PgDip is a good platform for me to enhance my skills and practices related to teaching and learning. To me, PgDip has given a strong foundation to me because the subjects offered are current and up to date. I feel that my self-efficacy and confidence is now increasing due to the processes that I had gone through in PgDip classes. I am passionate to apply theories and techniques that I have learned to ensure the smooth sailing in my class. I make use of creative ways to cater to the needs of my students like playing games, getting students to do outdoor activities, and try to apply problem-based learning approaches.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning has changed my personal view on teaching and learning. In fact, it had made me realise the importance of student-centred learning activities in our daily lectures. In addition, it has also helped me to develop the essential knowledge and professional skills required for teaching at university. Therefore, I would like to recommend all lecturers to take advantage and enrol into the programme which also increases our self-confidence.

In order to go in line with the demands, educators nowadays have to be equipped with both the subject knowledge and the “know-how” to deliver his or her subject knowledge. Both are equally important as they complement each other—without one, great learning can never be achieved. One can learn the subject knowledge after years of study. But when it comes to teaching, the educator has to undergo a thorough makeover via formal training and most importantly experience the teaching by him or herself. This is where PgDip plays its roles. It provides an opportunity for young academicians like me to learn and experience the “know-how” in a real classroom setting.

As a young lecturer, the programme has helped me become a better lecturer through exposure to effective delivery, different techniques, understanding my audiences (students) as well as exposure to appropriate applications of learning theories at the university level. Topics on instructional design and counselling have opened my mind about becoming a good supervisor and a good mentor. Also, the module on the assessment of learning helped me in test design through reliability and item analysis. I believe PgDip has brought a lot of benefits to all teaching staff in UNIMAS.

I am honoured to complete all 8 courses in PgDip (HETL) programme. I am now able to apply many known best practices in teaching and learning to my own teaching and learning process, particularly in terms of my lesson delivery. Most students feel so excited when it comes to student-centred learning activities. I used Web 2.0 tools (e.g. Padlet, AnswerGarden, Powtoon, Kahoot!) to provide interactive teaching and form more interesting brainstorming sessions. I often end my teaching and learning session with trigger questions for students to ponder and encourage the creation of innovative ideas. Truly, PgDip (HETL) is a holistic programme that provides not just the theories in teaching and learning but also ample opportunities to put these theories into practice. Thank you to all the instructors, CALM, and UNIMAS.