A platform to better English
murniati@nstp.com.my
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Seri Rampai (SMKTSR) hopes to increase the English proficiency level among its students by conducting an explorace during the school’s Highly Immersive Programme (HIP) recently.
HIP is a programme introduced by the Ministry of Education with the aim to improve the English language proficiency of students through increased exposure to the language. It also aims to inculcate positive behaviour towards the learning and usage of English.
The one-day explorace saw all students of SMKTSR participating in many activities held at different checkpoints that are based on school subjects.
At the English subject checkpoint, students had to guess song lyrics correctly in order to move on to another station. Meanwhile, students at the Asas Sains Komputer (ASK) checkpoint made attempts to answer questions regarding computer and technology in kahoot (an online gamebased learning platform).
HIP coordinator and English teacher Nurul Akmal Ramli said: “There are 14 stations in total and students will move in a group according to their classes to complete tasks at each checkpoint. The teachers and students are highly cooperative throughout this event.”
“I am glad to see that the students are slowly getting comfortable communicating in English with their peers and teachers. All the teachers are also required to use English while giving instructions.
“English is not our mother tongue so, the students are having a hard time using the language outside English classes. Even during English lessons, they feel shy to talk in English. Hopefully, they will gain their confidence in their communication skills today,” said Nurul Akmal.
“We want to create an environment where our students can speak in English comfortably by providing them the exposure to the language beyond classroom settings.
“English is important when students pursue their higher education. I hope this programme can build up students’ confidence level to communicate in English on a daily basis,” said SMKTSR principal Badariah Bakar.
Form Three student Nurqistina Fatonah Abdullah totally enjoyed the activities and completing tasks with her classmates.
“At first I was quite shy to use English but, seeing my friends and teachers talk in English, I gained confidence. I think the programme has benefitted me a lot,” she said.
Form Four student Nur Sabrina Muhammad Shahzrul said: “My favourite subject is English so I’m having a lot of fun seeing all of my friends try to speak in English. Although we tend to make mistakes here and there, the teachers will correct us. That is how we learn.”