Dari Pengajian Umum ke Pendidikan Citra: Pengalaman Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Abstract

General Studies in UKM began in tandem with the establishment of UKM in 1970 by introducing the History of Science course to all students. Subsequently, the History of Science course was changed to the General Science course and followed by the Malaysian Nationhood Studies course. Beginning in 1982, the Malaysian Nationhood Studies course was changed to the Islamic Civilization and Asian Civilization Course. General Studies at that time was aimed at molding students to have a highly sought-after personality while possessing a broad spectrum of complementary-based knowledge. Between 1998 and 2011, courses under General Studies were categorized into three main domains, namely U1 - Appreciation of Good Values and History; U2 - Thinking, Communicating and Organizing Skills; U3 – Breadth of Knowledge. The number of courses in the U2 and U3 categories has been increasing year by year. However, when the restructuring of general studies courses was made in 2011, in line with the rapid development of the students' employability, General Studies was transformed into Citra Education (Liberal Education). Citra Education is a wider and more sustainable learning approach as compared to General Studies. Therefore, Citra Education carries the meaning that the students not only specialize in a field of their studies but are also expected to possess a breadth of diverse knowledge other than their specialized fields such as science, technology and sustainability, developing competence and social, intellectual, and practical skills in everyday life. Hence, this paper will discuss the transformation and innovation in the restructuring of general studies in Malaysia, particularly in UKM.

Keywords

• citra education
• general studies
• ukm
• breadth of knowledge
• transformation