Learning through play
Star-NiE workshop shows Johor Baru teachers fun ways to incorporate newspaper into teaching.
IT is one thing to teach students a skill and another to groom them to pass examinations.
Star-NiE freelance consultant trainer Lucille Dass drove a point home when she said: “There is no use when a student scores an A in English but when you try to converse with him, he can’t even string a sentence correctly.”
“That is not a success. You’ve only taught him how to ace an exam paper.
“I believe that learning must happen and that students should take ownership of their learning.
“One way is to make English lessons game-like and interesting. Teachers also need to give feedback and let them know if they are improving,” she said during a Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) workshop held at SK Taman Perling 3, Johor Baru.
The workshop, which was held over two days, imparted valuable teaching methods using the newspaper to English teachers from Johor Baru schools.
Johor Baru assistant district education officer Vijayan Narayanan said that the workshop will benefit teachers, especially from the primary level teaching Years One and Two.
“NiE complements the current syllabus. The textbook makes up 50% of the syllabus and teachers would have to come up with their own ideas for the other 50%.
“In this workshop, I believe they gained many ideas to supplement their teaching.
“The NiE workshop also gives them a guide on how to incorporate materials like the newspaper into their lessons.
“Through attending this workshop, they will better understand the effect of using the English newspaper in classrooms. It is an affordable material and it also caters to students of all levels.
“Apart from that, when teachers have the chance to gather like this, they get to discuss and share opinions. I encourage the younger teachers to take part in this workshop to get more ideas,” he said.
As a new teacher in his first posting. teacher Mohd Nor Ariffin Yusrizal from SK Taman Bukit Kempas said that the workshop came at an apt time.
“I like how it reflects the concept of learning through play. Students learn very well this way as most children love to play. They will learn indirectly and remember what they’ve learnt.
“I have used the newspaper in class during my practicum, but some of the activities are entirely new to me. The workshop is in depth when it comes to techniques and strategies for each activity. I also get to meet teachers from other schools to share ideas with each other,” he said.
Another participant Devi Anuratha Narayanan from SMK Taman Kota Kulai said the workshop gave her basic knowledge on how to use the newspaper in class.
“I learnt a lot from this workshop. I thought the newspaper was only for reading. Now that I know about the NiE pullout, I can actually use it for teaching. Students will be able to add vocabulary through the activities.
“We teachers enjoyed the workshop; I’m sure the students will enjoy it even more!” she said.
Agreeing, SMK Taman Putri teacher Rajesvaree Sanrababu commented that the activities are suitable for students.
“I look forward to trying out the NiE activities with my students. I’m sure they will enjoy it. It is entertaining and educational,” she said.
For SMK Teknik Johor Baru teacher Tan Gaik Wah, it was a fun, hands-on experience.
“I loved it! I can definitely use the activities in my class. Some teachers may feel that the activities are not relevant, but I feel that they are because you are not learning in isolation - you are learning in context. I like the kinesthetic activities from the workshop.
“And in line with current 21st century learning as well as the Highly Immersive Programme (HIP), NiE will come in very handy,” she said.For more information, call The Star’s Customer Care Unit at 1-300-88-7827 from Monday to Friday (9am-5pm).