The Centre for Applied Learning & Multimedia (CALM) successfully held the 4th UNIMAS International Symposium of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) 2024, themed "Building Sustainable Futures in Higher Education through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning."
On Tuesday, the Centre for Applied Learning & Multimedia (CALM) successfully held the 4th UNIMAS International Symposium of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) 2024, themed “Building Sustainable Futures in Higher Education through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.” The SoTL initiative focuses on the systematic study of teaching and learning processes, involving a cycle of inquiry, reflection, and evidence-based improvement aimed at enhancing the quality of education.
The symposium saw the presence of esteemed guests, including Dr Kartini Abd Ghani, Director, Centre for Applied Learning and Multimedia (CALM), Profesor Dr. Fitri Suraya Mohamad Hapni Joblie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), and Prof Dr. Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim, Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Academicians and students from various disciplines also attended the event.
The symposium highlighted the significance of SoTL in higher education. SoTL is crucial for building sustainable futures in higher education by promoting excellence in teaching and learning. It empowers educators to critically assess and enhance their pedagogical practices, leading to more effective teaching methods, higher student engagement, and improved learning outcomes. By continually refining teaching approaches, institutions ensure that students receive an education that is both rigorous and relevant.
Furthermore, SoTL fosters a culture of continuous improvement among educators. It encourages viewing teaching as a dynamic practice, evolving based on new insights and feedback. This mindset of perpetual growth enhances the quality of education and inspires innovation and adaptability, essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world.
In addressing global challenges through education, higher education plays a pivotal role in addressing global issues such as climate change, social inequality, and public health crises. Through SoTL, curricula can be developed to respond to these challenges, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become responsible global citizens. Integrating sustainability into teaching practices prepares students to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.
The symposium featured four distinguished speakers delivering talks relevant to this year’s theme. Dr. Ho Shen Yong from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, emphasized “Building (Global) Communities of Practice for Teaching in a Rapidly Changing World.” Assoc Prof Dr. Chng Huang Hoon from the National University of Singapore (NUS) discussed “Enabling our Scholarly Future: The Challenges and Promise of Building and Sustaining SoTL Culture in Institutions.” Dr. Sophia Tan from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, addressed the question, “Is SoTL Enough? On the Power and Limitations of SoTL at a Research-Intensive University.” Lastly, Prof Chen Chwen Jen from University Malaysia Sarawak explored “SoTLing in the AI Era.”
A highlight of the symposium was the forum session titled “Bridging Educational Inequities: Strategies, Challenges, and Future Directions,” moderated by Mr. Chuah Kee Man. Additionally, there were parallel presentations from 12 SoTL grant recipients, whose contributions are expected to benefit other academicians and the public, transforming conventional teaching ideas into 21st-century education.
The event also featured a prize-giving ceremony for participants in the “How Do I Learn Best?” UNIMAS Curriculum Innovation and Learner Engagement Exhibition (CILEx 2024) competition, open to all UNIMAS students (Undergraduates and Postgraduates by Coursework). The competition provided a platform for students to identify their learning strengths and share their best learning strategies, aiming to enhance their learning experience. Participants also expressed their ideas on the ideal learning environment and technologies to maximize their learning experience.
CALM UNIMAS extends its sincere appreciation to all the speakers, attendees, and those involved in organizing the event, making the 4th UNIMAS International Symposium of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) 2024 a resounding success.
Photos by Fitzpatrick Anak Ricky Guing, Centre for Applied Learning & Multimedia