Sample Abstract 1
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