‘It’s not confined to four walls’

KUALA LUMPUR: The concept of learning should not be confined to the four walls of a room but must instead be relevant at any time and place in line with the new normal, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Prime Minister said the Education Ministry must continue to listen to suggestions and input from educators, parents and students to improve teaching and learning (PdP) platforms so that no student would be left behind in the learning process.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country a year ago, the PdP process had relied heavily on online learning and prompted teachers to begin mastering various digital educational applications that enable students to follow the new normal of learning, he said.

“The changes that have taken place clearly prove that the concept of learning should not be confined within the four walls of a room.

‘’Under the new normal, virtual service delivery has begun to expand.

“Although teachers were facing challenges in implementing PdP via online, especially when PdPR (home-based teaching and learning) was introduced, I can see that many teachers have successfully produced various forms of PdP materials to ensure students are not left behind. I congratulate you for your efforts and innovation, ” he said.

Muhyiddin said this in a message in conjunction with the 50th Teachers’ Day celebration themed “Berguru Demi Ilmu, Bina Generasi Baharu” which was aired live on the Education Ministry Facebook page, RTM TV1, DidikTV KPM and other broadcast stations.

The Prime Minister said the globalisation wave had formed a new direction in education and educators now played an important role in adapting the content of technologybased pedagogy in PdP.

He said the implementation of digital education as an element in 21st century learning was in line with the seventh shift of the Malaysian Education Development Plan 2013-2025 in implementing e-learning, which is teaching based on information and communication technology.

“Teachers must have the mindset that the universe is a lifelong learning class for our children. This requires teachers to strive to produce students who are civilised, excellent and have a curious nature.

“Our children must not only fit the current job market but also be ready to be members of a society that is virtuous and civilised and able to compete globally, ” he said.

In achieving this goal, Muhyiddin said the government would ensure that no student was denied access to a proper education, including the Orang Asli, special needs students and undocumented children.

He said the government would also focus on reducing the dropout rate among these groups and ensuring that they receive a good education like other students.

He announced Noorizan Mohamed as Tokoh Guru Kebangsaan and the two recipients of the Tokoh Kepimpinan Pendidikan Kebangsaan 2021, namely Datuk Dr Amin Senin and Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim, both former Education directors-general.

“Hopefully, these awards will inspire all educators to continue to give their best in ensuring that Malaysia becomes a much better country, ” he said. — Bernama