A trusted resource for today’s learner
Linking current affairs, communicative language and the news, the newspaper proves to be a vital tool in the classroom
THE mobile phone beeps. A peek at the screen reveals a notification bearing breaking news. To share or not to share is the question many people would consider these days.
We are bombarded with a steady stream of information and images daily. Children, at a vulnerable age where they absorb knowledge like sponges, are especially susceptible to the pace and pitches of the media as it defines what is fun, relevant and important. Information is on everyone’s fingertips.
Some parents may choose to withhold communication gadgets from young ones until they are much older. But there is no escaping the media. Media is very much ingrained in our current society. No longer does it just influence our culture. Media is the culture.
So how do we help young people handle what they’re reading, seeing and hearing?
Entering its 22nd year, the Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) programme by The Star is a way the newspaper, teachers and schools work together to produce literate and civic-minded students.
Media plays a vital role when it comes to informing the public on what’s happening around the world. The Star newspaper, as a major English daily in the country, is an authentic resource to Malaysian classrooms.
In this day and age, it is important for the younger generation to be literate when it comes to digesting media. Media literacy is about being competent and critical in processing all types of media in a way that the individual controls the interpretation of what they see or hear, rather than letting the interpretation control them.
The use of newspapers as a teaching tool is greatly beneficial because it not only provides authentic and real news, but also gives students knowledge on the use of English.
The 12-page NiE pullout that comes with a copy of The Star (through school subscription only) organises its activities into elementary, intermediate and advanced levels to help teachers get the most out of the newspaper as a teaching resource.
Published every Wednesday, the colourful pullout is written by a team of experienced English language teachers and specialists, and is packed with engaging hands-on NiE activities for the classroom.
Students are given a comprehensive and structured learning framework that focuses on three major segments – the English language, literature and character building. These three segments are titled NiE English, NiE Literature and NiE Life respectively.
The pullout adheres to themes in the national syllabus and is endorsed by the Education Ministry.
In the world of education, the latest buzzwords – Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), creative thinking and cooperative learning – are no strangers to NiE.
The pullout includes key indicators that signal the various types of 21st century skills practised in each activity.
Teachers can expect to go beyond the textbook with stimulating questions that challenge students to think.
With 33 issues per year, the pullout also includes two sections – BRATs and Earn Your Band 6.
On pages 5, 6, 7 and 8, students will be able to read articles written by their peers in The Star’s BRATs young journalist programme.
This four-page section is dedicated to all things that make teens tick, which include current affairs, pop culture and short stories. It is designed for teens with a passion for writing and an instinct for journalism. Teachers too get a corner where they can share inspiring stories.
BRATs can be found in 17 issues of the NiE pullouts, while Earn Your Band 6 will be featured in seven issues.
Earn Your Band 6 is aimed at improving the English proficiency of those taking the Malaysian University English Test (MUET).
Students will have access to tips and activities designed by teachers and specialist writers to hone students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
MUET candidates also stand a chance to have their essays published, and win cash prizes.
A much-loved comic strip panel illustrates stories in the school literature component. This year, it will feature the novel Sing to the Dawn. Illustrations are designed to capture the imagination of young minds, while a mini dictionary box comes in handy for tackling difficult words.
Every year, schools nationwide look out for the NiE contest where students are given the chance to showcase their talents and shine. Keep your eyes peeled for when we announce this year’s contest!
Teachers, are you ready to take your English lessons to a whole new level of engagement? If so, get a copy of your 2019 planner when the school subscribes to The Star’s NiE programme. This planner will be handy when it comes to making NiE a part of your lesson plans.
For more information, call The Star’s Customer Care Unit at 1-30088-7827 from Monday to Friday (9am-5pm), or get in touch with the marketing representative closest to you (from Monday to Friday between 8.30am to 7.30pm).
Subscription is through schools only.