Shahlan Surat

Enablers to Information Search and Use in Higher Learning

Information search and use hold a key to knowledge building process in higher learning. A qualitative study was conducted to explore the role of various personal skills that empower students’ information search and use in higher learning. The study involved 30 lecturers, librarians and students who participated in student information skills programs run by a public university library in Malaysia. The study used semi-structured interview to collect data which was analyzed using qualitative data analysis approach. The study found personal skills, i.e., computer, higher order thinking, language, and communication skills facilitate students’ information search and use in higher learning. The study suggested that universities must help students to develop necessary skills that enable them to strategically search and use information in knowledge building process in higher learning.

The Use of CeSo to Improve Turn-Taking Skills among Students with Learning Disabilities

This research was conducted to minimize the disruptive behavior among the students with learning disability in a special education classroom. Four samples consisting of students with Autism, ADHD, multiple disabilities, Autism-ADHD, and Slow Learner were chosen as research subjects. Selection of the samples was made based on the observation and document analysis. The research methodology is based on the action research model by Lewin (1946) and Laidlaw (1992). CeSo is an abbreviation from the phrase of ceritasosial which refers to social stories in English. The social stories used in this research is entitled Giliran Saya (My turn). The implementation of social story was aided by prompts (microphone) and the elimination of prompts in the intervention. Participants of the study consisted of four students of the schools in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, comprising of students with learning disabilities Autism/ADHD, Autism, ADHD and Slow Learner, aged between 10 - 13 years old. Data were collected using field notes, time sampling record and an interview protocol. The data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using percentage, descriptive and narrative forms. Based on the results, there were reductions in non-turn-taking behavior on all the research subjects. Subjects were able to adapt the turn-taking skills and in turn showed improvement in turn-taking skills. There was also a significant improvement in class control. Through the implementation of CeSo intervention, students were able to understand the situation they faced in a positive manner. This approach is a form of teaching innovations that can be used by teachers in inclusive education in controlling discipline during the process of teaching and learning.