Interactive ways to use newspaper during English lessons

Dass (in pink) says using the NiE pullout will make lessons more engaging in general. — ZAINUDIN AHAD/The Star

THE use of newspapers in classrooms can be done in a creative manner and need not be dull.

Teachers could make lessons more engaging by using The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) pullout, as well as other sections of the newspaper.

Lucille Dass, Star-NiE freelance consultant trainer, said this form of teaching would make lessons more engaging in general.

“We get students to bold and highlight parts of the newspaper.

“They would be able to learn the different terminology of a newspaper layout.

“Teachers could also have a quiz and have students go through the newspaper in search for the answers,” she said during a recent workshop for teachers at Disted College in Macalister Road in Penang.

She said it is also important for teachers to give clear instructions when conducting lessons involving the newspaper or other resources in class.

“The instructions should be crisp and clear instead of repetitive explanations.

“Teachers should start the lesson by stating that the instruction will not be repeated and this would encourage students to listen carefully and pay attention,” she said.

These were some of the many tips shared during the workshop involving more than 30 English school teachers.

Also present was Star Media Group circulation (north) assistant manager Eileen Ooi.

Teacher Aqilah Nasuha Abdullah Sani (from SMK Pondok Upeh) said the approach provided during the workshop was practical.

“It is a challenge to teach English in class as some students get easily bored. That’s why the lessons have to be conducted in a creative manner,” she said.

For teacher Lim Seng Leong from SMK Bukit Jambul, this is the first time he has attended the workshop although he has been teaching English for almost three decades.

“The tips shared are definitely in line with my teaching methods.

“I think it’s great to refresh my knowledge and learn new ways to improve methods of teaching English effectively in a classroom setting,” he said.