DEVELOPING PRACTICAL APTITUDE AMONGST TECHNICAL LEARNERS: THE CASE OF A MALAYSIAN PRIVATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) has been offering engineering and technology related undergraduate courses since the year 1995. In its quest to develop well-rounded students, the university places much importance on its students’ ability to be competent in their technical knowledge, critical thinking ability, communication skills and practical aptitude. The establishment of the Fundamental and Applied Sciences Department at the university has paved the way for students interested in pursuing a degree in engineering and technology to obtain a solid base in the fundamental aspects of engineering and technology prior to being admitted into the undergraduate programme. Physics, a course which is offered at the foundation level, is made compulsory for students wanting to pursue their engineering degrees at the university. The subject has extensive emphasis on hands-on experience to contribute towards developing a strong base for students’ practical aptitude, in which practical assessment carries a 25% weightage of the overall course assessment. This paper discusses the university’s endeavors in carrying out initiatives towards developing technical learners’ practical aptitude. It is hoped that the study would provide technical educators with a foretaste of the importance of inculcating practical aptitude in technical education.