Penang teachers unlock paper power
The sound of scissors filled the room as 30 secondary school teachers eagerly clipped images from copies of The Star during a recent workshop held under its Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme.
Their eyes scanned the pages for the 'perfect' stories and pictures to bring their ideas to life.
The participants, each representing a school in Penang's North-East District, took part in a series of hands-on activities during the workshop held on May 7.
Star-NiE freelance trainer U. Ruthra Devy, who has 24 years of experience as an English language teacher, conducted the session at St. George's Girls School.
The second Star-NiE workshop held in Penang this year, the event was organised in collaboration with the North-East District Education Office language unit.
Ruthra, who has been using The Star to teach English ever since she began her teaching career, kicked off the session by stressing that students can better grasp the language when teachers make lessons creative and fun, such as by using newspapers.
'As teachers, we must first have fun teaching English so that our students see that a newspaper is not only about news but can be used in exciting ways to learn the language,' she said.
She noted that newspapers are flexible tools packed with a variety of content.
'By using newspapers in English classes, students may not even realise they are learning to read, write, speak, and practise critical thinking.
'A newspaper creates impactful learning, allowing students to learn the language indirectly.
'Children, especially those who lack proficiency, are not forced to study the language. Instead, they have fun and their creativity flows naturally, giving them confidence,' she said.
Ruthra added that the more creative a teacher is, the easier language learning becomes for students.
During the workshop, participants were divided into six groups and given three sets of activities.
They interacted, exchanged ideas and giggles, and even used props – all while completing tasks using copies of The Star.
SMK Bukit Jambul teacher Farah Wahida Abd Majid, 30, who teaches Form Three and Form Four English, said she had never tried using newspapers in the classroom.
'This is my first time at such a workshop, and I had so much fun that I can't wait to go back to school and apply all the ideas I obtained here.
'I feel very lucky to have been chosen to attend because I now have fresh ideas for planning activities,' she said.
Chua Kia Yee, 31, who teaches Form Two to Form Four at SMJK Convent Datuk Keramat, said although she had previously used English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese newspapers during lessons, the Star-NIE workshop was an eye-opener.
'The ideas and approaches shared by the trainer breathe fresh perspective into how newspapers can make English language learning fun and enjoyable.
'All in all, I found the programme helpful, lively and creative, and I will definitely go back to school and share the ideas,' she said.
SMK Westlands English language teacher S. Devaki, 39, said she enjoyed herself immensely at the workshop, which she found engaging and full of practical ideas on how to use the language, creativity and teamwork.
'The workshop showed us how newspapers are not just sources of current affairs, but also tools for both students and teachers to enhance English learning,' she said.
Also present at the workshop was Star Media Group Circulation manager (North) Eileen Ooi.
Since its inception in 1997, Star-NIE has supported English language teaching and learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide.
Star-NiE activities are available in StarEdu on Sundays, and in StarLifestyle on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
For enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 Look through today's newspaper and select three pictures that you can connect to form a short story. In pairs, write the story and present it to the class. Afterwards, have your classmates rate your story based on creativity.
2 What are some English language activities your class can do using the newspaper? Create a list of ideas and try to convince your teacher why these activities are worth doing. Was your teacher persuaded to carry them out?
The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
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