Wong Woei Ling | Open University Malaysia (original) (raw)

Papers by Wong Woei Ling

Journal of Research, Innovation, and Strategies for Education (RISE), 2024

In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving societal needs, fostering innovation in... more In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving societal needs, fostering innovation in education has become paramount. This study examines the six-year trajectory of the Guru Inovatif Program (GIP), a unique initiative designed to cultivate a culture of innovation among educators in Malaysia. Through a mixed-methods longitudinal approach, we analyzed the program's evolution from 2019 to 2024, focusing on participation trends, structural changes, and qualitative shifts in innovation quality. The results reveal a significant growth in participation, with numbers more than doubling from 34 to 71 over the study period. Statistical analysis showed a strong positive trend (R² = 0.893), indicating consistent program appeal. The GIP's structure evolved from a generalized approach to specialized categories, reflecting a nuanced understanding of diverse educational innovation needs. Qualitative analysis revealed a marked improvement in the sophistication of innovations, transitioning from basic idea generation to evidence-based, impactful projects. The implementation of a design thinking framework proved crucial in enhancing the quality and applicability of innovations. The program's success was underpinned by its adaptive structure, collaborative partnerships, and emphasis on real-world impact. This study provides valuable insights into sustaining long-term educational innovation initiatives, offering a model that balances structure with flexibility, and theory with practical application. The findings have significant implications for educational policymakers and administrators seeking to foster a culture of continuous innovation in education.

Borneo Management Review, 2023

This conceptual paper proposes a theoretical decision-making framework tailored for educational l... more This conceptual paper proposes a theoretical decision-making framework tailored for educational leaders navigating the complexities of institutional management in the dynamic landscape of education. The framework delineates a continuum between objectivity and subjectivity, acknowledging the nuanced interplay between data-driven insights and personal discretion. Positioned along the objectivity-subjectivity spectrum, decision-making is contextualized within the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments prevalent in education. The discourse extends to the realms of big data and small data, elucidating their complementary roles in informing educational decisions. Big data, characterized by extensive datasets, aids in global policy formulation, while small data provides localized insights for day-today improvements. The interpretative facet emphasizes aligning data interpretation with overarching educational goals, recognizing the subjectivity introduced by stakeholder perspectives. In the Malaysian context, VUCA challenges, including policy discrepancies and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the imperative for educational leaders to adapt and make inclusive, well-informed decisions. This conceptual exploration advocates for a flexible decision-making model that harmonizes data-driven precision with context-sensitive, humancentric approaches, laying the foundation for future research and collaborative endeavours in educational decision-making.

Brazilian Journal of Development, Apr 4, 2024

This paper proposes a continuous, linear data-driven innovation (DDI) model for education transfo... more This paper proposes a continuous, linear data-driven innovation (DDI) model for education transformation grounded in evidence-based tools and data analysis. It advocates prioritizing "big data" and "small data" to inform incremental innovative changes in pedagogical practices. A detailed example of applying this DDI model in a Malaysian primary school is provided, including using exam results and quality standards to select a target school and diagnostic tests to identify issues. An intervention is designed utilizing multiplication tables and evaluated through public exam performance. Subsequent teacher training and student programs emerge. The model catalyzes ongoing localized innovations.

Brazilian Journal of Development, 2024

This paper proposes a continuous, linear data-driven innovation (DDI) model for education transfo... more This paper proposes a continuous, linear data-driven innovation (DDI) model for education transformation grounded in evidence-based tools and data analysis. It advocates prioritizing "big data" and "small data" to inform incremental innovative changes in pedagogical practices. A detailed example of applying this DDI model in a Malaysian primary school is provided, including using exam results and quality standards to select a target school and diagnostic tests to identify issues. An intervention is designed utilizing multiplication tables and evaluated through public exam performance. Subsequent teacher training and student programs emerge. The model catalyzes ongoing localized innovations.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Aug 2, 2017

Language is, but not exclusively a tool for communication and this includes sign language. Sign l... more Language is, but not exclusively a tool for communication and this includes sign language. Sign language is an essential tool for deaf community to communicate and is often community-specific. At the local level, it is noticed that the main issue of creating a sustainable inclusive society lies in the wide spread of the significance of sign language. The gap between the hearing and hearing-impaired remains open, with effective leadership and universal access to public amenities remain constant. Consequently, this paper explores the general local landscape of Kuching (capital of Malaysian state of Sarawak), identifying existing policies and practices that can be leverage on for a more sustainable inclusive society for the deaf. The paper also proposes the replicating successful movement campaign such as #whyisign that could increase inclusion and success in building an inclusive society.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Aug 2, 2017

Language is, but not exclusively a tool for communication and this includes sign language. Sign l... more Language is, but not exclusively a tool for communication and this includes sign language. Sign language is an essential tool for deaf community to communicate and is often community-specific. At the local level, it is noticed that the main issue of creating a sustainable inclusive society lies in the wide spread of the significance of sign language. The gap between the hearing and hearing-impaired remains open, with effective leadership and universal access to public amenities remain constant. Consequently, this paper explores the general local landscape of Kuching (capital of Malaysian state of Sarawak), identifying existing policies and practices that can be leverage on for a more sustainable inclusive society for the deaf. The paper also proposes the replicating successful movement campaign such as #whyisign that could increase inclusion and success in building an inclusive society.

This poster focuses on sharing three multimedia apps online that could assist and enhance an inte... more This poster focuses on sharing three multimedia apps online that could assist and enhance an integrated language skill lesson specifically in addressing the shift to emergency online language teaching and learning during the pandemic period. The national English language curriculum is crafted primarily for face-to-face conventional language classrooms, with elements of technology incorporation. It is different from the demand of teaching the curriculum with technology. The obvious gap here is the mismatch between the designated national English language curriculum and the pedagogical demand for technology infused activities when schools are closed due to the pandemic. Subsequently, it is evident that educators would have to source for different supports and resources in order to conduct English language lessons effectively in the new context of language teaching and learning. Specifically, special attention has to be given to the administration of language lessons that could cater to listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Other consideration also includes formative assessment to continuously reflect on the lesson outcomes. This poster intends to share three specific multimedia apps that are less demanding on a user's ICT proficiency, lightweight on bandwidth, and cost free as an immediate relief to the pedagogical demand on teachers. Multimedia applications in this poster refer to applications that combine different content forms which can be explored in an interactive and usually non-linear way for both teacher and learners. Specific lesson examples are also included to illustrate how to use these multimedia apps as teaching tools for integrated language learning.

Evaluative feedback is often observed in the context of language classroom and are often dialogic... more Evaluative feedback is often observed in the context of language classroom and are often dialogic. A general rule of thumb is that evaluative feedback represents largely “post-observation evaluation” which relies on performance base criteria. For non-dialogic evaluative feedback it is usually dwindled down to written form such as appraisal reports. The domain of non-dialogic spoken evaluative feedback is a domain remained untapped due to restriction to such interaction platform. This qualitative discourse study aims to identify focus of spoken feedback and the different ways in handling non-dialogic spoken feedback among trained evaluators within the context of non-dialogic spoken evaluative feedback. This study adopts the theoretical Discourse Analysis Model that defines the "who", "what" and "how" spoken feedback is done in the context of speech presentations. The discourse community is a specific group of individuals who act in giving motivating and evaluative post-observation spoken feedback. This study is a qualitative study which involves the researcher as a participant and an observer. Subsequently, data is collected in the form of video recordings, field notes and simple follow-up interviews. Data analysis showed different strategies are adopted by evaluators in conveying a spoken feedback which is evaluative but also constructive in nature. The findings of the study are significant as identified strategies employed by the evaluators are generic and transferable to other learning or language contexts which could benefit in assisting and encouraging an individual to move forward and strive for excellence.

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH), 2020

Free online resources are user-friendly technologies which have become available through the Inte... more Free online resources are user-friendly technologies which have become available through the Internet in recent years and gaining popularity during Covid-19. Since learners use smartphones, free online resources are easily accessible. Books are portable, but learners find it somewhat difficult to learn English language via books which may only be available in the classroom context, whereas free online resources are easily accessed. The purpose of this study is to identify learners’ perception learning English via free online resources and traditional learning. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in the present study. Twenty-five international pre-elementary intensive English students took part in this study. It was found that learners perceived the free online resources as valuable tools for learning English in relation to reading, conversation, and vocabulary and also free online resources help promote free learning norms in learning the English language. The learner...

International Conference on Education, 2021

This paper presents the quantitative and qualitative result of a small case study that examined l... more This paper presents the quantitative and qualitative result of a small case study that examined lessons conducted fully online particularly on instructional and assessment strategies employed by upper secondary school during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown period. The case study involved two experienced Biology teachers from two different high performing schools in Kuching town. Data collected through classroom observation and standard observation instrument revealed adapted instructional and assessment strategies employed by the teachers when transitioning from conventional pedagogical practices to a total virtual environment. Participants of the study demonstrated the urgency for alternatives or improvised strategies to fulfil the intended learning outcomes. Data analysis also indicated suitability of the curriculum and teacher adaptation to ensure a successful lesson, especially the shift to total online teaching is more of an emergency intervention. This paper contributes to the literature in twofold ; first, a contribution to the literature on total online instructional and assessment strategies, and secondly, valuable insights to policy makers in designing and devising teacher training programmes.

With the introduction of Educational Reformation earlier on in 2009, National Key Result Area (NK... more With the introduction of Educational Reformation earlier on in 2009, National Key Result Area (NKRA) detailed Key Performance Index of various departments across the Ministry of Education to ensure quality education in the country. One of the programs launched in support of this in 2011 is the absorption of high performing teachers into District Education Office as School Improvement Subject Coaches (SISC+). SISC+ job scope includes provide support to school teachers, mentor and coach identified school teachers to achieve. Communication in peer coaching and mentoring involves speech acts of giving suggestions and feedback. However, these newly elected subject coaches (SISC+) often find themselves unfamiliar with the convention of effective feedback. In addition, previous studies suggest that the process of advice giving can be delicate and risky. One example is combination of politeness strategies that result in indirect suggestions, constituting what mentees view as “watered down” feedback. Hence, the key of successful advice giving may lie in the actual discourse of the feedback itself. The main objective of this qualitative discourse analysis study is to describe an evaluative discourse that can be applied like a template in post observation in general. Specifically, this study aims at extracting dominant themes in an evaluative discourse, demonstrated through the rhetorical distribution of evaluative properties of the corpus.

Acquired hearing loss most indefinitely affects many aspects of an individual's life (Knutson & L... more Acquired hearing loss most indefinitely affects many aspects of an individual's life (Knutson & Lansing, 1990), including those with mild or moderate hearing impairment who have chosen not to use a hearing aid (Hallam & Brooks, 1998). Instead, they intuitively shift to conversation tactics to assist themselves in hearing (Hallam & Corney, 2014). In addition, related literature mentioned that communication tactics seem to be related to different communication situations, particularly when communicative partner varies (Stephens, Jaworski, Lewis & Aslan, 1999). This study focuses on examining communication tactics adopted by an individual with SNHL at his workplace. The study is a small scale case study using CA approach. Data collected is triangulated to compensate the limited size of the data pool. Result finding shows that the individual with SNHL relies on metacommunication skill to make sense of the utterances of his CPs. His communication strategies vary according to his familiarity with the CP and the number of CP involved.

Conference Presentations by Wong Woei Ling

ICEL, ELTC-MOE, 2021

This poster focuses on sharing three multimedia apps online that could assist and enhance an inte... more This poster focuses on sharing three multimedia apps online that could assist and enhance an integrated language skill lesson specifically in addressing the shift to emergency online language teaching and learning during the pandemic period. The national English language curriculum is crafted primarily for face-to-face conventional language classrooms, with elements of technology incorporation. It is different from the demand of teaching the curriculum with technology. The obvious gap here is the mismatch between the designated national English language curriculum and the pedagogical demand for technology infused activities when schools are closed due to the pandemic. Subsequently, it is evident that educators would have to source for different supports and resources in order to conduct English language lessons effectively in the new context of language teaching and learning. Specifically, special attention has to be given to the administration of language lessons that could cater to listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Other consideration also includes formative assessment to continuously reflect on the lesson outcomes. This poster intends to share three specific multimedia apps that are less demanding on a user's ICT proficiency, lightweight on bandwidth, and cost free as an immediate relief to the pedagogical demand on teachers. Multimedia applications in this poster refer to applications that combine different content forms which can be explored in an interactive and usually non-linear way for both teacher and learners. Specific lesson examples are also included to illustrate how to use these multimedia apps as teaching tools for integrated language learning.

ICEL, ELTC-MOE, 2021

This poster focuses on sharing three multimedia apps online that could assist and enhance an inte... more This poster focuses on sharing three multimedia apps online that could assist and enhance an integrated language skill lesson specifically in addressing the shift to emergency online language teaching and learning during the pandemic period. The national English language curriculum is crafted primarily for face-to-face conventional language classrooms, with elements of technology incorporation. It is different from the demand of teaching the curriculum with technology. The obvious gap here is the mismatch between the designated national English language curriculum and the pedagogical demand for technology infused activities when schools are closed due to the pandemic. Subsequently, it is evident that educators would have to source for different supports and resources in order to conduct English language lessons effectively in the new context of language teaching and learning. Specifically, special attention has to be given to the administration of language lessons that could cater to listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Other consideration also includes formative assessment to continuously reflect on the lesson outcomes. This poster intends to share three specific multimedia apps that are less demanding on a user's ICT proficiency, lightweight on bandwidth, and cost free as an immediate relief to the pedagogical demand on teachers. Multimedia applications in this poster refer to applications that combine different content forms which can be explored in an interactive and usually non-linear way for both teacher and learners. Specific lesson examples are also included to illustrate how to use these multimedia apps as teaching tools for integrated language learning.

MUFLL 7th Post Grad Research Conference, 2019

Evaluative feedback is often observed in the context of language classroom and are often dialogic... more Evaluative feedback is often observed in the context of language classroom and are often dialogic. A general rule of thumb is that evaluative feedback represents largely “post-observation evaluation” which relies on performance base criteria. For non-dialogic evaluative feedback it is usually dwindled down to written form such as appraisal reports. The domain of non-dialogic spoken evaluative feedback is a domain remained untapped due to restriction to such interaction platform. This qualitative discourse study aims to identify focus of spoken feedback and the different ways in handling non-dialogic spoken feedback among trained evaluators within the context of non-dialogic spoken evaluative feedback. This study adopts the theoretical Discourse Analysis Model that defines the "who", "what" and "how" spoken feedback is done in the context of speech presentations. The discourse community is a specific group of individuals who act in giving motivating and evaluative post-observation spoken feedback. This study is a qualitative study which involves the researcher as a participant and an observer. Subsequently, data is collected in the form of video recordings, field notes and simple follow-up interviews. Data analysis showed different strategies are adopted by evaluators in conveying a spoken feedback which is evaluative but also constructive in nature. The findings of the study are significant as identified strategies employed by the evaluators are generic and transferable to other learning or language contexts which could benefit in assisting and encouraging an individual to move forward and strive for excellence.

Language is, but not exclusively a tool for communication and this includes sign language. Sign l... more Language is, but not exclusively a tool for communication and this includes sign language. Sign language is an essential tool for the deaf community to communicate and is often community-specific. At the local level, it is noticed that the main issue of creating a sustainable inclusive society lies in the wide spread of the significance of sign language. A quick review of the current local scenario in Kuching (capital city of Sarawak) as an inclusive society shows a significant gap between the hearing and hearing-impaired lies mostly in the component of effective leadership, while the components of universal access and integrated education remain constant. This paper takes the bottom up approach and proposes replicating successful movement campaign such as #whyisign that could increase inclusion and success in building an inclusive society.

In the past decade, school improvement theory has been increasingly realigned in order to reframe... more In the past decade, school improvement theory has been increasingly realigned in order to reframe schools as learning organizations (Sarkar Arani, Shibata & Matoba, 2007). Among all the improvements recommended, one of the central concepts is the need to develop a school-based training system which originated from Japan. It is termed as jugyou kenkyuu (Yoshida, 1999) or a kind of lesson study which refers to the process of instructional improvement on which a lesson is jointly planned, observed and discussed by the teachers concerned (Lewis, 2000). In Malaysia, English language teachers are expected to meet periodically and work collaboratively with their peers to form a peer-led culture of excellence. On top of that, they also work closely with assigned School Improvement Specialist Coaches (SISC+) at least twice a week. The lesson study (jugyou kenkyuu) is the most widely adopted training system in these meetings. This paper proposes a demonstration of this training system where eLesson, an iOS application that was developed specifically by the author (Wong, 2015) is used as a major tool for the teachers to plan differentiated English lesson plans collaboratively.

Journal of Research, Innovation, and Strategies for Education (RISE), 2024

In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving societal needs, fostering innovation in... more In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving societal needs, fostering innovation in education has become paramount. This study examines the six-year trajectory of the Guru Inovatif Program (GIP), a unique initiative designed to cultivate a culture of innovation among educators in Malaysia. Through a mixed-methods longitudinal approach, we analyzed the program's evolution from 2019 to 2024, focusing on participation trends, structural changes, and qualitative shifts in innovation quality. The results reveal a significant growth in participation, with numbers more than doubling from 34 to 71 over the study period. Statistical analysis showed a strong positive trend (R² = 0.893), indicating consistent program appeal. The GIP's structure evolved from a generalized approach to specialized categories, reflecting a nuanced understanding of diverse educational innovation needs. Qualitative analysis revealed a marked improvement in the sophistication of innovations, transitioning from basic idea generation to evidence-based, impactful projects. The implementation of a design thinking framework proved crucial in enhancing the quality and applicability of innovations. The program's success was underpinned by its adaptive structure, collaborative partnerships, and emphasis on real-world impact. This study provides valuable insights into sustaining long-term educational innovation initiatives, offering a model that balances structure with flexibility, and theory with practical application. The findings have significant implications for educational policymakers and administrators seeking to foster a culture of continuous innovation in education.

Borneo Management Review, 2023

This conceptual paper proposes a theoretical decision-making framework tailored for educational l... more This conceptual paper proposes a theoretical decision-making framework tailored for educational leaders navigating the complexities of institutional management in the dynamic landscape of education. The framework delineates a continuum between objectivity and subjectivity, acknowledging the nuanced interplay between data-driven insights and personal discretion. Positioned along the objectivity-subjectivity spectrum, decision-making is contextualized within the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments prevalent in education. The discourse extends to the realms of big data and small data, elucidating their complementary roles in informing educational decisions. Big data, characterized by extensive datasets, aids in global policy formulation, while small data provides localized insights for day-today improvements. The interpretative facet emphasizes aligning data interpretation with overarching educational goals, recognizing the subjectivity introduced by stakeholder perspectives. In the Malaysian context, VUCA challenges, including policy discrepancies and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the imperative for educational leaders to adapt and make inclusive, well-informed decisions. This conceptual exploration advocates for a flexible decision-making model that harmonizes data-driven precision with context-sensitive, humancentric approaches, laying the foundation for future research and collaborative endeavours in educational decision-making.

Brazilian Journal of Development, Apr 4, 2024

This paper proposes a continuous, linear data-driven innovation (DDI) model for education transfo... more This paper proposes a continuous, linear data-driven innovation (DDI) model for education transformation grounded in evidence-based tools and data analysis. It advocates prioritizing "big data" and "small data" to inform incremental innovative changes in pedagogical practices. A detailed example of applying this DDI model in a Malaysian primary school is provided, including using exam results and quality standards to select a target school and diagnostic tests to identify issues. An intervention is designed utilizing multiplication tables and evaluated through public exam performance. Subsequent teacher training and student programs emerge. The model catalyzes ongoing localized innovations.

Brazilian Journal of Development, 2024

This paper proposes a continuous, linear data-driven innovation (DDI) model for education transfo... more This paper proposes a continuous, linear data-driven innovation (DDI) model for education transformation grounded in evidence-based tools and data analysis. It advocates prioritizing "big data" and "small data" to inform incremental innovative changes in pedagogical practices. A detailed example of applying this DDI model in a Malaysian primary school is provided, including using exam results and quality standards to select a target school and diagnostic tests to identify issues. An intervention is designed utilizing multiplication tables and evaluated through public exam performance. Subsequent teacher training and student programs emerge. The model catalyzes ongoing localized innovations.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Aug 2, 2017

Language is, but not exclusively a tool for communication and this includes sign language. Sign l... more Language is, but not exclusively a tool for communication and this includes sign language. Sign language is an essential tool for deaf community to communicate and is often community-specific. At the local level, it is noticed that the main issue of creating a sustainable inclusive society lies in the wide spread of the significance of sign language. The gap between the hearing and hearing-impaired remains open, with effective leadership and universal access to public amenities remain constant. Consequently, this paper explores the general local landscape of Kuching (capital of Malaysian state of Sarawak), identifying existing policies and practices that can be leverage on for a more sustainable inclusive society for the deaf. The paper also proposes the replicating successful movement campaign such as #whyisign that could increase inclusion and success in building an inclusive society.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Aug 2, 2017

Language is, but not exclusively a tool for communication and this includes sign language. Sign l... more Language is, but not exclusively a tool for communication and this includes sign language. Sign language is an essential tool for deaf community to communicate and is often community-specific. At the local level, it is noticed that the main issue of creating a sustainable inclusive society lies in the wide spread of the significance of sign language. The gap between the hearing and hearing-impaired remains open, with effective leadership and universal access to public amenities remain constant. Consequently, this paper explores the general local landscape of Kuching (capital of Malaysian state of Sarawak), identifying existing policies and practices that can be leverage on for a more sustainable inclusive society for the deaf. The paper also proposes the replicating successful movement campaign such as #whyisign that could increase inclusion and success in building an inclusive society.

This poster focuses on sharing three multimedia apps online that could assist and enhance an inte... more This poster focuses on sharing three multimedia apps online that could assist and enhance an integrated language skill lesson specifically in addressing the shift to emergency online language teaching and learning during the pandemic period. The national English language curriculum is crafted primarily for face-to-face conventional language classrooms, with elements of technology incorporation. It is different from the demand of teaching the curriculum with technology. The obvious gap here is the mismatch between the designated national English language curriculum and the pedagogical demand for technology infused activities when schools are closed due to the pandemic. Subsequently, it is evident that educators would have to source for different supports and resources in order to conduct English language lessons effectively in the new context of language teaching and learning. Specifically, special attention has to be given to the administration of language lessons that could cater to listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Other consideration also includes formative assessment to continuously reflect on the lesson outcomes. This poster intends to share three specific multimedia apps that are less demanding on a user's ICT proficiency, lightweight on bandwidth, and cost free as an immediate relief to the pedagogical demand on teachers. Multimedia applications in this poster refer to applications that combine different content forms which can be explored in an interactive and usually non-linear way for both teacher and learners. Specific lesson examples are also included to illustrate how to use these multimedia apps as teaching tools for integrated language learning.

Evaluative feedback is often observed in the context of language classroom and are often dialogic... more Evaluative feedback is often observed in the context of language classroom and are often dialogic. A general rule of thumb is that evaluative feedback represents largely “post-observation evaluation” which relies on performance base criteria. For non-dialogic evaluative feedback it is usually dwindled down to written form such as appraisal reports. The domain of non-dialogic spoken evaluative feedback is a domain remained untapped due to restriction to such interaction platform. This qualitative discourse study aims to identify focus of spoken feedback and the different ways in handling non-dialogic spoken feedback among trained evaluators within the context of non-dialogic spoken evaluative feedback. This study adopts the theoretical Discourse Analysis Model that defines the "who", "what" and "how" spoken feedback is done in the context of speech presentations. The discourse community is a specific group of individuals who act in giving motivating and evaluative post-observation spoken feedback. This study is a qualitative study which involves the researcher as a participant and an observer. Subsequently, data is collected in the form of video recordings, field notes and simple follow-up interviews. Data analysis showed different strategies are adopted by evaluators in conveying a spoken feedback which is evaluative but also constructive in nature. The findings of the study are significant as identified strategies employed by the evaluators are generic and transferable to other learning or language contexts which could benefit in assisting and encouraging an individual to move forward and strive for excellence.

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH), 2020

Free online resources are user-friendly technologies which have become available through the Inte... more Free online resources are user-friendly technologies which have become available through the Internet in recent years and gaining popularity during Covid-19. Since learners use smartphones, free online resources are easily accessible. Books are portable, but learners find it somewhat difficult to learn English language via books which may only be available in the classroom context, whereas free online resources are easily accessed. The purpose of this study is to identify learners’ perception learning English via free online resources and traditional learning. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in the present study. Twenty-five international pre-elementary intensive English students took part in this study. It was found that learners perceived the free online resources as valuable tools for learning English in relation to reading, conversation, and vocabulary and also free online resources help promote free learning norms in learning the English language. The learner...

International Conference on Education, 2021

This paper presents the quantitative and qualitative result of a small case study that examined l... more This paper presents the quantitative and qualitative result of a small case study that examined lessons conducted fully online particularly on instructional and assessment strategies employed by upper secondary school during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown period. The case study involved two experienced Biology teachers from two different high performing schools in Kuching town. Data collected through classroom observation and standard observation instrument revealed adapted instructional and assessment strategies employed by the teachers when transitioning from conventional pedagogical practices to a total virtual environment. Participants of the study demonstrated the urgency for alternatives or improvised strategies to fulfil the intended learning outcomes. Data analysis also indicated suitability of the curriculum and teacher adaptation to ensure a successful lesson, especially the shift to total online teaching is more of an emergency intervention. This paper contributes to the literature in twofold ; first, a contribution to the literature on total online instructional and assessment strategies, and secondly, valuable insights to policy makers in designing and devising teacher training programmes.

With the introduction of Educational Reformation earlier on in 2009, National Key Result Area (NK... more With the introduction of Educational Reformation earlier on in 2009, National Key Result Area (NKRA) detailed Key Performance Index of various departments across the Ministry of Education to ensure quality education in the country. One of the programs launched in support of this in 2011 is the absorption of high performing teachers into District Education Office as School Improvement Subject Coaches (SISC+). SISC+ job scope includes provide support to school teachers, mentor and coach identified school teachers to achieve. Communication in peer coaching and mentoring involves speech acts of giving suggestions and feedback. However, these newly elected subject coaches (SISC+) often find themselves unfamiliar with the convention of effective feedback. In addition, previous studies suggest that the process of advice giving can be delicate and risky. One example is combination of politeness strategies that result in indirect suggestions, constituting what mentees view as “watered down” feedback. Hence, the key of successful advice giving may lie in the actual discourse of the feedback itself. The main objective of this qualitative discourse analysis study is to describe an evaluative discourse that can be applied like a template in post observation in general. Specifically, this study aims at extracting dominant themes in an evaluative discourse, demonstrated through the rhetorical distribution of evaluative properties of the corpus.

Acquired hearing loss most indefinitely affects many aspects of an individual's life (Knutson & L... more Acquired hearing loss most indefinitely affects many aspects of an individual's life (Knutson & Lansing, 1990), including those with mild or moderate hearing impairment who have chosen not to use a hearing aid (Hallam & Brooks, 1998). Instead, they intuitively shift to conversation tactics to assist themselves in hearing (Hallam & Corney, 2014). In addition, related literature mentioned that communication tactics seem to be related to different communication situations, particularly when communicative partner varies (Stephens, Jaworski, Lewis & Aslan, 1999). This study focuses on examining communication tactics adopted by an individual with SNHL at his workplace. The study is a small scale case study using CA approach. Data collected is triangulated to compensate the limited size of the data pool. Result finding shows that the individual with SNHL relies on metacommunication skill to make sense of the utterances of his CPs. His communication strategies vary according to his familiarity with the CP and the number of CP involved.

ICEL, ELTC-MOE, 2021

This poster focuses on sharing three multimedia apps online that could assist and enhance an inte... more This poster focuses on sharing three multimedia apps online that could assist and enhance an integrated language skill lesson specifically in addressing the shift to emergency online language teaching and learning during the pandemic period. The national English language curriculum is crafted primarily for face-to-face conventional language classrooms, with elements of technology incorporation. It is different from the demand of teaching the curriculum with technology. The obvious gap here is the mismatch between the designated national English language curriculum and the pedagogical demand for technology infused activities when schools are closed due to the pandemic. Subsequently, it is evident that educators would have to source for different supports and resources in order to conduct English language lessons effectively in the new context of language teaching and learning. Specifically, special attention has to be given to the administration of language lessons that could cater to listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Other consideration also includes formative assessment to continuously reflect on the lesson outcomes. This poster intends to share three specific multimedia apps that are less demanding on a user's ICT proficiency, lightweight on bandwidth, and cost free as an immediate relief to the pedagogical demand on teachers. Multimedia applications in this poster refer to applications that combine different content forms which can be explored in an interactive and usually non-linear way for both teacher and learners. Specific lesson examples are also included to illustrate how to use these multimedia apps as teaching tools for integrated language learning.

ICEL, ELTC-MOE, 2021

This poster focuses on sharing three multimedia apps online that could assist and enhance an inte... more This poster focuses on sharing three multimedia apps online that could assist and enhance an integrated language skill lesson specifically in addressing the shift to emergency online language teaching and learning during the pandemic period. The national English language curriculum is crafted primarily for face-to-face conventional language classrooms, with elements of technology incorporation. It is different from the demand of teaching the curriculum with technology. The obvious gap here is the mismatch between the designated national English language curriculum and the pedagogical demand for technology infused activities when schools are closed due to the pandemic. Subsequently, it is evident that educators would have to source for different supports and resources in order to conduct English language lessons effectively in the new context of language teaching and learning. Specifically, special attention has to be given to the administration of language lessons that could cater to listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Other consideration also includes formative assessment to continuously reflect on the lesson outcomes. This poster intends to share three specific multimedia apps that are less demanding on a user's ICT proficiency, lightweight on bandwidth, and cost free as an immediate relief to the pedagogical demand on teachers. Multimedia applications in this poster refer to applications that combine different content forms which can be explored in an interactive and usually non-linear way for both teacher and learners. Specific lesson examples are also included to illustrate how to use these multimedia apps as teaching tools for integrated language learning.

MUFLL 7th Post Grad Research Conference, 2019

Evaluative feedback is often observed in the context of language classroom and are often dialogic... more Evaluative feedback is often observed in the context of language classroom and are often dialogic. A general rule of thumb is that evaluative feedback represents largely “post-observation evaluation” which relies on performance base criteria. For non-dialogic evaluative feedback it is usually dwindled down to written form such as appraisal reports. The domain of non-dialogic spoken evaluative feedback is a domain remained untapped due to restriction to such interaction platform. This qualitative discourse study aims to identify focus of spoken feedback and the different ways in handling non-dialogic spoken feedback among trained evaluators within the context of non-dialogic spoken evaluative feedback. This study adopts the theoretical Discourse Analysis Model that defines the "who", "what" and "how" spoken feedback is done in the context of speech presentations. The discourse community is a specific group of individuals who act in giving motivating and evaluative post-observation spoken feedback. This study is a qualitative study which involves the researcher as a participant and an observer. Subsequently, data is collected in the form of video recordings, field notes and simple follow-up interviews. Data analysis showed different strategies are adopted by evaluators in conveying a spoken feedback which is evaluative but also constructive in nature. The findings of the study are significant as identified strategies employed by the evaluators are generic and transferable to other learning or language contexts which could benefit in assisting and encouraging an individual to move forward and strive for excellence.

Language is, but not exclusively a tool for communication and this includes sign language. Sign l... more Language is, but not exclusively a tool for communication and this includes sign language. Sign language is an essential tool for the deaf community to communicate and is often community-specific. At the local level, it is noticed that the main issue of creating a sustainable inclusive society lies in the wide spread of the significance of sign language. A quick review of the current local scenario in Kuching (capital city of Sarawak) as an inclusive society shows a significant gap between the hearing and hearing-impaired lies mostly in the component of effective leadership, while the components of universal access and integrated education remain constant. This paper takes the bottom up approach and proposes replicating successful movement campaign such as #whyisign that could increase inclusion and success in building an inclusive society.

In the past decade, school improvement theory has been increasingly realigned in order to reframe... more In the past decade, school improvement theory has been increasingly realigned in order to reframe schools as learning organizations (Sarkar Arani, Shibata & Matoba, 2007). Among all the improvements recommended, one of the central concepts is the need to develop a school-based training system which originated from Japan. It is termed as jugyou kenkyuu (Yoshida, 1999) or a kind of lesson study which refers to the process of instructional improvement on which a lesson is jointly planned, observed and discussed by the teachers concerned (Lewis, 2000). In Malaysia, English language teachers are expected to meet periodically and work collaboratively with their peers to form a peer-led culture of excellence. On top of that, they also work closely with assigned School Improvement Specialist Coaches (SISC+) at least twice a week. The lesson study (jugyou kenkyuu) is the most widely adopted training system in these meetings. This paper proposes a demonstration of this training system where eLesson, an iOS application that was developed specifically by the author (Wong, 2015) is used as a major tool for the teachers to plan differentiated English lesson plans collaboratively.