Fruitful effort: Aimi Farina posing with her award.
TODAY’S children are born into the digital era; hence, it is crucial to apply innovative practices in their teaching and learning, starting from preschool.
“We are shaping the future generation. To meet the standards of the 21st century, education must evolve,” said Aimi Farina Sariff, who has over a decade of experience in early childhood education.
To ensure future early childhood educators are well equipped to provide such experiences, Aimi Farina, a lecturer at Quest International University, has taken it upon herself to implement innovative methods in her teaching.
“For example, students create apps or games to teach subjects like mathematics. They learn to integrate innovation into their teaching methods, preparing them to use technology effectively in their careers,” she told StarEdu.
She added that she also tasked students with integrating science and technology to develop miniature models of future classrooms.
Her contribution does not stop there. Last year, Aimi Farina led a project with two preschool teachers to develop a preschool book incorporating the “Move to Memorise” method to help children remember verses more effectively.
This approach combines movement, animation and interactive learning, supporting children’s memorisation of Hadith and Quranic verses.
Their effort recently earned them recognition at a national competition.
At the Virtual Innovation Competition Exhibition 2024, organised by Kolej Poly-Tech Mara Bangi, Selangor, team Kaffah Kids won the silver medal for their initiative.
Aimi Farina said recitations paired with specific movements are easier for children to memorise.
“We even used animations featuring real children wearing their school uniforms to make the experience more engaging,” she said.
She added that the project was inspired by her desire to collaborate with teachers in early childhood education.
“It’s essential to bridge the gap between academics and practitioners. Working with teachers enables me to support them and help them upgrade their methods.
“This project also sought to promote scientific findings and innovative teaching practices,” she said.
Aimi Farina noted that using innovative practices ensures that children are prepared for the digital world while also fostering creativity, critical thinking and adaptability.
“Early childhood education is not just about teaching ABCs but understanding that each child is unique and requires personalised approaches. This field plays a critical role in shaping the future.
“It’s about guiding children in a way that aligns with their environment and potential,” she stressed.
She also highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated into early childhood education to nurture problem-solving and analytical skills.
“For instance, children can learn basic coding (an essential skill for understanding AI) through games like Roblox or simple AI instructions. Schools are beginning to teach these skills, making children more inventive rather than just passive learners,” she said.
Aimi Farina emphasised that these methods are valuable because, without technological literacy, individuals are left behind.
While acknowledging the relevance of traditional resources like the National Preschool Standard Curriculum, she believes they need significant updates.
“Education must evolve to prepare children for a future driven by science, technology, and global connectivity.
“They must address leadership skills, diversity and innovation. Current frameworks focus primarily on preparing children for Year One but lack emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving,” she said.
She added that there is a lack of digital resources reflecting local culture in Malaysia.
“By innovating, we can create culturally relevant resources that benefit teachers, students, and society as a whole,” she asserted.
Urging early childhood educators to “stay curious, open-minded and proactive”, Aimi Farina said teachers should continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge to keep up with the rapid changes in education.
“My advice is to never stop learning. In early childhood education, there are numerous specialities like science, language and technology. Always seek out the best teachers and experts in various fields. Don’t get too comfortable with existing practices,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Aimi Farina said she chose to pursue a career in early childhood education as she firmly believes in its impact and importance.
She expressed hope that society will take early childhood education more seriously, recognising it as the foundation for future generations.
“Early intervention and innovation can make a lasting difference in children’s lives,“ she concluded.
Daniel, 22, a student in Perak, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team.
For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 What teaching and learning methods have been most effective for you? Share your experiences with the class.
2 How prepared are you for a future driven by science, technology, and global connectivity? List the skills you will need and describe the steps you are taking to develop them.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes the use of English language in primary and secondary schools nationwide.
For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.