Putrajaya, 12 Sept: With the simple aim to transform the normally idle and boring mathematics classroom into enjoyable and meaningful experience in learning mathematics, a team from School of Quantitative Sciences (SQS) came together to start an active learning environment in teaching and learning mathematics and created the project 'Explore, Discover, Develop (ExDiD): Fostering Active Learning'. The team consists of Prof. Dr. Haslinda Ibrahim, Dr Masnita Misiran and Dr Norhayati Yusof.

Their commitment and effort in constructing transformative teaching method that are problem-based in its fundamental saw them emerging champion in the national level, at Anugerah Khas YB Menteri Pendidikan Malaysia: Rekabentuk Kurikulum dan Penyampaian Inovatif (AKRI 2019), in the Transformative Teaching category.

These problem-based activities are constructed based on three pillars - Explore, Discover & Develop, in which its theoretical development lies heavily on two main domains of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), i.e. the blends of engineering and mathematics components. Watch video below for a brief preview about ExDiD.

"We felt very honored with this recognition. This prestigious award will become a catalyst for us to keep improving on our deliverables in our future works. We strongly believe that with the right set of approach, mathematics can be learnt by the mass audience, not only for the selected few. Mathematics should be a universal language that can connect people and drive innovation. With the emerging IR 4.0, now is the crucial time to aggresively embed mathematics in our day to day lives", said the team after receiving the award from Deputy Minister of Education, YB Pn Teo Nie Ching, together present the Director of Department of Higher Education, Datin Paduka Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir at the Grand Dinner and Prize Giving Ceremony, The Everly Hotel, 12 September 2019.

There are four categories in this event - the Innovative Program Curriculum, Transformative Teaching, Immersive Learning Experience, and Alternative Assessment. With 234 entries from higher institutions nationwide, SQS team is among the 8 finalist from 103 entries in Transformative Teaching category. Other finalist include Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Taylor's University, Asia Pacific University, Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti, and Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia.

They took home RM10,000 cash, a trophy and certificates.

Also present were UUM Vice Chancellor, Prof Dato' Dr Ahmad Bashawir Abdul Ghani and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof Dr Yusnidah Ibrahim.

Written by Masnita Misiran@Bakun.