Learning Pathways in General Studies Courses (MPU) in Malaysia: A PLS-SEM Analysis of How Course Impressions, Learning Activities, and Usefulness Shape Overall Learning Impact
Malaysian higher educational institutions have introduced general studies courses, known as MPU, since September 2013 to create graduates who are entrepreneurs, holistic, and well-balanced. Although the MPU has the potential to be beneficial, it is perceived as less important than the core courses students must complete due to excessive syllabus, untrained lecturers, and ineffective teaching. This study aims to examine the impact of MPU learning at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Specifically, it investigates students’ perceptions of course impressions, learning activities, and the usefulness of MPU in a hybrid learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of 2021. Using a dataset of 2,247 responses from UiTM main and branch campuses, the study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the effects. The findings highlight the positive influence of MPU on overall education and inform recommendations for curriculum improvements. Based on the findings, the MPU syllabus should be amended to include content on national and societal issues. Also, the IT infrastructure must be continually improved to support the blended approach to MPU courses. The next revision of MPU shall recommend a clear, measurable, and sustainable vision for MPU courses to equip graduates with future-ready skills to navigate global challenges. Insights from the study findings could facilitate reforms to education policies that enhance Malaysian identity, unity, and citizenship by aligning MPU education with Malaysia's national educational policies and philosophy.