Quran education module is a major part in the PERMATA Insan Summer Camp programme for the pre-college gifted and talented students. The annual camp programme integrates STEM modules together with the Quran and Sunnah modules to help students understand and relate science topics with the Quran and Al-Sunnah. The camp participants as young as eight years old were required to memorise selected Quran verses during the camp. Many struggled to perform in the Quran education module. This study was conducted to identify various issues faced by the students in the Quran module. They were tested on their memorisation and later grouped for a special interview session. The findings on the various problems faced by them were analysed and grouped into themes. The discussion with the group of gifted and talented between the age of 8 and 11 years old revealed many concerns that have been found in earlier research on this special group of students. The findings would help further explore better ways to improve the teaching and learning of gifted and talented Muslim students.

The current models of gifted and talented education have always been based on the established curriculum designed on the parameters set by the standards in many western countries. While the concepts and ideas are relevant and proven, a Muslim gifted institution must take other considerations in the policy and implementation aspects to cater to the needs of gifted Muslim community. While main goal of gifted education is the student’s intelligent and talent development, the gifted Muslim student has additional areas of development that must be taken into consideration. Many mainstream gifted education models stress on the high academic performers or strong STEM-inclined individuals who displayed strong interest and academic achievement in science subjects. The Muslim gifted students have additional parameters such as religious inclination and interest combined with the Quran memorisation, hadith and Islamic references understanding. This study examines the existing literature on gifted and talented education models and adopts some core elements for the conceptualization of gifted curriculum for Muslim students, focusing on the fundamental elements of Islamic education philosophy. Applying qualitative method, the existing literature are reviewed systematically, and their educational philosophies analysed and compared. Based on the review and analysis, this paper proposes a conceptual framework on the integrated model of existing gifted philosophies from the western and Islamic perspective. The discussion has been framed specifically around the design and implementation of gifted and talented education in Malaysia. This paper will offer a guide to the development of integrated curriculum model – one which is based on the existing models both on the Western and Islamic ideas on gifted education. For gifted institutions adopting this guideline, it will serve as a working policy and implementation framework.

For many years, educational researchers have been challenged to prove and justify the effective use of computers in teaching and learning in the classroom. In reviewing the antecedents of computer use in education, many studies have adopted a relatively restricted perspective and confined their research to only technology-based variables, namely students’ attitudes towards computers and their experience in using the computer. In contrast, this study includes an investigation of teachers’ educational perceptions (constructivist beliefs, traditional beliefs) as an antecedent of computer use, while regulating the influence of technology-related variables (computer experience, general computer attitudes) and demographic variables (gender, age). For identifying the distinction in the determinants of computer use in the classroom, multilevel modelling was used (N = 525). For assess primary school teachers’ use of computers in supporting the pedagogical process, an adapted version of the “Class Use of Computers” scale of van Braak et al. (2004) was used. It basically explained the various forms of computer use among primary school teachers, supporting the hypothesis that “teachers’ beliefs are significant determinants in explaining why teachers adopt computers in the classroom.” Concerning the effect of computer experience, general computer attitudes and gender, the findings indicate a positive impact of constructivist beliefs on the classroom use of computers. The use of computers in the classroom is negatively affected by Traditional views.

Umrah package operations recorded a significant increase every year in Malaysia. Kedah is a state that has many travel companies offering umrah package handling. Its operations include travelling, operations, and the religious activities. However, there are some problems involving the misuse of operating licenses, taking excessive profits, and operating unregistered packages. Based on this situation, two questions arise. First, how is the management of handling umrah packages in Kedah? Second, what are the problems faced by travel companies in Kedah in handling umrah packages. This article has two objectives. First, to explore the management of umrah package handling in Kedah. Second, to identify the problems faced by travel companiesin Kedah in handling umrah packages. This study aims to answer both questions through interviews with three largest umrah company owners in Kedah, namely Az Zuha Group Travel& Tours Sdn. Bhd, Daurah Travel and Tour Sdn Bhd, Al-Nile Travel and Tour Sdn Bhd. The findings of the study reveal that travel companies operating umrah packages in Kedah have followed the procedures set by the Department of Wakaf, Zakat and Hajj (JAWHAR). The findings of the study also found that there are some big problems in managing umrah packages,namely competition between travel companies, maintaining mutawwif, obtaining umrah visas and covid-19 pandemic.

Purpose – The study examined the effectiveness of an interactive learning platform known as “Intelligent Learning Environment” or iLE that was developed for the PERMATA Insan School Holiday programme. iLE was the online class and support system for the teaching and learning of the Arabic language for gifted and talented students who are non-native speakers of Arabic language. Methodology – From more than 200 programme participants, the researchers randomly selected 10% (20 students) of them. They were primary students who joined the programme since the age of eight. Separate interview sessions were planned, and they were video-recorded. Their responses were analysed using NVivo 10 software. Findings–Respondents found out that iLE helped them in their Arabic language study and revision. The interactive online learning site was easily accessible and always updated. It also helped them to communicate with the tutor and this method also provided instructors the flexibility of portal contents development. Significance – The iLE portal was an efficient online learning model and it was beneficial in increasing students’ vocabulary which in turn improves their writing and reading skills.

The employment of instructional technology in teaching and learning has becoming a crucial requirement among teachers and educators especially in the 21st century education. Moreover, the current global emergence situation of COVID-19 pandemic has been forcing educators towards using various online platforms and technologies In Malaysia, universities have scrambled to move the program to an electronic platform to tackle the proliferation of COVID-19 under the national Movement Control Order (MCO). Malaysia’s 20 public universities including Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia was to encourage or mandate online learning for various major languages including Arabic. During this difficult period, Arabic lecturers might need more training to allow them to have an in-depth understanding of how technology can improve learning and motivate their students to learn. The researchers employed responsive semi-structured interviews, which allowed the respondents to share about their teaching practices and how technology motivated them to be more creative in their teaching practices during MCO. The result indicates that online learning can be a solution for the Arabic language educators and practitioners to share their knowledge by using e-Learning or other platforms as education needs to be conducted during MCO. One of the online learning benefits is lecturers become motivated and students become active when they learn using online learning as they are the ones who take responsibility for their learning.

The current models of gifted and talented education have always been based on the established curriculum designed on the parameters set by the standards in many western countries. While the concepts and ideas are relevant and proven, a Muslim gifted institution has to take other considerations in the policy and implementation aspects to cater to the needs of gifted Muslim community. While main goal of gifted education is the student’s intelligent and talent development, the gifted Muslim student has additional areas of development that have to be taken into consideration. Many mainstream gifted education models stress on the high academic performers or strong STEMinclined individuals who displayed high interest and academic achievement in science subjects. The Muslim gifted students have additional parameters such as religious inclination and interests with focus on the Quran memorisation, hadith and Islamic references understanding. This study examines the existing literature on gifted and talented education models and adopts some core elements for the conceptualization of gifted curriculum for Muslim students, focusing on the fundamental elements of Islamic education philosophy. Applying qualitative method, the existing literature is reviewed systematically, and their educational philosophies are analysed and compared. Based on the review and analysis, this paper proposes a conceptual framework on the integrated model of existing gifted philosophies from the western and Islamic perspective. The discussion has been framed specifically around the design and implementation of gifted and talented education in Malaysia. This paper will offer a guide to the development of integrated curriculum model—one which is based on the existing models both on the Western and Islamic ideas of gifted education. For gifted institutions adopting this guideline, it will serve as a working policy and implementation framework.

Teaching foreign language takes another step with the emergence of mobile applications and websites taking the classroom experience beyond the four walls of a traditional one. Interactive and well-developed applications such as Duolingo, Hello Talk, WiP learning, Mind snacks and Babbel, offer new language learning experience to current generation of students. The mobile apps create interesting environment and good space to practice and use the language. This study investigated the efficacy of iTunes U on improving listening skill of foreign languages taught to the gifted and talented students of Permata Insan College, Islamic Science University of Malaysia. There were 47 Foundation Three (15 years old) students of the college who participated in the iTunes U courses for Arabic and English subject. The students later were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to gauge their attitude and perception towards the courses that covered the listening skill lessons. The finding showed that the iTunes U listening lessons managed to help the students developed their skill and awareness on the listening aspects of both languages. The use of uploaded short videos and the discussion about them managed to enhance their listening ability and quality since they were more alert and conscious in their conversation and listening effort. The positive perception towards such listening lessons in iTunes U courses augurs well for the use of online language learning platform for the gifted and talented students.

YouTube is a treasure trove for those who are willing to take the initiative to watch, listen and learn. Choosing the correct channels and resources will take anyone to the right classes and teachers and it only left to the imagination the amount of knowledge ready to be discovered and devoured. This study is designed to discover various issues of online learning using YouTube platform among gifted students and prepare the relevant strategies in managing online learning in a new environment such as YouTube channels. This study employed a qualitative approach and students shared their feedback in the form of reflective journal and verbal feedback. Selected students were interviewed to get deeper insights into their experience in using the YouTube resources and learning many new information and ideas from their various teachers. Based on the feedback, majority of students enjoyed the new social media learning approach and acknowledged the new experiences as engaging and practical as they learned by watching, discussing, and practising the newly found knowledge from the videos they watched. The results have significant impact on students and teachers teaching the Ilqa’ Abqari public speaking subject as the videos were found to be realistic in dealing with various topics and skills in public speaking and thinking. The findings can guide the effective design of the Ilqa’ Abqari public speaking lessons and intervention and appropriate for teachers to adopt and apply it.

Students for gifted program are usually selected using the traditional methods of identification (i.e., IQ and standardized achievement tests). Even for Malaysia gifted education program known as GENIUS program, the established methods such as intelligence tests are the yardstick for selecting students who are identified as gifted. GENIUS Insan, however, is a program that requires the gifted students to not only achieve high score in the standardized intelligence test, but also display the ability to memorize verses of Quran and recite them according to the correct tajweed (rules of Quran recitation). The students are also required to memorize the verses in a specific given amount of time. This study analyzed the identification process for gifted Muslim students for the 2021 cohort of KOLEJ GENIUS INSAN, USIM in using Quran memorization as a method in identifying the qualified students for the program. The process involved a group of 232 candidates who had managed to score 130 marks and above in the standardized intelligence tests known as UKM1 and UKM2. These students were later tested individually for their ability to memorize and recite the selected verses pre-arranged for them. Those who fulfilled the criteria set by the college were offered to join the program at Kolej GENIUS Insan. Analyzing and understanding the data of the selection process and the outcome of the organized memorization test would help address the need to improve the identification method and make this selection process an effective way in drafting gifted and talented Muslim students to Kolej GENIUS Insan, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.

The theory of the usage of Centella asiatica in medicine among the Malay community has been practiced for a long time. It is a traditional medicine passed down through generations. There were over 40 studies that used Centella asiatica among the Malay community either in research conducted to qualify for an academic certificate, articles published in journals or seminar papers. This qualitative study aims to explore the literature review of Centella asiatica among the Malay community through document analysis and the matrix of Systematic Literature Review (SLR). In doing so, a systematic analysis is conducted on the background, issues or gap pertaining to this study as well as methodology and findings on previous research. This study has found that the study of Centella asiatica among the Malay community was popular in Sabah, Perak, Selangor and Terengganu especially on the major works written by Malay scholars and the qualitative study using content analysis technique was the most preferred method chosen by these researchers. The studies on Centella asiatica among the Malay community should be continued and developed to explore both the obvious and the underlying reasons behind its usage among scholars of Centella asiatica in the Malay community.