Harison Mohd Sidek

THE MALAYSIAN EFL LANGUAGE PLANNING AND POLICY AND THE IMPACT ON EFL READING PROFICIENCY: A REVIEW

Within the Malaysian setting, the English language is a foreign language that is widely used and has gained its status as a prominent linguistic liaison not only in the political, economic and social domains, but also within the educational context. Hailed as a lingua franca, the English language maintains its significance at the global level and due to such status; it has been made a mandatory subject at the elementary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions in Malaysia. The purpose of this paper is to present the review of English as a foreign language (EFL) in terms of its historical path and its connection to EFL literacy issues within the Malaysian educational context. The historical review of the Malaysian education with regards to EFL reveals that the mandatory inclusion of the English language in the school and higher institutions’ curriculum could be traced back as a linguistic culturalization effect of the British colonization. The review also indicates that the pattern of inclusion of the EFL in the Malaysian educational system seems to be developmental in nature but with some patterns of consistency at the initial stage of its inclusion. As with regards to the EFL literacy issues, the review shows that the shifting from the English medium to the Malay medium in Malaysian public schools could be inferred as one of the causes of the emergence of issues in the EFL literacy amongst Malaysian learners. The outcomes of the review have implications on EFL policy and curriculum development as well as their future revisions in the Malaysian context.

AN ANALYSIS OF TAQWA IN THE HOLY QURAN: SURAH AL- BAQARAH

Within the context of the Islamic religion, having Taqwa or the traits of righteousness is imperative because Taqwa reflects the level of a Muslim’s faith. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to identify the traits of Takwa in surah Al-Baqara in the Holy Quran. The data for this study were obtained from verses in surah Al-Baqara. Purposive sampling was used to select the verses that contain the traits of Taqwa using an established tafseer (Quranic interpretation) in the Qurainic field as a guideline in marking the Taqwa traits in sampling the verses. Two experts in the field of Quranic tafseer validated the traits of Taqwa extracted from each selected verse. The data were analyzed using manifest and latent content analyses. The findings reveal 10 categories of traits of Taqwa which are tawheed or monotheism, do good to others, performing solah, paying of zakat, honouring rights, repentance, doing good deeds, righteous communication, being grateful, being sincere, and recognition of the absoluteness of Allah’s sovereignty. Sequential emphasis-based analysis was used to tabulate the reiteration of each trait of Taqwa in order to find out the trait that is most frequently emphasized in the form of reiteration. Among the Taqwa category traits, the major emphasis is on tawheed or believing the oneness of Allah. The findings help in enhancing the understanding and the meta-framework of the traits of Taqwa, which is particularly useful for non-scholarly Muslims in strengthening their Islamic faith in accordance to what is commanded in the Holy Quran .

EXPLORING THE USE OF MULTILITERACIES PROJECT APPROACH TO ENHANCE EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AMONG MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY GRADUATES

Enhancing 21 st century learning skills becomes the utmost importance in the contemporary education world. In Malaysia, the rising number of unemployment among Malaysian university graduates is associated to the lack of 21 st century skills and it is imperative to find a pedagogical approach that could enhance these skills. This study examines how Multiliteracies Project Approach (MPA) enhances 21 st century skills among Malaysian university graduates. It is a qualitative study that was conducted at a public university in Nilai, Malaysia, involving 50 students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) course. Data was collected using qualitative tools such as observation, semi-structured interviews and reflective journals. Data was then analyzed using a thematic analysis method. The findings of the study showed that MPA promotes the development of collaborative, technological and critical thinking skills among students. MPA provided students the chance to practice working effectively in in a network of people to achieve a mutual goal. Findings also showed that students acquired new skills when learning using MPA, including technological skills and critical thinking skills which were significant in 21 st century employment. The findings suggest that Multiliteracies Project Approach can provide a significant pedagogical implication.

MULTI-VARIED REALITIES OF MALAY CULTURAL IDENTITIES IN POPULAR TV FICTION

This paper discusses readings on Malay cultural identities in Malaysian context. While previous research on Malay cultural identity has presented a broad understanding, this paper attempts to frame this discussion based on three perspectives- elite constructions, socio-cultural worldviews, and resistance to Malay world. By placing Malay cultural identities in relation to the Malaysian context, it explores the dynamics concerning what is distinctive and worthwhile about Malay cultural identities. In addition, this study forms some of the bases for a renewed understanding and interests on Malay cultural identities in light of the burgeoning industries of popular TV fiction.

A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK TO EXPLORE THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA

This conceptual paper addresses the information lacuna in the amalgamation between the areas of language learning strategies and international students in Malaysia. Malaysia is considered a hybrid or mixed setting environment where English as a Second Language (ESL) meets English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Thus in dissecting the big areas of language learning strategies and international students in relation to Malaysia, it gives rise to four notions – hybrid environment, agency, out-of-class language learning strategies and acculturation strategies. Underpinned by tenets derived from four flagship theories/model – Experiential Learning Theory by Kolb, Sociocultural Theory by Vygotsky, Social Cognitive Theory by Bandura, and Second Language Acquisition Model by Ellis – a framework is conceptualised. The conceptual framework elucidates the interplay of the four notions and their connections which will inform the main purpose of the study that is to explore the English language learning experiences of the international students in Malaysia.