In a nutshell, it was a privilege to attend the PgDip in Teaching and Learning. Yes, it did contribute to the mounting responsibilities of an academic, but in the end, it was worthwhile. Keeping an open mind toward the many models, concepts, approach, and recommendations encountered throughout the programme surely help to make the sessions less daunting and more enjoyable! Most importantly, I learnt about myself as an educator through the ‘many’ reflections throughout the learning modules. PgDip in T&L has provided me with the tools and knowledge to benchmark my teaching methods to the recommended practices so that I can continuously improve to be a better facilitator of students’ learning process.
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.
Switching from working with industry to teaching gives me the advantage to teach students how the concepts taught in a subject can be applied to industries. However, such knowledge and experiences are insufficient. PgDip (HETL) programme is needed to develop, improve, and strengthen my teaching competencies and abilities to relay my theoretical knowledge and industry experience to my target groups in an effective manner. PgDip (HETL) has increased my awareness of different teaching methods and communication techniques. During the programme, I produced a teaching portfolio and a tool for self-reflection, employed IT as teaching tools, exposed to various examination and evaluation techniques as well as current issues such as the relationship between research and teaching. Towards the end, I experienced a supervised teaching practicum that provides me with the opportunity to apply theories and classroom management skills in actual teaching and learning environments. Combining my work experiences and PgDip (HETL) programme, I am now equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the learning demands of the 21st-century learners.
As someone who has no experience in teaching, this course came to the rescue. I learnt a lot from a well-structured program that was offered in this course, especially on how to facilitate and enhance students’ learning experience. Besides, the assignments given was so meaningful that I can relate and apply it right away in my teaching and learning. It was indeed such a proud moment for me to finish my Postgraduate in Teaching and Learning. Now I feel the confidence to call myself as an educator.
PgDip course has helped me to improve my pedagogical knowledge and skills. From preparing lesson plans, I am applying various teaching methods and strategies, developing teaching activities, using another medium of instructions instead of Microsoft PowerPoint, capturing and retaining students’ attention, making teaching and learning more fun, and practising student-centred learning. These are the skills I have acquired from the course. I found that this course is an avenue where lecturers can beef up their teaching skills so that the students will be able to benefit from the sessions.
PgDip exposed me to different experiences that lecturers faced in teaching especially when interacting with internal and external customers. In the course, teaching was explained as a systematic approach where it should be aligned with students’ development (i.e., psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains). Additionally, the course enhanced my love for teaching and education.
PgDip (HETL) has strengthened my knowledge of learning and pedagogy. Through various courses, I have gained invaluable knowledge and skills, particularly on designing teaching and learning materials and using reflective thinking when designing a meaningful course or lesson plan. Other than that, we were introduced to action research in which we integrate teaching, learning, and research with the intent to improve teaching and learning. Indeed, this comprehensive and insightful programme has prepared me with the relevant knowledge and skills to improve my university teaching experiences.
Even though I have been in the education field for some time, I have learned a lot of new things from this programme. Apart from providing me with the time and opportunity to self-assess my knowledge and practice[s] in teaching and learning, it also assists me to become a better teacher and a better learner.
The Postgraduate Diploma course at UNIMAS was thorough as it covers curriculum and instructional designs to the technology used in teaching and learning. The teaching practice has allowed me to reflect on my teaching skills and improve myself. The instructors of this course are very professional, supportive, friendly, and always willing to help. I feel that the assignments, presentations, and examinations are quite rigorous, demanding, and time-consuming since I have to juggle my time with other commitment. However, these activities provide excellent reinforcement of the materials presented in the lectures. Finally, this course has provided me with a great understanding of educational principle and practices, and I benefit a lot from it.
I feel blessed to be given the opportunity to attend the UNIMAS PGDip programme. I've gained some invaluable knowledge and skills particularly in preparing the examination questions. Evaluation of students' performance must be valid and can be measured to produce good quality graduates in the future. I personally think that all lecturers regardless of their age or background should attend this properly planned programme. Let's make learning fun and memorable!
My learning and teaching in UNIMAS have significantly been enhanced and transformed as a result of joining the PgDip programme. Thank you to all staff and instructors of the programme.
It’s indeed an excellent training for us as academicians. It helps me to become a better and more effective lecturer in UNIMAS.
