Professional Practice Suite When Socrative Tool Meets Clickers
The new Professional Practice Suite (PPS) is the first of its kind in
Malaysia to aid hands-on teaching of contemporary, primary-care
pharmacy subjects. The environment is conducive to interactive and
multimedia-based learning. This pilot project has investigated the enhanced learning and
teaching experiences with the blended use of Clickers and Socrative
tool. Preliminary innovative results, such as large classroom
engagement, fun game-based learning, quick automated marking,
lively interaction, personalised and immediate assessment and
feedback with mobile devices were shared in the 2014 National
Teaching Aid competition. Disruptive experience, such as
administrative effort and technological support (Bring Your Own
Device or BYOD and WIFI issues) were also reported.
In contrast to traditional laboratory settings, each PPS can adapt to
changing teaching styles and emphasis. The flexibility of the PPS
space allows emerging professional practices to be taught as they
develop. Because of this ability, a new pharmacy practice education
model has been created, underpinned by a three-point base of
pedagogy-driven curriculum development, thoughtful space design
and appropriate teaching technology.
Among the key features of the PPS:
n Two large, flexible tutorial rooms with computer facilities
The findings submitted by the School of Information Technology
was awarded with the Bronze Prize in the competition.
The four researchers – Dr Chew Esyin, Dr Jojo Sze-Meng Wong,
Dr Zare Mohamed Reza and Dr Anuja Dharmaratne – will further
pursue this project in 2015.
n Eight consultation suites for development of professional
consultation and assessment skills
n Video cameras to record and review counselling performances
n Social learning space for informal work groups
Library’s Enhanced Role in Academic Liaison Green Steps at Monash Malaysia
Teaching information and research skills has long been integral to
the academic library role. This encompasses library orientations,
tutorials, training in the use of electronic resources, information
literacy classes, and collaboration with academic staff in the design
and delivery of course-integrated instruction. Developed in 2000 by the Monash Sustainability Institute, this
award-winning program was recently introduced at Monash Malaysia
to train change agents with knowledge and skills to create innovative
sustainability solutions at the university and workplace. The inaugural
Green Steps @ Uni program saw 15 students from different
disciplines selected for training on various aspects of environmental
sustainability and to propose relevant solutions in five on-campus
projects. These students are now among 800 others in Australia and
the United Kingdom who have successfully undergone the program.
In response to faculty's changing needs and expectations, the Library
established a formal Academic Liaisons Unit whereby each Academic
Librarian is assigned to a specific school to promote library resources
and provide professional expertise and knowledge. A key component
of the Academic Liaison model will be the partnerships formed with
schools, Education Management and academic staff to deliver skills
development programs that foster teaching and learning outcomes.
The Green Steps @ Work program is expected to be rolled out for
Monash Malaysia staff in 2015.
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