Best of both worlds

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Combining the positive aspects of traditional methods of learning such as problem-based teaching with the relatively new method of problem-based learning can lead to effective outcomes for both teachers and students

EDUCATIONAL: Ibrahim (front row – 7th from left), Wong (front row – eighth from left) and Yong (front row – sixth from left) with participants of the motivational session.

TO achieve the vision of making Malaysia an industrialised country with a mature and self-sustaining economy, the present national education curriculum must adequately produce generations of capable leaders and contributors.

This was stated by INTI International University deputy vice chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr Ibrahim Ahmad Bajunid at a motivational session for secondary school teachers, organised by INTI College Sarawak in Kuching.

Acknowledging the role teachers play in educating and inspiring the next generation, Ibrahim, who is also the 2010 recipient of the Education Ministery’s Academic Leadership Personality Award (Anugerah Tokoh Kepimpinan Pendidikan), pointed out that the positive aspects of traditional methods of learning such as problem-based teaching could be combined with the relatively new method of problem-based learning.

“Marrying the two techniques, for example, can lead to effective outcomes for both teachers and students,” he said.

Ibrahim, who has been involved in the education industry for many years, stressed to do this, teachers are the ones holding the key to inspiring their students.

“Nothing will happen without changes in education as it is the core to develop the nation and civilisation.

“Teachers must understand their sacred role which is not merely to teach a subject but also to build a civilisation by encouraging inter-generational learning, and ensuring those who are disadvantaged will have the same opportunity as those who are advantaged.”

He went on to say teachers must ensure students were given the opportunity to fully develop their potential and that “no student must be left behind.”

“Every student must have the opportunity to develop their talents to the full.”

However, to achieve this, the teachers themselves must be open, he said, adding: “Teaching is not a job – it is a profession. Beyond the profession, it is a mission. Therefore, teachers are missionaries and with that in mind, they can bring what they have to the next level.”

Ibrahim also said teachers must have the passion to teach and the love for the students as well, adding that apart from practical knowledge, teachers must have general encyclopaedic knowledge.

Slow learners

On students who have trouble learning, he believed it was the teachers’ responsibility to guide them.

“The teachers have to change their methods and mindsets to deal with the XY generation of today.

“In my opinion, it’s more exciting to focus on the difficult students simply because those who are already good do not need as much help as their peers who are struggling,” he said.

On what could be done to help “slow” students, Ibrahim said the teachers needed to love them, understand them and finally be creative.

“Once you have these characteristics, as teachers, you will notice each student will have a different style. It is then for you to (creatively) get the students involved, give them hope and show them the future is in their hands.”

He added that teachers must also understand various scenarios before they could get their students to have hope for the future and believe in their abilities to become what they could become.

“It’s the teachers themselves who must have the passion to deliver what they’re teaching to the students.”

The motivational session where Yong Ing Thung, Sarawak State Education Department head of psychology and counselling, was the guest of honour, was attended by about 70 people, comprising teachers, counsellors and principals as well as representatives from the Sarawak Teachers’ Union.

New initiatives

Meanwhile, INTI College Sarawak principal and chief executive, Dr William Wong has announced the ‘YES Club’ project and the INTI Book Prize for academic achievement initiative.

“The ‘YES Club’ project is an INTI College Sarawak initiative to share our academic knowledge and experience with teachers and students from schools around Kuching. The schools can select a field of study they are interested in and our lecturers and students will act as advisors and mentors,” he said.

“It will be a long-term relationship beneficial to both parties. Schools will be exposed to the latest academic and industry insights through us. This is part of INTI’s contributions to the local community.

“With the INTI Book Prize project for all schools in Kuching, students will have an additional motivating factor to do well academically,” explained Dr Wong, previously with INTI International College Penang, considered one of the best private colleges in northern peninsular Malaysia. He has been with INTI College Sarawak since early last year.

Since 2008, INTI has been part of the Laureate International Universities (LIU), a network of more than 60 education institutions in 28 countries across four continents with more than 650,000 students worldwide.

This network offers more than 130 career-focused, undergraduate, masters and doctoral degree programmes in fields including architecture, art, business, culinary arts, design, educaiton, engineering, health sciences, hospitality, information technology, law and medicine.

The new INTI reflects the synergy between INTI International University and Colleges and LIU, of which former US president Bill Clinton is the chancellor – a collaboration that produces a leading tertiary experience delivered with an international perspective through its expanding global network of higher education institutions.

Apart from INTI College Sarawak, INTI has five other institutions in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Pulau Pinang and Sabah, offering a wide range of academic and professional courses.