PM upbeat over smart learning
PAK-21 classes will stimulate students’ interests, says Najib
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak visited SMK Putrajaya Presint 8(1) to observe the 21st century learning method (PAK21) being implemented at the school.
He was attracted to the use of smart gadgets in the classroom and found the teaching and learning process more interactive, as well as capable of stimulating the students’ interests and making the class more exciting.
“This method is able to produce a new generation with more creative and critical thinking skills, increased confidence in communication, as well as the ability to work as a team.
“Generally, there is more positive energy in the class compared with the old or conventional way,” he told reporters during the visit yesterday.
Najib, accompanied by Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, was briefed on the use of the smart board while observing how the teachers interacted with students in the classroom.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the Education Ministry for the success of its trial PAK-21 implementation and expressed hope that the method could be expanded.
Mahdzir said he hoped the Prime Minister would provide an allocation in Budget 2018, to be tabled on Oct 27, for the renovation of primary and secondary school classrooms into PAK-21 classes.
Currently, he said, schools with PAK-21 classes were funded with the cooperation of the ParentTeacher Association (PTA) and alumni associations of the schools concerned, and the private sector.
Earlier, Najib received a farewell call from Chinese Ambassador in Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang at his office.
At the end of the meeting, Najib presented Dr Huang with a book, Najib Razak 40 years, 40 pictures, as a gift.
Dr Huang, who came to Malaysia in January 2014, will leave on Oct 18 to assume his duties as an elected member of the International Law Commission at the United Nations. — Bernama