Page No. 37 - 48: Effectiveness of a New Initiative in Teaching and Learning as Implemented in Integrated Training Centre

Abstract

This research aims at studying the effectiveness of new innovative initiative implemented in a higher education institution. The study comprised of qualitative research and included interviews of head of department (HoD, manager), expatriate (trainers) and student (future technician). The various categories investigated are importance of initiative, implementation, effectiveness, challenges, sustainability and ethical considerations. The analysis of interview responses of HoD reveal that the new initiative is landmark transformation in teaching and learning of skill based training which is very risky and dangerous in real world. One of the major challenges faced is to find the right people for the right job. According to the expatriate, the new initiative of integrated training center is safe and close to reality in teaching and learning experiences which are important for competency-based training. Student views indicated that the integrated training center is a once in the life time opportunity to prepare for pre-employment and his, employability marketability and adaptability to job is high. This finding is in agreement with global trends of pre-employment learning. This study is important to highlight the important of integrated training centre in quality teaching and learning. It is also useful in policy making in training institutions of technical and vocational education in Malaysia.