[slideshow id=139]
Al-Madinah International University (MEDIU) participated in the first regional conference on “The Knowledge and Language Development in the 21st Century”, held by the Center for Knowledge and Teaching Development; Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam on 6 – 7 February 2013. Asst Prof. Dr. Daud Abdul Quadir Elega; MEDIU’s Director of the Language Centre presented a research paper entitled “Benefits of co-curricular activities in education and skills development aspects of the language for non-Arabic speakers.”
Asst Prof. Dr. Daud in his speech stressed that extracurricular activities give a different perspectives in which the students are able to develop their language skills especially for those learning a foreign language; and in his extent for those who want to master and excel English as their second language. Co-curricular activities that can be carried out by the respective faculties or schools are such as educational field trips, language learning via school radio or newspaper, resources from the library as well as a discussion or forum on the Internet or by joining an English Club. Amongst activities can be applied such as speech and debate competitions, seminars or competitions that area related to the linguistic aspects.
It is based from his teaching experience and observation in MEDIU where he concludes that these co-curricular activities are generally able to give a different experience to the students in creating and understanding on different cultures. It also can develop their language skills, mentally and spiritually thus building their character to the real life situation.
The conference which lasted for two days is intended to identify curricular activities with elements of contemporary linguistics and its way to implement in an effective learning. It also aims to benefit from the academic experts with expertise in the field of language skills; thus to address the 20th century education challenges for the South East Asia region by using the latest technological advances in disseminating knowledge of teaching language in order to create a sustainable language skills.
30 research papers in three languages namely; Arabic, Malay and English were presented at the Conference which includes nearly 300 participants from representatives from various universities and educational institutions in Brunei and South East Asia region in general.