THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018

Grab their attention

Engaging the interest of students is important when it comes to
learning, as it affects their information processing skills. Therefore,
it is crucial to find a way to incorporate fun in learning.
2 Bright Kids
Delivering lessons in a fun way
OVER the decades, education and its related
delivery methods have been continuously
evolving from those that focus on rote
learning to methodologies that are aimed at
making the classroom more fun in hopes of
boosting students’ interest and performance.
Change is necessary to meet modern
demands. There is a need to refine lesson
plans and the degree of teacher involvement
in learning, as these factors can greatly
impact students’ study outcomes.
GEMS International School Tropicana
Metropark principal Craig Lewis explains,
“When it comes to traditional learning, it is
hard to determine if students are actually
learning because the teacher is the only
person talking at the front of the class.
“You cannot gauge each student’s level of
understanding because everyone is doing
the same thing. Every child learns at a
different pace, so we need to individualise
the learning approach a lot more.”
elc International School service director
Rajan Kaloo believes that fun, engaging
activities in the classroom can capture
students’ interest and improve their
absorption of information, but there is a
need for regulation as too much fun can
sometimes deviate the class from the lesson.
While research findings are inconclusive on how engaging students in the classroom affects their He says, “A happy and engaged child
performance, the care and passion that teachers employ in developing fun lessons can improve absorbs information more readily. However,
students' focus and understanding. there are limits to the amount of time
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018
students have in school and with their
teachers.
“The learning material that needs to be
covered is fixed, so there will be moments
where it is impossible to make learning fun.
In those times, students will need to study
and learn without theatrics.
“There must be a balance between the
factual and the application of what is being
learned as this is required to develop well-
rounded individuals who are equipped to
face the challenges of modern life.”
Getting children excited about
learning
There is ongoing debate on how effective
the learning process becomes when fun
activities are implemented in the classroom.
Because every student is different in terms
of factors such as interests and learning
pace, there is no straightforward answer to
what the best form of education or teaching
methodology is.
It is for this reason that many researches
on learning have drawn inconclusive results.
Positive signs of student engagement in one
sample may not translate into another.
However, it is apparent that greater
> SEE NEXT PAGE
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018
Increase and encourage
motivation to learn
> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
engagement in the classroom can improve
students’ attention and focus, motivate them
to practise higher-level critical thinking skills
and promote meaningful learning
experiences.
“If children do not enjoy what they are
learning, they are not as engaged in the
classroom. It is part of the whole education
process to make learning fun and engaging.
You have to make sure it has practical
elements to keep children on task and is
relevant to what they are doing in context to
the lesson,” says Lewis.
The onus thus lies on teachers to better
understand students and bring out the best
in them.
A holistic education is not possible without
passionate teachers. Sheela Raghu, principal
of elc International School Sungai Buloh
Campus, believes that a good teacher is:
l Passionate about her job
l One who cares about driving
improvement and teamwork among her
students
l Friendly but not a friend (has
relationship boundaries)
l Alert and proactive
l Able to communicate effectively with
students and parents
l Knowledgeable of the pastoral and
academic requirements of her role
“When a student is aware that a teacher
cares, even the most laid-back student will
Finding a balance
l Make it relevant – In a 2007 article
titled The Neuroscience of Joyful Education,
neurologist Dr Judy Willis wrote that the
relevancy of lessons affects the interest of
the students.
“When stress in the classroom is high, it
is often because a lesson is overly abstract
or seems irrelevant to students. Teachers
can reduce this type of stress by making
the lesson more personally interesting
and motivating. Ideally, students should
be able to answer the question, ‘Why are
we learning about this?’ at any point in a
lesson.”
l Use a different medium of learning
– When classroom lessons become
routine, it can be easy to lose focus in
class. Teachers must remember that
learning needs not only come from a
set syllabus.
For example, Alliance Bank Malaysia’s
recent AEIOU Financial Comic Strip
Challenge provided a fun and creative
way for primary school students to
display their artistic prowess while
learning about financial literacy.
l Go old school – According to Brian
Gatens in his 2016 article Let the Children
Play: Why Adding Fun to the Classroom
Helps Kids Learn, traditional board games
have a lot to offer in a child’s learning
experience.
“The thinking and learning needed for
good strategy, following rules and being a
good loser (and winner) are just a few of
the positive takeaways. It is good for
students to win and lose from time to
time, and the low social impact of losing a
board game is a good lesson.
“Beyond these games, students should
learn to play checkers and chess as well
as more complex games such as Risk and
Bright Kids 3
come around and be interested in
learning,” says Sheela.
Being a good teacher also involves
carrying out classes with the appropriate
amount of fun while still meeting the goal
of imparting knowledge to students.
As education trends continue to shift, it
is crucial to ensure that teachers are
skilled enough to adapt.
Dr Sharifah Munirah Alatas, an
academician who specialises in
geopolitics with special interest in socio-
political issues, opines that there is need
to bring back teacher education into the
topic of improving education if Malaysia
aims to produce graduates of calibre and
character.
In an opinion piece titled Teacher
education, the missing link published on a
local news portal last month, she wrote,
“We have to start emphasising teacher
training. Up till now, too much attention
has been on revamping the curriculum,
employable graduates, English proficiency,
and science and mathematics.
“Don’t get me wrong, these are extremely
crucial for a first-class education. What I
notice, though, is that the most important
aspect of our education system – the
educators – has been omitted from our
ongoing dialogue. The system is useless
without this link.”
Regardless of how much fun is weaved
into study plans, teachers must be able to
foresee the needs of each student and do
so with interest.
Settlers of Catan. Mental acuity honed
while having fun will be of tremendous
help to your work.”
l Active participation – GEMS
International School Tropicana Metropark
principal Craig Lewis says that students
are more engaged when given the chance
to choose what they want to learn.
“Ask the children which specific
element they want to learn and pursue a
corresponding topic. It makes them more
engaged as they are participating in
outcomes of their own learning. It also
adds enjoyment to their learning as they
are learning about something they are
interested in.”
l Create a haven – It is known that
people under stress do not perform tasks
well. Dr Willis says that the best
environment for a student is when a
classroom provides emotional comfort,
pleasure and knowledge.
“When teachers use strategies to reduce
stress and build a positive emotional
environment, students gain emotional
resilience and learn more efficiently and
at higher levels of cognition.”
l Set goals – elc International School
curriculum director Chris Patterson sums
up methods to engage students in their
lessons for optimal absorption of lessons.
“Broadly, it is to encourage students to
believe in something greater than their
own fleeting pleasure. They have to
imagine their future selves and have
readily achievable short-term goals as
well as longer-term stretch goals.”
With this, even if a class is supposed to
be serious and less fun, students have a
goal to work towards at all times, helping
them develop motivation and interest in
their studies.
4 Bright Kids
THERE is no better place to prepare your
child for an excellent education than at
MAHSA International School.
As leaders in providing quality tertiary
education and with a proven track record in
medicine, dentistry, other sciences and the
arts, the school knows exactly what your
child needs to excel in this progressively
competitive world.
At MAHSA International School, teachers
who are trained, experienced and
professional are dedicated to the privileged
task of informing, nourishing and moulding
your child’s mind.
When MAHSA International School
takes responsibility for your child’s
education, it does so with the respect it has
for your child today and the person he or
she can become tomorrow. This is the
school’s commitment to you.
For the school, the education of your child
is of great importance and it performs its
role with immense pride.
With full room and board provided, the
school is devoted to the provision of a full
and fulfilling life for your child through
sports and health-focused
activities and facilities for an
optimum experience in her
MAHSA International School has academic, co-curricular and pastoral facilities in place to help
your child develop in a well-rounded manner.
Equip your children for
their future schooling
home away from home.
A curriculum is crucial to ensure a satisfying learning experience among young learners.
The school provides round-the-clock
security measures and staff as well as
compassionate and professional in-house
nurses for the well-being of your child.
At MAHSA International School, experts
will begin your child on an integrated and
comprehensive educational journey filled
01
with awe, adventure, laughter, love, healthy Preschool
habits, lifelong lessons and the optimum − International Early Years Curriculum
chance for success through quality
education from the beginning to the end.
n For more information, call
03-5614 2333, e-mail marketing
03
@miskl.edu.my or visit
www.miskl.edu.my
Secondary school
− Cambridge Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)
− Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint
− Cambridge Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
− International General Certificate of Secondary
Education
LEadership
Intellectual
• Questioning Our ethos
• Discovering
• Analysing
• Evaluating
• Synthesising
Emotional
• Emotional
intelligence
• Stress management
• Anger management
Working from the heart
TEACHERS are often considered second
parents, especially since they are positioned
as role models and influential figures to
schoolchildren.
They guide, motivate, sacrifice and inspire
students to be better people who will
constantly challenge themselves and strive
for improvement. It is not an easy or
glamorous profession, but the satisfaction
that they get from seeing students prosper
and grow into successful people can be
worth the toil.
Here are several teachers who have
embraced their calling, showing the world
what it means to be passionate about
teaching and contributing to the standard of
national education.
No child left behind
Teacher K.A. Razhiyah Mohamed from
SMK Panji in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, has close
to three decades of experience in special
needs education.
She firmly believes that though some
students may lack cognitive ability, they
deserve to be respected and treated with
dignity.
Her efforts and passion in special needs
education earned her the Special Education
Teacher Award at the national-level
Teacher’s Day celebration in 2003 and a spot
among the top 50 finalists for the Global
Teacher Prize 2018.
One of her greatest contributions and
achievements is introducing the Teratak Spa
programme in 2008. This programme fuses
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018
02 − Cambridge
Curriculum
Primary school
− Cambridge Primary Curriculum
− International Primary Curriculum (Key Stages 1
and 2)
− Cambridge Primary Checkpoint (Key Stage 2)
04
University
− Foundation, diploma, and bachelor’s and
master’s degree courses at MAHSA University
Independence
Physical
• Healthy lifestyle
• Eating habits
• Regular exercise
• Enjoyment of sport
Social
• Communication
• Interaction
• Relationships
elements of spa-related skills in areas such
as foot massage and facial treatment with
vocational syllabi for the benefit of special
needs students.
Teratak Spa aims to make children feel
welcome and keep them buzzing with
excitement, making it easier for them to
understand and apply what they learn.
In 2016, the programme was adopted by
the Education Ministry as a national
benchmark for special needs education.
Equipping children with English
skills
With a host of recognitions under his belt,
English language teacher Mohd Sirhajwan
Idek is known for his patience, positivity and
perseverance, working with students from
families of low socio-economic status and
rural areas who have had little exposure to
the outside world and turning them into
students that excel in the English language to
the point that they shine in English-based
competitions.
He was a finalist for the International
TESOL Teacher of the Year Award and won
Macmillan English’s Teachers at the Heart
competition in 2016. Besides that, he was the
first place winner in The 5th Innovation &
Entrepreneurship Teaching Excellence
Awards 2017.
Mohd Sirhajwan uses creative ways to
raise money to fund his students’ travel
> TURN TO PAGE 6
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018 Bright Kids 5

Setting the foundations

A CHILD’S mind is a tabula rasa – a
clean slate awaiting the input of
information and sensory data.
Decades ago, this was how children
came to school, eager to learn and
absorb knowledge. A teacher’s job
was to impart that knowledge.
Much has changed now.
While fairly
One would be hard-pressed to strict boundaries
say that the minds of children as
young as three years old who still exist, they are
comes to us are tabulae rasae. Most
come to us already loaded with
less evident to the
information. children, enabling
them to develop the
These are the children of
millennials, so while this may be
our 31st year in the education field,
we have had to reinvent ourselves
confidence to explore
several times over to adapt to each the many (apparently)
play-based activities
new generation of students.
Teachers no longer take centre
stage as the providers of
knowledge. Instead, they play the
that focus on
role of facilitators, teaching understanding and
not just the gathering
students how to work with
knowledge. What better time to
start this journey of discovery and
exploration than in lower primary? of information.
At elc International School, an elc International School's open classroom concept promotes independence while equipping children with numeracy,
open classroom philosophy is literacy and other skills. Diane Grimes
practised in lower primary. Where
previously students were placed in freely to other zones once they environment and explain the The fun activities seem gathering of information.”
three separate classrooms, they have mastered the activity at a activities. Parents come away deceptively simple to the It is our aim in lower primary to
now study in one combined particular zone. impressed at this new-found level untrained eye, but teachers invest ensure the broad-based
classroom. Of course, they are closely of independence. considerable time and energy into development of our students. This
There are various activities monitored by their teachers, but Children are not left entirely in crafting them. The engineers means ensuring that all students
prepared in this big classroom, this is the interesting part – who charge of their own learning. About behind this revolutionary have the confidence to develop
each focusing on one skill. Children gets to decide when they are ready half of the school day is spent on approach are elc International their cognitive, social, emotional,
learn by playing or working on to move to another zone? Not the teacher-guided activities such as School’s head of primary Diane cultural and physical skills to the
these activities. Teachers are there teacher. It is the students who writing, numeracy, phonics and Grimes and her team of lower best of their abilities, preparing
to guide students in this new and decide, therefore allowing them to special topics like road safety. primary teachers. them for their further school
innovative classroom. This enables take charge of their own learning These are conducted in small Grimes summarises the open careers.
children to learn at their own pace. and become independent. groups of five or six students. classroom philosophy, saying, It is all about setting the
That said, however, there are Parents are often taken aback Teachers readily testify that “While fairly strict boundaries still foundations. – By Kumar
established boundaries that ensure when this new concept is students gain language skills, exist, they are less evident to the Nagappan, student welfare
the children are kept on track and explained to them. However, their numeracy and the confidence to children, enabling them to director at elc International
actually learning. fears are allayed when they visit us speak in public. Teachers also develop the confidence to explore School
There are three main zones in on special exhibition days. appreciate the extra time available the many (apparently) play-based
the classroom – numeracy, literacy Children take their parents on a to listen to children, which in the activities that focus on n For more information, visit
and arts and crafts. Children move guided tour of the learning common classroom can be a luxury. understanding and not just the www.elc.edu.my
6 Bright Kids
Effective feedback provides students with stepping stones to improve their learning.
Importance of
effective feedback
PROVIDING effective feedback is one of the
ways in which schools can be successful in
helping students make excellent progress
and fulfil their potential at school.
Independent research carried out by the
Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)
concluded that schools that successfully
provide students with effective feedback can
help students make up to nine months’
progress over the course of a year.
It is important that feedback enables
students to move forward with their
learning. The EEF suggests that examples of
excellent feedback often share these three
main traits:
l Specific – Examples are given of what
and how students need to improve.
l Well timed and meaningful – Feedback
is used reasonably sparingly so that it is
meaningful and can be acted upon. Students
must also be given the opportunity to
respond to teacher feedback and improve
their learning as a result of the interaction.
l Focused on effort over ability – Where
possible, feedback should be attributed to
effort and learning behaviours rather than
ability so that students understand the need
to work hard to improve. This helps children
develop a growth mindset and enables them
to form clear links between effort and
achievement.
Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ) International
School in Negri Sembilan acknowledges
these findings and understands the hugely
Above and beyond
the call of duty
> FROM PAGE 4
expenses so that they may be more familiar
with peninsular Malaysia and experience
city life.
With his determination and optimism,
students under his care excel greatly and
feel more confident and comfortable
communicating in English.
Going the extra mile
Some teachers stick strictly to teaching
academics while others such as Yasmin
Noorul Amin ensure that you will be a jack
of all trades.
Yasmin, who is Global Teacher Prize 2015
Top 50 finalist, is more than just a chemistry
teacher to her beloved students.
Recognising her contribution to the
education industry, the Government granted
her an Excellence Award in 2008 and
appointed her as the head of chemistry
education for Selangor.
When she is not teaching, she involves her
students in the organisation of study camps
to teach students additional skills that may
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018
positive impact that feedback can have
on students’ performance, confidence,
self-awareness and enthusiasm for learning.
Teachers at KTJ International School use
a wide range of feedback strategies to
celebrate learning behaviours, identify areas
for development and empower students to
understand how they learn most effectively.
Students are given timely, personalised
feedback that helps them become
independent learners who understand what
they need to improve and how to achieve it.
KTJ International Primary School has
been working on children’s growth mindset
and enabling them to learn from the
feedback they are given.
This feedback comes in different forms,
including verbal, written and online
responses, and is delivered by teachers,
support staff and students as part of the
learning process.
It is then communicated to parents via
parent-teacher meetings, online learning
journals and shared learning experiences
where parents are invited into school to
celebrate their children’s learning and
achievements.
All of this comes together to ensure
that children know the next steps in their
learning process and feel confident in
taking them.
n For more information on KTJ International
School or to arrange a visit to the school, call
06-758 2995 or e-mail registrar@ktj.edu.my
be helpful in the future when they step into
society as working adults.
Furthermore, she bonds with her students
through frequent discussions about world
affairs and takes them on trips to broaden
their horizons.
Yasmin engages with her students through
social media, especially when they are
preparing for their final examinations, so
that she can provide clarification on any
questions her students may have.
Dedicated to nurture
Teachers are with students for the most
part of students’ formative years. Aside
from your parents, they are the people who
help you grow while guiding you to the
right path.
They are not just here to educate you
academically but also nurture and polish
you into a capable, all-rounded person who
can and will contribute to society.
If you have dedicated teachers such as
the ones mentioned above, keep them close
because their passion and expertise will
surely help you fly high.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018
INTERACTIVE learning is more
than a buzz phrase for students of
Sunway International School (SIS).
SIS deploys a highly effective
strategy that combines hi-tech
approaches with high-touch ones
to ensure students learn in a
variety of ways.
These ways let them discover
and explore via the many
prevalent technological
advancements available at SIS that
promote learning, research and
discussion.
Technology-enhanced learning is
in every aspect of students’ lives,
including the imparting of lessons
in Smartboard-equipped
classrooms, the myriad technology
tools that make up their learning
resources, SIS’ fully Wi-Fi-enabled
campus, and the school’s
prescribed software through which
students access their notes and
assignments when off campus.
SIS teachers use student
response technologies, the flipped
classroom concept and skill
enhancement to strengthen the
teaching and learning experience.
These approaches allow teachers
to gauge students’ genuine
understanding, monitor student
accountability in doing their
assigned tasks in real time and
significantly improve student
engagement and attention.
Incorporating hi-tech solutions
in SIS’ teaching and learning
experience has resulted in
progressive benefits for both
teachers and students.
Students find it easier to
understand and absorb lessons
while teachers can impart
education in a way better suited
to the learners of today – one
that best brings out their
innovation, awareness and
critical thinking.
Hi-tech, high-touch learning
SIS students reap the benefits of interactive learning with the school’s tech-savvy approach.
Lessons are never dull at SIS, not
with the high degree of interaction
and personalised attention.
Students participate in a diverse
range of activities and exercises,
from stimulating debates and
role-playing to independent
research and analysis, which
are all designed by teachers to
enhance and facilitate students’
understanding of concepts and
theories.
Personalised learning
Borrowing from the high-touch
formula in commercial services,
SIS teachers apply methods
endorsed by the Ontario Ministry
of Education to assess students’
capabilities.
From these assessments,
teachers design lesson plans that
establish students’ strengths and
potential and work closely with
them by coaching, tutoring and
mentoring assignments.
SIS’ teachers are certified by the
Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).
The teachers strived hard for this
professional accreditation, with
good reason – the OCT’s teaching
practices are guided and informed
by internationally benchmarked
standards and practices.
This translates to a highly
interactive environment where
Bright Kids 7
critical thinking, social
responsibility and experiential
reflection are major focuses of
everyday life.
It is impressed upon students
that they should actively engage in
their academic directions, fostering
an open, communicative
atmosphere that empowers their
ownership of their respective
academic performances.
In doing so, each student’s
unique aptitude and creativity
towards developing her full
potential can be nurtured.
Students appreciate that teachers
practise a holistic approach to
education, which enables students
to examine different routes to
success based on their individual
unique strengths.
This interactive learning
approach encourages students to
be inquisitive, independent lifelong
learners and, above all, experience
a fun-filled process of learning, be
it under the Canadian programme
or IB Diploma Programme.
The personalised, attentive
approach SIS teachers apply result
in a flexible and comprehensive
learning experience for students to
grow according to their interests
and capabilities.
Enrolment for SIS’ January
intake has begun. Interested
parents and students are welcome
to contact SIS campuses for
appointments.
n For more information, call
03-7491 8070 (Sunway City)/
07-533 8070 (Sunway Iskandar)
or visit www.sis.sunway.edu.my
8 Bright Kids THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018

The best start in life Teachers as

GEMS International School’s Early Years
programme offers a rich curriculum within
a well-resourced, enabling environment that
supports and optimises the intrinsic
strengths of learners between three and four
years old.
the first pillar
on their own and question things for
themselves to engage in high-level thinking.
We try to use the fascination factor to grab
children’s interest at the start of each topic.
“Linking learning goals to a fun theme
embeds in children a want to learn and get

GEMS International School Tropicana
Metropark’s principal Craig Lewis and
Early Years programme leader Mollie Short
elaborate on five key ways the programme
can offer little learners the best start in life.
l Individualised learning programmes
– The school’s Early Years environment
encourages child-led exploration, which is
balanced with instruction and intervention
from highly qualified and experienced
teachers who work closely with each child
on her individualised learning goals.
“Our Early Years teachers have to be so
dedicated and knowledgeable because they
need to know every child’s individual
learning needs inside out,” says Lewis.
l Outstanding resources within an
enabling environment – At GEMS
International School, Early Years students
are housed in an open, free-flow unit with
specialised learning areas. This encourages
children to access, explore, investigate and
choose their own activities independently.
Lewis says, “At this young age, children
not only need to hear and see concepts, they
need to touch and feel as well.”
l Dedicated teachers who deliver the
curriculum in ways that delight children –
“Children need to explore, find things out
new experiences, take risks, and try new
things,” explains Short.
l Focus on good learning behaviours,
not just learning outcomes – Teachers are
trained to bring out the best learning
behaviours in each child. “We value qualities
such as confidence, independence, resilience
and the ability to look for more than one
solution to a problem. Once cemented,
children will use these behaviours for the
rest of their lives,” says Short.
l Parents are considered partners in
the child’s learning process – Parents
receive insight into their children’s progress
through the Online Learning Journey set up
for each child on an e-learning portal.
Short shares, “Each child’s Online Learning
Journey is updated at least once a week by
teachers with comments, photographs and
videos relating to special learning moments
and milestones that parents can celebrate
and follow through at home.”
Visit GEMS International School at
Tropicana Metropark in Subang Jaya or Pearl
City in Penang today to truly understand the
difference.
n For details, visit www.gems.edu.my
of success
THE success of Epsom College in Malaysia
(ECiM) is based not only on the exceptional
pupils that we attract to the school, pivotal
Based on the experience
though that is, but also on the outstanding of many generations of
educationalists in the
abilities of our teaching staff.
Based on the experience of many
generations of educationalists in the United
Kingdom, the traditional mantra of “a
United Kingdom, the
school is only as good as its teachers” traditional mantra of 'a
school is only as good as
continues to hold true.
ECiM has staff and headmasters who
have taught at elite independent UK
schools. The diverse experience of our staff
its teachers' continues to
is encapsulated by the range of countries
or cities in which they have worked –
hold true.
Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Dubai, Dr Murray Tod
England, New Zealand, Vietnam, Wales –
the list is endless, and the ECiM community
is all the better for it, allowing us to more
fully appreciate the backgrounds of our
students who hail from 25 different
nations.
Furthermore, we encourage Malaysian
applicants to pursue our teaching posts as
we seek to mesh the best local teachers
with our keen international profile.

Shared foundation in excellence

A common unifier for many of our
teachers is their education in the UK –
initially at Russell Group universities and
subsequently in their teacher training.
This staff quality is evident from our
prep school through senior school and a
hallmark of all that makes ECiM’s
education so rich and vibrant. In addition
to several people with doctorates on the
staff list, we have first-class graduates,
university prize winners and colleagues
who began their teaching career in
hallowed university cloisters.

Pupils’ progress as a point of ECiM values positive interactions between its

reference
The key determinant, of course, is the
impact that a talented set of teachers can
have on a gifted pupil cohort. Ultimately,
it is pupil outcomes (both attainment and
welfare) that count and serve as a
benchmark to evaluate progression.
At ECiM, our teachers strive for
excellence, are unforgiving of mediocrity
and insist on exemplary behaviour.
Facilitating quality pupil-teacher
relationships
We need our teachers to imbue
subject knowledge into classes, reflecting
their own earlier training, to push
students to find ever deeper levels of
teachers and pupils, creating an environment
of joy and learning.
meaning in their courses.
In this manner, our pupils will become
inquisitive, independent learners, and they
too can continue their quests to delve for
greater knowledge on their areas of interest.
Therefore, this year, perhaps a more
enlightening college motto should be “a
school is only as good as the quality of the
relationship that exists between teachers and
pupils”, for it is that diversity of approach,
based on sound educational principles, that
truly determines the greatness of a school. –
By Dr Murray Tod, second master of ECiM
n For more information, e-mail
enquiries@epsomcollege.edu.my or visit
www.epsomcollege.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018 9
10 THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018
AS children are our most important
asset, it is vital that we provide
them with a solid foundation for
the acquisition of knowledge and
skills to be successful in the future.
Early childhood education plays
a key role as a child’s first learning
experiences deeply affect her
cognitive, emotional and social
development.
Entering its 18th year in the
industry, Smart Reader Worldwide
has successfully established itself as
the premier provider of early
childhood education in Malaysia
with a focus on giving children an
excellent, unmatched educational
experience.
From year to year, Smart Reader
Kids has proven to be the leading
education brand through
numerous prestigious awards and
recognitions presented by local
and international institutions.
With the goal of providing access
to quality early childhood education
across the globe, the establishment
is committed to investing in
research and development to
continuously improve its globally
acclaimed programmes.
To date, there are more than
300 Smart Reader Kids centres
nationwide, while another 150
centres are located overseas in
countries such as Australia, China,
Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, the
Philippines and the United Arab
Emirates.
The organisation, backed by its
dedicated and passionate
franchisees, is committed to
maintaining quality preschool
education in every centre. These
edupreneurs have demonstrated
zeal and determination and
excelled in building their franchises.
Remarkable icons in
education
The Smart Reader Creative
Teaching Methodology, created by
Smart Reader Worldwide’s group
executive director Datuk Dr K.H.
Wang, was a breakthrough in
transforming the early childhood
education landscape in Malaysia.
Exclusively available to Smart
Reader Kids centres, this unique,
simple and exciting learning
approach allows children to
perceive knowledge with curiosity
and interest. The methodology’s
effectiveness is testified by more
than a million students who now
form the Smart Reader Kids
alumni body.
Dr Wang says, “Educators have
the power to open doors to the
greatest possibilities for the
younger generation, be it in
creating respectable future leaders,
reputable scientists or honorary
professors, and I believe it begins
with delivering the best academic
experience from an early age.
“Therefore, it is crucial that we
The Smart Reader Creative Teaching Methodology makes learning simple and fun with
interesting artistic and musical activities.
Eighteen years of success
in early childhood education
Datuk Dr K.H. Wang's excellent achievements led to her being endorsed by
The Malaysia Book of Records as a Malaysian woman entrepreneur who has
garnered the highest number of international and local awards on a
personal level.
foster passion in pursuing
knowledge in them through
inventive and fun lessons.”
In recognition of her
contributions to the academic
industry, Dr Wang was presented
with two prestigious awards this
year – the Women Icons 2018
award during the Women Icons
Summit & Awards organised by the
Business Excellence & Research
Group on Jan 30 and the World’s
Mother of Education in The Bizz
Awards 2018 organised by the
World Confederation of Businesses
on Nov 14.
The achievements are testament
to a brilliant mind, as endorsed by
The Malaysia Book of Records as
the woman entrepreneur who has
garnered the highest number of
international and local awards on
a personal level.
During The Bizz Awards
2018, Smart Reader Worldwide’s
chief executive officer Datuk
Seri Dr Richard Ong was named
the Greatest Entrepreneur of
Our Time by the World
Confederation of Businesses.
This extraordinary achievement
is a tribute to his perseverance,
persistence and strength in the face
of countless challenges over the
last three decades towards
transforming Smart Reader Kids
into the award-winning
international brand that it is today.
The World Confederation of
Businesses has also conferred
Smart Reader Worldwide with the
Diamond Award 2018, the highest
category of awards in the Bizz
Awards 2018, for the achievements
and contributions of the Smart
Reader Kids brand.
The accomplishments of the
Smart Reader Kids brand can be
credited to its strong team within
the organisation and its
franchisees.
With the guidance and
encouragement of the franchisor,
Smart Reader Worldwide’s
franchisees have built successful
franchises that have also earned
them accolades.
During the Malaysia Franchise
Awards 2018 on Sept 18, Vijaya
Laskhmi Raji of Smart Reader Kids
Taman Nusa Bayu, Nusajaya, Johor,
won the Emerging Homegrown
Franchisee of the Year.
Ellisa Tan Yen Chep of Smart
Reader Kids Bandar Tasek Mutiara,
Simpang Ampat, Penang, came
close as the finalist in the same
category.
Beyond offering quality products
and services, Smart Reader
Worldwide has established itself as
an organisation that contributes to
the environment and community.
On April 22, in conjunction
with Earth Day, Smart Reader
Worldwide organised Earth Walk
2018, a charity family walk held at
Taman Metropolitan Batu, Jalan
Ipoh, to promote environmental
awareness within families and
raise funds for the National One
Child One Hope Education
Scholarship Programme.
With 560 children in attendance
Smart Reader Kids offers fully air-conditioned classrooms equipped with exciting learning tools
and top-notch security systems.
The World Confederation of Businesses conferred Smart Reader Worldwide
the 2018 Diamond Award – the highest award granted at the The Bizz
Awards 2018 in Hong Kong. Datuk Seri Dr Richard Ong received the Greatest
Entrepreneur of Our Time award while Datuk Dr K.H. Wang was presented
with The World's Mother of Education award.
on the day, the event set a record in
The Malaysia Book of Records for
the largest number of children
participating in a tree-planting
event.
In the same month, Smart Reader
Worldwide was granted the
Community Leadership CSR
Excellence Award 2018 by Miss
Malaysia Kebaya and One Caring
Heart Malaysia.
This is a result of the numerous
corporate social responsibility
activities organised by the company
for paediatric patients in local
hospitals, orphans and poverty-
stricken youth, as well as its very
own National One Child One Hope
Education Scholarship Programme,
an initiative that has funded more
than 500 underprivileged students
nationwide through their preschool
education.
These efforts are aligned with
Smart Reader Worldwide’s mission
to ensure accessibility to quality
childhood education regardless of
creed, background, gender and
socio-economic status.
Range of quality
programmes
Smart Reader Kids’ range
of international award-winning
programmes was developed
by certified and experienced
professionals to ensure the
best educational experience for
every child.
The innovative programmes
Bright Kids 11
emphasise enhancing students’
academic excellence, sharpening
their thinking and learning
abilities, and refining their fine
motor skills.
Utilising the Smart Reader
Creative Teaching Methodology
and Smart Reader Phonics, the
curriculum is designed to provide
an exciting preschool experience
for children.
All Smart Reader Kids
programmes implement a holistic
approach, with Smart Reader
English, Smart Bacaan, Smart
Maths, Smart Science, Creative Arts
and other fun and stimulating
subjects at its core.
Apart from the classic Smart
Reader Kids programme, Smart
Reader Kids Islamic is a popular
choice among Muslim parents. The
educational programme comprises
subjects such as Iqra’, Al-Quran,
Ibadah, Aqidah, Akhlak, Jawi and
Arabic besides the foundational
preschool curriculum, including
languages, arithmetic and science.
For parents who wish to prepare
their children before entering
Chinese primary school, the Smart
Reader Kids Mandarin Medium
programme will be the perfect
choice.
Applying the Hanyu Pinyin
approach, this efficient programme
prepares young learners for
Chinese medium primary school
and assists them in mastering the
Mandarin language effectively.
> TURN TO PAGE 12
12 Bright Kids
Going global with the sharing of knowledge
> FROM PAGE 11
In similar pursuit, the Smart
Reader Kids Tamil Programme
uses phonics to train students to
understand, read and pronounce
Tamil words as well as enhance
their vocabulary.
With its comprehensive range of
programmes, Smart Reader Kids
caters to the needs of the different
races and religions in Malaysia.
The Smart Reader Kids Intensive
English Programme is an evening
programme that aims to ensure
children master public speaking
skills, expand their vocabulary and
improve their writing ability.
This full-day programme helps to
ease the minds of working parents
by ensuring that their children are
in a safe and comfortable
environment. It assists children to
build a good foundation in the
language, allowing them to attain
higher levels of English proficiency
in the future through interesting
and entertaining projects.
As an extension, the Smart
Reader Kids++ programme caters
to children from two to 12 years
old through the provision of fun,
safe and affordable childcare
services.
Different from regular day care
services, it provides extra care and
education for children, carefully
balancing between the delivery of
an educational experience and not
overburdening them.
Upon completion of the
programmes, alumni of Smart
Reader Kids will be well prepared
for lessons in primary school,
standing out among their peers as
creative, articulate and confident
individuals.
Incorporating technology
Especially with the incorporation
of technology, the landscape of
education has progressed
tremendously over the years. The
use of technology has been proven
to bring a positive impact in
children’s development and
learning when used effectively.
On Oct 30 this year, Smart
Reader Worldwide launched the
Smart Kinder-Tech and Smart
Student Management System.
These approaches feature tech-
based applications that will
revolutionise not only the learning
environment but also the entire
schooling ecosystem, including
students’ well-being, safety and
progress in school.
The grand launch was officiated
by Datuk Azman Ayob, head of
Crime Prevention and Community
Safety Department, Kuala Lumpur,
and livened by the attendance of
celebrities such as actress Ayu
Smart Reader Worldwide’s chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Richard Ong and group executive
director Datuk Dr K.H. Wang with guests of honour during the launch of Future of Education.
Raudhah, television host Lavin
Seow and radio DJ Aanantha
Rajaram.
With the introduction of the
innovative Smart Student
Management System, parents can
access a child’s information, such
as live attendance, activities and
achievements, from the
convenience of an app. This
ensures that parents are aware of
their children’s well-being, safety
and daily progress in school at all
times, giving them peace of mind.
It complements the high-end
security systems that include
automatic door locks and CCTV
cameras in all Smart Reader Kids
centres to ensure students will
always be in a safe and
comfortable environment.
The Smart Kinder-Tech is an
interactive e-learning programme
designed to create a stimulating
and engaging classroom. Through
its introduction, teachers now have
access to more innovative and
improved teaching methods that
allow them to promote learning
and create an active learning
environment for children.
Smart Kinder-Tech will be
available to the four core subjects
of English, Bahasa Malaysia,
mathematics and science.
Kevan Ong, executive director of
Smart Reader Worldwide, believes
the introduction of this new tech-
based environment complements
the international award-winning
programmes at Smart Reader Kids,
ultimately presenting a well-
structured syllabus with a holistic
focus on the development of
cognitive, motor, emotional and
social skills to make Smart Reader
Kids truly every child’s dream
school.
He says, “The success and
achievements of Smart Reader Kids
alumni and the overwhelmingly
positive response from parents
towards the programmes have
motivated us to continuously
develop and enhance our
approaches and systems.”
Further international
expansion
For years, Smart Reader
Worldwide has represented a
home-grown brand that
successfully expanded to the
international arena. The brand
continues to promote quality
education around the world after
its successful expansion last year to
Medan in Indonesia, Abu Dhabi in
the United Arab Emirates and
Melbourne in Australia.
Last year, Smart Reader
Worldwide made its first step into
Australia through the launch of the
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018
Smart Reader International
Language and Enrichment Centre
in Melbourne. The success of the
centre was proven by the
overwhelming positive feedback
from local and foreign students in
the area.
This led to the opening of the
first Smart Reader Kids centre in
Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia.
On Aug 26 in Melbourne, Dr
Richard, Dr Wang and Kevan
visited the opening of the centre
with partners Ashley Ong and
Datuk Joon Ong.
The early learning centre in
Yarra Junction will be utilising the
complete English-based Smart
Reader Kids programme and
received much praise from visitors
who were impressed by the
facilities and programmes at the
centre.
On Sept 21, a momentous event
took place as Smart Reader
Worldwide executed the Master
Franchise Agreement with its new Smart Reader Kids Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia.
partners from China, Chen Yi and
Datuk Joon Ong. The new centre
will be located in Wuhan, China,
and is expected to be launched
early next year.
Dr Richard believes this move is
not only a win for the brand but
also for the country, saying,
“Thanks to our innovative, reliable
and sustainable business plan, the
international expansion will
greatly contribute to the boost of
Malaysia’s economic growth.”
Franchisee Award Nite 18
– Arabian Night
This year marks the 18th year
Smart Reader Worldwide is
organising the Franchisee Award
Nite. The objective of the event
is to commemorate exceptional
franchisees in its fraternity for
successfully running the Smart
Reader Kids and Smart Reader
Kids++ child enrichment centres
across the country through the
presentation of distinguished Smart Reader Kids provides children with positive exposure to technology.
awards.
With the theme Arabian Night,
the dazzling event celebrates
concludes that while the
productive and effective
children with the best educational
experience. With the support of
more than a hundred franchisees operational strategies and our remarkable franchisees, we
who will be rewarded in various promotional campaigns are intend to maintain our status as
notable categories, namely Radiant contributing factors, the the nation’s leading early
Diamond, Diamond, Platinum and achievements lie in the high childhood education provider and
Gold. standards that have been put on will strive to achieve greater
Outstanding individuals will also product development. milestones in the coming years.”
be highlighted during the event “The demands in school syllabus Parents are welcome to visit one
through special recognitions, are always evolving in this rapidly of the 300 centres nationwide and
including Franchisee of the Year, progressive era and we have the learn more about the international
Emerging Franchisee of the Year responsibility to ensure that our award-winning programmes,
and New Impressive Franchisee. children will grow up with the facilities and enrolment.
The event will take place this necessary tools to succeed,” he
Saturday at Royale Chulan Hotel, says. n For more information,
Kuala Lumpur. “Through continuous research call 03-6279 5555 or SMARTLine
Reflecting back at the successful and development in our at 1300 885 555, or visit
year, executive director Keefe Ong programmes, we aim to provide www.smartreader.edu.my
The signing of Master Franchise Agreement with partners from China. (Second row, standing
from left: Smart Reader Worldwide’s executive director Keefe Ong, Smart Reader Worldwide’s
executive director Kevan Ong, Malaysian Franchise Association’s secretary general Shukri Salleh,
Smart Reader Worldwide’s chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Richard Ong, Chen Yi, Datuk Joon
Ong, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s construction and business services
manager Azrul Ezwan and Julie Soh.)