The transition from the teacher education institution to life in a real classroom has been characterized as a type of reality shock in which beginning teachers realize that the ideals they formed while training may not be appropriate for the realism they are faced with during their first year of teaching [1]. Unfortunately, this concern is not fully addressed in schools in Malaysia as beginning teachers have the same responsibility as a teacher with many years of service. It is suggested that it is not until they have survived the initial shock of the first year that novices are able to begin to concentrate on the important areas of long-term planning, overall student goals, and individual students" needs [2]. This article examines challenges that novice teachers in Malaysia face in their early experience of teaching through a review of significant literature. Based on recent studies from the literature, these challenges are discussed and future direction for research in this field is suggested.

Research has shown that teachers' beliefs on teaching and learning exert an influence on their actual classroom practices. In the teaching of English pronunciation, teachers' beliefs play a crucial role in the choice of pronunciation components taught in the ESL classrooms. This paper explores teachers' beliefs about teaching English pronunciation in Malaysian classrooms and the extent to which these beliefs influenced the teachers' classroom instructions. Employing a multiple case study of five ESL teachers in secondary schools, this study investigated the beliefs the teachers have formed about pronunciation focused areas and classroom practices in teaching English pronunciation. Data were collected through actual classroom observations and semi-structured interviews with the teachers and students. The findings of the study found that ESL teachers seem to believe that pronunciation skills are to be taught integratedly with other English language skills. Results also indicate a discrepancy between these teachers' beliefs on the focused areas of pronunciation and the stated curriculum specifications. Additionally, the ESL teachers seem to have vague and contradictory beliefs about pronunciation focused areas. These beliefs are based on their previous language learning and professional experience as well as other contextual factors such as examination demands and time constraints. As a result, these beliefs lead to the pronunciation component being neglected despite it being stipulated by the curriculum.

Background and Purpose: Although the impact of reflective journal writing (RJW) on enhanced learning has a long history, studies on this pedagogical tool for enhanced learning are never exhausted.  This study attempts to highlight enhanced self-directed learning through the use of reflective journal (RJ) among Malaysian diploma nursing students.   Methodology: For this study, eight purposefully selected pre-registered student nurses (PRSN) from a public college contributed over 54 reflective journal entries over two months. Through a qualitative content analysis, the journals were analyzed using a model devised by Mezirow (1990) that was previously used by Kember (1999), Chirema (2007), and Kear (2013) to identify the students’ levels of reflection of content/descriptive, process/practical, and premise/critical reflection resembling Transformative Learning Theory (TLT).   Findings: The findings suggested that RJ helps learners become in control of themselves from the early stage of a clinical environment. They expressed their appreciation towards collaborations and are grateful to be able to express their feelings and emotions of “fears” and “trust”. Further, they indicated their mindfulness to appreciate their levels of knowledge and skills through reflection upon the nursing tasks as they make themselves ready to be a future nurse. Furthermore, it was highlighted that feeling competent and being able to work independently and to make sound decisions would not be realized if they could not think critically from the initial stage of clinical environment.   Contributions: This research confirms that PRSN become more self-directed and highly motivated to develop critical thinking to dispose for their better lifelong learning through the use of reflective journals.   Keywords: Content reflection, levels of reflection, premise reflection, process reflection, reflective journal writing.   Cite as: Seyed Abolghasem, F., Othman, J., & Ahmad Shah, S. S. (2020). Enhanced learning: The hidden art of reflective journal writing among Malaysian pre-registered student nurses. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 5(1), 54-79. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol5iss1pp54-79

There is a need to consider whether the current school environment cum climate and punishment for indiscipline or behaviour management in Malaysia is relevant and effective in the current age. Foundational values primarily begins at home and in schools. In this regard the school is viewed not only as a place of learning but as a community of relationships where bonds are built where characters and values are shaped. It needs to be a conducive environment for the successful realisation of the Malaysian Education Blueprint (2013-2025) to develop value driven, tolerant and responsible Malaysians. It is a place to nurture inclusivity, respect for the person, consideration, cooperation, respect for diversity, unity, trust and other values desired under the Education Ministry. In this regard, this paper argues that Malaysia Education (School Discipline) Regulations 1959 which was made under a repealed Act need to be reconsidered for its effectiveness. The impact of corporal punishment and violence on children is covered in this paper in addition to relevant court decisions involving teachers and schools. Malaysia has acceded to the Convention for the Rights of the Children, this paper explores the compatibility of the convention with the School discipline Regulation 1959.

This study concerns the degree of autonomy in English Language Learning (ELL) amongst the ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher trainees in Sarawak. This is part of a larger study which aims to investigate the relationship between ESL teacher trainees’ self-rating in ELL and their degree of autonomy based on their perceived ELL. The Pedagogy-Andragogy-Heutagogy Continuum Framework is used to guide the study. Data were collected from questionnaire distributed to 259 ESL trainee teachers from four IPG (Teacher Training Institute) campuses in Sarawak. The data were analysed through descriptive analysis and correlation tests using SPSS version 22. The results revealed that the degree of autonomy of the ESL teacher trainees in ELL is high with significant but weak relationship between their self-rating with ELL and their degree of autonomy. This study adds to the limited data on the learner autonomy of ESL teacher trainees which should be addressed in the Malaysian Education Blueprint. We recommend that future education policy gives more attention in developing teacher trainees’ learner autonomy in order to ensure the alignment between second language teacher training and the development of 21st century learner skills as stated in the Malaysian Education Blueprint.     Keywords: ESL trainee teachers, learner autonomy, Malaysian education blueprint, second language teacher education, 21st century learner skills   Cite as: Sarkawi, S., Sharatol Ahmad Shah, S., Senom, F., & Mohamad Nor, A. (2019). Teacher trainees’ journey to develop learner autonomy. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 4(2), 282-301. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol4iss2pp282-301