Somewhere along the programme evolution, the course title was changed to Training Management in Creative Industry. It's a pity that I didn't defend on behalf of the course.
This year, the course was offered for the first time. And it was taught and the students complained at the end of the semester:
I gave the following reaction to the students:
Dear students,
Many thanks for your feedback.
The name of the course was actually Pedagogy in Design and it was not meant for preparing you to get into creative industry. I will advice the Programme Coordinator to change the course title. Nonetheless, it is interesting to recognize your expectation--perhaps there is a need for "Industrial Training Management in Creative Industry". I wonder why you did not withdraw after realizing your misconception...
When you are recruited to be a UPSI student, the university actually expect you to contribute in the educational contents design and development. This could be attained by producing educational animation and advertisement, and becoming in-house trainer in animation studio or advertising agencies. In fact, these were the requirements proposed by the creative industries when the programmes were designed and developed.
Therefore, this course is meant to be compulsory because as a student from UPSI, you must acquire knowledge and skills related to pedagogy and Andragogy, affording you to be different from students graduated from other universities. Else, please do not highlight that you are UPSI graduate as you would mislead people out there. Alternatively, you could mention that you learn specific knowledge and skills from particular individuals in UPSI.
One day when you have joined creative industry (some of you already did via internship), you should feel that you are different from others because you are from UPSI.
Anyhow, I will share your views to students who have registered this course for upcoming semester, and advice them to consider withdrawing the course or taking it in other semester. Perhaps, you could help by informing your juniors about what this course is about.
All the best in your future undertaking!
Assoc Prof Dr Tan Wee Hoe
