Conception of Innovative Teaching Methodologies among Lecturers at Selected Polytechnics in Malaysia

Abstract

Innovative teaching, regardless of the discipline, brings about interest and motivation to learners, which eventually leads to learning. Thus, the role of educators is to ensure that they continuously innovate their teaching methodologies so that students’ learning is enhanced. This paper presents an investigation of selected Malaysian polytechnic lecturers’ understanding and perception towards innovation in teaching. Data were collected from 39 lecturers from selected polytechnics in Malaysia. Open-ended questions were given among the respondents and the data obtained were then analysed. The findings showed that lecturers’ definitions of innovation are varied and because of that, they found that it was challenging for them to innovate teaching methodologies. Nevertheless, the lecturers were actually interested in coming out with innovative teaching ideas provided that they are guided to begin. Overall, the findings of this study are significant in understanding the factors that hinder some of the Malaysian polytechnic lecturers in coming out with innovative teaching methodologies, thus, providing insight information for the Department of Polytechnic Education in taking proactive efforts to facilitate and encourage innovations in teaching among Malaysian polytechnic lecturers.