Rosna Awang-Hashim | Universiti Utara Malaysia (original) (raw)

Papers by Rosna Awang-Hashim

Research paper thumbnail of Statistical identification of predictors of dropout in secondary education: evidence from Malaysia

Journal of the Asia Pacific economy, Jan 27, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Willingness to Communicate in English as a Second Language among Malaysian Undergraduates

Journal of Communication in Scientific Inquiry (JCSI), 2022

Learning English as second language is a complex process. To become a fluent speaker of the langu... more Learning English as second language is a complex process. To become a fluent speaker of the language, students must be willing to communicate in the target language. Unfortunately, as often observed in many L2 classrooms, many students choose to remain quiet rather than take the opportunity to use the language to communicate with their fellow classmates and instructors. Researchers attributed this behaviour to the students’ willingness to communicate in the second language. However, research involving Malaysian students and willingness to communicate is still lacking. Therefore, this study attempts to fill in the gap by examining the level of willingness to communicate in English as a second language among 239 undergraduates at a Malaysian university campus in northern Malaysia. In addition, this study also aimed to determine whether the level of willingness to communicate in English among the undergraduates differs according to gender. Questionnaires were used to elicit responses from the students. Findings indicate that Malaysian undergraduates have a moderate level of willingness to communicate in the target language; gender does not influence willingness to communicate; and perceived competence in the target language appears to be the deciding factor of their willingness to communicate in English as a second language.

Research paper thumbnail of Examining L2 Speaking Anxiety among Malaysian Undergraduates Authors

ICCCM Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, Apr 2023

Feeling anxious or experiencing anxiety in the second language (L2) classroom is a common phenome... more Feeling anxious or experiencing anxiety in the second language (L2) classroom is a common phenomenon among many L2 learners. Studies have found that anxiety can affect learners’ language learning process and performance in a negative way. Among the four language skills, the speaking skill which requires the learners to speak in the target language has been shown to be the most anxiety provoking among the learners. However, language-skill-specific anxiety such as speaking anxiety is relatively new compared to the well-known general foreign language anxiety. As such, there is a need to investigate it in the Malaysian context. To achieve that, 298 undergraduates at a Malaysian institution of higher education were involved in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Statistical analysis indicated that the participants exhibited a moderate level of speaking anxiety. Also, there was a significant difference between the level of speaking anxiety between male and female. Finally, the number one cause of speaking anxiety among the participants was their perception of their competency in the target language.

Research paper thumbnail of Women leadership in higher education: Can the glass ceiling be broken

Research paper thumbnail of Early detection measures: addressing Unemployability using Modified Angoff in situational judgment test

Research paper thumbnail of Repositioning the inclusive perspectives in globalized schools through advocacy optimization of reflective practitioners

Teacher Professional Knowledge and Development for Reflective and Inclusive Practices, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Grade five indigenous (Orang Asli) pupil’s achievement in bilingual versions of mathematics test

Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Principal's Coalition Building and Personal Traits Brings Success to a Struggling School in Malaysia

The Qualitative Report, Oct 15, 2017

This paper presents findings from a single site case study of a school in a rural part of Malaysi... more This paper presents findings from a single site case study of a school in a rural part of Malaysia. Based on data collected through semi-structured interviews of the principal, teachers, students and parents, and observations, document scanning and field notes, the study attempts to identify the context under which the school operates, the core practices of the school principal and the enactment of these core practices. The data analysis was carried out through data reduction resulting in initial themes which were further refined several times until consensus was achieved. The themes were then discussed under the light of theories resulting in the final categories. The findings reveal that personal traits of the principal and her strength of building strong coalitions enabled her to successfully meet her contextual challenges. In conclusion, we argue that leadership practices are multidimensional and although successful principals draw from the similar repertoire of core practices, they enact these core practices in response to their own unique contexts to bring success. The findings would provide important insights for principals and future researchers who might be interested in conducting similar studies to enrich the successful school leadership literature from Malaysian context.

Research paper thumbnail of The effects of state and trait worry, self-efficacy, and effort on statistics achievement of Malay and Chinese undergraduates in Malaysia: A causal modeling approach

Research paper thumbnail of 1EXAMINING Learners ’ Language Learning Strategies

A number of researchers have examined variables/factors that affect the choice of language learni... more A number of researchers have examined variables/factors that affect the choice of language learning strategies. Some of the variables, such as language teaching method, language learning level, field of specialization and national origin are claimed to correlate with learners ’ choice of language learning strategies. This paper aims at investigating the types of language learning strategies usedby students at tertiary level and discusses whether variables such as sex, race and programme of study influence the choice of language learning strategies. The instrument for data collection was the SILL (Strategy Inventory for Language Learning) adapted from Oxford SILL version 7.0. The findings are discussed. Implications forthe teaching and learning of English in EFL/ESL situations are suggested. Background In recent years there has been an increasing interest in shifting the focus of the teacher-centred classroom to a learner-centred one. This

Research paper thumbnail of Teacher Equity and Cultural Implications for Educational Administration

Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education, 2020

Monumental shifts in education, in situations of leading global changes in the local culture, tri... more Monumental shifts in education, in situations of leading global changes in the local culture, trigger profound repercussions on teachers. In view of reconstructionism, this article enquires into the evolving nuances of administrative reforms, unfolding the cultural links and reciprocal influences between teacher equity and educational administration. On the premise that reforms are triggers of administrative development, it positions teacher equity—a flexible individualization in a networked relationship—both as an enabling platform and as a cultural tool, to maintain a system in action. It argues that impacting change is envisaged as an arduous initiative when competing interests thrive within the system. To maintain administrative coherence and teaching force productivity, people’s perspectives and responses to change are coherent for the advancement and benefit of the entire system. Developing learning capacities such as adaptation and reconstruction form the critical core of an ...

Research paper thumbnail of Malaysian University Student Learning Involvement Scale (MUSLIS): Validation of a Student Engagement Model

Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 2012

Purpose – In western countries, a model to explain student engagement in college or university ha... more Purpose – In western countries, a model to explain student engagement in college or university has long been established. However, there is a lack of research to develop and validate a model which may help to better understand student engagement in the local university context. There is currently no established instrument to measure student engagement specifically in the Malaysian (or Asian) university context. This study was conducted to fill the gap. A measurement model on student engagement in the Malaysian university context, based on Astin’s (1984) Student Involvement Theory, was developed and validated for use in the local context. Methodology – This study uses a survey research method to test the Malaysian University Student Learning Involvement Scale (MUSLIS), a measurement model of student engagement in the local university context. The MUSLIS is a 24-item scale designed to obtain feedback on the extent of student engagement at the tertiary level in the Malaysian context....

Research paper thumbnail of Examining the Influence of a Cognitive Activity on Learners’ Language Proficiency and Critical Thinking Ability

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges of Service Learning Practices: Student and Faculty Perspectives from Malaysia

Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 2020

Purpose – The primary aim of service learning is to produce holistically developed students. Desp... more Purpose – The primary aim of service learning is to produce holistically developed students. Despite the mandate from the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia to infuse service learning in the programs of studies since 2015, service learning in the country remains in its infancy. Critical insights concerning contextual compatibility are still missing in the Malaysian context. In this regard, the current paper aims to investigate the perspectives of lecturers and students on the challenges they have encountered while participating in service learning. Methodology – The study employed a qualitative approach and the principles of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) guided the collection of data. Students and lecturers who participated in the study were selected using purposive sampling techniques. The data from the students was collected using focus group interviews, while in-depth face to face interviews were used to collect data from the lecturers. These two sources of data...

Research paper thumbnail of The life story of a resilient underprivileged youth: The motivation to learn soft skills to thrive

Purpose - The study aims to explore and analyse how Firdaus, an underprivileged blind individual ... more Purpose - The study aims to explore and analyse how Firdaus, an underprivileged blind individual from an extremely poor family, developed soft skills and resilience to thrive in life, despite the life challenges faced which could have easily hindered the development of his abilities and skills.This is important to be analysed because the Ministry of Higher Education 2015 Graduate Tracer Research Report had stated that most of the unemployed graduates are underprivileged, and the related literature mostly highlighted that the unemployment in Malaysia is mainly due to lack of soft skills (Abdul Hamid, Islam, & Hazilah Abd Manaf, 2014; Abdul Karim et al., 2012; Pillai, Stefanie; Khan, Mahmud H.; Ibrahim, Ida Syahirah; Raphael, 2011 and Zaharim, Ahmad, Yusoff, Omar, & Basri, 2012). Empirical evidence shows that soft skills are the least developed in the underprivileged from a very young age due to their upbringing and exposure (Duncan,Magnuson & Votruba-drzal, 2014; Garcia, 2015). There...

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring Religion Based Persuasive Factors to Rationalise Violence Among Muslim Youth in Malaysia

The current study presents a qualitative experimental design that combines the elements of an exp... more The current study presents a qualitative experimental design that combines the elements of an experiment with qualitative design to investigate the persuasive factors that rationalize violence among youth in Malaysia. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews from twenty-four participants who were exposed to an intervention of videos and PowerPoint slides to elicit their responses on a situation. This study provides a way to understand factors that could lead selected youths to rationalize extremism in a society. The findings provide insight into the role of persuasive messaging in recruiting youth towards extremist behaviours. Keywords: extremism; communication; youth; persuasion

Research paper thumbnail of Teori ujian dan pentaksiran pendidikan

Buku ini membincangkan teori utama dalam pentaksiran pendidikan iaitu Teori Ujian Klasik dan Teor... more Buku ini membincangkan teori utama dalam pentaksiran pendidikan iaitu Teori Ujian Klasik dan Teori Ujian Moden (Teori Respons Item).Buku ini juga memperkenalkan konsep asas pengukuran, ujian, penilaian dan pentaksiran yang sering menjadi isu dalam kalangan pendidik dan para psikologi.Di samping itu, turut dibincangkan statistik asas yang diperlukan dalam bidang pentaksiran untuk menganalisis dan mentafsirkan data.Buku ini sesuai dalam bidang pendidikan dan menjadi panduan kepada guru dan pensyarah dari segi pembinaan ujian yang berkualiti selaras dengan perkembangan dan keperluan Pendidikan Berasaskan Hasil. Konsep pentaksiran formatif dan sumatif, jenis-jenis ujian objektif dan subjektif serta kaedah pemarkahan juga turut diperkenalkan dalam buku ini.Pada bahagian akhir buku, diperkenalkan tentang statistik asas untuk mentaksir item dan data skor ujian pelajar.Jadual spesifikasi item, analisis item dan penetapan standard markah lulus juga dibincangkan.Pelajar sering melihat pentaks...

Research paper thumbnail of Testing factorial validity of motivational constructs using confirmatory factor analysis

The present study examines the validity of the newly translated Malay version of the "State ... more The present study examines the validity of the newly translated Malay version of the "State Self-assessment" and "Trait Self-assessment" instruments. These instruments are each composed of three constructs that are considered integral to the social cognitive theories of motivation: self-eficacy, efort, and worry. Data were collected from 360 college undergraduates at Universiti Utara Malaysia. A confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the measurement model. Multiple group invariance analyses were also conducted to examine whether components of the measurement model were invariant across gender and ethnic groups (Malay and Chinese from Malaysia). Findings provide support for the reliability and factorial validity of the constructs. Results from the multi-group analyses suggest that all constructs are structured similarly across gender and ethnic groups.

Research paper thumbnail of Practicing Entrepreneurial Learning as Learning Method at Middle School Students

Entrepreneurship education as method needs further exploration in the context of school. Entrepre... more Entrepreneurship education as method needs further exploration in the context of school. Entrepreneurship Center of Ciputra University collaborated with a number of schools in Indonesia developed the K-12, Ciputra Way Learning Cycle. As many as 355 final year students from six schools were involved in this study to gain better understanding towards the factors influencing entrepreneurial competences. Using the method of Structural Equation Model (SEM), result shows that growth orientation, assessment for improvement, positively influence entrepreneurial competences.

Research paper thumbnail of Gender differences in the Perception of Social Support and Cognitive Engagement

A number of studies have provided evidence of the link between social support factors and academi... more A number of studies have provided evidence of the link between social support factors and academic achievement and a strong relation between cognitive engagement and achievement outcomes. However, the relationships between social support factors and cognitive engagement have seldom been tested. The present study is aimed at proposing latent factor modelling that addresses the significance of social support from parents, teachers and peers with respect to adolescent cognitive engagement. A total of 450 secondary school adolescents from a northern region in Malaysia participated in the survey. Using structural equation modelling as the main analysis, the hypothesised model was tested. Results revealed that the structural models differed for female and male models. Also, the findings support self-efficacy beliefs and behavioural engagement as two mediators in the relation between social support and cognitive engagement for girls, but only self-efficacy was a mediator in this associatio...

Research paper thumbnail of Statistical identification of predictors of dropout in secondary education: evidence from Malaysia

Journal of the Asia Pacific economy, Jan 27, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Willingness to Communicate in English as a Second Language among Malaysian Undergraduates

Journal of Communication in Scientific Inquiry (JCSI), 2022

Learning English as second language is a complex process. To become a fluent speaker of the langu... more Learning English as second language is a complex process. To become a fluent speaker of the language, students must be willing to communicate in the target language. Unfortunately, as often observed in many L2 classrooms, many students choose to remain quiet rather than take the opportunity to use the language to communicate with their fellow classmates and instructors. Researchers attributed this behaviour to the students’ willingness to communicate in the second language. However, research involving Malaysian students and willingness to communicate is still lacking. Therefore, this study attempts to fill in the gap by examining the level of willingness to communicate in English as a second language among 239 undergraduates at a Malaysian university campus in northern Malaysia. In addition, this study also aimed to determine whether the level of willingness to communicate in English among the undergraduates differs according to gender. Questionnaires were used to elicit responses from the students. Findings indicate that Malaysian undergraduates have a moderate level of willingness to communicate in the target language; gender does not influence willingness to communicate; and perceived competence in the target language appears to be the deciding factor of their willingness to communicate in English as a second language.

Research paper thumbnail of Examining L2 Speaking Anxiety among Malaysian Undergraduates Authors

ICCCM Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, Apr 2023

Feeling anxious or experiencing anxiety in the second language (L2) classroom is a common phenome... more Feeling anxious or experiencing anxiety in the second language (L2) classroom is a common phenomenon among many L2 learners. Studies have found that anxiety can affect learners’ language learning process and performance in a negative way. Among the four language skills, the speaking skill which requires the learners to speak in the target language has been shown to be the most anxiety provoking among the learners. However, language-skill-specific anxiety such as speaking anxiety is relatively new compared to the well-known general foreign language anxiety. As such, there is a need to investigate it in the Malaysian context. To achieve that, 298 undergraduates at a Malaysian institution of higher education were involved in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Statistical analysis indicated that the participants exhibited a moderate level of speaking anxiety. Also, there was a significant difference between the level of speaking anxiety between male and female. Finally, the number one cause of speaking anxiety among the participants was their perception of their competency in the target language.

Research paper thumbnail of Women leadership in higher education: Can the glass ceiling be broken

Research paper thumbnail of Early detection measures: addressing Unemployability using Modified Angoff in situational judgment test

Research paper thumbnail of Repositioning the inclusive perspectives in globalized schools through advocacy optimization of reflective practitioners

Teacher Professional Knowledge and Development for Reflective and Inclusive Practices, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Grade five indigenous (Orang Asli) pupil’s achievement in bilingual versions of mathematics test

Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Principal's Coalition Building and Personal Traits Brings Success to a Struggling School in Malaysia

The Qualitative Report, Oct 15, 2017

This paper presents findings from a single site case study of a school in a rural part of Malaysi... more This paper presents findings from a single site case study of a school in a rural part of Malaysia. Based on data collected through semi-structured interviews of the principal, teachers, students and parents, and observations, document scanning and field notes, the study attempts to identify the context under which the school operates, the core practices of the school principal and the enactment of these core practices. The data analysis was carried out through data reduction resulting in initial themes which were further refined several times until consensus was achieved. The themes were then discussed under the light of theories resulting in the final categories. The findings reveal that personal traits of the principal and her strength of building strong coalitions enabled her to successfully meet her contextual challenges. In conclusion, we argue that leadership practices are multidimensional and although successful principals draw from the similar repertoire of core practices, they enact these core practices in response to their own unique contexts to bring success. The findings would provide important insights for principals and future researchers who might be interested in conducting similar studies to enrich the successful school leadership literature from Malaysian context.

Research paper thumbnail of The effects of state and trait worry, self-efficacy, and effort on statistics achievement of Malay and Chinese undergraduates in Malaysia: A causal modeling approach

Research paper thumbnail of 1EXAMINING Learners ’ Language Learning Strategies

A number of researchers have examined variables/factors that affect the choice of language learni... more A number of researchers have examined variables/factors that affect the choice of language learning strategies. Some of the variables, such as language teaching method, language learning level, field of specialization and national origin are claimed to correlate with learners ’ choice of language learning strategies. This paper aims at investigating the types of language learning strategies usedby students at tertiary level and discusses whether variables such as sex, race and programme of study influence the choice of language learning strategies. The instrument for data collection was the SILL (Strategy Inventory for Language Learning) adapted from Oxford SILL version 7.0. The findings are discussed. Implications forthe teaching and learning of English in EFL/ESL situations are suggested. Background In recent years there has been an increasing interest in shifting the focus of the teacher-centred classroom to a learner-centred one. This

Research paper thumbnail of Teacher Equity and Cultural Implications for Educational Administration

Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education, 2020

Monumental shifts in education, in situations of leading global changes in the local culture, tri... more Monumental shifts in education, in situations of leading global changes in the local culture, trigger profound repercussions on teachers. In view of reconstructionism, this article enquires into the evolving nuances of administrative reforms, unfolding the cultural links and reciprocal influences between teacher equity and educational administration. On the premise that reforms are triggers of administrative development, it positions teacher equity—a flexible individualization in a networked relationship—both as an enabling platform and as a cultural tool, to maintain a system in action. It argues that impacting change is envisaged as an arduous initiative when competing interests thrive within the system. To maintain administrative coherence and teaching force productivity, people’s perspectives and responses to change are coherent for the advancement and benefit of the entire system. Developing learning capacities such as adaptation and reconstruction form the critical core of an ...

Research paper thumbnail of Malaysian University Student Learning Involvement Scale (MUSLIS): Validation of a Student Engagement Model

Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 2012

Purpose – In western countries, a model to explain student engagement in college or university ha... more Purpose – In western countries, a model to explain student engagement in college or university has long been established. However, there is a lack of research to develop and validate a model which may help to better understand student engagement in the local university context. There is currently no established instrument to measure student engagement specifically in the Malaysian (or Asian) university context. This study was conducted to fill the gap. A measurement model on student engagement in the Malaysian university context, based on Astin’s (1984) Student Involvement Theory, was developed and validated for use in the local context. Methodology – This study uses a survey research method to test the Malaysian University Student Learning Involvement Scale (MUSLIS), a measurement model of student engagement in the local university context. The MUSLIS is a 24-item scale designed to obtain feedback on the extent of student engagement at the tertiary level in the Malaysian context....

Research paper thumbnail of Examining the Influence of a Cognitive Activity on Learners’ Language Proficiency and Critical Thinking Ability

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges of Service Learning Practices: Student and Faculty Perspectives from Malaysia

Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 2020

Purpose – The primary aim of service learning is to produce holistically developed students. Desp... more Purpose – The primary aim of service learning is to produce holistically developed students. Despite the mandate from the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia to infuse service learning in the programs of studies since 2015, service learning in the country remains in its infancy. Critical insights concerning contextual compatibility are still missing in the Malaysian context. In this regard, the current paper aims to investigate the perspectives of lecturers and students on the challenges they have encountered while participating in service learning. Methodology – The study employed a qualitative approach and the principles of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) guided the collection of data. Students and lecturers who participated in the study were selected using purposive sampling techniques. The data from the students was collected using focus group interviews, while in-depth face to face interviews were used to collect data from the lecturers. These two sources of data...

Research paper thumbnail of The life story of a resilient underprivileged youth: The motivation to learn soft skills to thrive

Purpose - The study aims to explore and analyse how Firdaus, an underprivileged blind individual ... more Purpose - The study aims to explore and analyse how Firdaus, an underprivileged blind individual from an extremely poor family, developed soft skills and resilience to thrive in life, despite the life challenges faced which could have easily hindered the development of his abilities and skills.This is important to be analysed because the Ministry of Higher Education 2015 Graduate Tracer Research Report had stated that most of the unemployed graduates are underprivileged, and the related literature mostly highlighted that the unemployment in Malaysia is mainly due to lack of soft skills (Abdul Hamid, Islam, & Hazilah Abd Manaf, 2014; Abdul Karim et al., 2012; Pillai, Stefanie; Khan, Mahmud H.; Ibrahim, Ida Syahirah; Raphael, 2011 and Zaharim, Ahmad, Yusoff, Omar, & Basri, 2012). Empirical evidence shows that soft skills are the least developed in the underprivileged from a very young age due to their upbringing and exposure (Duncan,Magnuson & Votruba-drzal, 2014; Garcia, 2015). There...

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring Religion Based Persuasive Factors to Rationalise Violence Among Muslim Youth in Malaysia

The current study presents a qualitative experimental design that combines the elements of an exp... more The current study presents a qualitative experimental design that combines the elements of an experiment with qualitative design to investigate the persuasive factors that rationalize violence among youth in Malaysia. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews from twenty-four participants who were exposed to an intervention of videos and PowerPoint slides to elicit their responses on a situation. This study provides a way to understand factors that could lead selected youths to rationalize extremism in a society. The findings provide insight into the role of persuasive messaging in recruiting youth towards extremist behaviours. Keywords: extremism; communication; youth; persuasion

Research paper thumbnail of Teori ujian dan pentaksiran pendidikan

Buku ini membincangkan teori utama dalam pentaksiran pendidikan iaitu Teori Ujian Klasik dan Teor... more Buku ini membincangkan teori utama dalam pentaksiran pendidikan iaitu Teori Ujian Klasik dan Teori Ujian Moden (Teori Respons Item).Buku ini juga memperkenalkan konsep asas pengukuran, ujian, penilaian dan pentaksiran yang sering menjadi isu dalam kalangan pendidik dan para psikologi.Di samping itu, turut dibincangkan statistik asas yang diperlukan dalam bidang pentaksiran untuk menganalisis dan mentafsirkan data.Buku ini sesuai dalam bidang pendidikan dan menjadi panduan kepada guru dan pensyarah dari segi pembinaan ujian yang berkualiti selaras dengan perkembangan dan keperluan Pendidikan Berasaskan Hasil. Konsep pentaksiran formatif dan sumatif, jenis-jenis ujian objektif dan subjektif serta kaedah pemarkahan juga turut diperkenalkan dalam buku ini.Pada bahagian akhir buku, diperkenalkan tentang statistik asas untuk mentaksir item dan data skor ujian pelajar.Jadual spesifikasi item, analisis item dan penetapan standard markah lulus juga dibincangkan.Pelajar sering melihat pentaks...

Research paper thumbnail of Testing factorial validity of motivational constructs using confirmatory factor analysis

The present study examines the validity of the newly translated Malay version of the "State ... more The present study examines the validity of the newly translated Malay version of the "State Self-assessment" and "Trait Self-assessment" instruments. These instruments are each composed of three constructs that are considered integral to the social cognitive theories of motivation: self-eficacy, efort, and worry. Data were collected from 360 college undergraduates at Universiti Utara Malaysia. A confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the measurement model. Multiple group invariance analyses were also conducted to examine whether components of the measurement model were invariant across gender and ethnic groups (Malay and Chinese from Malaysia). Findings provide support for the reliability and factorial validity of the constructs. Results from the multi-group analyses suggest that all constructs are structured similarly across gender and ethnic groups.

Research paper thumbnail of Practicing Entrepreneurial Learning as Learning Method at Middle School Students

Entrepreneurship education as method needs further exploration in the context of school. Entrepre... more Entrepreneurship education as method needs further exploration in the context of school. Entrepreneurship Center of Ciputra University collaborated with a number of schools in Indonesia developed the K-12, Ciputra Way Learning Cycle. As many as 355 final year students from six schools were involved in this study to gain better understanding towards the factors influencing entrepreneurial competences. Using the method of Structural Equation Model (SEM), result shows that growth orientation, assessment for improvement, positively influence entrepreneurial competences.

Research paper thumbnail of Gender differences in the Perception of Social Support and Cognitive Engagement

A number of studies have provided evidence of the link between social support factors and academi... more A number of studies have provided evidence of the link between social support factors and academic achievement and a strong relation between cognitive engagement and achievement outcomes. However, the relationships between social support factors and cognitive engagement have seldom been tested. The present study is aimed at proposing latent factor modelling that addresses the significance of social support from parents, teachers and peers with respect to adolescent cognitive engagement. A total of 450 secondary school adolescents from a northern region in Malaysia participated in the survey. Using structural equation modelling as the main analysis, the hypothesised model was tested. Results revealed that the structural models differed for female and male models. Also, the findings support self-efficacy beliefs and behavioural engagement as two mediators in the relation between social support and cognitive engagement for girls, but only self-efficacy was a mediator in this associatio...

Research paper thumbnail of The Relationship between Critical Thinking and Language Proficiency of Malaysian Undergraduates

EDU-COM International Conference, 2008

In the present information era, university students are expected to be able to think critically s... more In the present information era, university students are expected to be able to think critically so that they will be able to keep up with the changes brought about by new technological innovations and
have better chances of employability. Since language is an important tool for acquiring knowledge at the tertiary level, it is therefore important to gain insight into the nature of the critical thinking ability of undergraduates and its possible link to their language proficiency. This study examined the critical thinking ability of Malaysian undergraduates and its relationship to language proficiency. The Bahasa Malaysia version of the Cornell Critical Thinking Test (CCTT) Level X was administered to 280
undergraduates. Results indicated that the critical thinking ability of the undergraduates was much lower than that of their American counterparts. Nevertheless, significant correlations were found
between their critical thinking ability and English language proficiency as measured by two national level tests. Implications for teaching and future research are discussed in this paper.

Research paper thumbnail of Teacher‟s Autonomy Support and ESL Classroom Engagement: The Road Less Traveled

EDU-COM International Conference, 2008

This study investigated the construct of Teacher Autonomy Support Scale (TASS) in the context of ... more This study investigated the construct of Teacher Autonomy Support Scale (TASS) in the context of ESL classroom in Malaysia and how it influenced student‘s classroom engagement. The sample comprised 378 students from 14 day schools in a rural area. An empirical study (N=378) was conducted to explore aspects of reliability and validity of the TASS. Confirmatory Factor Analysis via AMOS (7.0) showed evidence of convergent validity of the newly developed scale. A covariance structural analysis shows that teacher‘s autonomy support is a significant predictor for cognitive and behavioural engagement for students in ESL classroom.

Research paper thumbnail of Issues and Challenges in Instrument Adaptations- Bias and Equivalence

Seminar Kaunseling Peringkat Kebangsaan, 1999

For most of the twentieth century, interest in translating/adapting tests with a second language ... more For most of the twentieth century, interest in translating/adapting tests with a second language and cultural group has been prevalent among educational and psychological researchers. The globalization of economy, tourism, migration streams,and related political changes have witnessed the steady increase of publications that concern cross-cultural differences and comparisons (see van de Vijver & Leung, 1997;van de Vijver & Tanzer, 1997). However, this healthy development is not without methodological inadequacies. Despite significant advances in the methodologies that are used to adapt instruments, there remain a number of difficult and challenging issues in this area, which might invalidate generalization of research findings.This paper will examine issues and challenges in instrument adaptations with emphasis on the issues of construct bias and equivalence. Specific reference to the International Test Commission (ITC) test adaptations guidelines (Hambleton, 1999) will be highlighted.Remedies to these problems will be discussed to enhance validity of adapted instruments.

Research paper thumbnail of Classroom Goal Structure in Learning of Mathematics

UPSI-UPI First International Conference on Teaching and Learning, Aug 2004

According to achievement goal theory, classroom learning environment or contextual factors influe... more According to achievement goal theory, classroom learning environment or contextual factors influence students' learning. For instance, classroom that promotes mastery learning may cultivate or inculcate task-focused goals among students. However, classroom that focuses too much on competition may encourage performance goal.Studies on classroom goal structure have focused on the relationship between the purpose or meaning of achievement behaviour that is communicated to (by teachers) and perceived (by students) and a variety of student beliefs and behaviours. The objective of this paper is to examine students' perception of classroom goal structure or orientation as communicated by their teachers. This study on 1849 adolescents (900 males and 949 females) from 30 secondary schools in the northern state of the country found them to be more task-focused (promoting mastery learning) than performance focused. There were differences in the two dimensions of classroom goal structure in terms of some selected independent variables. The findings of the study bear some implications for theory and practice.

Research paper thumbnail of Teacher Trainees' Readiness to use Multimedia in the Classroom

keynote and refereed papers from the 5th International Lifelong Learning Conference, Yeppoon, Central Queensland, Australia, Jun 2008

This study examined a model of teacher trainees' readiness to use multimedia in the classroom by ... more This study examined a model of teacher trainees' readiness to use multimedia in the classroom by incorporating constructs from Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Structural equation modelling analysis supported a model in
which perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use positively influenced mediating variables (attitude towards computer) to predict intention to use.