Digital natives in education and work (Part 4)

Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)

The Malaysian Qualifications Agency or MQA is a statutory body in Malaysia set up to accredit academic programs provided by educational institutions providing post secondary or higher education and facilitate the recognition and articulation of qualifications.

Our contact person for MQA in MOHE is Associate Professor Dr Zarida Hambali (seconded from UPM Medical School).

Student-Centred Learning (SCL)

For medical school programs to be accredited, they must meet strict MQA requirements. Today, since teaching has moved from being teacher-centred teaching to student-centred learning (SCL), the way lecturers teach and students learn have changed considerably. We have moved from didactic lectures to self-regulated learning. Essentially students are supposed to manage their own learning. They must know how to study. They can choose how to study and when & where to learn. Lecturers are still available but students have to approach them rather than lecturers approach the students to help them. Lazy and shy students will be left behind. Overcoming shyness doesn't mean students should be rude.

Communication

Students who fail to communicate well will also shy away and fall behind in their studies. It is therefore, very important that parents as well as students, pay attention to communication and that students acquire sufficient communication skills or an adequate level of proficiency before they come to medical school. English is used to teach Medicine throughout the five years. Knowing how to speak in the English language is a skill. Being proficient is a bonus and is therefore desirous. Students can listen in on English news on local TV or ASTRO channels. A good period to pick up good communication skills is roughly about 3-6 months of intensive listening and practising. Don't waste time doing nothing about English communication skills.

Please take note that there is a great difference between speaking the Malaysian English accent, KL English accent or the Singapore English accent and British English (or Queen's English as it is called) or US English. Most of the lecturers in Malaysian medical schools are trained overseas and most speak either British English, Australian English, New Zealand English or US English. Students therefore may want to learn to speak these foreign English accents and try to move away from the accents of Manglish/KLish or Singalish which sound more Chinese than English. English courses are taught by Unit Bahasa and the "Sound of English" is an interesting subject to learn proper pronunciation and accent.

Language Gadgets

There are quite a number of gadgets that can help teach the English language. Of course having a live teacher plus a few gadgets help. Where do we begin? We begin with Poldy!