DESARU, Feb 11 – The Summer School Committee of the Language Academy at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully hosted a four-day workshop from February 7 to 10, 2025, at the Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort in Desaru. The workshop focused on refining learning materials and preparing teaching modules for the upcoming Summer School programs designed for Japanese students in 2025.
Enhancing Learning Materials and Modules
The workshop resulted in several key outcomes, notably the development of an improved Activity Book specifically designed for the 2025 Summer School cycles. This revised version incorporates interactive exercises, cultural insights, and real-life English usage scenarios to enhance students’ language learning experience.
Eight detailed lecture modules were carefully created for Summer School instructors. These modules offer structured content and engaging activities to help instructors deliver effective English lessons. Additionally, a comprehensive buddy training module was designed to equip Malaysian buddies with the skills needed to assist Japanese students, promoting smoother cross-cultural interactions and enhancing student engagement.
Collaborative Efforts for Meaningful Learning
The workshop was an intensive experience, with committee members participating in in-depth discussions, developing content, and making thorough revisions. Sessions focused on enhancing the curriculum structure, improving lesson delivery methods, and implementing student engagement strategies to create a more immersive and effective learning environment. On the final day of the workshop, committee members conducted detailed reviews to ensure that all materials were cohesive, well-structured, and aligned with the learning objectives.
According to Adam Danish, a Malaysian buddy, the new materials greatly benefit both instructors and students:
“The updated activity book is much more engaging and interactive. It includes hands-on activities that encourage students to practice English in real-life situations, making learning more enjoyable and effective.”
Similarly, Imagawa Rio, a Japanese participant from the current Summer School, expressed excitement about the improvements:
“I learned so much during the programme so far. Although I sometimes felt shy speaking English, the input, examples, and activities in the book have helped boost my confidence.”
Preparing Malaysian Buddies for Cross-Cultural Engagement
A key component of this initiative is the Malaysian buddy program, which pairs local students, known as UTM buddies, with Japanese students to promote peer-to-peer learning and cultural exchange. To enhance the effectiveness of this role, a newly introduced buddy training module offers guidance on mentoring strategies, cultural sensitivity, and techniques for encouraging Japanese students to actively use English.
Malaysian buddy Cristal Lim Lee Ching shared her thoughts on the training:
“It’s exciting to see how we, as buddies, are also being trained to better support our Japanese friends. The new module gives us more confidence in guiding them through learning activities and conversations.”
Moving Forward: Commitment to Excellence in Cross-Cultural Learning
The Language Academy’s Summer School Committee is committed to continuously improving the program by incorporating feedback from previous Summer School participants and refining teaching methodologies. Our goal is to provide an exceptional platform for cross-cultural learning, ensuring that Japanese students receive a comprehensive English language education in a dynamic and interactive environment.
As preparations proceed for the 2025 Summer School, the committee is optimistic that the enhanced learning materials, structured teaching modules, and well-trained buddies will provide a more immersive, engaging, and enriching educational experience for all participants.
Written by:
Nurhidayah Mohd Sharif & ‘Atiqah Shaharudin