JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 7 – The innovative teaching project “Write, Play, Repeat: ZEP Quiz in the Writing Classroom” proudly earned a Gold Award at the NALI 2025 Award and Exhibition, standing among 20 Gold recipients out of 89 entries submitted nationwide.
Organised annually by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI) Exhibition and Award is a premier platform that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and innovation in teaching and learning. The event gathers educators, researchers, and practitioners from diverse disciplines to showcase transformative ideas and digital practices that enhance student engagement, creativity, and learning outcomes.
During the exhibition, the Language Academy team presented “Write, Play, Repeat: AI-Assisted Gamified Writing with ZEP Quiz,” a digital initiative designed to make writing lessons more interactive, enjoyable, and student-centered. The project integrates play-based learning with digital interactivity, transforming traditional writing exercises into engaging, game-like experiences.
The ZEP Quiz platform supports students in strengthening their writing skills through repetition, immediate feedback, and reflection. Students participate in short, thematic writing quizzes that encourage active learning and foster confidence in expressing ideas. Teachers, on the other hand, can track student progress, analyse responses, and tailor instruction to address learning gaps more effectively.
“Our aim was to make writing lessons more enjoyable and impactful,” the project team explained. “The ZEP Quiz motivates students to participate actively and develop consistency in their writing. It helps them see improvement through practice, feedback, and a sense of achievement.”
The “Write, Play, Repeat” project began as a classroom experiment to encourage students to write more frequently in a supportive and low-stress environment. Over time, it evolved into a structured approach that blends AI-assisted feedback, gamification, and collaborative learning. The project reflects UTM’s commitment to embedding digital tools in pedagogy and promoting innovation-driven education.
Participating in NALI 2025 was a rewarding experience that allowed the team to share ideas, learn from other innovative educators, and explore new teaching technologies. The exhibition also served as a platform to exchange insights on digital transformation, creativity in education, and learner empowerment in the 21st-century classroom.
“It was truly an honour to be part of NALI 2025 and to share our project alongside so many inspiring educators,” said the team. “Receiving the Gold Award was an incredible recognition of our collective effort, creativity, and passion for improving teaching and learning.”
The team extends heartfelt appreciation to the Language Academy, UTM, NALI 2025 organisers, and the jury panel for their continuous support, constructive feedback, and recognition of innovative teaching practices.
Moving forward, “Write, Play, Repeat” aims to expand its reach by integrating more writing modules and training sessions for educators who wish to incorporate digital tools like ZEP Quiz in their classrooms. The initiative continues to exemplify UTM’s dedication to innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement in education—empowering both teachers and students to learn, play, and grow together.
By Linda V Prapagara and Nur Hazwani Mohd Muhridza
