Earn while you learn
THE School of Education & Cognitive Science at Asia e University (AeU) offers the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (GDipECE) designed for practising preschool teachers.
The programme is fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and is pegged at Level 6 in the Malaysian Qualifications Framework.
The normal entry requirement is a diploma or STPM, but with the recognition of prior experiential learning, applicants with at least two years of experience in early childhood settings and SPM, O-Levels or Unified Examination Certificate qualification may apply.
Applicants are required to pass an aptitude test and submit a portfolio of their experience to be evaluated.
According to School of Education & Cognitive Science dean Prof Dr John Arul Phillips, the GDipECE adheres to Programme Standards: Early Childhood Education (2014) by MQA.
The programme is designed to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, competencies and values to holistically develop children under their care.
Students pursuing the programme relate their practice to theories of child development and methods in teaching science, mathematics, social studies and language to young children.
They also learn to observe and assess young learners, guide children’s behaviour, integrate technology to enhance learning, and lead and manage early childhood centres.
The GDipECE takes about two years to complete, at the end of which students engage in a 14-week teaching practicum in a nursery or kindergarten. Their teaching is evaluated by academics and professionals from the university.
During the teaching practicum, student practitioners maintain a record of their teaching, keep a reflective journal, introduce a teaching innovation and have their lessons recorded and uploaded to an online platform to be evaluated by a panel of experts.
The programme is delivered using a blended pedagogical approach that enables teachers to continue working as they study.
Students are provided with all learning materials online, including a self-instructional module, several short video and audio clips explaining key concepts and application to real-world situations, and quizzes to test comprehension.
To support their learning, students are provided with 10 hours of face-to-face interaction for each course, conducted once a month during weekends.
Evaluation is based on examinations (40%) and assignments (60%). Assignments are work-based, involving surveys, observations, critique of articles, preparing teaching aids and manipulatives, designing lesson plans and implementing them in the classroom.
Prof Phillips says that graduates from the programme who wish to further their study may transfer all 68 credits to the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) offered by the university.
The GDipECE is a flexible programme that has been personalised to suit the needs of practising preschool teachers who want to pursue a diploma without having to give up their work.
Punithavathy Kupasamy, 44, owner and principal of Taska Day Care Center in Genting Highlands, proved that this is achievable when she graduated with the GDipECE in 2015 and returned in 2016 to enrol in the Master of Education with a specialisation in early childhood education.
“I enjoyed my GDipECE studies because the knowledge gained is relevant and applicable to my job,” she says.
“My experience with AeU has taught me better skills in multitasking and time management. I could complete my assignments in a timely manner amid having to prepare lessons to teach in my school and cook lunch for my pupils, family members and teachers.
“With perseverance, I am able to complete my assignments with guidance from AeU’s academic facilitators who give useful time management tips. AeU is the most ideal university due to its affordable fees, flexible study mode and easy online accessibility that fits my lifestyle.
“Encouraged and motivated by what I did, my daughter, Dinitha Darseni, enrolled in AeU’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) in May 2016.”
You may apply for the May 2018 intake online at www.aeu.edu.my