AKRI is a prestigious award organized by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) which aims to identify and recognize education innovators and promote sharing of best practices for future implementation. This year, our innovators beat more than 200 submissions received nationwide from Institut Pengajian Tinggi Awam (IPTA), Institut Pengajian Tinggi Swasta (IPTS) and Polytechnics Malaysia. Three Academics from Taylor's Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management have made the Faculty proud again in the recent Honorable Minister of Higher Education Special Award - AKRI 2022 and emerged as the Top 5 Finalists shortlisted for pitching sessions in their respective categories.
The Student Teacher Enhancement Program (STEP) for an Integrated Cross-cultural Communication Skills Development project from School of Education was awarded as Finalist under the category of Immersive Learning Experience (Fully Online). This project was led by Dr. Joseph Velarde, who presented at the pitching session on the 26th August 2022 at Everly Hotel in Putrajaya. He was joined by his project teammate also from School of Education Dr. Tan Shin Yen and Ms. Mindy Tay Pei Lin. Prior to the pitching session, the group submitted a comprehensive portfolio of the programme.
They showcased how STEP has used an eco-system of technological tools and platforms to develop the 3Cs (Communication, Character, and Cultural Awareness) of future student-teachers. To prepare students for their practicum, STEP provided students opportunities to engage in interactive activities and produce meaningful tasks online. At the end of this 9-week online programme, it was noted how students were able to develop their communication skills and change their perspectives to equip them with the proper mindset and relevant skill sets prior to joining their practicum.
Ms. G. Manickam Govindaraju from School of Media and Communication together with her project teammate, Ms. Haniffa Beevi Abdul Jaleel from Learning Innovation and Development have submitted the project entitled, “i-REPLACE Model in Promoting Youth Awareness on myGAP (Malaysia Good Agricultural Practice)” that was also shortlisted as a Finalist for pitching under Immersive Learning Experience (Blended) category with four other participations.
Her submission was the final year Public Relations Event Consultancy Project module in collaboration with Department of Agriculture (DOA) as the industry client. Various students’ activities across immersive blended learning through this project were emphasized. Visit to the biggest myGAP Starfruit farm in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan through DOA Putrajaya and Negeri Sembilan for media content, myGAP created awareness to the community by participating in Selangor Agro Green and Innovation Expo 2022, Gombak.
