[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Johor Bahru, 18 September 2024<\/strong> \u2013 The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in collaboration with KEMAS Negeri Johor<\/strong>, has successfully conducted the Knowledge Transfer Program (KTP)<\/strong> titled \u201cPembangunan dan Aplikasi Buku Bertema Sains Alam Semulajadi bagi Pembelajaran STEM untuk Pra-Sekolah.\u201d<\/em> This initiative is part of UTM\u2019s continuous effort to bridge academic expertise with community education, focusing on enhancing early childhood learning through science-based approaches.<\/p>\n Led by PM Dr. Mohd Bakri Bakar<\/strong>, the project team includes Prof. Dr. Zaiton Abdul Majid<\/strong>, Dr. Mohamad Afiq Mohamed Huri<\/strong>, Dr. Siti Aminah Setu<\/strong>, Dr. Siti Ernieyanti Hashim<\/strong>, Dr. Mohamad Hamdi Zainal Abidin<\/strong>, Dr. Nurrul Hidayah Salamun<\/strong>, and Dr. Mohammad Izat Emir Zulkifly<\/strong> from the Faculty of Science. Together, they have designed a thematic science book aimed at cultivating curiosity and foundational STEM understanding among preschool children.<\/p>\n The primary objectives<\/strong> of this KTP initiative are to:<\/p>\n Enhance preschool teachers\u2019 knowledge and skills in teaching science effectively.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Build teachers\u2019 capacity in developing creative and engaging teaching aids, particularly science-themed books.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Foster children\u2019s interest in learning through science exploration and hands-on activities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n The project commenced with a discussion session with KEMAS Johor and preschool teachers<\/strong> on 15 May 2024<\/strong>, followed by a second engagement on 15 July 2024<\/strong>, where program content and teaching strategies were refined. The highlight of the initiative was the implementation workshop on 18 September 2024<\/strong>, introducing the Eco Education<\/strong> and Agrotechnopreneur<\/strong> modules aligned with the STREAM KEMAS curriculum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Throughout the sessions, teachers participated in interactive workshops and classroom activities designed to integrate science into daily preschool lessons. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with feedback indicating that the program enhanced teachers\u2019 confidence and creativity in science teaching.<\/p>\n A total of 20 preschool teachers<\/strong> from KEMAS Johor took part in this phase of the program. Data collected from post-program surveys showed significant improvement in teachers\u2019 understanding of STEM pedagogy and their readiness to apply innovative science-based approaches in preschool classrooms.<\/p>\n The success of this initiative underscores UTM\u2019s commitment to extending its academic expertise beyond campus, strengthening community education through knowledge transfer, capacity building, and innovation in early childhood STEM education<\/strong>. Future phases of the project will continue to expand on the development of localized teaching resources and training for more educators across Johor.<\/p>\n\n