TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION IN MALAYSIAN SKILL-BASED INSTITUTIONS: THE NEED FOR PEDAGOGICAL EVOLUTION

Abstract

Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates are expected to be competent in communicating technical information at workplace. Technical communication is perceived as a substantial component that needs to be emphasized in TVET institutions to increase employability of graduates. However, most TVET graduates possess poor communication skills. This paper discusses pedagogical issues faced by the educators in TVET institutions. Most of the educators encounter challenges in terms of handling mixed ability students, getting the students to respond in English, lack of confidence among students, students’ negative learning attitudes, shortage of technical communication specialists, lack of collaboration with industry and lack of technological knowledge.