Let’s develop English education together
THE Malaysian English Language Teaching Association (Melta) will hold its eighth international research conference in English language education on Dec 1.
Melta vice-president Aslam Khan Samahs Khan said the conference to be held at the International Islamic University Malaysia in Gombak is a platform for research sharing.
“Melta is 60 this year. Our association isn’t just for teachers and academics – we’re open to anyone who shares our mission to develop English education in the country.
“We’re ready to assist the ministry. Our report on improving the system is ready to be handed over to Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik,” he said, adding that details on the conference are on mircele. melta.org.my.
He was speaking at the symposium held in conjunction with the launch of the Melta KL Chapter.
Its chairperson Gladys Francis Joseph said the Melta KL Chapter was set up to reach out to teachers.
“In teacher-training, we have a cascading system but the feedback is that the knowledge doesn’t get passed down effectively – which was the case with the adoption of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).”
The symposium, she said, was for teachers who want to be more effective.
“Teachers say they’re not getting the desired results despite adopting 21st century learning. Where’s the gap? We have to understand why and what our students are thinking.”
During the half-day event at HELP University, KL, some 80 secondary teachers took on the role of students, participating in games and poetry writing, and even dancing – all in an effort to become more effective educators.
Aslam Khan said there is at least one Chapter in almost all states nationwide.
“But we’d like to see more Chapters being set up because some states are so big that we cannot expect teachers to travel for hours just to attend a workshop.
“With more Chapters, Melta can come to you. Let us know your needs. What kind of training do you need? We can assist.”