users.
• Action research uses action as a means of research; planned change is implemented, monitored and analysed.
• Action research proceeds in an action-reflection cycle or spiral.
• The process can be messy; as research proceeds, wider links are likely to be identified.
• Action research is carried out by individuals, but these individuals may work collaboratively.
• Action researchers may use a variety of research methods, both qualitative and quantitative.
• Action researchers must ensure triangulation in their methods.

The international wildlife trade is a serious conservation problem

Malaysia has very clear policies on wildlife conservation, biodiversity, trades and others related to wildlife. Malaysia also have many agencies that responsible to implement the policies from education policy, science and technology policy, to trade policy. Why we are still having problems with wildlife conservation and trading. Who has failed or not implementing the government policies. OR we urgently need researches to compile the information and looking for solution and at the same time educating the public. Money and business are not everything in our life!

conservation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Conservation biology is the scientific study of the nature and status of Earth's biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction. It is an interdisciplinary subject drawing on sciences, economics, and the practice of natural resource management.What we need in conservation are understanding, knowledge, awareness, support, volunteers, commitments and strong policy and enforcement. Public involvement, expert contribution and a special grants can make conservation more effective. Training and research on wildlife conservation need to be more aggresive. More young staff needed but the trend now not encourage the young students to major in wildlife. Probably we meed to provide more grants.

Konservasi Gajah Di Malaysia

Pusat Latihan Konservasi Gajah di Kuala Gandah, Lanchang Pahang adalah antara yang terbaik di dunia bagi gajah asia (Elephas maximus). Hampir dua ribu pengunjung antarabangsa dan tempatan datang ke Kuala Gandah pada setiap sehujung minggu bagi melihat gajah, memberi makan, mandi bersama gajah dan menunggang gajah. Bilangan pengujung yang ramai menarik perhatian kerajaan menambahkan kemudahan dan lain-lain berkaitan keperluan pelancong. Namun begitu kita memerlukan lebih banyak lagi kajian ekologi dan perilaku gajah dalam usaha menambahbaikan proses dan keberkesanan latihan dan konservasi gajah. Ekologi gajah di hutan seluruh semenanjung perlu diberikan perhatian agar konflik manusia-gajah dapat dikurangkan dan pengurusan gajah menjadi lebih mantap. Gajah-gajah yang bersaing habitat dengan manusia di pindah dan dilatih di Kuala Gandah.Perbincangan dan penasihatan pakar perlu bagi menambahbaikkan aktiviti latihan, konservasi, pendidikan dan pelancongan berasaskan gajah. Promosi dan pendidikan sangat penting untuk generasi akan datang dan mendapatkan sumbangan agensi-agensi yang berminat. Agensi yang terlibat dengan pembukaan hutan untuk pertanian sangat berkaitan dan sepatutnyalah menyumbang kepada program konservasi gajah ini.

Green Campus: International Year of Forest 2011

Mungkin tiap bahagian bertanding siapa lebih green (kreativiti, functional, keindahan). Adakan hadiah peruntukan kewangan kepada bahagian yang menang untuk lebih green lagi dan penjagaan (baja, naik taraf dan pengindahan) masa hadapan. Aktiviti sebegini akan melibatkan semua orang dalam sesebuah organisasi.

Green Campus: a sustainable campus

Just type "Green Campus" you will see nearly 10 views and ideas on green campus in this blog. Just do it as Nike said. All entrances to campus welcome visitors with green trees, clean environment, comfortable pedestrian path and less motor vehicles.

The campus looks environmentally friendly and supporting climate and energy issues by reducing 20% energy consumption and CO2 emissions from daily activities.
This can be done by: Improving of the climate screen, Energy smart installations, Energy efficient operation, Energy smart conduct, Energy smart projects, etc.
The campus must have an immediate Green Action - join the movement for an energy-efficient university. Green Action is the University's campaign for energy-efficient behaviour. Make energy-efficient habits part of everyone daily routine. Everyone only need to make a few changes to make a difference to the environment and the University's finances.

Lawatan IFRO ke Jabatan Biologi-satu peluang kerjasama baharu

Seramai empat orang dari "Iranian Fisheries Research Organisation-IFRO" telah singgah di Jabatan Biologi semasa lawatan rasmi mereka ke UPM hari ini dari Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang. Rombongan termasuk Presiden IFRO Dr Abas Ali Motallebi dan Naib Presiden dan Timbalan Penyelidikan IFRO Dr. Mosrafa Sharif Rohani. Dalam masa singgah selama 20 minit itu sempat bertukar maklumat dan berbincang tentang peluang kerjasama dalam bidang ekologi dan perikanan antara Jabatan Biologi dan IFRO. Perkembangan seterusnya akan disusul kemudian.

Networking The University

What we should have?

1. personal freedom to serve others
2. possess a great skill in their own field.
3. Integrity and responsibility
4. Clear vision on what we need and what we can give in term of facilities, products or services.
5. I general we must equip our self with all the best or interest for others.

Preparing the Academy of Today for the Learner of Tomorrow

Net Geners entering colleges and universities brings a blend of behaviors, attitudes, and expectations that creates opportunities—as well as challenges—for higher education.

These are the greatest challenge for higher education leaders, faculty, and staff—nearly all of whom belong to earlier generations: to understand the Net Generation learner and through this understanding provide the learning environments, services, and facilities needed to help these students achieve their potential.

What ever plan we have WE MUST HAVE A CLEAR VISION

What are the challenges for the university’s strategic plan?
• To attract sufficient quality students;
• To deliver courses in a way that best suits the busy life of modern students;
• To attract and retain research-active educators who will improve the University's academic performance;
• To invest in information technologies which can promote our education, research and administration; and
• To measure, contain and offset our impact on the environment.

What is our strength?
• Our Name;
• Our City;
• Our Location;
• Our People;
• Our Supporters (including alumni who are leaders in important department or agencies and the professions, local and overseas);
• Our Disciplines (attractive and marketable);
• Our Campus (attractive, convenience, and fully required for direct educational and research purposes).

In order to achieve our strategic plan may be we need to do this;
• strengthen the University's capabilities, responsiveness and competitiveness;
• respond to demographic and social change by making us more attractive to changing student populations;
• deliver the best possible service to students, most of whom are paying all or a significant proportion of the cost of their education and who may in the future have greater choice about where to study;
• enable us to take advantage of projections that international students wanting to study in Malaysia;
• ensure we have a well-deserved reputation for high quality education;
• promote the quality, quantum and impact of our research, in an era where this is publicly measured and contributes significantly to the standing of the University in the world; and
• give us choices about potential partners for sustainability and growth.

Thesis examinations

A dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature for a degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings.
One of the requirements for certain advanced degrees is often an oral examination. This examination normally occurs after the dissertation is finished but before it is submitted to the university, and may comprise a presentation by the student and questions posed by an examining committee or jury. In North America, an initial oral examination in the field of specialization may take place just before the student settles down to work on the dissertation. An additional oral exam may take place after the dissertation is completed and is known as a thesis or dissertation "defense," which at some universities may be a mere formality and at others may result in the student's being required to make significant revisions. In the UK and certain other English-speaking countries, an oral examination is called a viva voce.
There are three reasons why PhD candidates have to have a viva: it is so the examiners can see:
• whether it is your own work;
• whether you understand what you did;
• whether it is worth a PhD (i.e. is a contribution to knowledge).
These are the points being examined:
• Understanding: that you're ready to become an independent researcher.
• Relationship to other work: that you have a command of your subject-area. Similarity to the work of others doesn't detract from novelty!
• Novelty - is your work publishable? If you have already published a couple of papers, that should be proof of sufficient originality. Don't panic about recent publications that are very similar to your work - the important thing is to be aware of them, and to know the differences between your work and theirs.
• What you have achieved, and that you are aware of its implications. What will it make a difference to?
• Demonstration of hypothesis (what you set out to achieve). How have you evaluated/tested your hypothesis? Always be prepared to reconsider your hypothesis if you end up demonstrating something else - it's vitally important that your results match your hypothesis, and that you have a convincing argument for this.
• Why did you do it the way you did? Not just your practical work, but everything. For example, your literature review should be focused towards your hypothesis.
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Examiner cannot be a supervisor

Transforming Undergraduate Students

We need to plan for an excellence students and applications in teaching and research IF we want to;
1.produce an excellence graduates;
2.enhance research and innovation culture in the university in order to produce high quality research and publications and competitive at international level.

Masa Hadapan S&T Ngara

Dasar Sains dan Teknologi Negara
Kemajuan keupayaan S&T Negara adalah satu cabaran yang besar bukan sahaja dalam Negara tetapi juga di peringkat dunia.
Bagi mencapai hasrat "menjadikan Malaysia sebuah masyarakat yang berasaskan sains dan yang progresif, iaitu satu masyarakat yang berdaya cipta dan berpandangan jauh, sebuah masyarakat yang bukan sahaja dapat memanfaatkan teknologi masa kini tetapi turut menjadi penyumbang kepada kemajuan peradaban sains dan teknologi pada masa hadapan" satu plan strategik yang mantap perlu disediakan dan diketuai dan ditadbirurus oleh kakitangan yang cekap dan berwawasan.
Cuba nilai sejauhmana dasar ini tercapai sejak ianya diilhamkan bagi mencapai wawasan 2020. Pencapai boleh dinilai dari segi pembelajaran dan pengajaran dalam sains dan teknologi (kurikulum, kualiti-pengetahuan, kemahiran, kesungguhan- guru-guru, kemudahan dan teknologi yang ada, perlaksanaan, minat pelajar dan system), tenaga mahir, nisbah penyelidik:rakyat Malaysia, peruntukan kewangan, kemudahan yang disediakan, pencapaian penyelidikan dalam bidang udara, air, lautan, hutan belentara dan lain-lain.
Kita ada 9 tahun lagi sebelum 2020 dan 5 tahun untuk melihat pencapaian asasnya.

how to reduce stress in reading or examine thesis?

Thesis is a final product of research project for Bachelor, Masters or PhD Degrees. In the process of producing this final product, a lot of stress for the students, supervisors and may be the examiners of the thesis.

How to reduce the stress?
may be we need a good and committed students, good systems, supervisors, environment, facilities and leadership.
Or ask cats to help! train cats first.

how politics killing science

An epidemic of politics, this is what plagues science in many countries around the world, even in mature democracies like the United States and Italy.

#interferences with the freedom of scientific research
#ideology and politics have heavily interfered with science
#multi-drug therapy, anti-cancer treatment, transgenic plants, teaching of evolution from primary schools, derivation of embryonic stem cells, pre-implantation diagnosis and embryo freezing, or in fact biodiversity and conservation are always on the conflict due to the political and social intertest.
#careful consideration needed by the international community on the chronic enslavement of many scientific institutions to the world of politics
#scientists should leading role in contributing to the shaping of future society.
#public funding based on principles of transparency and competitiveness OR purely on the public priority for future geberations.

The World's Happiest Countries: Most of the nations atop our list are democratic, business-friendly, and boast strong social safety nets

For most, being happy starts with having enough money to do what you want and buy what you want. A nice home, food, clothes, car, leisure. All within reason.
The Top 5 Happiest countries in the World

No. 1: Norway
The world's highest per-capita GDP at $53,000 a year. Spending on health care is second-highest after the U.S. An unparalleled 74% of Norwegians say other people can be trusted, 94% are happy with the beauty of their environment, and a very high 93% believe hard work will help them get ahead in life. Having a lot of oil and gas reserves helps.
No. 2: Denmark
The world's lowest business startup costs, excellent education, unrestricted civil freedoms. Danes have overwhelming faith in their government and in each other, and report the highest standard of living in the world.
No. 3: Finland
Excellent education, universal health care, plentiful personal freedoms, trusted government, peaceful. Lots of R&D and low business startup costs give the Finns economic strength. But as is to be expected in a country with the highest redistribution of wealth, only 75% of Finns believe working hard will help them get ahead.
No. 4: Australia
Excellent education, strong personal freedoms, a tight-knit society. Australia's economy is strong, led by raw materials exports, but it's also a good place to start a business, with plentiful Internet connectivity and low startup costs. Aussies trust their government.
No. 5: New Zealand
With very high levels of social cohesion and a first-place ranking in education, New Zealanders trust and help each other. The country ranks first in civil liberties. Ninety-four percent found the beauty of their physical environment satisfying (the other 6% must be blind).

Happiness is much more than money.
Happiness is being healthy, free from pain, being able to take care of yourself, having good times with friends and family, being able to speak what's on your mind without fear, to worship the God of your choosing, and to feel safe and secure in your own home, having opportunity--to get an education, to be an entrepreneur, having a big idea and turning it into a thriving business, more reward for the hard work: No wonder they are infront in science and living.

Illegal logging in Pulau Ketam

Apa kata kalau kerajaan serius membasmi isu keselamatan negara, penyeludupan orang, mencuri bakau, jenayah hal-hal terlibat dan mendapat sokongan awam, kita buat operasi bersepadu askar, polis marin, pasukan penyelamat, PGM, kastam, imigresen, Jabatan Hutan, Jabatan Perhilitan, Jabatan Perikanan dan lain-lain berkaitan.Jadikan ini sebagai latihan bagi meningkatkan kemahiran kakitangan apabila berhadapan dengan suasana sebenar atau kecemasan.

Keyless entry systems vulnerable to high-tech car thieves

A remote keyless system is a system designed to remotely permit or deny access to premises or automobiles. There are several RKE systems on the market, including but not limited to KeeLoq by Microchip, HITAG by Philips, and AVR411 by Atmel.

In the case of automobiles an RKS performs the functions of a standard car key without physical contact; power door locks can be locked or unlocked from several feet away or even from inside a building. (In this regard, the term "keyless" is a misnomer since the fob acts as an electronic key. Locking it in the car is just as much of a problem as doing the same with a mechanical key.)

A remote keyless system can include both a remote keyless entry system (RKE) and a remote keyless ignition system (RKI).

Remote keyless systems first began appearing as an option on several American Motors vehicles in 1983, including the Renault Alliance. The feature gained its first widespread availability on General Motors' W-platform vehicles (the Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Pontiac Grand Prix) in 1989.
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How science can be bad! more interest and money for this kind of basic research needed.

Bila nak selesai kerja curi bakau di Malaysia?

Pokok bakau ditebang oleh orang yang diupah, misalnya orang Indonesia (PATI). Mereka mungkin tertipu dan tinggal di dalam hutan bakau. Siapa nak pergi siasat. Kayu bakau yang ditebang dikumpul di beberapa tempat dalam hutan simpan. Apabila sampai masanya dan di rasakan selamat maka kayu bakau itu akan di bawa ke jeti khas. Operasi ini berterusan kerana permintaan yang tinggi, harga mahal dan bekalan ada. Berapa lama kejadian ini telah berlaku tidak kita ketahui. Malangnya bagaimana ini boleh terus berlaku dan kenapa sukar di halang?
Mungkin ada empat atau lima peringkat operasi yang mantap dan licin. Pertama, pasukan yang menebang hutan yang berterusan di dalam hutan dan mengumpul di satu tempat. Siapa akan datang meninjau dalam hutan semasa air surut, bot tidak boleh masuk ke hutan bakau yang jauh dari orang ramai. Jabatan hutan, polis atau imigration tidak mungkin akan datang. Rakan mereka bekerja dalam pejabat berhawa dingin kenapa mereka harus bersusah untuk kehutan bakau, panas, lumpur busuk, bahaya, tidak selesa, gaji sama, tiada inisiatif khas/ganjaran dan macam-macam lagi alasan?; Kedua, ada pengawal khas yang mengatur pekerja dan hal ehwal kebajikan mereka seperti bekalan air, makanan dan keperluan asas serta menyampaikan maklumat; Ketiga, pengangkut bakau ke jeti pada masa terancang, selamat dan pantas; Ketiga, penerima di jeti dan pemunggah dengan cepat memindahkan ke destinasi; Keempat, penerima kayu bakau curi ini; dan kelima, taukeh yang menjalankan perniagaan licik ini. Bagaimana cara menyelesaikan hal ini? Polisi dan undang-undang, penguatkuasaan, prosidur dan sistem, kenalpasti masalah dan tindakan tepat, integriti kakitangan, kualiti dan kemahiran staf, sokongan masyarakat, perkongsian dan kerjasama semua jabatan penguatkuasaan berkaitan boleh menyelesaikan masalah dan mungkin ganjaran bagi yang dapat menangkap atau menghalang aktiviti curi kayu bakau ini ?. Peringkat mana harus di selesaikan dahulu, pembekal atau penerima? peringkat satu, dua, tiga, empat atau lima? ATAU semuanya tidak boleh kerana kita tidak mampu melakukannya. Seluruh rakyat mesti bangun kerana pencuri ini hanya mendapat keuntungan untuk diri sendiri, mencuri harta negara dan hak rakyat seluruhnya.Tahniah kepada Jabatan Hutan yang berjaya menahan kayu bakau dari di curi. Mungkin kerana kesungguhan dan penglibatan pegawai atasan yang komited dan sanggup turun padang bersama semua staf penguatkuasaan. Syabas!

Hutan bakau di persisiran pantai dan pulau yang dilindungi merupakan habitat penting kepada hidupan liar seperti burung-burung, disamping sumber hutan yang bernilai. Penebangan pokok bakau yang tidak sistematik memberi kesan kepada hidupan liar dan habitatnya.

Pesakit Mental Meningkat Hampir 16% di Malaysia?

A mental disorder or mental illness is a psychological or behavioral pattern generally associated with subjective distress or disability that occurs in an individual, and which are not a part of normal development or culture. The recognition and understanding of mental health conditions has changed over time and across cultures, and there are still variations in the definition, assessment, and classification of mental disorders, although standard guideline criteria are widely accepted. A few mental disorders are diagnosed based on the harm to others, regardless of the subject's perception of distress. Over a third of people in most countries report meeting criteria for the major categories at some point in their lives.

The causes are often explained in terms of a diathesis-stress model or biopsychosocial model. In biological psychiatry, mental disorders are conceptualized as disorders of brain circuits likely caused by developmental processes shaped by a complex interplay of genetics and experience.

Services are based in psychiatric hospitals or in the community. Diagnoses are made by psychiatrists or clinical psychologists using various methods, often relying on observation and questioning in interviews. Treatments are provided by various mental health professionals. Psychotherapy and psychiatric medication are two major treatment options as are social interventions, peer support and self-help. In some cases there may be involuntary detention and involuntary treatment where legislation allows.
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How nature can help this problems....... cut more trees and make small house. even animals in zoos have psycological problems. Nature and culture should go together. if we modify human nature then this wht we got. Thanks to nature. This year is an international year of forest. In March we will celebrate water day. every month we have nature related celebrations.... value the nature. MONEY is not everything.

Rich & Famous

The stars – the rich and famous – towards the environment. From red to green carpet.

Kuala Selangor Nature Park

One of the important Nature Education Centre (NEC) that need to be maintained and improved as needed.

Effective Performance

University Transformation

How far professors involve in the transformation of the university in teaching, research, extension, business,administration, procedures, etc. Refer to university way forwards in previous blog.

Power and Creativity of the FUTURE

The Secret Powers of Time

We certainly cannot underestimate the power of technology
We need to rewire young people brain in order to face future world or perhaps we need to redesign the world
If we look to our self we become busier this year compared to last year and before. We sacrifice a lot of friends, families and sleep

Do Schools Destroy Creativity?

This is a crisis of human resources. Before, we have the natural resources crises which end up with climate change.
Intellectual and culture and social movement are one of the effects of industralisation and environmental changes.
In the industrialisation era, marginalize many people is easier than develop and used all talented people. World need to be redesigned and curriculum in schools need to be reconstructed.
What kind of conceptual human essential needed? Do a simple survey among the young.
Now huge amount of money needed to clear up the mess that we have created.
We spending less money on higher education and knowledge development But we invest more money to clear up dysfunctions rather educated and develop talent.

Milky Stork

http://www.wildlife.gov.my/printed_material/kkb/kkb_fsUpeh_bi.pdf
http://www.wildlife.gov.my/printed_material/misc/Milky_Stork_Report.pdf
http://mns-n9melaka.yolasite.com/2011-01-milky-storks.php

Motivation OR Manipulation?

Motivation is the driving force which causes us to achieve goals. Motivation is said to be intrinsic or extrinsic. The term is generally used for humans but, theoretically, it can also be used to describe the causes for animal behavior as well. According to various theories, motivation may be rooted in a basic need to minimize physical pain and maximize pleasure, or it may include specific needs such as eating and resting, or a desired object, goal, state of being, ideal, or it may be attributed to less-apparent reasons such as altruism, selfishness, morality, or avoiding mortality. Conceptually, motivation should not be confused with either volition or optimism. Motivation is related to, but distinct from, emotion.
Manipulation is the intentional use of techniques based on the principles of psychology to engage, control, or influence the desires in order to direct its behavior toward a specific action. This practice is common to politics and business and can facilitate the approval or disapproval or indifference to a person, policy, or product. The ethical use of manipulation is debatable and depends on such factors as the intention of and the means used by the manipulator, as well as the ends achieved.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc&NR=1