Tiong commends Woodlands International’s emphasis on critical thinking for students
SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said it is regrettable that many graduates are not able to apply their knowledge and think critically outside familiar academic contexts.
He remarked on this big disadvantage when these graduates enter the workforce because most employers are looking for workers who are creative, able to express their thoughts clearly and able to solve problems.
“Our government realizes the weakness of our education system and is determined to go for an education reform.
“In this aspect, while many government schools have fallen short or are struggling to move away from rote learning and a lot of memorizing work, Woodlands International School has risen up to accomplish this aspiration.
“Woodlands International School makes it possible because our enriched Cambridge curriculum is particularly good at teaching students to think for themselves,” he noted.
Tiong was speaking at the school’s ‘Celebration of Learning & Year 11 Graduation Ceremony’ yesterday.
The school’s chief operating officer Charles Tiong and principal Aubrey McAllister Groves were also present.
Tiong noted that thinking skill is contained in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2015.
“In addition, we place great emphasis on individualized and active learning. Active learning is defined as educational methods in which students are involved in higher- order thinking (analysis, synthesis, evaluation).
“We are glad that our Woodlands International School teachers have changed their perspectives and mind-set.
“Rather than simply asking students to memorize and recite facts, the teachers have provided opportunities for students to learn independently to retrieve information from different sources, to analyze it critically and to use it effectively through project learning and other multidisciplinary learning activities,” added Tiong who is also the school’s director.
He said the teachers encourage open debate and discussion among students, helping them to develop their own beliefs and to voice their opinions with clarity and confidence.