14/04/2026

TUESDAY | APR 14, 2026

26

EDUCATION

Empowering primary teachers in STEM through computer skills o Intensive learning undertaken with experimentation, teamwork and problem-solving.

A S MALAYSIA’S digital econ omy grows, the evolution of the classroom continues toward deeper inquiry-based learning. Students today are expected to think logically and solve problems creatively. At Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), this mindset shapes how learning experiences are designed and delivered, extending its impact beyond students to the wider community as well. TAR UMT’s STEM Outreach for Educators workshop brings this philosophy to life. It is a community effort aimed at helping school teachers enjoy the hands-on, applied learning that TAR UMT students experience. Led by the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology (FOCS), 23 primary school teachers from Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Mun Yee,

writing complicated code,” he shared. Dr Tan highlighted that this same discovery-driven process is what TAR UMT students experience in their lessons. “It is important for students to see computer science not just as a subject, but as a disciplined way of thinking that involves analysing requirements, structuring logic, and translating ideas into working code. This mindset gives our students the confidence to design, debug and improve programmes independently.” Encouraged by the hands-on experience, Mr Lim expressed his enthusiasm for bringing these ideas back to his students. “I will definitely encourage my students to learn coding, especially those who show interest in it,” he said, demonstrating how confidence grows when learners are given the right tools and support, an outcome that TAR UMT actively strives to achieve in its learning environment. To find out more about TAR UMT’s computing and information technology programmes, join us at our Open Day on April 18-19 and 25-26, from 10am to 5pm at TAR UMT campuses nationwide. Qualified students will receive their on-the spot offers during TAR UMT Open Day at Kuala Lumpur campus (T&C applied). You can also call 011-10758554 or email focs@tarc.edu.my. To apply online, visit www.tarc.edu.my. Various financial aid are also available for qualified students.

SJKC Chong Hwa, SJKC Wangsa Maju and SJKC Nan Yik attended the workshop. Although held for a day, it was an intensive day of learning involving experimentation, teamwork and solving problems. This approach is similar to what TAR UMT students experience: interactive, practical, and

aimed at solving real-world problems. Dr Tan Tong Hock, associate professor of FOCS, who led the workshop, explained that this approach is central to the University’s teaching philosophy. “We focus on building a systematic mindset. Computational thinking today is as essential as reading

or arithmetic. We want to help the teachers learn how to break a complex problem into modular parts, lay down the steps, and troubleshoot when the programme does not produce the intended results,” he said. To demonstrate this, FOCS introduced the NAO Humanoid Robot and its Choregraphe programming software. In this engaging setup, learners programme the robot using a drag-and-drop visual interface instead of complex code. The robot becomes the ‘performer,’ while the school teachers take on the role of ‘scriptwriters’, designing logical sequences and testing ideas in real time. Through this interactive process, the participants learned to break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. “Once learners can grasp computational thinking, they move on to programming and coding in a more structured and logical way,” Dr Tan explained. “This is how we spark interest in AI, coding and innovation, while keeping learning fun, relevant and intellectually stimulating.” For Lim Chuen He, a science teacher from SJKC Nan Yik, the experience offered insight into how engaging learning can be when theory meets practice. “At first, I was worried it would be too difficult, as we had no prior exposure. But the lecturer explained each step patiently and clearly. As we followed along, the logic became easier to understand. Working with the robot was an eye-opener as I learnt that programming is really about thinking logically, not

Lim (left) works alongside fellow participants during an activity, applying computational thinking principles introduced in the workshop.