‘Zoom’ing into MUET Students' Perception in Writing Skills Through Online Cooperative Learning

Technology and the internet has been used as an educational platform for years. Due to the pandemic learning online has become part of the norms. This study explored the use of cooperative learning by using the feature of breakout room in Zoom application towards Malaysian University English Test (MUET) students’ writing skills. Besides this study investigates students’ perception towards online cooperative learning methods. This study uses case study research design. There were 18 students chosen as a sample of this study who were from a secondary school in Malaysia that at the pre-university level (19 years old) which have never tried breakout room features in Zoom application but all of them are digital literate. The participants underwent six sessions of online cooperative learning treatment. Participant journals and individual interviews were used to collect data which highlighted their opinion on these methods and also the challenges that they were facing while using this platform. Findings reveal that the participant had positive perception towards online cooperation learning via breakout room in zoom application for writing skills. Another implication that can be derived from this study is that even in virtual classroom cooperative learning improves the participants’ social and problem solving skills. Thus, online cooperative learning is recommended to improve MUET students and it is aligned with Malaysian Education Blueprint (MEB) to promote student centered learning and create critical thinking students.

Voice therapy for Parkinson’s disease via smartphone videoconference in Malaysia: A preliminary study

Introduction Intensive voice therapy is one of the best evidence-based treatments to improve speech and voice difficulties to individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, accessibility to intensive voice therapy is highly challenging in Malaysia due to the lack of voice specialised speech-language therapists. This study examined the feasibility of using smartphone videoconference to deliver intensive voice therapy to individuals with PD in Malaysia. Methods Intensive voice therapy was delivered to 11 adults with PD using a smartphone videoconference method via WhatsApp Messenger freeware. The therapy consisted of 12 sessions over four weeks and focused on increasing vocal loudness. Outcomes were assessed using objective, perceptual and quality-of-life measures pre and post treatment. Participant satisfaction with the telerehabilitation method was obtained via the Smartphone-Based Therapy Satisfaction Questionnaire. Results Significant gains were reported for sound pressure level in sustained vowels and monologue. Perceptual ratings showed significant improvements in overall mean severity and loudness after treatment. Mean scores of speech intelligibility and Voice Handicap Index-10 were significantly better post treatment. Overall, participants were highly satisfied with the smartphone videoconference method. Discussion Present results suggest that the smartphone videoconference method is feasible to deliver intensive voice therapy to individuals with PD to gain better speech and voice functions. Future studies need to address the standardisation of the system protocol to optimise this novel service delivery method in Malaysia.

Script Training Using Telepractice with Two Adults With Chronic Non-fluent Aphasia

Two male participants with chronic (> 2 years), non-fluent aphasia and their family members participated in script training using videoconferencing. Functional scripts were developed by people with aphasia (PWA) and their family members. Accuracy of scripts was measured by total target words produced per turn. Participant 1 with Broca’s aphasia produced scripts with 0% accuracy pre-treatment and 87.5% accuracy post-treatment. Participant 2 with Transcortical Motor aphasia produced scripts with 20.2% accuracy pre-treatment and 63.5% accuracy post-treatment. Pre- and post-questionnaires for communication effectiveness and the use of telepractice for speech therapy indicated improvements in answering yes/no questions, participating in conversations with strangers, and increasing confidence and satisfaction with technology delivered treatment. The use of videoconferencing to deliver script training appears beneficial for individuals with chronic aphasia.

EFEKTIVITAS FILM BERTEMA MOTIVASI TERHADAP PENINGKATAN MOTIVASI BERPRESTASI

The purpose of this study is to find out the effectiveness of film with motivation theme in increasing motivation of achievement in teenager. There are six dimensions related to motivation of achievement such as task choice risk, personal responsibility, feedback require, innovative, willing to be the best and persistent. This study used quasi experimental method with pretest-posttest control group design where researcher give the Motivation Of Achievement Scale to experiment group who was given treatment which is watching film and control group without watching film. Measurement conduct before and after treatment. Participant for this study are 14 youth organization teenage and divided into two group, seven teenage for experiment group and the other seven for control group. Participants are teenager whose age around 14-18 years old. This study was conducted in 6 session. Each session is scheduled to watching one film. The Billionaire, Mulan, I’m Not Stupid Too, Semesta Mendukung (Mestakung), Children Of Heaven and Sing. The results of this study obtained a conclusion that film with motivation theme is effective in increasing motivation of achievement on teenager.