Strengthening Mathematical Understanding through KTP@Faculty: UTM Empowers SMK Pulai Jaya Students via Peer-Led STEM Workshop
Johor Bahru, June 2025 – As part of the UTM KTP@Faculty 2024 initiative, the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), collaborated with SMK Pulai Jaya to organize an innovative Mathematics Reinforcement Workshop. The program was led by Dr. Noraihan Afiqah Rawi with the support of the STEMaths & Community Committee, aiming to address learning gaps in mathematics among secondary school students by leveraging academic-community partnerships.
This initiative was executed in two phases. The first phase, held from 10–11 October 2024, involved direct teaching sessions conducted by UTM lecturers and final-year undergraduate students for 40 selected Form 2 students. The content focused on core algebra topics – specifically factorization and expansion – which were identified as areas of concern through discussions with mathematics teachers at SMK Pulai Jaya. Students participated in interactive group activities designed to deepen conceptual understanding and build problem-solving confidence.
In the second phase, conducted on 23–24 June 2025, the program evolved into a peer-led model. Students who had previously attended Phase I (now in Form 3) were appointed as facilitators, guiding a new batch of Form 2 students. UTM lecturers assumed an advisory role, observing and mentoring the facilitators throughout the sessions. This structure not only reinforced the facilitators’ mastery of mathematical concepts but also nurtured leadership, communication, and mentoring skills among the student mentors.
The impact of this two-tiered knowledge transfer model was significant. Academic performance analysis showed noticeable improvement in mathematics exam results among participants of both phases. Feedback collected through post-workshop surveys indicated that students appreciated the engaging, hands-on approach and found the peer-led format more relatable and less intimidating. Meanwhile, the facilitators expressed increased confidence in both their mathematical abilities and interpersonal skills.
Beyond academic gains, the workshop fostered a culture of mutual support, active learning, and student empowerment. By positioning students as both learners and teachers, the initiative promoted a sustainable, scalable model for enhancing STEM education in schools. It also strengthened ties between UTM and local education stakeholders, including the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ), SMK Pulai Jaya’s Mathematics Panel, and the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG).
The Mathematics Reinforcement Workshop stands as a testament to UTM’s commitment to community-driven knowledge transfer, and its broader mission to transform lives through education, mentorship, and collaboration.
For more information on impactful KTP projects, visit: https://science.utm.my/utmfsresearch/
Bengkel Pengukuhan Matematik: UTM Perkasa Pelajar SMK Pulai Jaya Melalui Pendekatan STEM Berasaskan Rakan Sebaya
Johor Bahru, Jun 2025 – Di bawah inisiatif KTP@Faculty 2024, Jabatan Sains Matematik, Fakulti Sains, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) telah bekerjasama dengan SMK Pulai Jaya bagi menganjurkan Bengkel Pengukuhan Matematik yang menyasarkan pelajar Tingkatan 2 yang memerlukan bimbingan tambahan dalam subjek Matematik. Program ini diketuai oleh Dr. Noraihan Afiqah Rawi dan disokong oleh Jawatankuasa STEMaths & Community UTM.
Program ini dilaksanakan dalam dua fasa. Fasa pertama, yang berlangsung pada 10 hingga 11 Oktober 2024, menumpukan kepada sesi pengajaran dan pembelajaran secara langsung yang dikendalikan oleh pensyarah dan pelajar prasiswazah tahun akhir UTM kepada 40 pelajar Tingkatan 2 terpilih. Kandungan modul menekankan topik algebra – khususnya pemfaktoran dan kembangan – yang dikenal pasti sebagai kelemahan utama melalui perbincangan dengan guru-guru panitia Matematik SMK Pulai Jaya. Aktiviti dijalankan secara berkumpulan, menggunakan pendekatan interaktif yang menekankan kefahaman konsep dan keyakinan menyelesaikan masalah.
Fasa kedua dilaksanakan pada 23 dan 24 Jun 2025, memperkenalkan pendekatan pemindahan ilmu berasaskan rakan sebaya. Pelajar Tingkatan 3 yang pernah mengikuti Fasa I dilantik sebagai fasilitator, membimbing kumpulan baharu pelajar Tingkatan 2. Pensyarah UTM berperanan sebagai pemerhati dan mentor sepanjang sesi. Pendekatan ini tidak hanya mengukuhkan kefahaman fasilitator terhadap kandungan matematik, malah membangunkan kemahiran kepimpinan, komunikasi, dan pemudah cara dalam kalangan pelajar sekolah.
Kesan program ini sangat memberangsangkan. Analisis prestasi peperiksaan menunjukkan peningkatan ketara dalam keputusan matematik bagi peserta kedua-dua fasa. Melalui soal selidik pasca-bengkel, para peserta menyatakan bahawa pendekatan secara langsung dan suasana pembelajaran yang santai menjadikan mereka lebih selesa untuk bertanya dan mencuba. Fasilitator pula melaporkan peningkatan keyakinan diri, bukan sahaja dalam aspek akademik tetapi juga dalam kemahiran berkomunikasi dan bekerja dalam kumpulan.
Lebih penting, bengkel ini berjaya mewujudkan budaya saling membantu, pembelajaran aktif, dan pemerkasaan pelajar. Dengan menempatkan pelajar sebagai ‘pembelajar dan pendidik’, model ini mampu dijadikan pendekatan lestari dan mudah diperluas untuk meningkatkan pendidikan STEM di sekolah. Ia juga memperkukuh kerjasama antara UTM dan pihak berkepentingan pendidikan seperti Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Johor (JPNJ), panitia Matematik sekolah dan Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG).
Bengkel Pengukuhan Matematik ini membuktikan komitmen UTM terhadap pemindahan ilmu berasaskan komuniti, sejajar dengan misinya untuk mentransformasi kehidupan melalui pendidikan, bimbingan dan kolaborasi strategik.
Untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut tentang projek KTP yang berimpak tinggi, layari: https://science.utm.my/utmfsresearch/
