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The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Penang teachers unlock paper power
SNIP, snip, snip... 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@ 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@
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
IACT reel talent shines
YOUTHS are often seen on social media, posting a wide range of content – from selfies to videos of their escapades. But they are rarely seen reporting on an inspirational person featured in the news. When the opportunity to do just that came recently, Phan Yi Ting, Diane Marie Victor and Leslie Christopher Anbiah Paul rose to the challenge. Their effort earned them first place in The Star's Reels of Achievers Recognised (StarROAR) Junior Reporter Contest, held as part of The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme in partnership with IACT College. The trio, who received RM1,000 worth of e-wallet credits for their win, were celebrated at a prize-giving ceremony at the college on May 13. The contest, which ran from Feb 17 to March 30, was open to all IACT College students. It required participants to record a three-minute Instagram reel of themselves – either individually or in groups – sharing about an inspirational person featured on The Star's print or digital platforms, in the style of a news reporter. All 56 participants were mass communication students. Winners were selected based on content accuracy, creativity, integration of The Star, and the popularity of the reel. Buoyed by his team's win, Leslie Christopher encouraged fellow students to take part in future editions of the contest. 'Stay creative and don't hold yourself back. Don't feel disappointed if your first try doesn't work out, because eventually you'll start going where you want to be,' he said. Bernadette Gloria Orange – who, together with Elissa Damia Borhan, won second place – said posting her first-ever speaking video on social media was nerve-wracking, as she felt insecure about how her followers would react. 'The contest opened a new door for me, and I actually got a few opportunities to do it again. So my advice would be to just go for it!' she said. Both Bernadette and Elissa Damia won RM700 worth of e-wallet credits. Third-place winner Nurlis Atika Ali Umar – who teamed up with Melissa Audreyna Royan – said she learnt how journalism works and what it truly means to be a reporter. 'This contest was very helpful for me to pursue a possible career in journalism,' she said. The duo earned RM400 worth of e-wallet credits for their win. All winners received a certificate of achievement, and all participants were awarded a certificate of appreciation. Also present at the event were IACT College chief executive officer Timothy Chan Liem Joe, head of academics Nicola Wong Oi-Pyn, and Star Media Group (SMG) Circulation senior manager Karthigesu Muniyandi. In her opening speech, Wong emphasised that in today's fast-paced digital era, responsible journalism is more crucial than ever, as the public increasingly depends on quick and easily accessible news. 'Social media itself has certainly transformed the way news is delivered, making it faster and more interactive than ever before. 'Yet, this speed comes with a cost – often at the risk of overshadowing the need to be factual and accurate. 'The StarROAR Junior Reporter Contest is designed with this in mind; it challenges aspiring journalists to harness the speed of social media while upholding the value of truth, fairness and clarity,' she said. Addressing the students, Karthigesu highlighted that SMG has long upheld its role as a leading English-language media organisation in Malaysia, committed to serving a diverse audience through its mission of being the 'people's paper'. 'Our goal is simple: to get young people interested in real journalism again and to see your fresh, creative takes on how news works in the digital age,' he said. The StarROAR Junior Reporter Contest, introduced this year to encourage tertiary students to hone their language and presentation skills, is in line with Star-NiE's commitment to nurturing media literacy and communication excellence among youths. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Learning beyond the headlines
WITH just two years left before his retirement, English language teacher Syed Roslan Syed Khalid remains enthusiastic about learning new ways to enliven his lessons. When the chance to attend a workshop under The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme presented itself recently, the SMK Mutiara Impian (Penang Sports School) teacher was delighted to be selected. 'This is my second Star-NIE workshop. I attended the first one many years ago. 'This time around, I was eager to discover how the newspaper can continue to play a meaningful role in a student's life, even in an age dominated by electronic gadgets,' he said when met at the workshop, held at SMK Jawi in Nibong Tebal on May 20. The 58-year-old was among 28 teachers representing 17 secondary schools in Penang's South Seberang Perai district. Conducted by Star-NiE freelance trainer U. Ruthra Devy, who has 24 years of experience as an English language teacher, the workshop – the third Star-NiE session held in Penang this year – was organised in collaboration with the South Seberang Perai District Education Office. Syed Roslan said he was happy to pick up new tips, noting that teachers today face the challenge of engaging students who prefer to use their gadgets to read and source information rather than turning to books. 'Right from the first activity, the trainer showed us how we can use pictures and stories from The Star newspaper in creative and fun ways for students of all proficiency levels – low, intermediate and high,' he said. He added that the workshop's activities demonstrated how teachers can engage students progressively, starting with simple tasks, including ice-breaking exercises at the beginning of the new school year. 'The workshop also showed us how we can use a newspaper to build students' confidence by improving their reading, writing, speaking and critical thinking skills,' he said. J. Vinosha, 27, a first-time teacher at SMK Seri Nibong who teaches English to Forms One, Two and Four, said the workshop piqued her curiosity when she first heard about it. 'I was curious about how teachers could engage students using a newspaper, especially when even using a textbook can sometimes be a challenge in getting their attention. 'I am glad I attended this workshop because I found it very engaging and exciting – I kept looking forward to what was in store next,' she said. Anne Ting Ping Hua, 42, a Mathematics teacher at SMK Bandar Tasek Mutiara who also teaches English, was surprised to find that the workshop differed from the usual format of participants merely sitting and listening. 'It was completely hands-on, and we had so much fun interacting, exchanging ideas, laughing and using props – all while finishing our tasks using copies of The Star. 'So, imagine the fun students will have when we go back to school and apply these activities in class,' she said. Describing the programme as an eye-opener, first-time teacher Nur Syifaa Ismail, 27, from SMK Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, said she looked forward to applying the techniques in her English lessons. At the start of the workshop, Ruthra highlighted the use of newspapers in the classroom, emphasising that they are 'a very flexible resource, carrying real-world content, enhancing general knowledge, and improving speaking, listening, reading and writing skills'. She also stressed the importance of teachers taking 'baby steps' with students who are not proficient in English, helping them develop and build confidence progressively. 'Don't rush them. For instance, during oral classes, let them speak at their level and pace. 'We don't want them to speak perfect English or write essays without any mistakes. 'Let them go at their own pace but be consistent with them, and you will help build their confidence progressively,' she said. Also present at the workshop was Star Media Group Circulation (North) manager 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@
The Star
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Turning the page on English lessons
Fully engaged: Teachers brainstorming ideas during the workshop. WHEN Jeyenthi Marimuthu attended her first-ever workshop run by The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme, she did not expect it to change the way she viewed classroom teaching. 'I thought I'd join just for extra knowledge,' said the SK Jalan Enam English panel head. But what she discovered during the recent workshop left a lasting impression. 'I rarely used newspapers in teaching as I felt it was too high-level for my pupils. 'To my surprise, I realised I could do a lot with the new activities designed by experts who have experience and are directly involved in our education system,' she told StarEdu. For Jeyenthi, a key takeaway was the adaptability of the Star-NiE activities, which cover speaking, reading, writing, listening, as well as grammar and vocabulary. 'Experts design these activities for different levels of proficiency, and teachers can use them in classrooms with differentiated strategies. 'I look forward to introducing them to my pupils,' she said. SK Kg Rinching English panel head Nor Zarina Ahmad Zainadra echoed her sentiment. Also a first-time participant, she came with hopes of picking up practical strategies to incorporate newspaper-based activities into her lessons. 'I was hoping to discover engaging ways to build pupils' language skills through real-world content,' she said. She left the workshop with a toolkit of creative ideas – from teaching grammar and vocabulary using newspaper clippings to getting pupils to create dialogue for comic strips. 'Pupils love hands-on activities. Creating dialogue for cartoons from the newspaper also fuels their imagination and creativity,' she said. The workshop, held in collaboration with the Hulu Langat District Education Office (PPD) at SJK(T) Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Selangor, on April 30, brought together 93 English panel heads from primary schools. Hajar Led by Star-NiE freelance trainer Chang Siew Juen, a retired English language teacher, participants explored interactive strategies to make newspapers a powerful classroom tool. 'It was eye-opening to see how newspapers can be used in so many fun and practical ways,' said PPD Hulu Langat English language officer Hajar Zakaria, who observed the session. 'I could see the teachers getting excited, already planning how to use the ideas in their own lessons,' she added. For teachers new to Star-NiE, Hajar offered this advice: 'Start small. 'You don't have to overhaul your whole lesson. Pick one article or activity and see how your pupils respond. Chances are, you'll be surprised in a good way.' She believes Star-NiE has long-term potential as a complementary teaching tool in Malaysia's English language curriculum. 'It brings variety to classrooms and makes lessons more relevant and engaging. 'I can see it playing a strong role in keeping English fun and meaningful,' she said. Since its inception in 1997, the Star-NiE programme 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@
The Star
08-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Teaching beyond the textbook
Chang (centre) showing pupils how to use newspapers as a learning tool. — Photos: AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star Retired educator uses Star-NiE programme in Putrajaya workshop for 64 schoolchildren A RETIRED teacher's belief in the power of newspapers as a learning tool has led her to leverage The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme to offer interactive learning experiences. Chang Siew Juen led her first session as a language trainer for a Star-NiE student workshop in Putrajaya on Wednesday. The workshop was part of the Federal Territories of Putrajaya Education Department's Reading Campaign. Chang had previously used The Star newspaper for reading material in a Puchong school where she had once taught. She said newspapers were not just a source for current affairs news but also a springboard for learning. 'It has been a year since I started as a language trainer, and I see how fun it is when students get different materials and sources for knowledge from newspapers. 'Textbooks are a good resource but newspapers are also a means of learning about current issues. 'It also depends on how teachers make the most of using newspapers (as a learning tool),' she told StarMetro during the workshop held at the Perbadanan Putrajaya government complex. A total of 64 pupils from 16 primary schools in the nation's administrative capital participated in the workshop. Mohd Faizal says The Star is sought out for the Star-NiE programme. Among the activities was one that saw the children searching for pictures in The Star, cutting them out and turning them into jigsaw puzzles. In a vocabulary exercise, the pupils found challenging words and cut them out, as well as the letters that spelt the words. They then passed these cut-outs to classmates who then had to reassemble the letters into words. Chang said each task was a playful mix of literacy, creativity and teamwork. Putrajaya education department's educational technology resource sector assistant director Mohd Faizal Omar said the campaign was a collaboration between the department and Local Agenda 21 Putrajaya. The latter builds awareness among communities about the importance of sustainable development and provides opportunities for community members and stakeholders to be involved in programmes that promote this. 'Schools in Putrajaya receive three different Bahasa Malaysia newspapers. 'As such, we sought The Star for the Star-NiE programme to improve the students' command of English. 'Last month, we organised a workshop for English teachers from 27 Putrajaya schools comprising 11 secondary and 16 primary schools. We hope this sort of programme will continue,' he said. The department's learning sector language unit assistant director Maryam Adilla Zainudin said: 'Newspapers are a good way to encourage students to read more. 'We can see the students' maturity levels in the way they answer questions, based on how much they read. 'It is the cheapest reading material for teachers to use in a classroom of 40 students.'
