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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
- 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@
