GETTING students excited about learning can be a real challenge for teachers.
But an evergreen tool such as the newspaper is always available to help break the monotony of classroom learning – if used wisely.
According to U. Ruthra Devy, who has conducted several workshops under The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme this year, many teachers had never tried using newspapers in their lessons.
“The newspaper contains real-world knowledge and learning, all in one – from local issues to columns on a variety of topics.
“The exposure is realistic, and the articles can be shared with children, many of whom lack reading habits,” she said.
The Star-NiE freelance trainer, who has 24 years of experience as an English language teacher, added that children with low proficiency are often nervous and shy.
“It is the role of teachers to guide them at their own pace, using the newspaper to help build their confidence,” she stressed.
Ruthra – who recently conducted a Star-NiE workshop at SMK Pendang, Kedah, where 38 English language teachers were in attendance – said many participants expressed their eagerness for new ideas to enliven the classroom and get students engaged in activities.
“Here, they discovered that the newspaper can be a simple and affordable tool,” she said.
At the workshop held on June 18, teachers were offered not just ideas, but also practical experience on how to utilise a single newspaper as an interactive, resourceful and highly functional educational tool.
With just one issue of The Star in hand, they worked in teams to transform the newspaper into a dynamic classroom tool.
Armed with scissors and creativity, they cut, pasted, and crafted storyboards using articles from the paper – turning current news into engaging content before presenting it for open discussion.
During the four-hour session, the teachers also engaged in lively discussions that tested their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills – the very same skills they hope to develop in their students.
Feedback from teachers after the workshop was positive, with all participants expressing satisfaction with the programme.
Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to explore a new teaching approach, while others said incorporating newspapers into their lessons would be useful and that they looked forward to putting it into practice.
Also present were Star Media Group circulation (north) manager Eileen Ooi, circulation senior executive Raj Kumar Abraham and senior marketing representative Tan Guan Seng.
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.
