Academic research skill development is a multi-faceted concept related to various teaching and learning strategies. In order to promote an inclusive learning experience, the Diploma and Foundation programmes’ students of Academic Research Skills (ARS) module accompanied by two lecturers from the School of Foundation (SoF) participated in an excursion last month to the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong. 

 

At FRIM, the students had a hands-on-minds-on experience by exposing themselves to the real world context of research. Besides understanding the innovative applied researches, elements of forest ecosystem and sustainable management were also instilled in the programme.

Apart from exploring the floras and faunas in the forest, students were also engaged in team building activities such as Obstacle Run and Night Walk. Each team had an incredible teambuilding exercise which created innumerable opportunities for knowing each other. Students had wonderful time accomplishing the challenging tasks and it was a great opportunity to foster social interactions as well. 

 

The activities conducted throughout the trip conveyed simple teachable moments that allowed the students to understand the importance of human connections. Despite the limited facilities and “leech therapy”, the students enjoyed the hilarious learning and camping moments!