KUCHING: Concerns over the provision of teaching aids to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning have prompted three lecturers from Politeknik Kuching to develop Mikraj – the Israk Mikraj Education Board Game.
The combination of ideas from Mohamad Faizal Ahmat, Mohamad Shahrin L Bari, and Wida Yanti Mohammad Zen Umar has led to an innovative board game (educational entertainment) that tells the story of the Israk and Mikraj events.
A study on the effectiveness of using Mikraj as a teaching aid for Islamic Studies courses at Politeknik Kuching has been conducted, and it has proven that the Israk Mikraj Education Board Game has had a positive impact on improving the effectiveness of achieving targeted teaching and learning objectives.
The research paper was presented at the 5th International Islamic Heritage Conference (ISHEC) on March 16, 2023, organised by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Melaka.
More interestingly, Mikraj can be accessed via smartphones in the form of an electronic application. The interactive game combination can improve players’ understanding.
The board game has 100 cards consisting of Mission Cards, Ibrah Cards, and Solat Cards. The Mission Cards tell the journey of the Israk Mikraj event; Ibrah Cards are reflections and teachings throughout the Israk Mikraj event; and Solat Cards are knowledge to improve prayer perfection.
Politeknik Kuching Hikmatullah Hajid Ahmad Khan director lauded the board game, saying it is very suitable as a teaching aid in Islamic Education courses.
“In addition to producing innovation in the form of a board game that is suitable for all levels of society, whether children or adults, it can also be a family game to strengthen family relationships,” he said.
The head of the innovation project Mohamad Faizal Ahmat noted that the Mikraj is the first game of its kind in Malaysia.
The idea, he said, was generated from forums and lectures on the Israk Mikraj event, which are usually conveyed through lectures.
Therefore, Faizal added, to diversify the delivery method, a more interesting and entertaining approach was needed, which led to the creation of the board game.
For more information about this game, one can visit the “Mikraj Eduboard” Facebook page.
