PUTRAJAYA: Creativity and high-level thinking in academia are needed to develop a more impressive and exciting curriculum for higher education institutions (HEIs).
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said academics should come up with innovative teaching and learning initiatives.
"I want to encourage all lecturers to challenge the status quo and present unique ideas that are out of the ordinary," she said in her speech at the Innovative Curriculum Design and Delivery (Akri) special award ceremony at a hotel here on Friday (Sept 2).
Noraini said educators need to practise "breakthrough innovation" to design a new curriculum that emphasises an exciting learning experience.
"Conventional teaching and learning methods that rely on notes or lectures alone may not be so relevant anymore.
"On the other hand, the curriculum needs to be more practical and able to prepare graduates to meet the needs of the job market," she said.
She said academics need to think outside the box when drafting these new curriculums for HEIs.
"We should think out of the ordinary and see an idea from various angles. We need to question and constantly reevaluate previous practices," she said.
Noraini added that the ministry has grants and funds that academics can tap into to hone their ideas.
"The ministry will also help to streamline, replicate and apply these ideas to enrich the quality and excellence of our country's talent development," she said.
The award, which was introduced in 2017, identifies and recognises innovative teaching and learning initiatives at the institutional and individual level.
This year's event shortlisted 18 finalists out of 220 entries.
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