Kuala Lumpur (15 November 2016) — Canvas by Instructure, (NYSE: INST), the open online learning management system (LMS) that makes teaching and learning easier, has revealed the results of a recent study, highlighting the importance of student centered learning amongst Malaysian university students.
The research, which surveyed 500 undergraduates from both public and private universities, found that 52% of Malaysian university students believe that their universities are providing them with modern technology and teaching that delivers a personalized learning experience. A further 77% of undergraduates say that the teaching methods experienced at university are more in tune with their learning styles than those experienced at school.
The research also reveals the importance of university education in preparing for employment, with 65% of students indicating that their university courses play a vital role in increasing their chances of employment, putting the onus on Malaysian universities to empower students with the necessary skills and tools they need to adapt to today’s workforce upon graduation.
Troy Martin, Director of APAC for Canvas, remarked, “Our research suggests that whilst Malaysian Universities have a good understanding of the importance of delivering personalised learning, only 25% of students say they are prepared for employment. Universities still have some opportunities in terms of delivering education experiences that prepare students for the world of work.
With only 25% of students saying that university courses are teaching them the skills for employment, there is pressure from undergraduates to ensure their chances of employability are maximized upon graduation. It matters so much that 33% would pay extra to be certain their course was relevant to employers.
It’s fortunate that their demands have not gone unnoticed, with Malaysian Universities evolving toward student centered learning through the provision of modern learning tools. Already, 42% of students say that they have fast broadband access to support video interaction with tutors, and 41% say that they have access to virtual learning environments (VLE), which enables collaborative problem solving and self-directed learning, all crucial in establishing a student centered learning environment. A further 58% of students say that their universities enable them to collaborate with potential employers.
Martin explains, “The increase in focus on employment as a measurement of education success, is driving student centered learning in education across the globe. Because learning at school can be highly-structured and heavily teacher-directed, there is a dichotomy of experience when students enter the workforce. The world outside of school requires students to be able to self-direct their work in low-structured environments that seasoned experts thrive in.
“We are encouraged that fundamentally, personalized learning is at the core for most university students in Malaysia, but as Malaysia moves toward its goal of being a developed nation by 2020, providing basic technology and internet access will no longer be sufficient to enable student centered learning. At Canvas, we aim to enable student centered learning, allowing teachers to deliver problem solving, and outcome based self-directed learning, which increases student autonomy over time, skills that are imperative as each student prepares for today’s workforce,” concluded Martin.
To keep learning, visit www.canvaslms.com.au.
