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The Star
27-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
UKM doctoral student bags award
Emerging talent: Nurin Erdiani (centre) with her award, flanked by Common Ground Research Networks director Prof Bill Cope (left) and Prof Mary Kalantzis – both professors at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. ACADEMIC writing, a key component of higher education, can be challenging for students. With changing times, educators teaching these skills to tertiary students also need to evolve their methods. According to Nurin Erdiani Mhd Fadzil, a PhD student in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), educators can incorporate six key complementary constructs into their teaching: artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, typography and layout design, aesthetic value, contextual signals, and writing coherence. These constructs form part of the multimodal learning framework she developed for teaching academic writing in English as a Second Language (ESL) specifically for university students – the focus of her PhD research. Nurin Erdiani recently presented her research at the Twenty-First International Conference on Technology, Knowledge and Society 2025 in Taiwan, where she was among five outstanding early-career scholars and graduate students to receive the Emerging Scholar Award. The award, presented by Common Ground Research Networks based in Illinois, United States, recognises young scholars who demonstrate academic excellence, research dedication and significant potential to shape the future of knowledge and technology. Other recipients this year include representatives from institutions such as the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, the Ontario College of Art and Design University, Canada, the National University of Singapore, and the University of the Pacific, San Francisco, US. Nurin Erdiani explained that the main objective of the framework is to offer a more holistic, interactive and relevant pedagogical approach that meets the needs of 21st-century learners. 'This approach is designed to make the teaching of academic writing more contextual, engaging, and aligned with today's learning realities. 'By combining elements of AI, digital technology, and multimodal communication – such as visuals, typography and contextual cues – students can develop a deeper understanding not only of the content but also of how it is delivered. 'For educators, the framework serves as a practical and flexible guide for designing writing assignments that are more creative, responsive, and focused on fostering coherence and aesthetic value in students' writing,' she said in a press release dated July 8. Nurin Erdiani added that her study opens new avenues for the ethical integration of AI in the classroom, such as using AI-powered idea generators or self-assessment tools to increase student engagement and expedite feedback processes. 'This award has given me a huge motivation boost to continue contributing to research and educational innovation. 'It encourages me to stay active in academia, especially in exploring the potential of technologies like AI in language pedagogy. 'It also expands my global research network and opens up opportunities for cross-institutional academic collaboration. 'Overall, it strengthens my direction as a young researcher aiming to impact future educational policies and practices,' she said.
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Trump administration to release $5.5 billion in school funds for teachers, migrant children, and ESL programs
The US Department of Education has announced the release of $5.5 billion in federal funding for K–12 education programs across the country. Approved by Congress earlier this year, the funds will begin reaching states next week and are earmarked for teacher recruitment, support for migrant students, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, and a range of academic enrichment programs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The funding, distributed through established federal formulas, represents a major annual investment in public school systems that serve millions of vulnerable and underserved students. It is expected to directly impact classrooms, especially in districts facing teacher shortages and increasing linguistic and cultural diversity. What the $5.5 billion will support According to the Education Department, the funds will be directed toward several high-priority areas: Teacher recruitment and training A significant portion of the funds will go toward hiring new teachers and providing professional development for current educators. Many public school districts across the US continue to struggle with staffing gaps, particularly in science, math, special education, and bilingual education. The funding is intended to strengthen the teacher pipeline, especially in rural and urban districts where shortages are most acute. Programs for migrant farmworker children Many schools in agricultural regions serve children whose families move seasonally for work. These students often face disruptions in schooling and limited access to consistent academic support. A dedicated stream of funding will go toward stabilizing education for migrant students, offering tutoring, mobile learning resources, and language support. English as a Second Language (ESL) and multilingual learning With over 5 million English learners enrolled in US public schools, the funding will bolster ESL programs that help students gain English proficiency while keeping pace with core academic subjects. Funds will support specialized instructors, instructional materials, and family engagement initiatives to help non-English-speaking parents stay involved in their children's education. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Academic enrichment, after-school, and summer programs Additional funding will support afterschool tutoring, summer learning academies, and arts and STEM enrichment programs, especially in high-poverty districts. These efforts aim to reduce learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic and support students who require additional academic attention. Federal guidance and administrative oversight A senior administration official noted that the Department of Education has issued internal guidance for the disbursement of the funds and that 'appropriate guardrails' will be in place to ensure compliance with federal law. While the nature of these guardrails has not been specified publicly, the Department emphasized a focus on 'results-oriented spending.' States and school districts will have some flexibility in how they allocate the funds locally, though spending must align with the authorized uses under federal education law, particularly under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Why this funding matters now The $5.5 billion release comes as US public schools face rising operational costs, ongoing educator attrition, and growing student needs—particularly among English learners, low-income families, and transient populations. In several states, superintendents have cited urgency in accessing federal support to maintain or expand services critical to student success. For example, some school systems rely on these funds to hire bilingual aides, offer after-school meals, and run weekend learning programs for children of seasonal workers. Broader implications for education policy This funding release also comes amid a national conversation around the role of federal oversight in education, especially on topics such as curriculum content, student identity, and local governance. While the administration has emphasized accountability in spending, education advocates warn against restricting federal aid based on ideology or policy disagreements. The focus on ESL and migrant education reflects a growing recognition of the changing demographics in US schools, and the need to equip all students with equal opportunities to succeed. What's next for states and districts With the release order in place, state education departments are expected to begin disbursing funds to local districts by early August. Schools will use existing application and reporting frameworks to request and account for the funds. Education leaders nationwide have welcomed the announcement, noting that these programs often serve as a lifeline for high-need students, especially in states with large immigrant or agricultural populations. As the new academic year approaches, the $5.5 billion will be a critical boost to public school systems navigating post-pandemic recovery, shifting cultural debates, and mounting student support needs. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us .
02-07-2025
- Politics
Trump administration pauses $6B in education programs ahead of school year
President Donald Trump's administration is pausing over $6 billion of congressionally-appropriated federal funding for after-school, student support, teacher training, English language and other education programs, according to a Department of Education memo obtained by ABC News. In a letter to Congress from the agency's office of legislation and congressional affairs Monday afternoon, the DOE said a notification would be sent to certain grantees alerting them that funding for the upcoming school year would be reviewed on July 1 and decisions concerning this academic year have "not yet been made." "The department will not be issuing grant award notifications obligating funds for these programs on July 1 prior to completing that review," the memo reads in part. "The department remains committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the president's priorities and the department's statutory responsibilities." The statutorily mandated special education funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) have been awarded to states on time, according to a DOE source. But school budgets for the year are typically approved in May or June and are ready to be allocated by July 1, according to education finance experts. The abrupt messaging from the administration gave scant details on how the key programs would be impacted moving forward and comes just weeks before many state education agencies return students to the classroom. The 2024 National Teacher of the Year Missy Testerman, an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor in Tennessee, told ABC News any withholding of funds will affect schools. "School budgets are already very tight, so withholding funds for required programs -- such as those for English learners -- will certainly place a burden on school systems," Testerman wrote in a statement to ABC News. "This likely will mean that systems will face the difficult decision to make budget cuts in other areas, affecting students. In rural systems like mine, this could mean a reduction in overall staff or the elimination of crucial supports for students such as afterschool and tutoring programs," Testerman added. House Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., called the move to withhold the appropriated funds a violation of federal law with potentially devastating consequences. "The halting of these critical funds harms the students, educators, and schools that strive to provide quality public education with the meager funds and challenges they face," Scott wrote in a statement to ABC News. "Cash-strapped school districts, particularly those in low-income and rural areas, cannot afford this delay and will likely be forced to either lay off staff or cut back on programs and services while the White House Office of Budget and Management 'reviews' the funding," Scott said. State attorneys general are expected to sue the administration over the reviews, according to a source familiar with the matter. Parents groups and education advocates decrying the decision are also mounting lawsuits against the administration, the source confirmed. Advocates accuse the administration of undermining public education in a "cruel betrayal" of students. "Schools are already grappling with severe teacher shortages, burnout and under-resourced classrooms, and here comes the federal government ripping resources away from public schools. It is outrageous and unconscionable," said National Education Association President Becky Pringle. "Educators and parents will not be silent while students are undervalued, unheard and unsupported," Pringle wrote in a statement, adding, "We will stand up, speak out and take action to ensure every classroom is a place of dignity, opportunity and respect." Education providers are sounding the alarm about the funding that impacts millions of students, teachers, and families, telling ABC News they fear that low-income students and families will be left in a bind with no other options of care for their children. The Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization, said, "If these funds are not released very soon, we will quickly see more children and youth unsupervised and at risk, more academic failures, more hungry kids, more chronic absenteeism, higher dropout rates, more parents forced out of their jobs, and a less STEM-ready and successful workforce as our child care crisis worsens dramatically." The pause comes as efforts to dismantle the Department of Education have been blocked by lower courts. The Supreme Court is also expected to weigh in on the firing of nearly 2,000 employees at the agency. The DOE referred additional questions to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). An OMB spokesman told ABC News the pause is due to an "ongoing programmatic review" of education funding, adding no decisions have been made yet. Many of the programs "grossly misused" government funds to promote a "radical leftwing agenda," the OMB spokesperson added. In some cases, the programs allegedly promote illegal immigration advocacy and queer resistance in the arts, according to the spokesman.
The Star
08-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Shaping tomorrow's leaders in communication
Communication is the essence of human connection. It connects cultures, builds relationships and facilitates the expression of one's ideas clearly. It is essential for meaningful engagement in any context. But effective communication is more than just words—it encompasses adaptability, cultural awareness and empathy. These skills are nurtured through purposeful learning. At University of Cyberjaya (UoC), its Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences offers three programmes that develop individuals in these components: Early Childhood Education, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and Mass Communications. These programmes form a cohesive educational journey that shows how effective communication empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to local and global communities. Building a child's foundation UoC's ECE programmes provide extensive practical experience through immersive internships and hands-on training in fully equipped educational settings. Compassionate educators are indispensable in a child's formative years. They create safe, supportive environments that encourage self-expression and build the confidence needed for strong communication skills. UoC's Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma and Degree programmes are designed to develop these educators through a holistic curriculum encompassing classroom simulations and real-world training such as internships. The curriculum ensures students develop skills such as leadership, problem-solving and effective teaching methods to help them tackle real-world challenges involving the learning of children. Bridging through language UoC's TESL programme combines linguistic theory with practical classroom teaching experiences to produce highly competent, culturally sensitive educators. English is central to much of daily communication, serving as a shared language that bridges cultures and enables the exchange of ideas—even when it is a second language for many. Mastering its nuances not only improves language skills but also deepens understanding of the people and cultures involved. But acquiring a second language can be challenging for some. Without support, it may limit one's ability to communicate effectively, leading to missed opportunities and strained relationships. UoC's Bachelor of Education (Honours) in TESL programme equips aspiring educators the skills to teach non-native speakers English with clarity, confidence and cultural sensitivity. With a robust curriculum covering linguistics, curriculum design, assessment and classroom management, the programme blends theory with practical teaching experiences to prepare graduates for careers in education, content development and translation, catering to the linguistic needs of people from various backgrounds. Voices that influence In a fast-paced, content-driven world, media is capable of reaching larger audiences with greater impact than ever – the ability to contribute to social dialogue, shape public perception and drive change beyond borders. UoC's Mass Communications programmes prepare students for careers in media, public relations, broadcasting and digital content to become global communicators with purpose. Taught by industry professionals, its curriculum combines practical training with strategic communication theory, cultivating media-savvy professionals who can lead in a dynamic global landscape. Students benefit from state-of-the-art multimedia labs and broadcast studios to gain hands-on learning experience. Discover your voice Explore UoC's campus and state-of-the-art facilities during its Open Day from June 14 to 15 or June 21 to 22. Begin your journey of becoming a skilled global communicator with UoC's programmes today. For more details, visit their official website or chat with their education counsellors via WhatsApp at 011-1112 3344 or email studywithus@ to learn more about scholarships and entry requirements.
The Age
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
$400 student bonus cut, but these schools won sought-after upgrades
Families will have to do without the universally available $400 School Saving Bonus as the government takes a more targeted approach to cost-of-living relief. With more than a third of the $282 million allocated to the scheme this year still unspent, the government will instead put $318 million over the next four years towards free public transport for under 18s, in a move that will save families $755 on the annual cost of a student transport pass. The direct support effort, outlined in Tuesday's state budget, will shift to disadvantaged school families. Healthcare- or concession-card holding parents will be entitled to $400 per secondary student and $256 per primary-aged child next year to pay for camps, sports and excursions, in a move set to cost $152 million over the next four years. Families with children at school have borne the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis, with education costs far outstripping every other area of household spending in the key CPI inflation measure since 2021, with schooling and associated costs soaring by 25 per in those four years. There will be an extra 65,000 'get active kids vouchers' made available at a cost of $15 million, giving eligible families $200 to cover the price of sports registrations, memberships, clothing or equipment. Other big-spending education budget items include $320 million to continue the disability inclusion program in government schools and $33 million next financial year for transport to specialist government schools, including new routes. Students from non-English-speaking households will benefit from $56 million to be spent in the next two years, including more children in the English as a Second Language program.
