Sample Abstract 1

Due to the potential of the Internet and blended learning environment, students especially L2 learners

are often required to read references available online. A study was conducted to identify the

perceptions of L2 learners comprising TESL undergraduates towards TESL related hypermedia reading

materials and the factors contributing to their reading comprehension. This case study involved 3 rd year

undergraduate TESL students enrolled in a course namely ‘Teaching of Reading Skills in an ESL Context’.

Data was collected using Think Aloud Protocol, semi-structured interviews, and reflective notes. The

findings of this study revealed various participants’ perceptions regarding hypermedia reading materials.

Among the factors that helped their reading comprehension include the design of the hypermedia

materials and content in terms of the manner in which information was displayed. The participants

highlighted the difficulties associated with reading long hypertexts and expressed preference for texts

which come in point form format. Other features cited as being helpful in their reading were the

inclusion of pictures, tables, diagrams, audio materials, and videos alongside or hand-in hand with the

texts. Some other features included hyperlinks and glosses provided by the websites that the students

found beneficial in helping them understand the text. Other less favorable aspects of reading

hypermedia materials included advertisements on the websites, easy access to social media websites as

well as poor Internet connection and bandwidth speed. These were reported to affect the reading

process in a way that they distracted the participants’ concentration, and which ultimately affected

reading comprehension to a certain degree. It is hoped that these findings could provide insights for

course developers in developing or selecting websites to suit their teaching and learning purposes
Sample Abstract 2

Studies have been carried out to investigate problems and causes of low employability amongst

graduates from both public and private higher learning institutions. Although higher learning institutions

have made concerted efforts to address this problem – to improve graduate employability, it remains a

matter of serious concern. One of the main reasons for candidates not being employed is lack of

communication skills particularly in English. Project work has been recognized as an effective way to

develop students’ communication skills, knowledge, experience and soft skills. In order to enable

students to be more employable and aware of the requirements of the industry, a workplace related

research project was assigned to students who took a course in Workplace Communication II at

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), a public university. The aims of the study were to find out if

project work developed students’ understanding on workplace environments and what they learnt from

it. Respondents in this study wrote their self-reflection by responding to questions in a Google doc

survey after completing the project. The class teacher also commented on the progress made by the

respondents in her field notes report. The findings show that involvement in project work has created

awareness of the needs, requirements and workplace environment of the respondents’ future jobs.

They have learned social skills and teamwork, time management, personal development and report

writing skills. This project work has given the necessary exposure which made them realize the

importance of equipping themselves with the relevant skills and qualities sought after by prospective

employers. It is hoped that the findings of this study could help other teachers to have some insights on

how to implement project as their students’ assignment. This study also provide some benefits on

project work particularly to increase tertiary students’ employability.