UiTM SERI ISKANDAR CAMPUS, 7th JUNE 2024 – Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus in collaboration with Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Negeri Sembilan Branch, Kuala Pilah Campus and Korea University, South Korea, recently had held an online webinar titled “International Collaborative Teaching: Convey with Clarity: Strategies for Effective Speech and Group Discussions”. This webinar was attended by a total of 484 undergraduate students from Faculty of Accountancy, College of Creative Arts, College of Built Environment, and Faculty of Applied Sciences from both campuses targeting students taking LCC112: English for Communicative Competence II and ELC151: Integrated Language Skills II courses.
This webinar was presented by a distinguished speaker from Korea University, Professor Esoul Moon who is a research professor at the Graduate School of International Studies at Korea University, South Korea, specializing in global education and international development.
The webinar was divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of effective speech and group discussions. The first part of the talk focused on the basics of speech, where Professor Moon emphasizsed the importance of speaking fluently, concisely, and coherently. She also highlighted the importance of structuring speech with a clear opening, body, and closing. The second part of the talk focused on effective discussion strategies that guided the students for their ELC151 and LCC112 discussions. Professor Moon stressed that discussions are not about deciding who is right, but about finding out what is right. On an important note, she shared insights from Professor Jordan B. Peterson from the University of Toronto, on how to have productive conversations, such as starting from a point of agreement and separating one’s identity from their ideas. The final part of the talk focused on boosting confidence when speaking in English language. Professor Moon reminded students that preparation is key to confidence.
In summary, this webinar provided valuable insights and knowledge into effective speech and group discussions as the session allowed students to engage directly with the speaker, assisting the students to deepen their understanding of how to communicate in a group discussion. Based on the feedback form, students found the talk to be highly beneficial, especially in enhancing their speaking assessments and having high self-esteem when conversing in the English language.
Notably, this effort demonstrates a dedication to providing students with meaningful learning experiences for UiTM students, in line with UiTM CIDL Collaborative Teaching’s purposes. Moreover, it represents a significant advancement for UiTM and the Malaysian higher education sector in involving international guest lecturers, offering an exchange of knowledge and experiences. We look forward to more enlightening sessions in the future that will focus on improving students’ learning environments through greater exposure to various countries and cultures.
Reportedby: AnisShahira Bazlan, Nurshahirah Azman, Amirah Athirah Amir Yazid, Nur Hazirah Mohd Fuat, Mirrah Diyana Maznun & Noor Fazzrienee JZ Nun Ramlan
