Prep for MCQ

This semester I have two subjects using MCQ as part of its final assessments. Apart from having a go at its self-test quizzes on the OUM platform – I realized that we could also search for sample questions online. That was what I did for my Statistics in Psychology subject in Semester 5 and I was so amazed that some of the questions coming from these online sources appeared in our final test. At least 3 -4 questions bears resemblance to the format I came across online.

This Time…

I searched abnormal psychology and there were a few samples available with about 10-15 questions. There were more on this particular website. Although non of the questions appeared in the final exam, at least it gives me an inkling on which part of the subject I need to focus on.

http://mcqsworld.com/2016/04/30/mcqs-of-psychology-abnormal-psychology/

Searching sample MCQ for the Professional Ethics paper is more tricky. The link below had a few questions I could try.

https://edge.sagepub.com/crawshaw2e/student-resources/chapter-4/multiple-choice-quiz

Either way, it is best to go through the questions in the e-weekly lessons and also the sample MCQ on the portal. The exam has ended. Technically, my semester has ended. I can start prepping for the next sem in 2 weeks time. As of now, I plan to read my storybooks. The TBR list is getting so long now.

Welcome Semester 6

These are the subjects I am taking this semester. Again, I dropped the OUM English subject. Perhaps, next semester I can take up to 4 subjects. We will see how the schedule and workload is at the workplace next year first. As usual, a renewed motivation to study every time. My preparation period has not changed much from previous semesters. Just that, part of the tracking has been shifted online. Been using Google Calendar more.

These are the things I have been up to this past weekend.

LOG IN TO THE MyVLE ACCOUNT

Open University Malaysia (OUM) has this virtual learning portal where students log in to get access to their module, digital library and keep up with announcements pertaining to their study. I would double check if I have paid my semester fees and if the exam results have been published fully. Semester fees must be paid dutifully in order for the exam transcripts to be released.

ACCESS THE DASHBOARD

I would download the subject module and keep copies on my laptop and also the given Google Drive. This is so I could read them at work if I have some free time. I would also print out my assignment questions because I am a paper person.

CHECKING ON MY STATIONERIES

It is therapeutic to sort my bundles of sticky notes and loose papers. I would stock up on my foolscap paper, A4 paper and the coloured ones. I’d make sure my pens are in stock especially the refills. My current favourite is the Sarasa Gel INk Pen. I am however also eyeing the Zebra Ballpoint pens as they seem to have very sleek designs. Minci needs cool stationeries to keep the motivation running.

OUTLINING THE SUBJECTS

Before the start of the first tutorial, I’d be sure to skim through the module and get a general overview of what the subject is all about. It helps me to map out on how much time I’d need to spend for every topic of every subject. I would then write down the outline on a piece of paper. Only then I am able to delve into the details. The reference lists are a good guide on the type of resources one could use for further reading and understanding. Once you’ve gathered that information, it’ll be easier to search for it from the digital library.

I still have one more subject to outline. After that, I can start reading the modules at a glance and start my literary research for my assignments. Wish me luck for this semester.

Exam week

It’s exam week in a pandemic. Thankfully, the exam format is MCQ. I could just eeny-meeny-minie-mo if I don’t know the answers. I am also thankful that I am not on weekend duty at the Covid Assessment Centre (CAC). I could do some revisions, sample questions and tips from the forum. I tried to read my modules in the car in between my patients as I go on my mobile vaccine outreach activity. However it is quite difficult to focus.

Thus, I am relying heavily on my assignment scores. For HUbungan Etnik it amounts up to 70% of the total marks. MCQ makes up for the rest of the 30%. Is it wishful thinking to hope for an A (moon) and if I don’t, I land in the stars (B)?

14.08.2021 – Hubungan etnik

15.08.2021 – Health and Wellness

18.08.2021 – Statistics for Psychology

Uncle Muthu – the subject for my assignment

For Hubungan Etnik, we need to submit an assignment written in Bahasa Melayu. The task evolved around the Upin Ipin animation and how it can play a role in achieving unity. We need to provide examples of how these characters made it possible and the one thing that crossed my mind was, “Do I need to watch all the episodes?”

Judging from the conversation in forums, it seems like we could write a fairly good essay based on the superficial knowledge we have about the animation. Surely, the cliches of ‘amalan-amalan murni’ like helping the elderly, teamwork etc would be what the characters will be doing. However, to produce an outstanding essay, I think it would take an extra mile to show the examiners that we know what we are talking about. I decided to go an extra mile.

I chose Uncle Muthu as my ikon of unity for my essay. I felt that Jarjit would be a very popular choice. Who could not resist mentioning him and his pantun, right? Uncle Muthu seemed like a favourable character and worth exploring more as I started the draft of my essay. I knew him as an Indian man who sells local delicacies at his stall in the village but surely there is more to him than that.

His biodata on the web did not elaborate much except for the fact that he has a son called Raju. I asked my son if he knew anything extra about Uncle Muthu but he only knows that he sells ABC. And so began my marathon of Upin Ipin on Youtube. It was an incredible research portal as there were tonnes of side information about Muthu. His most prominent episode was Cahaya Deepavali.

THE ASSIGNMENT

The question asked about the impact of Uncle Muthu towards kesepaduan sosial. I outlined my answers as below;

• menyediakan ruang sosial untuk penduduk setempat berintegrasi
• berasimilasi dengan budaya dan masyarakat setempat
• berbudi bahasa dan prihatin dalam komunikasi harian
• mendidik ahli komuniti secara tak langsung mengenai keunikan kebudayaan etnik beliau

Of course, each point was elaborated by extracting examples from relevant episodes. I am so grateful for Youtube. It was easier to watch it there than having to go on Netflix.

Ethnic studies

Malaysia is a Nation Without State. Negara Tanpa Bangsa. We are not like Indonesia yet where its citizens are identified as bangsa Indonesia. A person may be from a Chinese ethnicity but his name is probably Ari Wastroyo something. She may be a non muslim by the name of Siti Murni. In Malaysia, we are still identified by our race and religion. It’s not really a bad thing to be honest, in fact, multiculturalism is worth celebrating.

In this semester, ethnic studies or Hubungan Etnik is a mandatory subject. Browsing the topics, it looks a bit like history class. I am intrigued to see how the tutor is going to bring forth this subject in a neutral manner. This is because the last thing I want is for us learners to feel like we are being brainwashed in a camp. We’ve only had 2 classes so far and it seems OK. Of course, the topic will get more difficult and challenging as time goes by as we navigate around the sensitive issues of social contracts and such.

The Assignment

The question is about kesepaduan sosial dalam mewujudkan kestabilan dalam konteks Malaysia where we base our essay on the local animation, Upin Ipin. The essay is to be written in Bahasa Melayu. The assignment itself carries 70% of the total marks. That is a lot of weightage. Screw this up, it brings down the whole grade.

That was what happened with my Cognitive Psychology subject last semester. (sob)

The deadline for this assignment is next month. Time is running out. I need to start soon.