Mastery of Basic Teaching and Soft Skills Among Malaysian Trainee Teachers: A Systematic Narrative Review

This literature review explores the mastery of basic teaching and soft skills among trainee teachers in Malaysia, with a particular focus on those enrolled in public universities (IPTA) and teacher education institutes (IPG). Drawing upon peer-reviewed articles, scholarly reports, and policy documents, the review identifies core competencies essential for effective teaching, including instructional planning, classroom management, communication, and professional adaptability. It further examines the challenges trainee teachers face in acquiring and applying these skills, such as limited practicum exposure, insufficient mentoring, and difficulties in translating theoretical knowledge into practice. The role of soft skills such as interpersonal communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence is also analyzed as a critical dimension of teacher readiness. The review highlights the gap between theory and practice in teacher education and offers practical recommendations to enhance trainee teachers’ professional development. By synthesizing existing research, this article aims to inform improvements in teacher training programs and promote the development of resilient, reflective, and competent educators in the Malaysian context.