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The motivation for conducting this study is to investigate the potential of Cloud e-learning to address the high-cost and high-complexity challenges of conventional learning methods for the upgraded learning processes in higher education. The overall direction of this research is driven towards how the actual usage of Cloud e-learning module affects students' perceptions and academic performance. A Cloud e-learning module is designed and developed to promote optimised resource utilisation in the e-learning processes in higher education. A pretest-posttest method was adopted to study the impact of Cloud e-learning usage among students and whether the diffusion of Cloud e-learning has caused a change in students' perceptions. The pretest-posttest results and students' academic performance were then analysed to examine the impact from the actual usage of Cloud e-learning module. The findings reveal that the change of students' perceptions is time variant, indicating students' mixed perceptions on the usage of Cloud e-learning module. Analysis evidently reveals that the use of Cloud e-learning improved students' learning performance in theoretical subjects. This research is useful to educators and ICT practitioners in making informed decisions in adopting the right ICT infrastructures to support e-learning in higher education.

Plant metabolite compounds have been applied on plant cellular metabolism, produces organic and inorganic compounds, primary and secondary bioactive molecules, such as glucose, amino acids, fat acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Undergraduate biology students learn about the plant terpenoid assisted by bioinformatics to store, manage, and interpret the molecular information about these compounds. This research aims to observe the students' understanding of terpenoid through implementing bioinformatics approach. Besides, to investigate how practice the bioinformatics technology in learning terpenoid may impact students' comprehension of plant metabolism domain and their acquisition of bioinformatics inquiry skills. Bioinformatics is a computational database that relies on digital repositories of molecular biology informations. Data analysis was in the form of quantitative and qualitative descriptive using module learning resources based on terpenoid research and assisted by bioinformatics. The results indicate that students' comprehension of learning and understanding terpenoid has improved, identification and analysis processes of article reviews showed that students were able to discuss and interpret research finding in silico bioinformatics using molecular docking procedures. Assessment of bioinformatics skills showed that all undergraduate biology students could follow the direct instructions well, answer the questions, practice the dry-lab experimental, and formulate the conclusion correctly.

This research explores the development, execution, and student feedback on a multi-themed digital escape room (ER) activity, designed for teaching medicinal chemistry during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to examine students' perceptions of the ER activity, focusing on its effectiveness in enriching students' understanding of medicinal chemistry and increasing their engagement level. Implemented in a synchronous online lecture for third-year pharmacy students, this ER activity was designed with the intention of fostering active learning and teamwork. A total of 184 students participated in various medicinal chemistry-themed challenges, using puzzles on a virtual whiteboard and breakout rooms for team discussions. The findings gathered from the post-implementation survey highlight the impactful learning outcomes associated with a replicable ER activity designed for online medicinal chemistry courses. This innovative teaching strategy not only cultivated a deeper understanding of key medicinal topics among students (mean=4.36) but also enhanced their collaborative skills through increased peer interaction (mean=3.73). They also reported higher level of engagement due to the interesting activities (mean=4.53). The quantitative results were affirmed by the qualitative feedback obtained from the open-ended questions, indicating a consistently positive learning experience and student reception towards the ER implementation. Although they encountered obstacles like stress, internet issues, and unfamiliarity with the ER format, more than 70% of the students agreed that the ER activity was a highly effective learning tool. This digital ER activity also demonstrates promise as an educational tool to encourage active learning and enhance students' motivation in learning medicinal chemistry. The study has showcased the potential benefits of integrating digital ERs into traditional teaching methods, especially for catering to the preferences of Generation Z students in a collaborative learning environment. In addition, the research offers valuable insights into the use of ERs in pharmacy education, contributing to the scarce literature on ER applications in medicinal chemistry and opening avenues for further research on ER-based educational strategies.

The main aim of this study is to examine the mediating effect of psychological capital (PsyCap) on the relationship between proactive personality and academic performance among undergraduates. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional study was employed. The sample consisted of 390 undergraduate students from Malaysian private universities. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling was used to confirm the proposed research model and test the hypotheses. Results revealed that proactive personality explained a significant proportion of the variance in PsyCap. Further, PsyCap partially mediated the relationship between proactive personality and academic performance. This study concluded that PsyCap could serve as personal resource to improve students' academic performance. The findings of this study offer valuable theoretical and practical implications. The university's management and academic staff need to work together to design effective training interventions and activities that can promote undergraduates' proactive personality and PsyCap.

Most studies on gamified learning have neglected gamification depth, which has motivated the current study to identify the impact of gamified depth on students' intrinsic motivation and performance levels. A quasi-experimental approach was employed, which involved a total of 117 undergraduate students divided into control (n = 57) and experimental (n = 60) groups. The students were exposed to two gamified platforms, namely Kahoot! for shallow gamification and Classcraft for deep gamification, over four weeks. The Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) served to measure changes that occurred in students' intrinsic motivation levels and the achievement test in the final lesson. Paired t-tests, an independent t-test and regression analysis were conducted to test the study hypothesis. Deep gamification significantly increased learners' intrinsic motivation level (+0.1845), while shallow gamification decreased it (-0.6439). Contrarily, students in the shallow gamified learning environment achieved a higher performance with a mean value of 73.42 compared to the counterparts in a deep gamified environment (50.83). Students' language mastery, interest, attitude and familiarity with technology were postulated to impact the study outcomes. Distinct subjects, age groups and a suitable experiment period are recommended for future studies to develop a proper gamified depth framework in the educational sector.

e-Learning was abruptly adopted in many countries to mitigate the adverse consequences of the sudden closure of institutions of higher learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this background, this study investigated how business undergraduates want to learn in the future and predictors of their future preferred mode of learning. 251 business undergraduates from a private university in Malaysia participated in an online survey conducted in July 2020, during the sudden closure of institutions of higher learning. Data collected were analysed using the multiple discriminant analysis to develop a characteristics profile of the three groups of business undergraduates (i.e., preferred fully conventional classroom learning, blended learning and fully e-learning) in terms of important predictors. Results revealed that the significant predictors of future preferred mode of learning of business undergraduates, in descending order, were disadvantages of e-learning, advantages of e-learning, self-regulated learning, learning outcomes, information and communications technology infrastructure and training, support and resources. This study concludes with some reflective thoughts about important lessons learned from this unprecedented pandemic pertaining to e-learning readiness to deal with future unexpected crises.

Students face various barriers in learning English via distance education. The purpose of this explanatory mixed methods study was to collect quantitative and qualitative data regarding students' emotional intelligence (EI) and the situational barriers (SB) they faced in learning English via distance education. In phase one, 238 students voluntarily submitted their questionnaires containing Schutte's Self-Report Inventory Emotional Intelligence scale. The mean EI score of the distance learners was 130. Based on the EI scores, three subgroups of respondents; HighEI, MidEI, and LowEI were identified. In phase two, 18 participants chosen based on their EI scores were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. The qualitative data revealed eight major situational barriers. Out of these, SB1 Job, SB2 Family and Home, and SB4 Time were most frequently cited. The study also found that distance learners' EI was significantly related to their perceptions of the situational barriers to learning English through distance education. Studies affirmed higher EI students are better at moderating the negative effects of challenging circumstances and achieving their goals. Thus, it is crucial to fortify students' EI through training, mentoring, and counselling programs to empower them to moderate their barriers, persevere, communicate with others, and make informed decisions to achieve academic success.

Online learning is on the rise, and it is becoming an important mode of learning in higher education. However, there are limited models that explain the link between learners' characteristics, learning processes, and outcomes in an online learning environment. This study aims to examine the influence of online self-regulation on the experiences and engagement of students during online learning processes and their outcomes in terms of satisfaction and academic performance. A quantitative correlational design was used to achieve the objective of this study. Data collection was carried out using an online survey. A total of 609 undergraduates from four public and private universities in Malaysia were sampled. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was run to analyze the obtained data. The results showed that online self-regulation is a presage factor affecting online learning processes. It significantly and positively affects students' experiences and engagement in an online environment. These three factors explained more than two thirds of the variance in satisfaction, a key learning outcome of online learning. However, its predictive value for academic performance was weaker. The developed model can be used as a framework to promote positive online learning outcomes among undergraduate students. The implications of the study and recommendations for future research are discussed in this paper.

This study employed a mixed-methods design to investigate the experiences of ESL students during their English language learning interactions through the WhatsApp platform. The primary objective was to examine the presence of social, cognitive, and teaching presences in the WhatsApp interactions using the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model. A survey was administered to 349 undergraduate students in Malaysia to collect the quantitative data, which was then triangulated through interviews with 20 students. The interviews were categorized based on Braun and Clarke's reflective thematic analysis. The survey related to social presence indicates a strong interaction among students and a notable decrease in students' inclination for informal and humorous social interactions with their teachers. The findings related to teaching presence view instructors as actively engaging students in their learning process. However, they also pointed out that out less sharing of critical knowledge is taking place. On the other hand, the cognitive presence category was associated with the development of meaningful interaction The educational implications seek to provide guidance to educators and institutions on maximizing the utilization of WhatsApp, for the learning of English as a Second Language (ESL). This involves considering the social, cognitive, and teaching presences highlighted in the study.

In today's fast-paced ICT-driven world, understanding the factors influencing the effectiveness of online teaching and learning is paramount, especially during the Movement Control Order (MCO) when physical educational activities are restricted. Assessing the efficacy of undergraduate students under these circumstances can be particularly challenging, and the resulting conclusions may vary depending on the context. Consequently, this study is driven by three primary objectives. Firstly, this study seeks to employ factor analysis as a robust method for validating the selected online teaching and learning instruments. Secondly, it endeavors to categorize the survey instruments into distinct core variables using Principal Axis Factor analysis. Additionally, the study aims to harness multiple regression analysis to uncover the factors influencing the efficiency of online teaching and learning. To achieve these objectives, an online questionnaire was administered to 107 students enrolled in a university in Malaysia. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that lecturer roles and student attitudes have significant positive relationships with the success of online teaching and learning. In contrast, flexibility exhibited a significant but inverse association. Despite the global transition into the endemic phase of COVID-19, this study aspires to furnish valuable insights for lecturers, students, and university administrators regarding the ongoing practices of online teaching and learning. Ultimately, these insights can empower policymakers to formulate optimal strategies thereby benefiting all stakeholders involved. In conclusion, this study acknowledges its limitations and offers recommendations for further research.

Collaborative creativity is an essential skill for unleashing university students' skills in team building during complex problem-solving. The aim of this descriptive quantitative research was to examine undergraduate students' perspectives regarding their collaborative creativity experience as game creators for a gamification group assignment within a university-wide elective course on learning disabilities. The Assessment Scale of Creative Collaboration (ASCC) questionnaire was completed by 14 students. The results provide insightful perspectives by undergraduate students regarding their experience in collaborative creativity during game creation. The findings from the closed-ended questions of the ASCC demonstrate that most of the students valued the diversity of knowledge and skills of their team members, shared different ideas, adapted their ideas and practices according to the project difficulties, trusted their team members, co-constructed the game together, overcame conflicts in positive ways, developed multiple versions of their game, and coordinated well for their team project. Data from the open-ended questions of the ASCC, which provided detailed but nuanced perspectives of the students, were analysed thematically. Three main themes were identified: the positive aspects of gamification, the constraints related to the gamification project, and teamwork and collaborative problem-solving approaches. This study provides evidence on the feasibility of game creation that is embedded within gamification group projects for fostering collaborative creativity among undergraduate students. Gamification has the potential in supporting the acquisition of 21st century learning and innovation skills in higher education. Implications of the application of gamification in higher education are discussed.

As lack of interaction has been cited as a central reason for reduced academic motivation during online learning and given gratitude's crucial role in forming and maintaining interpersonal relationships, this study examined the association between gratitude and academic motivation. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found psychological needs satisfaction to be related to autonomous motivation and indicators of well-being. As such, this study also examined the mediating role of psychological needs satisfaction on the relationship between gratitude and academic motivation during online learning among undergraduates in Malaysia. Two hundred and fifty students who are pursuing their tertiary education in private universities across the country filled in an online survey. Results revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between gratitude and autonomous academic motivation and a significant negative relationship between gratitude and academic amotivation. Gratitude, however, is not significantly associated with controlled academic motivation. Further, it was found that psychological needs satisfaction significantly mediates the relationships between gratitude and autonomous academic motivation as well as gratitude and academic amotivation. Psychological needs satisfaction, however, does not significantly mediate the relationship between gratitude and controlled academic motivation. These findings provide insights into addressing the problem of declining academic motivation during online learning.

Cultivation of students' higher-order thinking ability has become the main agenda of the education curriculum. The transfer of knowledge pertaining to higher-order thinking by teachers to the students can prepare the latter with the necessary attributes for the 21st century. The present study is aimed at exploring Malaysian secondary ESL (English as a Second Language) school teachers' self-assessment of, and perceptions on the higher-order thinking skills practices for teaching writing. Using a mixed-method research design, the validated 30-item five-point Likert scale questionnaire with an open-ended question was administered to a group of respondents consisting of 72 ESL teachers. The findings indicated that the overall mean score of ESL teachers' self-assessment of using higher-order thinking skills practices for teaching writing was at a high level. Meanwhile, their perceptions on the integration of higher-order thinking skills in the teaching of writing include the concern of students' low proficiency, difficulties in implementing HOTS in writing, poor participation by passive students, and teachers' attitude towards using HOTs for teaching writing. This study suggests that fostering and creating awareness of mastering the elements of HOTS can benefit both the teachers and the students. Teachers have to be creative and innovative in their teaching so that the students can be given the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, skills and abilities in the quest to imbue them with the 21st century life skills.

The prevalence of COVID-19 worldwide and the length of the global lockdown period deeply affected students' academic study. This unexpected scenario posed a challenge to a considerable number of academic institutions around the world to formally adopt a new education system based on e-learning platforms. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether Malaysian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) undergraduates' incidental exposure to online platforms during the pandemic might have helped to arouse their interest in reading extensively on the internet. To help explore the issue, a quantitative approach using a descriptive survey design was implemented. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire administered to 255 undergraduate EFL students majoring in a range of academic disciplines at the University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) to express their interest in the research topic. To analyze the data, a two-tailed Pearson Correlation coefficient was undertaken and the researchers administered the standard multiple regression analysis to test its impact using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (Version 25). The obtained findings indicated that the relationship between incidental exposure to e-learning and students' interest in online extensive reading during the COVID-19 pandemic was found to be high, positive, and statistically significant. Therefore, EFL undergraduates who had incidental exposure to e-learning classes also developed a significant interest in extensive reading on the internet. Moreover, carrying out reading and writing assignments assigned by EFL university teachers was one of the central reasons behind the Malaysian undergraduates' engagement with online extensive reading during this period.

Problem solving is the most important factor in mathematics learning. The results of Trends of International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Program for International Students Assessment (PISA) show Malaysian students are facing difficulties in problem solving. This study investigates the ability of foundation level students of a public university in Malaysia in mathematical problem solving and also to examine their gender differences in problem solving. The researcher used a lecturers' developed problem solving test for a sample of 297 students that they were chosen through clustered sampling method. Data analyzed by using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test. The results of this study represent the majority of students were not able to solve the problems completely. However, female students had better performance in problem solving rather than male students. Therefore, problem solving skills should be improved among students seriously.

The main objective of this study is to investigate the level of counselling competencies among trainee counsellors in supervision. It also aims to analyze the relationship between frequency of supervisions with counselling competencies. This study was conducted among trainee counsellors (counselling students) from nine public universities all across Malaysia that offer bachelor programmes in counselling. The respondents consisted of n=204 trainee counsellors and n=62 lecturer supervisors who were selected in pairs using stratified random sampling. The Counselling Competencies Scale was used to assess the counselling competencies of trainee counsellors. The results of the study revealed that most of the respondents were at the "meets expectations" level of the counselling competency. The results also showed that there was a significant relationship between the frequency of supervisions with two sub-scales of counselling competency, namely professional behaviour (d=0.180, p<0.009) and counselling skills (d=0.169, p<0.019). This research finding has implications for the training field of counselling education in Malaysia. Additional research on other areas, such as the other contribution factors toward the trainee counsellor's competency is needed for future studies.

Intellectual engagement is essential for international students' academic success. However, academic speaking challenges associated with communicative language anxiety and inadequate prior learning experience could impede students' academic communication abilities in foreign universities. Thus, students adopt academic speaking strategies to tackle these factors. Therefore, an explanatory sequential design was utilised to investigate students' academic speaking challenges and strategies used to counter these challenges in foreign universities. An online survey with 223 respondents was conducted, followed by 15 interviews and a focus group discussion. SPSS was used for quantitative data analysis. NVivo analyses of interviews and focus group discussions were performed to generate themes. It was found that communicative language anxiety and prior learning experience significantly affect academic speaking challenges and academic speaking strategies. Thus, stakeholders should consider international students' communication challenges caused by negative prior learning experiences to facilitate their overseas higher education.

Adopting online learning as a mandated means of instruction amid the pandemic guaranteed students the opportunity to integrate digital technologies for English language learning. This experience was pivotal in investigating the continuous use of these platforms to facilitate online language learning post-pandemic. However, few studies have focused on this context, especially considering the psychological aspects of language learning through these gained learning experiences. Therefore, this study explores this narrative based on the technology acceptance model and external factors such as confidence in English (CONF), online learning anxiety (ANX), and familiarity with education technology (EdTech). Using the partial least square approach, data from the 530 Malaysian undergraduates analysed revealed that perceived ease of use (PEOU) precedes perceived usefulness (PU) as the most crucial factor influencing attitude and intention to use online learning. Likewise, CONF and ANX had stronger associations with PEOU than PU, but EdTech was found to be inconsequential towards attitude and PU. The results of this study underline the importance of PEOU that heralds PU in determining the continuous use of online tools for English language learning in higher educational institutions.

Purpose: The present study explores a tricomponent attitude model for "forced" online learning applied in the post-COVID era following the online learning transition. The study aims to provide a reference for future practitioners in the event a similar crisis results in the mandatory transition towards this study mode again. Methodology: Following the guideline for judgmental sampling, a total of 156 valid responses were collected from Malaysian undergraduate students via an online questionnaire from Google Forms. The respondents' profiles were computed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0, while Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to validate the measurement model, structural model, and mediation model for hypothesis testing. Findings: The findings demonstrate that perceived usefulness (PU) is insignificant when online learning is the only feasible learning strategy. Technical system quality (TSQ) was found to be positively related to perceived ease of use (PEU), attitude (ATT), and student satisfaction, while quality of content (QC) was found to be positively related to PEU and student satisfaction. The remaining hypotheses were rejected. These findings are expected to transform various student attitude, leading to the cognitive components of PEU and PU and ultimately contributing to student satisfaction. In line with the government's desire to transform digital education in higher education, TSQ and QC constitute a framework for shaping the affective components of students' attitude. Attitude, in turn, drives students' PEU and PU, which are two critical factors of the Technology Acceptance Model that serve as the main determinants of student satisfaction. Significance: The study demonstrates that instructors can use a variety of strategies to increase student satisfaction with online education, which can be beneficial even in the post-COVID era. The findings can aid education providers in implementing necessary changes to improve online learning for their students in the future. In addition, the study reveals that through the pandemic, students have become more resilient and have begun to value online learning, highlighting the importance of considering the long-term effects of online learning on student satisfaction.

Purpose: Collaborative learning has been increasingly recognized as an effective approach to promote students' success in higher education. To better understand the factors that contribute to successful collaborative learning, this study applied the Biggs' presage-process-product (3P) general model of learning to investigate the role of teaching quality, student-faculty interaction, and relatedness as presage factors, collaborative learning as process factor, and reflective and integrative learning and higher-order thinking as product factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional approach was applied in this study, which included 1,892 Malaysian undergraduates. The study used the Quality of University Learning Experience (QULEX) survey to measure various constructs. First, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to establish the psychometric properties of the instruments. Thereafter, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to evaluate the latent variables relationships. Findings: Based on the findings, collaborative learning fully mediated the prediction of student-faculty interaction, teaching quality, and relatedness on reflective and integrative learning and higher-order thinking. Significance: These findings suggest that collaborative learning with social components and effective teaching maximize students' learning activities, and they should be fostered in academic institutions to improve students' academic success. Implications for improving teaching and learning are also discussed in this paper.

Different studies have addressed different aspects of flipped learning but its practices and issues with integrated 5E learning cycles in higher education in Malaysia context still need to be explored. This case study is an attempt to explore medical assistant undergraduate students' learning experiences in the 5E flipped learning environment (5EFL). Varied forms of data were collected, including (1) semistructured individual interviews with students, (2) student focus discussions, (3) participant learning journals, and (4) classroom observations. Thematic analyses were conducted to analyze qualitative data respectively. Multiple methods were employed to establish the trustworthiness of the study. The findings indicated that students valued real-time interactions with peers and the instructor. In addition, five themes emerged from the study a) Supportive Learning Process, b) Organized and Well-Structured Method, c) Enhance Teacher's Supportive Role, d) Facilitate Students' Role, and e) Enhance Perceived Competence Level in Learning. This study found learners improved their quality of work in 5EFL. Thus, this 5EFL environment played an important role in enriching learners' cognitive load in the learning process.

Intentional learners are self-directed people who take charge of their education, whether in a setting or an informal setting. Learners who practice intentional learning skills choose their learning methodologies and organize their studies in accordance with their interests, preferences, and speed. This study embarks on the following objectives: (i) To look into ways how to scaffold intentional learning experiences among the student and ritualize the intentional learner's mindsets and best practice skills, (ii) To investigate the effects (through a reflective learning log) of intentional learning skill of student on their study habits and attitudes toward learning, and, (iii) To examine their critical reflection log while they are studying E-commerce module which is underpinned by the intentional learning paradigm and Hatton and Smith's framework. In this qualitative study, data from 140 students in three classes of E-Commerce were required to write reflections that would be used to determine final grades using the reflective learning log. In order to support students' purposeful learning development as they join the job market, the study's findings strongly imply that they urgently need to strengthen their reflective writing skills while enrolled in higher education. The undergraduate must also be given the fundamental tools necessary to shape them into purposeful learners through exercises in reflective learning. The Hatton and Smith reflective framework worked well for categorizing written reflections and making the reflective learning log evaluation less subjective. This study brought to light the fact that many business students were unfamiliar with the genre of reflective writing and that this genre needed to be explicitly taught in the relevant course. Hence, to support students' purposeful learning development as they join the job market, the study's findings strongly imply that they urgently need to strengthen their reflective writing skills while enrolled in higher education.

This study investigates how cognitive presence and affective connectedness impact social presence. We employed Partial Least Square (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data (N=679). Respondents were gathered from an online survey questionnaire by Indonesian and Malaysia undergraduate students in three universities: Universitas Negeri Medan (n=405), Universitas Negeri Malang (n=215), and Universiti Putra Malaysia (n=59). The result of this study indicates that in terms of the overall sample, cognitive presence and affective connectedness were found to have a positive and significant effect on social presence. If we peel the sample based on three universities, the result is consistent in Universitas Negeri Medan and Universiti Putra Malaysia samples. However, not the case in Universitas Negeri Malang. In this sample, affective connectedness was found to not significantly impact social presence. The findings are discussed in detail related to the key factors of social presence that have unique characteristics from the three campuses. This study suggests that in establishing students' social presence, the teacher needs to utilize learning that intensifies cognitive presence and affective connectedness in order to foster the social presence.

This study reveals the contribution of student learning experiences and problem-solving skills in the Visiting Professor (VP) program. This research includes the type of ex post facto correlational research. The data collected in this study were learning experiences and problem-solving skills. Data collection techniques used a questionnaire to find out students' learning experiences on environmental change material, written essay tests to determine the ability to solve environmental pollution problems, and interviews with students on environmental change material. The results of this study found that the VP program had a relationship with and contributed to students' learning experiences and problem solving. The experience of the learning model in this VP gives the greatest contribution to problem-solving skills, followed by indicators of learning models based on student perceptions with percentages, indicators of learning resources with percentages, indicators of direct experience with percentages, indicators of substitute experience with percentages, and the last indicator that has a contribution the smallest is the indicator of student interaction with the percentage. The VP program should be carried out every semester in environmental science courses so that students get learning experience and problem solving. The next research that will be carried out is to look for other factors that influence and contribute to the VP program.

Effective engagement during online learning is essential for achieving successful student outcomes. This study aims to determine the level of engagement among undergraduate students and its influencing factors during the online learning process. Data were collected from a sample of 609 undergraduate students, taken from four public and private universities in Malaysia. Results showed that undergraduate students have a moderate level of engagement during online learning. Their engagement was significantly influenced by perceptions of online learning, experiences in online learning, and online self-regulation skills, as demonstrated by the results of partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). These factors accounted for 63.7% of the variance in students' engagement (R[superscript 2] = 0.637, p < 0.01). The implications of the study were discussed.

Purpose: Drawing on the perspectives of cultural capital theory, this study investigated the impact of international internships on the performance of Japanese undergraduates on the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) using a between-group pretest-posttest experimental design. Design/methodology/approach: Students participating in international internships were compared to their counterparts in a noninternational internship control group. Using TOEIC data collected in June 2019 and September 2019, we performed t-tests and estimated a difference-in-differences model with propensity score matching to measure the impacts of participation in international internships, students' demographic information, family socioeconomic status, and independent learning characteristics. Findings: The study showed that students' participation in international internships and independent learning activities had significant effects on TOEIC performance. The findings of this study also indicate that in addition to the effects of international internship experience and independent learning on students' English performance, learner learning behavior may be important for improving students' performance. Research limitations/implications: This empirical research provides meaningful insights for parents, educators, and researchers not only in Japan but also in a broader context in which international internships and independent learning activities have a crucial impact on student performance. It also sheds light on our understanding of the role of activities conceptualized through the lens of cultural capital in educational stratification. Originality/value: This study elucidates the association among cultural capital theory, international internships, and students' linguistic achievement and makes an important contribution to the broader conceptual literature.

Previous studies had identified the potential link between achievement goal and students' technology use. However, the literature on this topic is extremely scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antecedents to technology use among undergraduates via an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model with achievement goal as an external variable. Data were collected from 599 undergraduates using a 38-item self-report questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results of this study showed that the extended UTAUT model had a good fit to the data of this study, with 35% of the variance in behavioral intention and 32% of the variance in use behavior explained by their antecedents. This study found that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and achievement goal had significant influences on undergraduates' technology behavioral intention to use technology, while social influence and facilitating conditions from the original UTAUT model did not. It was also found that achievement goal and behavioral intention were significant antecedents that influenced undergraduates' technology use behavior. The findings of this study contribute to both theory, practice, and policy that enhance our understanding of students' learning and technology use.

Purpose: Since there is lack of studies in determine factors that affecting enjoyment sentiment when using online learning system, this study aims to explore the antecedents of perceived online learning enjoyment by using extended technology acceptance model (TAM) and its effect on behavioral intentions (BIN) among higher education institutions students. Design/methodology/approach: The research framework was empirically evaluated using a cross-sectional research design and the data was collected from 715 undergraduate students from public higher education institutions in Malaysia using an online survey method. A structural equation modeling using partial least square method was used to examine the hypothesized model. Findings: The results of partial least squares structural equation modeling indicated that the main predictive variables of TAM along with the extended variables were significantly influence the perceived online learning enjoyment. Meanwhile, the analysis also identified that perceived online learning enjoyment can significantly generate positive BIN for using online learning platforms as well as it also plays as a significant mediator role. Practical implications: This study has significant implications for higher education institutions that wish to develop online learning environment for their students by providing answers to higher education institutions on how to successfully use the learning management system to assist students' learning performance from the aspect of online learning enjoyment sentiment. Originality/value: This study is remarkable because it is the first attempt to explore the effect of these five predictors on students' learning enjoyment toward online learning platforms and subsequently on BIN to use this learning platforms, especially in the context of Malaysian higher education system. It is also unique in the way to extend the use of TAM predictive variables with others variables to produce more informative results about the study. Hence, this study also has a new contribution in the literature in the domain of digital learning.

Online distance learning policies were formulated and implemented among some Malaysian universities long ago, but their value emerged since COVID-19. Emanating from the diffusion of innovation theory, this study examined the perception of higher education students on the influence and relationship between six independent variables (compatibility, observability, relative advantage, complexity, trialability, and digital skills) and one dependent variable (digital literacy). A total of 524 respondents were sampled, comprising students from six public and private Malaysian universities. The findings from the correlation analysis show a significant positive relationship between the six independent variables and the dependent variable. Meanwhile, in the regression analysis, three of the independent variables (observability, trialability, and digital skill) have a significant and positive effect on digital literacy. This study placed the diffusion of innovation in a specific context that supports designing online distance learning and digital literacy policies.

Aim/Purpose: The present study explores the key determinants that influence the intention of public higher education institutions in Malaysia to utilize mobile learning. Furthermore, this study investigates the correlation between these attributes and the components that affect the sustainability viability of mobile learning. Background: The proliferation of mobile devices and the impact of COVID-19 have both played a role in the exponential growth of mobile learning. Mobile learning has emerged as an essential instrument and principal approach to student education within the higher education system amidst the pandemic. Nevertheless, research concerning the sustainability of mobile learning is still in its nascent phases in the post-pandemic period. Methodology: Structural equation modeling is utilized to analyze the gathered data and validate the hypotheses in this study, which comprises an online survey of 280 undergraduate students attending public higher education institutions in Malaysia. Contribution: This mobile learning research on the sustainability of learning environments during COVID-19 adds to the educational literature. This study reconstructs the antecedent factors of three fundamental constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explain the features of mobile learning sustainability. This research provides a theoretical framework for mobile learning sustainability. Findings: Based on the empirical evidence, the intention to adopt mobile learning in Malaysian higher education institutions is notably and directly influenced by attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Additionally, the core constructs of TPB are significantly impacted by perceived usefulness, instructor readiness, student readiness, perceived self-efficacy, and learning autonomy. Nevertheless, in Malaysian higher education institutions, the intention to adopt mobile learning is not significantly affected by the perceived ease of use. Recommendations for Practitioners: Mobile learning providers should work on enhancing the performance of this technology to improve content appropriateness and support. Higher education administrators should improve faculty readiness to strengthen the sustainability and efficacy of mobile learning. Improving students' self-discipline in mobile learning and their perceived preparedness and self-efficacy is critical. Recommendation for Researchers: This study provides future researchers with a comprehensive perspective on mobile learning, which should be studied regarding technology acceptance, self-perception, and external influences, as well as a holistic research framework that combines internal and external aspects to explain mobile learning adoption behavior. Furthermore, future researchers should broaden their study horizons to include other educational institutions and populations and identify disparities to encourage broader use of mobile learning. Impact on Society: COVID-19 has profoundly impacted educational quality and the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study demonstrates how mobile learning gives a unique chance for students to continue their learning journey from the comfort of their homes, lessening the disruption caused by pandemics and contributing to the progress of excellent education globally. Future Research: Based on the findings, future research should broaden the study's scope to include selecting students (undergraduate and postgraduate) and instructors from multiple universities in various states of Malaysia, collecting data and examining the differences between them, and providing an overall view of mobile learning adoption behaviors (intention to adopt and actual usage) from the perspective of both interactions.

In this research we attempt to empirically validate a model - using signalling theory - that explains important antecedents and consequences of students' attitude towards internationally accredited business schools. Using a quasi-experimental design, we collected data from undergraduate students of eight countries across four scenarios. The results of our overall model suggest that students' concern for achievement is strongly correlated with their attitude towards international accredited schools. Students' attitude towards accredited business school is a strong predictor of school reputation and legitimacy and both influence their support intentions. The study also indicates that multiple accreditations do not moderate the relationships in our proposed model.

Purpose: This research aims to build on the pre-existing corpus of literature through the integration of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and usage habit to more accurately capture the determinants associated with social media addiction among university students. This study seeks to delineate how usage habit and TAM may be used as predictors for addiction potential, as well as provide greater insight into current trends in social media usage across this population demographic. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional research design was employed to investigate the determinants of social media addiction among university students in Malaysia at the onset of their tertiary education. A self-administered survey, adapted from prior studies, was administered to a sample of 217 respondents. The hypotheses on social media addiction were subsequently tested using a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. Findings: Usage habit was found to be a direct and strong predictor of this type of addiction, as well as all TAM variables considered in the research. Additionally, by integrating TAM with usage habit, the study revealed a comprehensive and multi-faceted understanding of social media addiction, providing an important insight into its complexity in the Malaysian context. Although several other factors have been identified as potential contributors to social media reliance and addictive behavior, it appears that usage habit is paramount in driving these addictive tendencies among university students. Research limitations/implications: This expanded model holds significant implications for the development of interventions and policies that aim to mitigate the adverse effects of social media addiction on students' educational and psychological well-being. The study illustrates the applicability of the TAM in examining addictive behaviors within emerging contexts such as the Malaysian higher education sector, thus contributing to the extant literature on the subject. Practical implications: The integrated TAM and habit model is an effective predictor of social media addiction among young adults in developing countries like Malaysia. This highlights the importance of actively monitoring and controlling users' interactions with technology and media platforms, while promoting responsible usage habits. Educators can use these findings to create tailored educational programs to educate students on how to use technology responsibly and reduce their risk of becoming addicted to social media. Originality/value: This study provides a unique perspective on social media addiction among university students. The combination of TAM and usage habit has the potential to shed significant light on how variables such as perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) may be associated with addictive behaviors. Additionally, by considering usage habit as an explanatory factor, this research offers a novel approach to understanding how addictions form over time.

A notable deterioration in mental health, especially anxiety and depression, was seen among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, immediate preventive action is required to remedy this concern by using the online-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (e-ACT). The effectiveness of this e-ACT on psychological flexibility and mental wellbeing was assessed among 52 Malaysian undergraduate university students aged between 18 and 23 years old during the pandemic. Based on a small group approach, participants received two online e-ACT sessions (a total of 5 hours). The paired sample t-tests result showed a significant improvement on mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and wellbeing among the students. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test showed a significant decrease in depression, anxiety, and stress. These findings support the use of e-ACT mental health education to promote psychological wellbeing among university students. Further empirical studies are needed to test the effectiveness of e-ACT on psychological flexibility and mental wellbeing.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a career management program embedded within a business module, with a specific focus on enhancing the employability of students. Design/methodology/approach: The study involved five one-hour workshops based on the DOTS model, covering aspects like resume writing and professional communication. Surveys, using a structured questionnaire and a Likert scale, measured participants' perceived employability. The pre-survey included demographic details, while the post-survey evaluated the effectiveness of the Career development learning workshop. Incentives and QR codes were employed to boost participation, and data were collected at the semester's start and end, with responses linked through students' phone numbers. Findings: The results confirmed a positive connection between the perceived effectiveness of skill programs and students' employability. Integration of career management into the curriculum cultivates a heightened professional mindset and boosts employability. Validation through a paired-samples t-test demonstrates a substantial increase in perceived employability after program participation, affirming the program's role in fostering psychosocial empowerment and elevating students' confidence in job seeking. Originality/value: This pioneering research integrates a career management program into a business module, addressing employability challenges in Industry 4.0. It provides empirical evidence of the program's positive impact on students' perceived employability.

Based on the first ratings of international branch campuses (IBCs) by Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which are further supported by findings in the literature, we investigated students' institution choices and satisfaction, focusing on country of origin and campus environment as possible key influences. The study adopts an inductive qualitative research design involving semi-structured interviews with 53 IBC students in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We found that an IBC's country of origin influences both students' institution choices and students' overall satisfaction with their institution. Although we also found that campus servicescape and facilities impact upon students' institution choices and satisfaction, these were secondary when compared to education-related factors. We conclude that while a favourable campus servicescape may contribute less to overall student satisfaction compared to other factors, a campus environment with poor or inadequate facilities and equipment may result in student dissatisfaction.

Plagiarism has become more prevalent in higher learning institutions. Tertiary students have the tendency to commit plagiarism as a quick solution for completing their assignments, or they may unintentionally commit it because they lack awareness towards it. Curbing plagiarism amongst tertiary students is important to maintain academic integrity. Thus, the study aimed to investigate whether there were any differences between genders on awareness and attitudes towards plagiarism amongst tertiary students. The study employed a quantitative method by using a set of questionnaires as the instrument to gather the data which was distributed via the class WhatsApp groups. The sample consisted of 50 undergraduate students from Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Kampus Seremban, Malaysia, who were obtained through purposive sampling. The data collected were analysed by using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the independent t-test demonstrated that there were no significant differences between genders on awareness and attitudes towards plagiarism. The results were also consistent when the Mann Whitney U tests were conducted. Therefore, the results suggest that being aware of plagiarism and attitudes towards plagiarism cannot be associated with gender. Consequently, higher learning institutions should educate all students regardless of gender to prevent plagiarism from occurring.

This study validated a scale of students' learning satisfaction (SLS) and self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies in MOOCs to measure the relationship between SRL and SLS based on Zimmerman's SRL theory and Piccoli's web-based Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) effectiveness theory. The process of developing the scale included literatures review, face and content validity, pilot study, data collection, and data analysis. An online self-reporting questionnaire was designed to include constructs such as goal setting (GS), task strategy (TS), self-evaluation (SE), help-seeking (HS), environment structuring (ES), time management (TM) and students' satisfaction (SA). All these constructs were assessed on a 5-point Likert scale. The data was collected from 333 Malaysian students in higher education, and it was analysed by using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique. The resultant constructs have shown empirical result of good reliability and validity where the coefficients of Cronbach's alpha were ranged between 0.784 to 0.877, HTMT values were passed of 0.90 tests and factors loading were more than 0.7. The resulting constructs can be used by the practitioners, academicians, researchers, and policy makers to have a clear understanding on SLS and SRL in MOOC so that, a suitable, effective, positive, and meaningful MOOC learning environment could be established in the universities, higher education learning institutions and/or training organizations.

Purpose: This study explored ESL learners' utilization of Online Discussion Forums (ODFs) in Interactive Reading for Academic Disciplines (iREAD) to assist reading of online scientific texts within an English for Specific Purposes course at a public university. Method: This qualitative research employed two data collection methods during lessons of a 14-week semester. The first was analysis of ODF threads in iREAD from 30 ESL learners of various engineering programs at a public university in the East coast of Malaysia. Twelve from 30 ESL students were purposively selected to participate in focus group interviews. Interactive Analysis Model was used to analyse the threads, whilst the interviews transcripts were analysed thematically. NVivo Pro 12 software was used to manage the data and the generated themes were later analysed using inter-rater reliability analysis. The Kappa values of the themes indicated near perfect scores, to verify the reliability of the identified themes. Findings: The findings revealed the positive capability of ODF as a tool in facilitating learners' reading comprehension of English for Science and Technical (EST) online materials. Analysis of the data on ODF threads confirm that students have the capabilities to engage in higher level of discussions and debate to aid their understanding. The themes that emerged from the interviews reflect positive impacts to facilitate reading of EST online materials, where learners were able to work collaboratively and increase knowledge and understand better. In addition, significance of EST materials was important in providing exposure to students' background knowledge of their content courses. The notion of social constructivism and connectivism were reflected as learners constructed knowledge, negotiated, and synthesized ideas using the language across networked learning communities. Significance: An implication from this study suggests that exposure to EST online materials through communication and collaboration via ODF has strengthened students' knowledge of the subject content. Additionally, learners' comprehension of reading online EST materials has been enhanced through ODF because of the tool's interactive heuristic approach to learning. This becomes significant for program developers and lecturers to combine both elements of ODF and material selection in lessons considering its positive impacts toward learning.

Few studies have investigated the detailed procedure of systematically delivering and teaching metacognitive strategies in higher education. This study investigates whether explicit training in metacognitive strategies could improve undergraduates' online reading comprehension over the pandemic. The results of this study contribute to teacher education programs to teach and apply regularly metacognitive reading strategies. In a quasi-experimental design, the experimental group and control group underwent 14 sessions of training. Semi-structured interviews and a Metacognitive Reading Awareness Strategy Assessment were conducted among experimental students. The data were collected using the reading test, Metacognitive Reading Awareness Strategy inventory, and semi-structured interviews in Malaysia. The results of Repeated Measure ANOVA showed the mean scores of students in the metacognitive group were significantly higher than the mean score of the students in the conventional reading group (F= 1.3,82.3) = 215.973. p <0.001). The results of the Metacognitive Reading Awareness Strategy Assessment showed that students had more awareness of global reading strategies (M= 3.511), followed by supporting reading strategies (M=3.468) and problem-solving strategies (M= 3.427). The thematic analysis result supported that students were moderate users of planning and monitoring strategies while evaluative ones were less frequent. The results also revealed that students perceived that lack of vocabulary knowledge, heavy dependence on their teachers, and lack of strategy training were the main causes of their reading difficulties. The findings implied that EFL teachers should introduce metacognitive reading strategies through appropriate and systematic instructions to enable the students to implement them in their academic reading.

This paper focuses on the experience of international undergraduate students as they move into a university environment. Utilising a phenomenological approach with Schlossberg's Theory of Transition as the framework, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 19 undergraduate students, all enrolled in one private university. The study found that their moving-in experiences were influenced by their aspirations, feelings and expectations. Conflicting emotions accompanied their departure from their home country: sorrow and anxiety versus excitement for their new life. Aided by a relatively smooth immigration process, the students moved on to experience memorable moments where friendships were formed and exploration of the surrounding areas was acculturated. Challenges faced include those of physical nature (weather and food), academic, and perhaps the most serious of which, psychosocial: in the form of homesickness and feeling of foreignness.

Delivery strategy is paramount in presentations regardless it is employed using video recording or live presentation. Nevertheless, demonstrating appropriate delivery strategies is challenging for many presenters, mainly when video recorded. The present study analyses tertiary level students' delivery strategies when they were required to prepare video resumes. More specifically, the objectives of the study are to identify intonation, body language and creativity that the students demonstrated in preparing the materials. Using descriptive research design, the study analysed 21 video resumes, specifically evaluating students' delivery strategies. The results of the study showed that there were challenges in using intonation and demonstrating appropriate body language among the students during the recorded presentation. The study also found that students tended to be less creative since they had limitations in using resources to prepare the video resumes. The study implies that students need to sharpen their delivery strategies as preparing effective video resumes may provide better employment chances.

Increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia forced the authority to enforce the Movement Control Order since March 2020. This order requires students in Malaysia to remain at home while learning via distance and online learning modes. This study aimed to assess the readiness of Foreign Language (FL) students in Malaysian private university in transition from face-to-face learning to online learning. This study employed quantitative research whereby the data was collected from 120 FL students using an online questionnaire. Computer/internet self-efficacy, self-directed learning, learner control, motivation of learning, and online communication self-efficacy are the five variables used to assess online learning readiness (OLR). The findings showed that most FL students are ready to learn online during the pandemic. Results show that the computer/internet self-efficacy the most significant OLR variable. According to the results, students were confident in obtaining any information on the internet and using the online learning platform in their studies. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the research adds to fundamental understanding of students' perceptions on shifting from face-to-face learning to online learning, as well as examining online learning readiness in language learning setting.

Educational tourism has gained popularity worldwide due to the emergence of the knowledge economy that has increased the global demand for tertiary education. Therefore, the trend has inspired this study to examine the factors affecting international students' destination loyalty to revisit and recommend Malaysian higher educational institutions as their educational tourism attractions. In this study, 200 international students who were currently studying in Malaysian higher educational institutions were recruited through purposive sampling technique. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) and SmartPLS were performed for data collection analysis. The findings demonstrated that the service quality, destination image, and cost of the study were positively correlated with the students' satisfaction wherein students' satisfaction contributed positively and significantly to the destination loyalty of international students in recommending and revisiting Malaysia for educational tourism. This study provided all the higher educational institutions and authorities in Malaysia with a better understanding of international students' expectations and perceptions towards studying in Malaysia. Subsequently, the relevant stakeholders could implement effective strategies to improve and assist the Malaysian government in accomplishing the aspiration of becoming one of the most excellent international education hubs in the world.

This current study aimed to investigate whether expectancy-value model of achievement choice mediates the relationship between fear of failure (FOF) and academic procrastination (AP) among undergraduate students of Psychology Department at a private university in Malaysia. Based on the Krejcie-Morgan Table and G*Power, 102 undergraduate students (aged 18- 24) who enrolled in core subjects were recruited to represent the population via snowball sampling method. PROCESS macro for SPSS was utilized to perform the Bootstrap analysis with 5,000 sampling at 95% confidence interval to test the mediation hypothesis. Results showed a significant positive total effect of FOF on AP and significant negative direct effect of expectancy-value model on academic procrastination, supporting the hypothesis for path c and path b. However, no significant direct effect was found between FOF and expectancy-value model (path a). Mediation did not occur, therefore FOF is still considered a robust and significant predictor of AP among the population of psychology students in the aforementioned university. Furthermore, our results suggested that the aforementioned link did not significantly occur among the first-year students.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a three-dimensional approach to professional services in which high-quality and current research evidence is integrated with practitioner expertise along with client values to inform assessment and treatment decisions. The primary objective of this study is to promote the importance of EBPs for speech-language-pathologies to their students' clinical practices. A cross-institute collaboration on EBP in-class assignment was conducted at the National University in Malaysia and Rockhurst University in the United States. This assignment required students to choose and explore a research article online and write a synopsis of the article and reflections about its findings for clinical application. The findings show that both groups of students learned how to access EBP, and this assignment helped them better understand EBP in the field of speech language pathology. Students from the United States reported that they had more of a base of knowledge about EBP than their peers in Malaysia. Findings from this study could help the local governance and speech-language pathology associations in Malaysia and the United States and university programs in both countries understand the current practice and professional development needs of speech therapists in both countries.

Individuals' perceptions or beliefs about their mathematical aptitude are commonly classified as mathematics self-efficacy. Conversely, metacognitive awareness is characterized as a phenomenon that presents itself in a variety of ways as people engage with objects and circumstances in their everyday lives. The objective of this quantitative research was to evaluate the reliability of a self-efficacy and metacognitive awareness test administered to 184 undergraduate university students. In completing tasks in mathematical reasoning, students clearly discriminated between their self-efficacy and metacognitive awareness. Self-efficacy demonstrated discriminant and convergent validity in these quantitative investigations, which conforms to the Bandura (1993) theory and contains three dimensions: course self-efficacy, test self-efficacy, and future self-efficacy. Metacognitive awareness shows discriminant and convergent validity, which relates to Flavell (1979) theory and contains six factors: procedural knowledge, declarative knowledge, conditional knowledge, monitoring, planning, and evaluation. The casual correlation approach was used in the research design to explore the influence of metacognitive awareness and self-efficacy on mathematical thinking. The Cronbach's alpha internal consistency reliability research demonstrated that the self-efficacy and metacognitive awareness instrument that was developed was exceptionally reliable and may be used by researchers to assess self-efficacy and metacognitive awareness among university students.

Anchored upon a renewed rites of passage perspective, this study employs a narrative inquiry to understand how professional identities are enacted, developed, negotiated, and reconstructed among final year STEM undergraduates in Malaysia. While professional identities are largely studied within the workplace or organisational context, there is limited knowledge of how students make sense of their professional identities during their study. To address this gap, this study explores the dilemmas and dreams of twenty-four final year STEM undergraduates as they were at the critical juncture of transition towards their first fulltime career. While the participants shared a common experience of STEM professional identity formation during their childhood and adolescent phases of life, there were variations in how individuals negotiated their professional identities as they reached the crossroads upon university enrolment and graduation. In navigating the liminal phase of uncertainties, negotiation strategies included defending and rethinking STEM professional identities while balancing identities in work and non-work roles. Towards the reconstruction phase, a process of redefining, affirming, and securing STEM professional identity takes place as individuals make sense of their roles and place in the communities. The narrative findings illustrate contemporary dynamics of societal expectations, structural forces and personal agency that facilitate STEM professional transitions. The study also adds insights into emerging discourses surrounding STEM education and talent retention strategies among the contemporary STEM workforce.

Background/purpose: Game-based learning is becoming increasingly popular among educators in higher institutions. However, it can be a daunting task for educators to ascertain which of the currently available game-based learning platforms best suits their learners' needs. This study explored the suitability of Kahoot! as one of the most commonly used game-based learning platforms in education. The aim of study was to determine whether Kahoot! can be used to engage learners and reinforce learning for academic purposes in higher education institutions. Materials/methods: Data were collected among 80 science and technology undergraduate students enrolled to an "English for Academic Communication" course, which is compulsory for English language proficiency at the participant university. The students were exposed to the use of Kahoot! through several predetermined quizzes conducted during their lessons over a single 14-week semester. The study employed a two-part, 24-item, Likert-type scale administered via Google Forms. The questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach alpha reliability analysis, which yielded a score of .97, confirming the questionnaire to be a reliable instrument. Results: The study's findings revealed that the participant students found Kahoot! to be fun, enjoyable, engaging, and interesting to use. Conclusion: The participant students also believed that Kahoot! was able to consolidate and reinforce learning in academic courses, which is integral to the higher education context in terms of creating better classroom dynamics.