A Fruitful Field Trip for Secondary School Teachers and Students
A Uni Field Trip was recently hosted on our Iskandar Puteri campus on November 25, 2023, as part of a collaborative effort between the university and the District Education Office of Johor Bahru.
30 November 2023
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) hosted a Uni Field Trip on 25 November 2023. A collaborative effort with the District Education Office (Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah or PPD) of Johor Bahru, the event was co-chaired by Tn Hj Abdul Karim bin Masiran, Deputy District Education Officer (Learning), and Faizah Sariman, School Improvement Specialist Coach (SISC+), Science & Mathematics, from the PPD Johor Bahru; as well as Associate Professor Dr Madihah Rushaidhi, Dean of Biomedical Sciences, and Hani Shuhaimi, Senior Manager of Admissions and Student Recruitment, at NUMed.
The focus of the field trip was an SPM Biology Workshop hosted by PPD Johor Bahru and NUMed’s Programme, centred on the cardiovascular system. Conceived to enhance the teaching and learning competencies of biology teachers in the Johor Bahru district; motivate students to elevate their academic excellence, particularly for their SPM 2023 examination; and improve the teaching and learning experience for biology teachers and students by providing them access to modern laboratory equipment; it was attended by 43 biology teachers and 135 Form 5 students from various schools in Johor Bahru, as well as four officers from PPD Johor Bahru.
In addition to facilitating knowledge transfer, the event was also aimed at making learning about the cardiovascular system interactive and enjoyable for the students. Workshops and laboratory activities were meticulously planned to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical applications, successfully fostering high engagement levels and palpable interest in learning and exploration.
Participants were divided into three groups, which were then rotated between the three primary laboratories at NUMed, namely the Wet Teaching Lab, Anatomy Lab, and Clinical Skills Lab.
At the Wet Teaching Lab, which was headed by Ainul Farhana Abdul Razak, students were given the opportunity to explore the microscopic world as they learnt about the different parts of the light microscope and basic microscopic techniques. Among others, they observed erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets, and identified the characteristics of the myocardium, a type of cardiac muscle found in the heart.
Anatomy labelling sessions were held at the Anatomy Lab. According to the instructor, Aryanny Nasir, the session promoted collaborative learning and thinking skills, as well as providing hands-on experience to reinforce concepts. This not only helped them learn beyond memorisation but also cultivated a holistic understanding of anatomy.
At the Clinical Skills Lab, headed by Nor Alia Mohamad, students learnt the proper steps for CPR, and had the opportunity to perform CPR on mannequins with the help and guidance of five facilitators.
Overall, the expertise and guidance provided by NUMed’s faculty members were paramount in deepening students’ understanding of the cardiovascular, adding immense value to the event.
Incorporating an array of interactive sessions, the event deepened students’ understanding of theoretical concepts and appreciation for the subject of Biology. A variety of experiments and activities, from observing tissue slides to labelling organs on plastic anatomical models and practical CPR, ensured they gained a more holistic understanding of biological principles. Meanwhile, access to modern laboratory equipment improved the teaching and learning process for both teachers and students.
“The most fulfilling aspect of the field trip was witnessing the positive impact it had on the students, many of whom developed newfound interest and confidence in the cardiovascular system. The event not only imparted academic knowledge but also inspired students to consider furthering their education in this field!” shared Associate Professor Dr Madihah Rushaidhi.