Curtin Malaysia team wins gold at prestigious international competition for innovative educational project

Miri, Sarawak – 30 August 2024 – Demonstrating Curtin University’s global excellence and Curtin Malaysia’s leading position in higher education, a team of academics from Curtin University Malaysia clinched the coveted Gold Award at the recently concluded Third International Competition on Sustainable Education 2024 (SUSED 2024).

The award-winning team, comprising Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan Inn Shi, Ir. Ts. Dr. Henry Foo, Associate Professor Bridgid Chin, Professor Stephanie Chan, and their colleagues, was recognized for their groundbreaking project titled ‘Integrating Digital Formative Assessment and Gimkit to Improve Students’ Metacognitive Skills and Learning Motivation in Fluid Mechanics at Curtin University Malaysia’.

The project’s innovative approach integrates Digital Formative Assessment (DFA) techniques with Gimkit, a game-based learning platform, to create a dynamic and interactive learning environment. By focusing on metacognitive skills and learning motivation, the team’s work not only enhances students’ understanding of complex fluid mechanics concepts but also empowers them to take ownership of their learning journey.

The significance of this achievement goes beyond the accolades. As a globally recognised institution, Curtin University is at the forefront of educational innovation, and this project exemplifies its commitment to enhancing student outcomes through cutting-edge teaching methods. Curtin Malaysia, as the university’s largest international campus, plays a vital role in this mission, positioning itself as a leading institution in Malaysia for academic excellence and impactful research.

“This project is a testament to our drive for innovation in teaching and learning. It exemplifies how we can harness technology to elevate student engagement and performance, which are key priorities in our educational strategy,” said Professor Tang Fu Ee, Dean of Learning and Teaching at Curtin Malaysia.

“The teaching framework developed through this project has been copyrighted, further underscoring the originality and value of the work done by Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan and her team. It’s a significant achievement not only for them but also for Curtin Malaysia as a whole.”

The project, funded by the Curtin Malaysia Teaching Innovation Project fund in 2023, reflects the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of research and innovation that directly benefits students. The expected outcomes of the project include enhanced student motivation, improved academic performance, and the development of essential metacognitive skills, all contributing to a more personalized and effective learning experience.

Professor Tang also expressed confidence in the potential for more groundbreaking projects emerging from Curtin Malaysia’s academic community, driven by the university’s support through seed grants. “This Gold Award is just the beginning. We look forward to seeing our academics push the boundaries of educational innovation, developing projects that make a global impact,” he added.

Curtin Malaysia’s achievement at SUSED 2024 not only highlights the university’s leadership in education but also reaffirms its position as a hub for innovative research and teaching excellence, both locally and globally.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

The winning team (L-R) Associate Professor Bridgid Chin, Ir. Ts. Dr. Henry Foo, Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan Inn Shi, and Professor Stephanie Chan