United in learning: Ananthi (in green) working on an activity with her team members. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
TEACHING the English language is nothing new for Ananthi Palaniandy, who has 10 years of experience under her belt. However, the SMK Bandar Baru Sungai Long teacher is a novice at using newspapers for teaching and learning in her classroom.
That is about to change, as she is keen on making the most out of what she recently learnt at The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) teachers’ workshop, held at the Hulu Langat District Education Office (PPD) in Kajang, Selangor, on June 5.
“The workshop taught me new and interesting ways of using newspapers,” she said.
MahashelaAmong the activities Ananthi took part in included brainstorming ideas for teaching the four English language skills – reading, speaking, listening and writing – using newspapers.
Given the science and technology theme, her team looked for relevant materials from newspapers and presented ideas where students could debate the pros and cons of artificial intelligence, write an argumentative essay, answer multiple-choice questions, and fill in the blanks after listening to an audio recording.
“Students can stay updated with the latest news happening around them, and learn new words and sentences from newspaper articles.
“Besides that, they can have group discussions based on the articles and think of solutions, which will enhance their thinking skills,” she said.
She added that more awareness should be promoted among teachers and students about teaching and learning using newspapers.
Describing the workshop as “fun and enlightening”, Language School Improvement Specialist Coach Plus Mahashela Mahadhir from the PPD Hulu Langat said the participants – comprising 34 teachers from 14 schools in the district – had a good time exchanging ideas.
“I hope the teachers will carry out similar workshops with their colleagues,” she said, adding that it is hoped the English language panels in schools across the district will be able to create lessons that are fun and educational for students, while also being feasible for teachers.
“Using newspapers in the classroom can bring many benefits to both teachers and students. Teachers can use newspapers to teach vocabulary, grammar, reading strategies and more.
“Using hardcopy newspapers in a language classroom will bring a new kind of excitement to students in this digital age,” she said.
The workshop was conducted by Star-NiE freelance trainer Chang Siew Juen, a retired English language teacher.
Since its inception in 1997, the Star-NiE programme 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 and Fridays.
For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
