Citation

Tan, Heidi Yeen Ju and Neo, Mai (2016) Cultivating problem-solving skills in Malaysian undergraduates: An authentic blended learning approach. In: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on e-Learning. Academic Conferences and Publishing International Limited, p. 139. ISBN 978-1-910810-92-7

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Abstract

In Malaysia, a survey conducted by TalentCorp in collaboration with the World Bank concluded that employer’s found recent graduates were lacking important soft skills - one of which is problem-solving skills (‘Matching talent to jobs: Trends in graduate employability’, 2014). The Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, in the National Graduate Employability Blueprint 2012-2017, also highlighted the issue of graduates’ inability to solve problems as a key factor affecting graduate employability (Ministry of Higher Education, 2012). Therefore, this study presents a blended learning environment designed with Authentic Learning strategies outlined by Herrington and Kervin (2007) as a framework to facilitate problem-solving skills among learners. The learning environment also centred on an authentic problem-based group project that students worked collaboratively to solve as part of the learning experience throughout the trimester. The group project was designed to reflect real-world cases, which would allow students to experience an authentic learning process as they take on different roles and responsibilities throughout the completion of the project. Learning was further facilitated through in-class discussions, consultations with the lecturer, by accessing learning materials that were available online 24/7, collaborating via web tools and documenting their learning process using blogs. Results show a positive response from students towards the authentic blended learning environment. Students found the group project relevant and were more engaged in their learning. The learning environment was found to encourage the acquisition of transferrable knowledge and skills, made learning a more active process, and enhanced understanding. Results therefore provide support for the design and development of learning environments that are authentic and blended as an approach to cultivate graduates with the problem solving skills they need to increase their employability.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Authentic learning, blended learning, problem solving, web tools
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1025-1050.75 Teaching (Principles and practice)
Divisions:	Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM)
Depositing User:	Ms Rosnani Abd Wahab
Date Deposited:	09 Feb 2018 16:18
Last Modified:	09 Feb 2018 16:18
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/6679

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