48th SEAMEO Council Conference
THE MINISTRY of Education, Thailand, hosted the largest
gathering of education ministers in Southeast Asia at the 48th
SEAMEO Council Conference from 6 - 9 May 2015 at the
Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Chonburi, Thailand. The three-day
conference was attended by the Ministers of Education and
higher education officials from 11 SEAMEO Member Countries
namely; Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR,
Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, TimorLeste, and Vietnam, representatives from SEAMEO Associate
Member Countries, SEAMEO Affiliate members, SEAMEO Regional Centres and international organisations/
institutions. Representing RECSAM was Dr. Hj. Mohd. Johan bin Zakaria, the Centre Director.
Centre Directors’ Meeting (CDM) 2015
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THE ANNUAL MEETING of SEAMEO Regional Centre
Directors was held at S31 Sukhumvit Hotel, Bangkok,
Thailand from 8 - 10 June 2015. This year, the Meeting
was attended by more than 80 participants comprising
the Centre Directors, Deputy Directors, key officials
of SEAMEO Centres/Network, representatives from
SEAMEO Associate and Affiliate Members as well as
the invited presenters and observers. The three-day
Meeting which was chaired by the Director of SEAMEO
Secretariat, Dr. Gatot H. Priowirjanto also tackled
proposals for new projects and collaborative activities.
Representing RECSAM were Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin
Zakaria, Centre Director and Mr. Shamsul Azha B. Md.
Yusuf, Deputy Director (Administration). The Centre
presented a research report on “SEAMEO Basic
Education Standards (SEA-BES)” during the meeting
held in Bangkok.
RECSAM inks MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with UM
SEAMEO RECSAM and UM (Universiti Malaya) have
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate
academic cooperation between the two institutions. The
MoU was signed by Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre
Director of SEAMEO RECSAM and Associate Prof.
Dr. Mariani Md Nor, Dean of Faculty of Education from
University of Malaya at University of Malaya on 25 May
2015. Through this partnership, both institutions will conduct joint research activities, exchange publications,
reports and other academic materials & information and share activities and programmes in areas of mutual
interest. Also present at the event were Dr. Adelina Asmawi, Deputy Dean, Dr. Ahmad Zabidi Abdul Razak,
Deputy Dean of Faculty of Education from UM, Dr. Evelyn Khor, Deputy Director of International & Corporate
Relations (ICR) Office of UM and Dr. Suhaidah Tahir Deputy Director (R&D Division) of SEAMEO RECSAM.
Official Visit by UNESCO Representative
Sessions during the meeting
RECSAM recently welcomed Mr. Renato Operttibelando,
Programme Specialist from UNESCO-IBE (International
Bureau of Education) based in Switzerland on 10 & 11
June 2015. The visit was facilitated by Mr. Baharulnizam
Baharum, Marketing Executive. The delegate spent
time with RECSAM’s management and academic staff
discussing ideas and best practices in areas including
programme design and evaluation and RECSAM’s role
in training and research & development (R&D). The
delegate was also given a tour of the campus. The two-
day visit included study visits to SMJK Perempuan Cina
Pulau Pinang,SK Minden Height and Penang UNESCO
Heritage Sites. The visit was part of the joint-project
entitled Malaysia-UNESCO Cooperation Programme
(MUCP) - Strengthening STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics) Curricula for Girls in
Africa, Asia and The Pacific, of which Malaysia is the
content consultant. The visit also helped strengthen the
linkages between RECSAM and UNESCO and promote
STEM curricula through educational collaboration for
mutual benefits.
University of Western Sydney (UWS) Global Experience Programme
TWO TEACHER TRAINEES and a lecturer, Assoc.
Prof. David Cole, from University of Western Sydney,
Australia (UWS) came to Penang for the educational
and cultural UWS Global Experience Programme
organised by RECSAM and lasted from 25 June - 10
July 2015. The goal of the programme was to provide
opportunities for the Australian pre-service teachers to
gain a greater understanding of the Malaysian culture
and education system and to enhance the formation of
closer relationships between Australian and Malaysian
educators. The student-teachers were placed in a
secondary school and a primary school in Penang to let
them gain the cross cultural educational experience of
being a teacher or teacher assistant in a local school. The
schools were SMK Padang Polo
and SK Bukit Gelugor respectively.
The programme proved to be
successful where both the trainee
teachers and school communities
shared and learned a lot from both
parties. The University of Western
Sydney (UWS) Pre-service Overseas Education and
Cultural Tour Programme is an annual affair conducted
in Penang since 2005. It is a collaborative programme
between three parties namely; SEAMEO RECSAM,
Penang State Education Department and University of
Western Sydney, Australia. The Certificate Presentation
Ceremony was held at RECSAM on 10 July 2015.
Study Visit for Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Ipoh
ON 30 July 2015, RECSAM facilitated a one-day study
visit for a group of student-teachers and lecturers from
IPG (Institut Pendidikan Guru) Ipoh Campus. The
study visit highlighted on benchmarking Mathematics
pedagogy for teachers/educators in the 21st century. The
participants were engaged in an informal discussion and
knowledge sharing session with the Center’s Training
Programme Division Specialists, Dr. S. Kanageswari
Suppiah Shanmugam and Mr. Pedro Lucis Montecillo
Jr. Topics discussed include 21st Century Skills and
Mathematics, 21st Century Teaching & Learning, 21st
Century Assessment and 21st Century Classroom. A total
of 40 (forty) student-teachers and lecturers benefited
from this study visit.
Seminar on STEM Education for 21st Century Skills
A TWO-DAY seminar-workshop on “STEM Education
for 21 st Century Skills – Brightening Awareness of
STEM Education as the National Agenda” was held at
RECSAM on 14 & 15 May 2015. The seminar, which
was organised by RECSAM was guided by experts,
namely, Prof. Dr. Lynn D. Dierking from Oregon
State University, Prof. Dr. Lilia Halim, from Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia and Dr. Noor Zaila Wahab,
the Principal Assistant Director of Teacher Standards
from the Ministry of Education of Malaysia. The main
objective of this seminar was to expose participants
to the philosophy, framework and standards of STEM
education and familiarise themselves with the effective
teaching and learning approaches to contextualise STEM
in formal, non-formal and informal learning environment.
Hands-on workshops were also held whereby participants
were exposed to various technological tools in teaching
and learning to enhance students’ science, engineering
and technological literacy, problem-solving skills,
communication skills and 21st century skills. A total of
74 (seventy four) primary and secondary science and
mathematics teachers and teacher-educators from
various institutions attended this seminar-workshop.
Professional Learning Community (PLC) Programme: Symposium on Lesson Study
RECSAM recently ran a symposium on Lesson Study
under the Professional Learning Community (PLC)
Programme entitled “Creating Challenging Problems to
Stimulate Children’s Thinking” held at different locations
and dates, namely; SK Minden Height on 17 August 2015,
Penang State and SK Precint 9 (1), Putrajaya, Kuala
Lumpur on 19 August 2015, respectively. The conduct
of this symposium was aimed to bring together teachers
to share their experiences and practices of Lesson
Study in the PLC Programme and work collaboratively
to improve teaching skills and academic performance
of the students. The symposium was guided by three
Japanese experts. They were Prof. Dr. Masami
Isoda from University of Tsukuba, Mr. Yoshikazu
Ya m a m o t o ( M a t h e m a t i c s t e a c h e r ) a n d
Mr. Tasumi Sumi (Science Teacher) from the Elementary
School attached to the University of Tsukuba in Japan.
Lesson demonstrations in science and mathematics
were conducted concurrently at different venues by the
two Japanese teachers and two Japanese university
students (Noine and Koji Shimizu) with the assistance
of two translators coming from SMK Kepala Batas,
Mr. Ooi Guan Lee and from Curriculum Development
Division MOE Malaysia, Asst. Director Dayang Nor
Ashikin Harun. Likewise, RECSAM specialists, namely
Dr. Suhaidah Tahir and Dr. Thien Lei Mee (mathematics
lesson); Mr. Hideo Nakano, Mr. Dominador D. Mangao
and Dr. Nur Jahan Ahmad (science lesson) lent support
to the lesson demonstration and post lesson observation
discussions. The symposia had successfully attracted
a total of 280 educators (130 teachers from Penang
and 150 teachers from Putrajaya). The symposium was
organised in collaboration with the Teacher Training
Division, Ministry of Education of Malaysia, University of
Tsukuba, Japan, SEAMEO RECSAM and Penang State
Education Department. A number of high ranking officials
graced the conduct of the symposium, including the
following: Director Ee Hong, Mr. Jeffry, Mr. Shahril from
the Teacher Training Division, Ministry of Education
of Malaysia; Mr. Norizan from Putrajaya Education
Department; Mr. Nor Hisham from Penang Education
Department; Director Dr. Hj Mohd Johan bin Zakaria,
Specialists and staff from RECSAM; Dr. Chew Chin from
IPG Tuanku Bainun; Mr. Muhammad Yusni B. Mohd
Junos from IPG Kampus Ipoh; Mr. Azrie Abu Talib from
JPN Seremban; and Mr. Ilias bin Tajudin and Pn Rohayati
Mansor, principals of the host schools, to name a few.
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SEAMEO Basic Education Standards (SEA-BES):
Workshop Series Number 2
THE SECOND WORKSHOP series on “Comparison
of the National Education Curriculum of SEAMEO
Member Countries in Science and Mathematics” was
held at RECSAM on 11 May 2015. The workshop aims
to review and map the national education curriculum in
science and mathematics of seven SEAMEO Member
countries, benchmark the mapped curriculum with
science and mathematics curricula of high-performing
countries in international assessments and to develop
draft framework for the common core regional standards
in science and mathematics. The workshop also guided
the master teachers in reviewing and mapping their
national education curriculum related to science and
mathematics. This workshop received 32 (thirty two)
participants including RECSAM’s Specialists and
science and mathematics master teachers from Penang
State.
SEAMEO Basic Education Standards (SEA-BES):
Workshop Series Number 3
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WITH THE AIM of developing common shared and
agreed upon standards for what every learner should
know and be able to do in Science and Mathematics
in the SEAMEO Member Countries, RECSAM has
continuously been conducting a series of workshop
on SEAMEO Basic Education Standards (SEA-BES)
to develop the Common Core Regional Standards in
Science and Mathematics (CCRS). SEA-BES Workshop
Number 3 was conducted by RECSAM on 21 and 22
May 2015 with the aim of developing the framework for
the CCRS. The process of developing the curriculum
framework was guided by foreign experts, namely;
Professor Kerry J Kennedy from Hong Kong Institute of
Education, Hong Kong; Professor Masami Isoda from
CRICED, University of Tsukuba, Japan; and Dr. Mark
Windale from Centre for Science Education, Sheffield
Hallam University, United Kingdom. The consultants
shared their perspectives on curriculum development
and processes from their respective home countries and
the importance of benchmarking. This workshop was
made possible because of the financial support from
British Council Thailand and SEAMEO Secretariat. The
SEA-BES project is led by RECSAM and in collaboration
with SEAMEO sister centres such as QITEP in Science,
QITEP in Mathematics and SEAMOLEC. The workshop
was attended by 25 participants including the Centre
Director and specialists from RECSAM, key staff from
SEAMEO QITEP in Science & Mathematics and science
and mathematics master teachers from Penang State.
SEAMEO Basic Education Standards (SEA-BES):
Workshop Series Number 4
AS PART OF SEA-BES SERIES OF WORKSHOPS,
RECSAM conducted SEA-BES Workshop Number 4 on
23 July 2015 which focused on “Developing Draft Aims
and Domains of the Common Core Regional Standards
in Science and Mathematics (CCRS)”. The objectives of
this workshop were to: (a) revisit the mapped science
and mathematics curriculum of SEAMEO Member
Countries, namely; Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and
Singapore against the benchmarked countries such
as Japan, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Australia, and
USA, and other relevant documents such as TIMSS and
PISA Frameworks 2015, and (b) develop draft general
and specific aims, content topics/sub-topics per domain
across key stages. The three key stages are as follows;
Key Stage 1 covers Grades 1 to 3; Key Stage 2 covers
Grades 4 to 6; and Key Stage 3 covers Grades 7 to 9.
Twenty three (23) RECSAM’s Specialists and science
and mathematics master teachers from Penang State
participated in the one-day workshop.
SEAMEO Basic Education Standards (SEA-BES):
Workshop Series Number 5
THE SEA-BES Workshop Series Number 5 with
emphasis on the “Development of Draft Aims, Domains,
Content and Performance Standards, and Generic Skills
of the Common Core Regional Standards in Science
and Mathematics” was held at RECSAM on 27 August
2015. This workshop aimed to continue developing the
draft aims, domains, content and performance standards
as well as the generic skills across three key stages
that was started in workshop number 4. The workshop
was then followed by presentation of initial outputs (i.e.
aims, content topics per domain and generic skills per
key stages). The outputs produced from the workshop
will be further refined in the succeeding workshops prior
presentation at the regional meeting and workshop
tentatively set on October 20 - 22, 2015 involving the
curriculum experts in science and mathematics from
the 11 SEAMEO Member Countries. The workshop was
attended by 29 (twenty nine) participants including the
Centre Director and Specialists from RECSAM, lectures
from local university and teacher training institution,
and science and mathematics master teachers from
Penang State.
Workshop on the “Development of Malaysian Science Teachers Quality
Standards (MSTQS) using Southeast Asia Regional Standards for Science
Teachers (SEARS-ST)”
RECSAM recently conducted a workshop on the “Development
of Malaysian Science Teachers Quality Standards (MSTQS)
using Southeast Asia Regional Standards for Science Teachers
(SEARS-ST)” on 26 and 27 May 2015. The workshop was aimed to
provide a platform to discuss the key aspects of science teaching
and the challenges of science teachers who need to engage
the next generation of students. The goal of MSTQS was to
document a set of standards outlined in SEARS-ST and its local
descriptors in the context of Malaysian education system. Expert
Smiles for the camera
from the United Kingdom (UK), Dr. Mark Windale from Sheffield
Hallam University also participated in this workshop. Presentations and discussions focused on developing local
descriptors for SEARS-ST and formulation of draft for the MSTQS. A second layer of discussions comprised seminarcolloquium that provided dedicated dialogues on the aspects of students’ performance in international large scale
assessments such as TIMSS and PISA as well as teacher quality standards and their respective dimensions were
held. Addressing the theme “The development of Malaysian Science Teachers Quality Standards (MSTQS): How
can this affect science teachers’ performance to raise students’ achievement in TIMSS and PISA?”, invited speakers
such as; Dr. Ng Soo Boon from Curriculum Development Division (CDD), Ministry of Education of Malaysia, Dr.
Devadason Robert Peter from Teacher Education Institute (Ipoh Campus) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lay Yoon Fah from
Faculty of Psychology and Education (FPE), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and RECSAM’s Specialist, Dr. Ng
Khar Thoe shared their research findings related to the determinant success factors of the educational systems
in the countries and how can the development of MSTQS from SEARS-ST affect science teachers’ performance
to raise students’ achievement in TIMSS and PISA. Both workshop and seminar-colloquium received a total of
20 (twenty) and 51 (fifty one) participants comprising of teachers / teacher educators, researchers and officers
involved in science education and teacher education in Malaysian educational settings.
Professional Development Programme for Mathematics Teacher
Educators of ASEAN
A MALAYSIAN Technical Cooperation Programme on
“Professional Development Programme for Mathematics
Teacher Educators of ASEAN” was successfully
conducted by RECSAM from 27 July - 14 August 2015.
This training programme was aimed to strengthen the
capacity of mathematics teacher educators through
enhancing their skills to promote active teaching and
learning. Course participants were exposed to a wide
range of topics covering Problem Based Learning,
Assessment for & of Learning and Effective Questioning
Techniques. This year’s training programme received
eighteen (18) participants from Brunei Darussalam,
Cambodia, Indonesia and Lao PDR. This in-service
training programme was supervised by Mr. Pedro L.
Montecillo, Jr, Specialist from Training Programme
Division and was funded by MTCP (Malaysian Technical
Cooperation Programme).
Professional Development Programme for Science Teacher Educators of
Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam
A MALAYSIAN Technical Cooperation Programme
entitled “Professional Development Programme for
Science Teacher Educators of Cambodia, Lao PDR,
Myanmar and Vietnam” was conducted by RECSAM
from 27 July - 14 August 2015. This training programme
which aimed to strengthen the capacity of science
teacher educators through enhancing their skills to
promote active teaching and learning was supervised
by Mr. Lee Shok Mee, Training Programme Specialist.
Course participants were exposed to a wide range of
topics covering Higher Order Thinking Skills, ICT for
Active Science Teaching and Learning, Assessment
for Learning and Effective Questioning Techniques as a
means to improve instructional practices in their schools.
This three-week training course was made possible
through the sponsorship of MTCP (Malaysian Technical
Cooperation Programme). This training programme
received a total of 6 (six) participants.
Seminar for Principals of Secondary Schools in Gombak District, Selangor
RECSAM recently conducted a seminar on “Enhancing
STEM Thinking to Meet the Challenges of the 21 st
Century including TIMSS and PISA” for a group of
secondary school principals from Gombak District,
Selangor on 20 May 2015 at RECSAM. The seminar
was conducted with the aim to strengthen STEM thinking
of these principals as well as to improve and enhance
teachers’ various skills in bid to boost the school’s
performance in TIMSS and PISA assessment. Seminar
participants were exposed to basic philosophy of STEM
education and the usage of technology in teaching and
learning to enhance students’ science, engineering and
technological literacy, problem solving, communication
and 21st century skills to overcome challenges and
issues for the future. The seminar received a total of
24 (twenty four) participants, mostly secondary schools
principals from Gombak District in Selangor.
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Third Country Training Programme (TCTP)
TWO THIRD COUNTRY TRAINING PROGRAMME (TCTP) courses
entitled: (i) “Training of Trainers: Professional Programme for Secondary
Science Education” and (ii) “Training of Trainers: Professional
Programme for Secondary Mathematics Education” were conducted
by RECSAM from 18 May - 12 June 2015. Twelve (12) mathematics
teacher educators attended the Mathematics course under
Dr. S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam’s supervision while
the other 12 teacher educators attended the Science course under
the supervision of Mr. Lee Shok Mee. Course participants were exposed
to a wide range of topics covering Lesson Study, Problem-Based Learning, 21st Century Learning, Assessment for
Learning and Questioning Techniques. This one-month in-service training programme was conducted by RECSAM
and funded by Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) and The Colombo Plan Secretariat.
A Workshop for Triam Udom Suksa School
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A TWO-DAY workshop for students on “Enhancing 21st
Century Skills through Meaningful Science and Mathematics
Learning” from Triam Udom Suksa School, Nakhon Si
Thammarat Province, Thailand was held at RECSAM
on 5 & 6 May 2015. This workshop was aimed to cultivate
interest in science and mathematics among secondary
school students. Through this workshop, the students were
exposed to the fundamental problem solving skills for the
21st century learning of science and mathematics. Workshop
participants were exposed to various meaningful science and mathematics hands-on activities such as; (i) learning
science with toys (ii) exploring magic of science, and (iii) exploring the mathematics through Origami, and 3-D
straw models. A total of 83 (eighty three) students and teachers participated in this two-day programme which was
facilitated by our Specialists from the Training Programme Division.
Workshop on Promoting Thinking Skills through Blended Learning Tools
for Borderless Learning
A TWO-DAY workshop on “Promoting Thinking Skills through Blended
Learning Tools for Borderless Learning” was conducted by RECSAM on 28
& 29 May 2015. The purpose of this workshop was to expose participants to
various digital tools for blended learning platforms with pedagogical content
knowledge (PCK) to promote thinking skills in the borderless world. The
SEAMEO Borderless School project is an area identified under the vision
of Golden SEAMEO in the next decade in response to the need for sharing
resources through blended mode learning environment with easy access
of information from diverse background. Various cutting edge technological
tools for blended learning such as Learning Activity Management System’ (LAMS) and other e-learning platforms
were introduced to allow participants develop and upload Open Educational Resources (OERs) on these platforms.
Discussions and presentations related to the current trends of cutting edge technological tools and promoting
thinking skills for borderless learning were also convened. The workshop concluded with presentations of workshop
outputs and feedback to improve the e-learning platforms. An inter-centre collaboration meeting between RECSAM
and SEAMOLEC was also held under the framework of the SEAMEO Borderless School on the second day of
7 the workshop. A total of 25 (twenty five) participants participated in this workshop. The workshop, which RECSAM
co-organised with SEAMOLEC was guided by experts and consultants from the Ministry of Education of Malaysia,
LAMS foundation, SEAMOLEC and the United Kingdom (UK).
A Magical Workshop on Creativity in Mathematics Education
A TWO-DAY magical workshop on “Creativity in Mathematics
Education” was conducted by Ms. Teoh Poh Yew on 1 & 2 June 2015
at RECSAM. The aim of this workshop was to enhance teachers’
capability to help their students recognise and solve mathematics
problems and to develop Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS).
Workshop participants were taught how to facilitate the learning of
mathematics creatively using some mathematical magic, games, and
puzzles. The two-day training was conducted in a workshop format with
5 to 6 participants in a group. This fun-filled, hands-on and minds-on
workshop received 19 (nineteen) participants.
A Workshop on Learning Science through Games, Simulations, and
Electronic/Mobile Devices
Dr. JANCHAI Yingprayoon, from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University,
Bangkok, Thailand recently conducted a workshop on “Learning Science
through Games, Simulations, and Electronic/Mobile Devices” for a group of
primary and secondary science teachers on 8 & 9 June 2015 at RECSAM.
Workshop participants were exposed to various ICT related tools and activities
such as shadow and simulation activity, high speed photography, the making
of 3D photos and movies and electrostatics activities to improve students
learning of science. At the end of the two-day workshop, the participants were
given a platform to share their own experiences on using games, simulations
and mobile devices in science teaching. This two-day workshop received 23 (twenty three) participants.
A Workshop on GeoGebra Mathematical Activities for Instruction
RECSAM recently conducted a workshop on “GeoGebra Mathematical Activities
for Instruction” on 12 & 13 May 2015. Associate Professor Dr. Zaleha Ismail is an
Associate Professor in the Department of Science, Mathematics and Creative
Multimedia from the University of Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Dr. Hj. Mohd.
Sazali Hj. Khalid, Specialist from Research & Development Division facilitated
the two-day workshop. Workshop participants were introduced to the versatility of
GeoGebra software in teaching and learning mathematics in order to accommodate
problem-solving skills, communication skills and 21st century skills. Also, through this
workshop participants were expected to draw effectively some important mathematical diagrams using the software.
The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Nur Jahan Ahmad, Specialist from Research & Development Division. A total
of 31 (thirty one) participants benefited from this training workshop.
Workshop on Critical Thinking in the 21st Century
ASSOC. PROF. DAVID R. COLE from the Centre for Educational
Research (CER) in University of Western Sydney, Australia recently
conducted a workshop on “Critical Thinking in the 21st Century”
on 9 July 2015 at RECSAM. Workshop participants were exposed
to different approaches and aspects of critical thinking such as
philosophy, metacognition, creative thinking and epistemology. The
workshop sessions also addressed the fundamentals of International
Baccalaureate approach (Theory of Knowledge), Foundation for
Critical Thinking Approach, Critical Thinking Assessment Materials and Unit of Work from the Big History Project
(Globalisation). A total of 22 (twenty two) participants attended the workshop.
STEM Workshop Using Local Materials
MR. HIDEO NAKANO, Specialist from RECSAM recently conducted a
workshop entitled “STEM Using Local Materials” for secondary science and
mathematics teachers and educators on 11 & 12 August 2015. The aim of this
workshop was to introduce participants to effective hands-on activities using
low-cost educational materials to build teaching aids to improve the teaching
and learning of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
subjects. The two-day training was conducted in a workshop format with 5 to
6 participants in a group and participants were taught how to build inexpensive
science educational materials that they can use in their classrooms through step
by step instructions. Workshop participants were also exposed to various hands-on activities and demonstrations
such as sound activities with wave visualisation, paper-based activities using wind energy and plastic straw 3D
models for statics to name a few. 28 (twenty eight) participants participated in this workshop.
A Workshop on Test Item Construction for Assessing
Socio-scientific Understanding
A TRAINING workshop on “Test Item Construction for Assessing Socio-scientific
Understanding” was conducted by RECSAM from 4 - 6 August 2015. The aim
of this workshop was to expose participants to socio-scientific issue teaching
and learning approaches and to construct a set of assessment items including
scoring guides for students aged 14 years old. The workshop also provided
guide for developing or constructing exemplar questions (bilingual) that would
assess students’ understanding related to current socio-scientific issues on
environment, human health, technology and energy issues. 28 (twenty eight)
participants participated in this workshop.
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Colloquium
Assoc. Prof. David R. Cole from University of
Western Sydney, Australia gave a talk on “Critical
Thinking in the 21st Century” on 8 July 2015 at
RECSAM. The talk attracted 106 participants.
Assoc. Prof.
David R. Cole
A session during the colloquium
Consultancy Services
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1 Mr. Lee Shok Mee, Specialist from Training
2 Dr. Suhaidah bt Tahir, Deputy Director from Research
Programme Division was invited as a Consultant
to conduct a workshop on “Improving Classroom
Instruction through Lesson Study” organised
by the International College Suan Sunandha
Rajabhat University at Nongnooch Resort
Pattaya, Thailand from 11 - 15 May 2015.
& Development Division was invited as a Plenary Panel
Discussion Speaker on “Conceptualizing Quality Mathematics
Education” at the 7th ICMI-East Asia Regional Conference on
Mathematics Education” hosted by the Philippines Council of
Mathematics Teacher Educators and University of San Carlos
in Cebu City, Philippines from 11 - 15 May 2015.
3 Dr. Thien Lei Mee, Specialist from Research &
4 Dr. Suhaidah bt Tahir (Deputy Director), Dr. Thien Lei
Development Division was invited as an international
expert to conduct a PISA Training workshop on
“Data Analysis and National Report” organised by
the Ministry of Education and Training, Secondary
Education Sector Development Program in Hanoi,
Vietnam from 23 - 27 June 2015.
Mee and Dr. Mohd. Sazali bin Hj. Khalid, Specialists
from Research & Development Division conducted a
workshop on “Motivasi Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran
Matematik” organised by Politeknik Nilai and Ministry
of Education of Malaysia at Politeknik Nilai from
6 to 8 July 2015.
5 Dr. Koay Suan See, Deputy Director
6 Dr. Ng Khar Thoe and Dr. Hazura Ab Bakar were invited as
(Training Programme) was invited as
Chief Judge for the “Pedagogy Innovation
Competition” organised by Institut
Pendidikan Guru (IPG), Penang Campus
on 25 July 2015.
panel of judges in “Pertandingan Inovasi Sains dan Kejuruteraan
Piala Pengarah Pendidikan Pulau Pinang 2015” organised by
the Penang State Education Department at Institut Pendidikan
Guru, Kampus Tuanku Bainun, Bukit Mertajam from 11 - 14
August 2015.
7
Mr. Hideo Nakano, Specialist from Training Programme Division was invited
as a Consultant to conduct a sharing session on “Creativity and Innovation
in Teaching and Learning” organsied by Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG),
Penang Campus at IPG on 20 August 2015.
Meetings and Other Events
1 Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre
Director attended the “48th SEAMEO Council
Conference” organised by SEAMEO
Secretariat and Ministry of Education
of Thailand at Royal Cliff Hotels Group,
Jomtien-Pattaya, Chonburi from 6 - 9 May
2015.
3 Dr. Ng Khar Thoe, Specialist from Research
& Development Division attended the meeting
of “Ketiga Ahli Jawatankuasa Induk Program
Karnival Gaya Hidup Lesteri 2015” organised
by Regional Center of Expertise (RCE),
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) at USM,
Penang on 20 May 2015.
2 Dr. Koay Suan See, Deputy Director (Training Programme)
and Dr. S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam, Specialist from
Training Programme Division attended the “Pemurnian Laporan
Kajian Peningkatan Kemahiran Guru dan Murid dalam TIMSS
dan PISA” meeting organised by the Curriculum Development
Division, Ministry of Education of Malaysia at Putrajaya on
12 & 13 May 2015.
4 Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre Director and Dr. Koay
Suan See, Deputy Director from Training Programme Division
attended the International Science, Technology, Engineering &
Mathematics (STEM) High Level Policy Forum on “EvidenceBased Science Education for Developing Countries” organised
by Academy of Sciences Malaysia at Istana Hotel in Kuala
Lumpur from 25 - 27 May 2015.
5
Dr. Hazura Ab Bakar, Specialist from Research
& Development Division participated in a
workshop on “Developing Outdoor Learning
Guidebook” organised by RECSAM on
25 May 2015.
7
Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre Director and
Dr. Suhaidah bt Tahir attended a project meeting on
“Strengthening STEM Curricula for Girls in Africa and
Asia and the Pacific (Phase 1) IBE UNESCO” organised
by the Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of
Education of Malaysia on 8 June 2015.
9
Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre Director and
Dr. Suhaidah bt Tahir, Deputy Director (Research &
Development) attended a meeting on “Perancangan
Projek Strengthening STEM Curricula for Girls in Africa,
Asia and the Pacific (Phase 1)” organised by IBEUNESCO (International Bureau of Education-UNESCO)
at Putrajaya on 8 & 9 June 2015. The meeting was then
followed by a visit to Sekolah Seri Puteri in Cyberjaya
on 9 June 2015.
10 Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre Director
11 Dr. Thien Lei Mee, Specialist from Research &
12 Ms. Rabiatul Adawiah bt. Megat Jiwa,
6
Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre Director attended the
“Penang State Teachers Day 2015 Celebration” organised
by the Penang State Education Department and Ministry of
Education of Malaysia at Politeknik Seberang Perai, Penang
on 28 May 2015.
8
Development Division attended a meeting on “Student
Outcomes Measurement (SOM)” organised by the
Research, Intellectual Property and Translation, Education
Development Division of LeapEd Services Sdn. Bhd. in
Kuala Lumpur on 15 June 2015.
13 Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre Director
and Dr. Suhaidah bt Tahir attended a meeting on
“Strengthening STEM Curricula for Girls in Africa and
Asia and the Pacific - Phase 1, IBE UNESCO No.
1/2015” organised by the Curriculum Development
Division, Ministry of Education of Malaysia at Putrajaya
on 29 June 2015.
15 Dr. Nur Jahan Ahmad, Specialist from
Research & Development Division attended
a meeting on “Penyelarasan Pelaksanaan
Kajian Sebenar Kesediaan Guru Terhadap
Pendekatan Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran
(PDP) Interdisiplinari STEM” organised by
the Teacher Education Division, Ministry of
Education of Malaysia at Putrajaya on 30
July 2015.
17
Ms. Bhavani Ramasamy, Programme
Officer from Training Programme
D i v i s i o n a n d M r. B a h a r u l n i z a m
Baharum, Marketing Executive attended
the “Selection Meeting for Malaysian
TCTP-JICA Course 2015” organised
by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
at Putrajaya on 8 August 2015.
18
Dr. Suhaidah bt Tahir, Deputy Director from
Research & Development Division attended the
“Jawatan kuasa Kurikulum Kebangsaan (JKK)
Bil. 2/2015” meeting organised by the Curriculum
Development Division, Ministry of Education of
Malaysia at Putrajaya 9 June 2015.
attended the 5th Annual Forum for High Officials
of Basic Education of SEAMEO Member
Countries and Associate Members on “Quality
Assurance Framework for Basic Education”
organised by the Ministry of Education, Youth
& Sport, Cambodia at Angkor Paradise Hotel,
Siem Reap Province, Cambodia on 11 & 12
June 2015.
Programme Officer from Training Programme
Division attended the Selection Meeting for
“Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme
(MTCP)” organised by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs (MOFA) at Putrajaya on 19 June 2015.
14 Dr. Suhaidah bt Tahir, Deputy Director from
Research & Development Division attended the
“Jawatankuasa Pendidikan Sains dan Matematik
Kebangsaan (JPSMK) Bil. 1/2015” meeting
organised by the Curriculum Development Division,
Ministry of Education of Malaysia at Putrajaya on
10 July 2015.
16 Dr. Suhaidah bt Tahir, Deputy Director from Research
& Development Division attended the “Penyelarasan
Pelaksanaan Mini Simposium dan Open Class Lesson
Study Anjuran Universiti of Tsukuba in Japan, SEAMEO
RECSAM and Bahagian Pendidikan Guru, Kementerian
Pendididikan Malaysia” meeting organised by Universiti
of Tsukuba, Japan, Teacher Education Division, Ministry of
Education of Malaysia and SEAMEO RECSAM at Putrajaya
on 3 August 2015.
Dr. Ng Khar Thoe, and Dr. Hazura Ab Bakar, Specialists from
Research & Development Division participated in the “Penang
State Science and Technology Carnival 2015” organised by the
Penang State Education Department and Teacher Education
Institute (IPG), Kampus Tuanku Bainun, Ministry of Education
of Malaysia at IPG Kampus Tuanku Bainun on 13 & 14 August
2015. Dr. Ng was nominated as Chief Judge while Dr. Hazura
was involved as panel judge for secondary level.
see page 10
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19 Dr. Thien Lei Mee, Specialist from Research &
20 Mr. Lee Shok Mee, Specialist from Training Programme
Development Division attended the “Student
Outcomes Measurement (SOM) Meeting”
organised by LeapEd Services Sdn. Bhd. at
Pullman Hotel, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur on
18 & 19 August 2015.
Division attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony on
“Groundbreaking Innovation, A Momentous Occasion”
to kick off the construction work for Tech Dome Penang
organised by Tech Dome, Penang at KOMTAR on
19 August 2015.
21 Dr. Suhaidah bt Tahir, Deputy Director from Research &
22 Dr. Suhaidah bt. Tahir, Deputy Director from
Development Division attended a discussion session on
“STEMfest 2015 Conference” to be held in Saskatoon,
Canada with Mr. Khairuddin bin Abdul Kadir from Global
STEM States in Putrajaya at Everly Hotel, Putrajaya on
20 August 2015.
Research & Development Division attended a
meeting with the Director of Institut Pendidikan
Guru Malaysia (IPGM), Ministry of Education of
Malaysia on “SEARS-MT and SEARS-ST Projects”
in Putrajaya on 21 August 2015.
Staff Development Programmes
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5
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Dr. Suhaidah bt Tahir (Deputy Director),
Dr. Ng Khar Thoe and Dr. Nur Jahan Ahmad,
(Specialists) from Research & Development
Division participated in a forum organised by
Taylor’s University entitled “What is Future
Learning” at Taylor’s University, Kuala
Lumpur on 8 May 2015.
M s . N u r F a r a h d i n a B i n t i O m a r,
Administrative Executive participated
in a training workshop on “Employer
Responsibility for Employees” organised by
EPF (Employees Provident Fund) Learning
Center at Hotel Bayview, Georgetown in
Penang on 20 & 21 May 2015.
2 Dr. Hj. Mohd Johan bin Zakaria, Centre Director, Mr. Shamsul
Azha, Deputy Director (Administration) and Mr. Baharulnizam
Baharum, Marketing Executive participated in a Conference
& Knowledge Sharing Session on “Embracing International
Standards Practices on Quality Assurance and Management”
organised and hosted by SEAMEO VOCTECH, Brunei
Darussalam from 12 - 14 May 2015.
4 Dr. Nur Jahan Ahmad, Specialist from Research & Development
Division attended the “Kerja Penulisan Dokumen Standard
Kurikulum Dan Pentaksiran (DSKP) Sains Tingkatan 2 Kurikulum
Standard Sekolah Menengah (KSSM) Bil.1/2015” workshop
organised by the Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of
Education of Malaysia at Avillion Legacy Melaka from 26 - 28
May 2015.
Dr. Thien Lei Mee, Specialist from Research &
Development Division participated in a workshop
with external consultants, Professor Margaret Wu on
“Student Outcomes Measurement (SOM)” organised
by LeapEd Services Sdn. Bhd. at Pullman Kuala
Lumpur from 29 - 31 May 2015.
6 Dr. Mohd Sazali bin Hj. Khalid, Specialist from
Research & Development attended a workshop on
“Division Item Development for the Southeast Asia
Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM)” organised
by SEAMEO Secretariat & UNICEF EAPRO in
Bangkok, Thailand from 1 - 6 June 2015.
Dr. Fazzlijan Mohamed Adnan Khan, Specialist from Training Programme Division participated in the “Flipped Learning:
Designing Effective Flipped Learning Experiences” workshop organised by the Centre for Teaching and Learning
Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) at UKM, Bangi, Selangor on 27 August 2015.
RECSAM Staff Conferred 2014/2015 SEAMEO
Service Award
RECSAM marked a good start to 2015 with another achievement!
Mr. Ahmad Basrah Awang, General Assistant from Administrative Division at
RECSAM was among the recipients of the 2014/2015 SEAMEO Service Award.
The awarding ceremony was held during the 48th SEAMEO Council Conference
in Chonburi, Thailand from 6 - 9 May 2015. Mr. Ahmad Basrah received the
notable award from Dr. Gatot Hari Priowirjanto, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat.
Smiles for the camera
RECSAM Celebrated Merdeka Day With Sehati Sejiwa
MALAYSIANS from all walks of life celebrated the 58th anniversary of the
country’s independence in high spirit on 31 August 2015. In Penang, the statelevel Merdeka celebration was held at Bandar Perda, Seberang Perai, Penang
where over 150 contingents from government departments and agencies,
schools, institutions of higher learning, uniformed and non-governmental
organisations took part. This time, our contingent comprised of 35 (thirty five)
staff representing Deputy Directors, Specialists, Executives, Programme
One for the album
Officer, Technical Assistants and Administrative Assistants as well as General
Assistants. Mr. Shamsul Azha Md Yusuf, Deputy Director (Administration) was the head of our contingent while
Mr. Azwan Hanafi, Technical Assistant from Administration Division, was the commander. The celebration was graced
by His Excellency, Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Haji Abbas, the Governor
of Penang and Y.B. Tuan Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang.
One Great RECSAM Team
THIRTY SIX STAFF (36) (inclusive of management, professional and support
staff) from RECSAM were selected for an outdoor teambuilding activity held
at D’Puncak Bris Lake Resort, Sik, Kedah on 31 July and 1 August 2015. The
two-day programme was specially designed to sustain the team working spirit
and motivate and inspire others to deliver better results in line with the core
values of the Centre. Rank and file were forgotten as everyone supported
and cheered for one another during these activities. The obstacles were
tough whereby all members had to overcome three main obstacles such as
Smiles for the camera
water confidence, lake crossing (180 meter) and the night jungle trekking.
The night jungle trekking activity required the team members to take a mountain climb/trek in the middle of the jungle,
an endurance course in order to reach the top and provided both physical and mental challenges. The final
obstacle had the team members to build a bamboo raft and passage all their team members via their self-built bamboo
raft over to Gazambo Island. As easy as it looked, the wrong steps would have landed the whole team in the water.
These challenges were also aimed at cultivating good team spirit through effective communication and reaching group
consensus in order to become more effective. The activities incorporated in the programme were aimed at fostering
the sense of belonging and inter-dependence among the participants which is crucial for overall team building. At the
end of the day, all staff got to know each other better, learnt to gain trust and was definitely up for greater challenges
to realise their full potential in becoming a great team!
Sharing the Joy of Raya
One for the album
TO FURTHER ENHANCE the spirit of Hari Raya, RECSAM held its
festive gathering with all staff on 7 August 2015. All RECSAM staff
attended the gathering which commenced from 4.00pm - 5.30pm with
lively “Raya” songs. It also created an opportunity for the foreign staff
to understand Malaysian culture of “Unity in Diversity” of races and
religions in Malaysia a little better. Overall, it fulfilled the objective to
promote a healthy and harmonious working relationship and culture at
RECSAM. Everyone had a delightful feast and it was a great festive
gathering to be remembered!
New Faces
LET US welcome the following new members into RECSAM’s family!
Dr. Fazzlijan binti Mohamed
Adnan Khan is the new
Specialist based at Training
Programme Division who joined
RECSAM on 1 June 2015.
Dr. Fazzlijan previously served
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan.
Pn. Hasdiana Bt Mohd
Hassan joined RECSAM
on 1 July 2015 as an
Assistant Executive
(ICT). Pn. Hasdiana
previously served Pusat
Internet 1 Malaysia.
Mr. Julito C. Aligaen joined
RECSAM as a Specialist
based at Training Programme
Division on 13 July 2015.
Mr. Julito previously served
RECSAM’s Research &
Development Division.
Ms. Nur Syafiyah binti Mohd
Kassim joined RECSAM as
Technical Assistant based
at Publication Unit on17
August 2015. Ms. Syafiyah
previously served A-Line
Design, Penang.
Farewell
TO THE FOLLOWING former staff of RECSAM, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Your dedication
and contribution to the Centre would be greatly remembered! Dr. Corrienna binti Abdul Talib, Specialist based at
Research & Development Division completed her contract at RECSAM and left the Centre on 24 May 2015.
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