MAKTAB   PERGURUAN   TAWAU

After the event, a customer satisfaction survey was conducted. The scale of survey ranged from 1 for worst and 5 for best. Overall, the respondents were happy with the preparatory stages of the conference with an overall mean of 4.43. On a scale of 1 to 5, the highest was given for Reception and Registration with a mean of 4.83. This indicates that the reception was pleasant, cheerful, helpful and accommodating.

Generally, the respondents were satisfied with the overall aspects of SEAAIR conference. Interestingly, the highest mean was given for the conference for being a motivational experience . The overall meeting format and quality of overall event were ranked second highest with a mean of 4.25. While the third highest, was given for participants receiving "appropriate recognition and appreciation for contributions" with a mean of 4.22. The lowest ranking was given for quality of presentations in general sessions with a mean of 4.0. Nevertheless, the quality of presentation was still considered good or above average.

EG²KM =

 e-Government & Knowledge Management

Tawau has gained a new educational landmark in December 2004 following the closure of the Sandakan Teachers Training College, which will re-emerge as Tawau Teachers Training College.

Shortage of facilities and infrastructure at the old Sandakan College had forced the Education Ministry to shift the college to Tawau which now has the capability to increase demand for more teachers.

According to Dr Sharifah, the Sandakan College no longer had the capability to meet the increasing demand in teacher education to cope with the rapid pace of education development in the country due to limited facilities and infrastructure.

The Sandakan College, incepted in 1974 over a five-acre hill area at Mile 1.5, Jalan Labuk, was officially declared open on May 13, 1977 by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was then Deputy Prime Minister cum Education Minister.

Dr Sharifah commended the Sandakan College for having played a pivotal role in the development of education through the training of competent teachers over the last 30 years, before taking up more challenging tasks ahead, as Tawau Teachers Training College, beginning December 2004

Construction of the Sandakan College was carried out under the Second Malaysia Plan (1971-1975) through the support of the World Bank, in collaboration with the Sabah Education Department and the Ministry of Education.

The Sandakan staff and students will be officially received by Education Director-General Tan Sri Abdul Rafie Mahat upon arrival at the Tawau Teachers College this (Tuesday) morning.

Tawau Teachers Training College Principal, Mary Yap Kain Ching  (Sandakan College's last principal), expressed confidence that the new Tawau College would make further groundbreaking progress with better infrastructure and up-to-date facilities.

Tawau Teachers Training College is the biggest teachers training college in Malaysia.  Sandakan College was the third teachers training college in Sabah, after Kent Teachers' College (1962) and Gaya Teachers' College (1963).

Between 1974 and 1980, the management and administration of the college was under the Sabah Education Department, before it was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Teacher Training Division, of the Education Ministry, in 1981.

The inaugural courses started in 1974 with an intake of 80 trainee teachers, nine academic staff and 12 supporting staff.

After nearly 30 years in existence, the Sandakan Teachers College received a directive from the Ministry on Dec 1, 2004, to shift to its new premises in Tawau.

A total of 193 teachers involved in in-service holiday courses will be the last group at the Tawau Teachers College.

The old  Sandakan Teachers' College premises will be taken over by Sabah Education Department for administrative purposes.

 INDEX : MPT  September 28, 2007 03:49:03 PM