Engendering innovation & creativity - the CRYsTaL example

Abstract

Studies have shown that youths in Malaysia are exposed to social problems because they have plenty of time on their hand. They should be occupied with beneficial activities that could interest them, able to generate income and subsequently they are able to continue their studies in the related field. In addition, as outlined in the Tenth Malaysian Plan (2011-2015), creativity and innovation should also be the culture so as to produce human capital that would bring Malaysia towards a high income and advanced nation. With this in mind, there is a need for a paradigm shift in the education system as well as the need to find a more interesting approach that could attract and stimulate interest among secondary school students so that they could be involved in exciting activities that promote creativity and innovation. This paper describes the learning technique outside the classroom method that is being adopted in the CRYSTAL (Creative Youths Through Innovative Learning) program, a collaborative effort between UKM and UEM Sdn Bhd. In this program, 40 secondary school students from SM Taman Nusa Jaya and SM Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar, Gelang Patah and 25 students from the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FEBE), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) were given the opportunity to learn, design and develop microcontroller-based systems. A comprehensive 'hands-on' training module was developed by the experts in the field and the FEBE students act as mentors to these school students in 5 carefully planned workshops over a period of one-year. Using this approach, the students were able to demonstrate their creativity when they analyze, formulate and solve problems that occur in their vicinity using the innovative systems they have developed. This program has been executed for two consecutive batches of students and received overwhelming affirmative responses from the UKM and secondary school students, the parents and the school authorities.