An authentic learning experience
NiE brings the real life happenings around the world into classrooms.
THE Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) programme prides itself with the use of authentic material for class lessons. But what makes the newspaper a genuine resource?
A group of 45 English teachers from primary and secondary schools in the Sepang district were all ears when Star-NiE trainer Lucille Dass explained why.
“The newspaper is an authentic resource because it is something we use in real life,” she said, during the NiE workshop held at SK Kota Warisan, Sepang.
“Lots of people read the newspaper every morning. Reading the newspaper is a universal culture. It can be in a digital form, but it’s still the news nonetheless.”
She added: “When you are old, and rocking back and forth in your rocking chair, you won’t be holding your school textbook. But a copy of the newspaper or magazine, most likely.”
The workshop was sponsored by Hartalega. Its human resource (Community Affairs) executive RB Yoges Balaras was present at the workshop. He commented that the company wants to contribute to enhancing the local talent source.
“We like to see students being proactive about learning. We want them to feel that learning is enjoyable,” he added.
There was much laughter as teachers experienced NiE activities as students.
SK Methodist (Integ) (M) Sg Pelek teacher KN Rema KK Narayanan said that she was amazed by the activities and strategies that were demonstrated by the trainer.
“It’s engaging and out of the box. It greatly enhances language learning while in context with the current syllabus.
“The activities are good in enhancing pupils’ thinking and collaborative skills, because most activities are group projects,” she said.
“Most importantly, we can enhance reading habits. These activities will nudge them to read the newspaper,” she added.
Sekolah Seri Puteri teacher Asmiza Minoh found the workshop refreshing. “Even though I’ve taught for more than 20 years, workshops like this make us teachers more innovative and creative in our approach to teaching.”
“I like all the newspaper activities that were shown, and I think it’s good for students. We need to make sure that students understand why they need to learn the language. Most students in non-urban areas don’t know the objective of learning the English Language. Using the newspaper will give them something to think about.”
She said that Sekolah Seri Puteri subscribes to the newspaper as teachers there believe that students need to read printed materials.
Lee Chin Lu from SJK (C) Wah Lian, Sungai Pelek said: “This workshop has shown me new ways to utilise the newspaper. I can actually do the activities with my primary school pupils. I’m sure they’ll enjoy the activities,” she said.
Sepang district education office English Language officer Nor Jehan Ab Mutalip commented that NiE promotes cooperative learning among students.
“The activities in the pullout are interesting. These activities promote Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and encourage students to think out of the box. Moreover, it is in line with the 21st century learning skills and what the education blueprint wants to achieve.”
Dass said that using the newspaper in the classroom makes English more appealing to students. “The newspaper lends itself to creative methods of teaching.”
She urged teachers to come out of their comfort zones and to try new methods to arouse interest in students. “Using the newspaper is one excellent way to do so. It’s a tried and tested method. A range of activities can be done with the newspaper.
“Not only is it fun, learning happens.”
For details on the Star-NiE programme, call The Star’s Customer Care Unit at 1 300 88 7827 from Monday to Friday (9am–5pm).