Providing students with high quality learning activities in relevant situations beyond the walls of the classroom is vital for helping students appreciate their first hand experiences in learning.
In light with this view, the Academic Research Skills (ARS) module team from School of Foundation (SoF) initiated an excursion to the FRIM, Kepong. FRIM sits on a 545-ha site which is one of the leading institutions in tropical forestry research in the world. It was founded in 1929 and gazette as a “Natural Heritage Site” in 2009. During the trip, students were shown various species of floras that are used in conducting researches through biotechnological approaches. Students were also introduced to researches that develop technologies in providing solutions to environmental issues. The researchers also shared information about developing key scientific knowledge in safeguarding the ecosystem. In brief, the three-tower-canopy walkway enlightened the students on the potentials of forest research in helping and saving mankind.
It was an extraordinary experience for the students as they learnt to conduct research not only in the classrooms, but also in real-life and outdoor applications. Kudos to the team who organised this, we look forward to seeing more interactive learning experiences like this in the future!
