The idea for a Lecturing in English (LE) training program was first conceived in 2004 after observation made indicated that a number of lecturers were not fully utilizing English in the classroom despite the language being the medium of instruction at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang. This inadequacy is a serious issue that has to be addressed quickly as it might affect the quality and employability of future UiTM graduates.
To address this issue, the Academy of Language Studies (ALS) UiTM Pahang took the initiative to set up a LE planning committee on 26 January 2004. A needs analysis study was then conducted to identify certain aspects of the lecturers' linguistic competence which require immediate attention. These aspects became the basis of the LE training syllabus and this syllabus is constantly being reviewed to ensure that the LE training program remains relevant and effective.
After much planning, the inaugural LE training program was conducted from 18 to 21 May 2005 at UiTM Kuantan. The first batch of participants was comprised of UiTM Pahang non-English lecturers. The participants were trained on the effective use of English in teaching through six modules. These modules, which formed the backbone of the program, were further supported by three sessions of out-door learning activities known as Out-of-Class Language-Based Activities (OLBA) to inculcate the notion that English can be practiced anywhere, anytime.
The success of the first program was followed by the second LE program conducted at UiTM Jengka from 26th to 29th June 2006.In the following year, LE moved a step further when it extended the participation to include lecturers of higher learning institutions from all over the country with the organization of the 1st National Lecturing in English Course (N-LE1). The event, held at UiTM Kuantan from 11 to 14 June 2007, managed to receive positive feedback from the participants.
In March 2008, LE took part in the prestigious Inventions, Innovation and Designs Competition (IID 2008) and was awarded the Silver Medal in the Innovation Category. This recognition given to LE played its role in attracting more participants to the 2nd National Lecturing in English Course (N-LE2) conducted at UiTM Kuantan from 27 to 30 May 2008. This event, just like the first one, was a major success.
The 3rd National Lecturing in English Course (N-LE3) was held at Berjaya Hills - Colmar Tropicale, a French-themed resort, from 22 to 25 June 2009. Once again, the event has proven to be relevant to educators of various fields as it has managed to gather almost 80 participants from all across Malaysia.
The next program (LiE4) which was conducted at Berjaya Hills - Colmar Tropicale, on 21 to 24 June 2010
was another success. We received many participants from all over the country
and our successful stories were published in several local newspapers.The Lecture5 was successfully
conducted from 18 to 22 July 2011, once again held at Colmar Tropicale,
Berjaya Hills. The event was joined by three international participants from
Cambodia. It was a great opportunity for us, not only to deliver but share the
teaching experience.
The LecturE 6 committee is now geared up to organize its next LecturE
program from 24 to 27 September 2012, once again held at Colmar Tropicale,
Berjaya Hills. It is hoped that this time around it will attract participants
from Malaysia as well as other Asian countries. See you at Colmar!
