Learning beyond the headlines

The Star

01-06-2025

WITH just two years left before his retirement, English language teacher Syed Roslan Syed Khalid remains enthusiastic about learning new ways to enliven his lessons.
When the chance to attend a workshop under The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme presented itself recently, the SMK Mutiara Impian (Penang Sports School) teacher was delighted to be selected.
'This is my second Star-NIE workshop. I attended the first one many years ago.
'This time around, I was eager to discover how the newspaper can continue to play a meaningful role in a student's life, even in an age dominated by electronic gadgets,' he said when met at the workshop, held at SMK Jawi in Nibong Tebal on May 20.
The 58-year-old was among 28 teachers representing 17 secondary schools in Penang's South Seberang Perai district.
Conducted by Star-NiE freelance trainer U. Ruthra Devy, who has 24 years of experience as an English language teacher, the workshop – the third Star-NiE session held in Penang this year – was organised in collaboration with the South Seberang Perai District Education Office.
Syed Roslan said he was happy to pick up new tips, noting that teachers today face the challenge of engaging students who prefer to use their gadgets to read and source information rather than turning to books.
'Right from the first activity, the trainer showed us how we can use pictures and stories from The Star newspaper in creative and fun ways for students of all proficiency levels – low, intermediate and high,' he said.
He added that the workshop's activities demonstrated how teachers can engage students progressively, starting with simple tasks, including ice-breaking exercises at the beginning of the new school year.
'The workshop also showed us how we can use a newspaper to build students' confidence by improving their reading, writing, speaking and critical thinking skills,' he said.
J. Vinosha, 27, a first-time teacher at SMK Seri Nibong who teaches English to Forms One, Two and Four, said the workshop piqued her curiosity when she first heard about it.
'I was curious about how teachers could engage students using a newspaper, especially when even using a textbook can sometimes be a challenge in getting their attention.
'I am glad I attended this workshop because I found it very engaging and exciting – I kept looking forward to what was in store next,' she said.
Anne Ting Ping Hua, 42, a Mathematics teacher at SMK Bandar Tasek Mutiara who also teaches English, was surprised to find that the workshop differed from the usual format of participants merely sitting and listening.
'It was completely hands-on, and we had so much fun interacting, exchanging ideas, laughing and using props – all while finishing our tasks using copies of The Star.
'So, imagine the fun students will have when we go back to school and apply these activities in class,' she said.
Describing the programme as an eye-opener, first-time teacher Nur Syifaa Ismail, 27, from SMK Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, said she looked forward to applying the techniques in her English lessons.
At the start of the workshop, Ruthra highlighted the use of newspapers in the classroom, emphasising that they are 'a very flexible resource, carrying real-world content, enhancing general knowledge, and improving speaking, listening, reading and writing skills'.
She also stressed the importance of teachers taking 'baby steps' with students who are not proficient in English, helping them develop and build confidence progressively.
'Don't rush them. For instance, during oral classes, let them speak at their level and pace.
'We don't want them to speak perfect English or write essays without any mistakes.
'Let them go at their own pace but be consistent with them, and you will help build their confidence progressively,' she said.
Also present at the workshop was Star Media Group Circulation (North) manager Eileen Ooi.
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 [e-mail].