Cheah says sometimes learning can be flipped. When students engage with the materials before class, the classroom will turn into an interactive space for conversation and collaboration. — Photos: Memori Cerdiq
The first five years of a child’s life is the pinnacle of brain development and by five, a child’s brain is already 90% developed. This early development is the foundation for how children learn, understand the world and cultivate emotional intelligence.
Therefore, how they experience and interact with their environment play a huge role in shaping their mind, says educator Dr Desmond Cheah, 38.
While the usual yardsticks of intelligence are known as IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient), Cheah says BQ (body quotient) is also important and might be overlooked.
“The dynamic engine of our mind is IQ. It guides us to solve problems and excel academically. Despite being a big factor, one’s IQ isn’t set in stone because it can be exercised and strengthened,” he says.
“The best way to do so is to encourage your child to explore the world around them, solve puzzles, riddles and anything that’ll intrigue curiosity,” says the Memori Cerdiq chief learning officer from Selangor.
“Meanwhile, EQ is the compass that guides us through life’s emotional maze. It’s about understanding our own as well as others’ emotions.”
“To build children’s EQ, teach them that emotions help navigate the human experience. Encourage open conversations as much as you can, talk about empathy and practise active listening,” he advises.
“Finally, BQ – which is often taken for granted – is what ensures our physical well-being. It’s all about treating our bodies well through nutrition, exercise and self-care.”
Cheah has also worked with organisations to help educate underprivileged children.
Building BQ
According to Cheah, building BQ is easy if you “make healthy choices a family adventure, such as cooking nutritious meals together, going on active outings and taking time to indulge in hobbies and interests.”
Cheah admits that there are many challenges to developing these quotients in children.
“One such challenge is a one-size-size-fits-all approach to education. Trying to make each foot in the kingdom fits into Cinderella’s slippers won’t work,” he says.
Instead, he recommends personalised learning where “education becomes as unique as one’s fingerprint”.
“We should tailor education to suit each child’s strengths, interests and pace,” he advises.
Another challenge is excessive screen time. “Nowadays, children spend more time looking at their laptops and phone screens than being in school!”
“While technology can help when used right, the key is balance. Screen time cannot replace spending time with your family members, a hug from a friend and an active pursuit spent outdoors.”
Cheah, who won The Malaysia Education and TVET Awards 2023 is a proponent of innovative education.
“Embrace the unexpected and improvise. We like to call this ‘genius hour’,” he says.
“Imagine giving students a slice of time each week to explore and chase their passion and creativity. It’s like giving them the key to a treasure chest of self-discovery.”
“This approach can easily be adopted by teachers worldwide; they just need to create a dedicated space for their students,” he adds.
Cheah believes in leading by example and has volunteered for underprivileged students and communities.
Flip it
Cheah says that another technique is “flipped learning”.
“Instead of the usual method where teachers lecture and students listen passively, flip it.”
“This way, students engage with the materials before class, turning the classroom into an interactive space for conversation and collaboration. To do this, an educator can offer interesting materials before class and get the students to brainstorm for vibrant in-class conversations,” he says.
Cheah, who also volunteers to work with underprivileged students and communities, believes it’s important to “lead by example and practise what you preach”.
He says every student should have the opportunity to learn, and with dedicated support, the right opportunities and proper nurturing, students from any background can improve their grades and become empathetic and worthy leaders.
“Learning isn’t just about banking in knowledge into a student’s brain, but sparking a connection so deep that it ignites their soul. We don’t want students who just conform rigidly to what they’re told, but rather, we want them to be able to think for themselves and understand different perspectives while living their lives,” he concludes.
