End of Semester 2 (2012/2013) Remark

Time flies and the second semester of 2012/2013 academic year reaches its end. It had been a really enjoyable time lecturing this batch of students. I am really impressed by their results. For the first time I have student scored full marks in the Final Exam, and there are 43 students or 35% scored either A or A-. This is really impressive to me! I knew they really worked hard for this course, and they deserved the excellent grade!! It's a pity that UPSI does not have A+ for those who score 90 and above, there are two people who did that! Congratulations!

However, this is also the first time I failed so many students in one course (10%). From the feedback and criticism given by those who submitted the make-good assignment, I wrote the following blog (http://gbl4malaysia.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-prepare-interactive-lecture-notes.html), intend to revise my lecture notes for next semester--making them interactive.

However, there are some matters I need to clarify here:
1. I knew that English language is their barrier to learn Design Aesthetics, I PURPOSELY prepared lecture notes in ENGLISH to force them read, write and speak English. They should get ready before taking my course.

2. They should try to understand my notes through ENGLISH instead of translating them into Malay. Mistranslated notes is worse than not having notes. If they want to be professional designers, English is the number one language they need to master now!

3. I knew some of them will be lazy and copy my answers when writing reflection and reflexion in learning journal. But when they actually did that, they lost the opportunity to think for themselves. Some students actually did in-class reflexion during my lecture and then they wrote their reflection after class, and compared their own two versions of answers. Those who copied my answers should really learn from the hardworking students.

4. I did noticed students who came in late or did their own work at the back of the lecture hall--in fact, as adult learners, they have the right to do whatever they want. I respect their right as long as they can score in the course, it doesn't really matter to me.

5. By reading their Learning Journal and Final Exam paper scripts, I noticed there are students who face reading difficulty (dyslexia), I have informed them in person to meet me next semester and I will arrange specific support and learning aid for them.

For those who failed this course and intend to retake this course next semester, they can see me in person during Week 1 of next semester. I will arrange special class and group for them. Hopefully they don't feel shy and demotivated. Not everybody can pass in one shot, even me have multiple failing experience in life. What's important, I survive and shine!