For the first ten years of my career, my role as a lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has offered me a treasure trove of experiences, deeply enriching my understanding of education and student engagement.
This period has refined my professional abilities and spurred significant personal development, transforming me into an educator of greater influence and confidence.
Grasping the True Essence of Student Needs
In my early days, I viewed teaching primarily as imparting knowledge.
It didn’t take long to recognize that students sought something more profound – a blend of motivation, engagement, and practical knowledge application.
Recognizing and adapting to these needs marked a pivotal transformation in my teaching approach.
Strategies to Engage and Inspire
Capturing the interest of students requires an innovative approach.
I turned to interactive methods, using group discussions, real-life scenarios, and digital technology integration to make my lectures more dynamic and relevant.
These techniques made learning more enjoyable and deepened students’ comprehension and interest.
The Power of Knowledge and Earning Respect
One vital realization was the necessity of thorough preparation and expertise in my field.
Students naturally gravitate towards and respect lecturers who demonstrate comprehensive subject knowledge.
Earning this respect was instrumental in creating an environment conducive to learning and engagement.
Cultivating Confidence Through Public Speaking
Delivering regular lectures became a foundation for honing my public speaking skills.
Over time, this consistent practice significantly boosted my confidence, equipping me to present with poise and clarity at international conferences.
The skill of effective communication, garnered through my teaching experiences, has been invaluable.
Beyond Teaching: Research and Development
My responsibilities extended far beyond the lecture hall, involving rigorous research and academic paper publication.
Staying at the cutting edge of my field advanced my professional development and offered tangible benefits to my students.
This aspect of my career has been particularly gratifying, contributing to the broader academic sphere.
Fostering Enduring Connections
One of the most fulfilling outcomes of my tenure at UTM has been the lasting relationships established with students.
Many of them have evolved into friendships, professional relationships, or even client connections, often reminding me of my positive influence during their academic journey.
This has underscored the enduring impact that educators can have on their students’ lives.
Reflecting on this decade-long journey, it’s evident that my experiences at UTM have been as much about personal learning and growth as they have been about imparting knowledge.
I am very thankful. The lessons learned have enhanced my capabilities as a lecturer and enriched my life in numerous ways.
My tenure at UTM underscored that being an educator transcends teaching; it’s about inspiring, connecting, and continually evolving personally and professionally.
The story of my second job in a corporate organization (telco):
The story of my third job as a Research Director:
You can also check out my personal Blog here or the latest eBooks I have recently published — here.
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Dr. Mazlan Abbas 