Ir. Dr. Nurul Hazlina Noordin

When I embarked on my first research grant at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), in 2014 – wow, it’s already been 10 years! I didn’t realize the impact it would have on my career as an academician and my perspective on engineering education. The project, titled “The Development and Analysis of Concept Inventory for Electrical and Electronics Engineering Undergraduate Courses,” was a gateway into understanding the complexities of teaching and learning, specifically in digital electronic systems.

The Power of Concept Inventories

Concept inventories are tools designed to assess students’ understanding of core concepts within a subject. In engineering education, they help identify misconceptions that often hinder students’ ability to grasp foundational principles. Our project focused on digital electronic systems, particularly finite state machines—a critical topic in electrical and electronics engineering.

Through this research, we developed a robust concept inventory to evaluate how well students understood the subject and pinpoint areas where misconceptions arose. These insights were invaluable, not only for refining teaching methods but also for reshaping how the curriculum addresses challenging topics.

Unveiling Misconceptions

One of the most eye-opening aspects of this research was discovering the extent of misconceptions students held. For example, many struggled to differentiate between combinational and sequential circuits, which are fundamental to designing finite state machines. By systematically analyzing these misconceptions, we were able to suggest targeted interventions, such as problem-based learning activities and real-world examples, to bridge these gaps.

A Personal Milestone

This project was my first-ever research grant as a lead investigator at UMP. It was both exciting and daunting to take on the responsibility of guiding a team, managing timelines, and delivering meaningful outcomes. However, the experience was deeply rewarding. It not only sharpened my research skills but also opened the door to further opportunities in engineering education.

Being part of academia, I believe it’s essential to constantly revisit our teaching techniques, curriculum, and pedagogical strategies. While research in one’s field of interest is vital, equally important is the pursuit of improving how we teach and how students learn. This project cemented my belief in the importance of combining research with pedagogical development to create an enriching educational experience for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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Since this initial project, I have been fortunate to delve deeper into engineering education. The insights gained have shaped subsequent research endeavors and collaborations. My focus now extends to incorporating innovative teaching tools and methods, such as project-based learning, active learning strategies, and the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence into engineering education.

As I continue to grow in my academic journey, I am committed to bringing the best pedagogical practices to my classrooms and research projects. Education is not static—it evolves with time, technology, and the needs of students. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to this evolution, ensuring that every student I teach or mentor has a transformative learning experience.

Leading this research project was a turning point for me. It taught me that understanding students’ learning processes is just as important as mastering the technical content we teach. By identifying and addressing misconceptions, we can pave the way for a more profound understanding of engineering principles, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel.

thank you – all the students who were involved in the subjects I taught during throughout my years in KUKTEM/ UMP / UMPA. Your curiosity, questions, and willingness to engage with challenging topics not only made this research possible but also taught me invaluable lessons. I have learned so much from each of you, and I carry those lessons with me as I continue my journey as an educator and researcher.

Wherever you are now, I wish you the very best in your endeavors and hope you continue to excel and inspire others =)