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The Star
11 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Timeless tool for English learners
Lively session: Ruthra (standing) interacting with the workshop participants, including Anudsara (second from right). — LIM BENG TATT/The Star WHILE new approaches in the 21st-century classroom are vital to keep up with the times, longstanding tried-and-true methods can be just as relevant and effective. U. Ruthra Devy said newspapers continue to play a valuable role in education, even in today's digital age. The educator, who has 24 years of experience as an English language teacher, noted that with digitalisation, the current generation of students is 'very different' from those in the past. 'They often turn to quick online searches and lack the habit of reading deeply to gain knowledge. 'They are easily bored by traditional textbook learning and now require more interactive and engaging methods. 'Fortunately, newspapers still offer a wide range of topics and activities that can ignite curiosity and capture students' interest,' she said when met at a recent workshop at the Perlis Education Department branch in SK Seri Indera, Kangar, held under The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme. Ruthra, who attended the June 11 workshop as a Star-NiE freelance trainer, conducted a four-hour session in which she gave some 21 secondary school teachers hands-on experience using The Star newspaper as a dynamic tool for English learning. From creative cutouts to interactive language activities, the workshop showcased how newspapers can breathe new life into classroom teaching and boost language comprehension. Agreeing with Ruthra, Perlis Education Department School Improvement Specialist Coaches Plus (SISC+) Language mentor Chong Yeo Nee, who was present at the session, said she looked forward to seeing newspapers incorporated into teaching across all 74 primary and 28 secondary government schools in the state. 'The newspaper is a powerful medium, as it not only sparks creativity but also provides up-to-date reports on global issues, helping to broaden readers' perspectives on current topics. 'With English widely recognised as the global lingua franca, students can grow into more informed global citizens by learning through an English daily like The Star. 'It also encourages the younger generation to actively seek information to foster deeper insight and expand their horizons,' she said. Workshop participant Muhammad Hisyamudeen Hayat, 30, a teacher at SMK Dato' Ali Ahmad, said he planned to integrate the use of newspapers into his lessons in phases. 'In the past, we had always relied on digital means to teach the students but never used newspapers. Seeing their potential, I'll introduce newspapers to develop English language skills across all proficiency levels. 'With an array of articles and columns to explore in each issue, there will be a lot of new vocabulary to pick up, and the dictionary will be a useful complement,' he said. SMK Tengku Suleiman teacher V.C. Anudsara, 27, who has used newspapers in her lessons, said students have shown growing interest in the medium. 'It is a good medium to expose students to a diverse range of global knowledge. 'As a teacher, it is my job to ensure that they understand the content and that they continue learning beyond it,' she said. She added that unlike traditional textbooks, newspapers serve as a window that brings knowledge from the outside world into the classroom. Also present at the session were Star Media Group circulation senior executive Raj Kumar Abraham and senior marketing representative Tan Guan Seng. 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 starnie@
The Star
01-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Penang teachers unlock paper power
SNIP, snip, snip... The sound of scissors filled the room as 30 secondary school teachers eagerly clipped images from copies of The Star during a recent workshop held under its Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme. Their eyes scanned the pages for the 'perfect' stories and pictures to bring their ideas to life. The participants, each representing a school in Penang's North-East District, took part in a series of hands-on activities during the workshop held on May 7. Star-NiE freelance trainer U. Ruthra Devy, who has 24 years of experience as an English language teacher, conducted the session at St. George's Girls School. The second Star-NiE workshop held in Penang this year, the event was organised in collaboration with the North-East District Education Office language unit. Ruthra, who has been using The Star to teach English ever since she began her teaching career, kicked off the session by stressing that students can better grasp the language when teachers make lessons creative and fun, such as by using newspapers. 'As teachers, we must first have fun teaching English so that our students see that a newspaper is not only about news but can be used in exciting ways to learn the language,' she said. She noted that newspapers are flexible tools packed with a variety of content. 'By using newspapers in English classes, students may not even realise they are learning to read, write, speak, and practise critical thinking. 'A newspaper creates impactful learning, allowing students to learn the language indirectly. 'Children, especially those who lack proficiency, are not forced to study the language. Instead, they have fun and their creativity flows naturally, giving them confidence,' she said. Ruthra added that the more creative a teacher is, the easier language learning becomes for students. During the workshop, participants were divided into six groups and given three sets of activities. They interacted, exchanged ideas and giggles, and even used props – all while completing tasks using copies of The Star. SMK Bukit Jambul teacher Farah Wahida Abd Majid, 30, who teaches Form Three and Form Four English, said she had never tried using newspapers in the classroom. 'This is my first time at such a workshop, and I had so much fun that I can't wait to go back to school and apply all the ideas I obtained here. 'I feel very lucky to have been chosen to attend because I now have fresh ideas for planning activities,' she said. Chua Kia Yee, 31, who teaches Form Two to Form Four at SMJK Convent Datuk Keramat, said although she had previously used English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese newspapers during lessons, the Star-NIE workshop was an eye-opener. 'The ideas and approaches shared by the trainer breathe fresh perspective into how newspapers can make English language learning fun and enjoyable. 'All in all, I found the programme helpful, lively and creative, and I will definitely go back to school and share the ideas,' she said. SMK Westlands English language teacher S. Devaki, 39, said she enjoyed herself immensely at the workshop, which she found engaging and full of practical ideas on how to use the language, creativity and teamwork. 'The workshop showed us how newspapers are not just sources of current affairs, but also tools for both students and teachers to enhance English learning,' she said. Also present at the workshop was Star Media Group Circulation manager (North) 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 starnie@ With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities. 1 Look through today's newspaper and select three pictures that you can connect to form a short story. In pairs, write the story and present it to the class. Afterwards, have your classmates rate your story based on creativity. 2 What are some English language activities your class can do using the newspaper? Create a list of ideas and try to convince your teacher why these activities are worth doing. Was your teacher persuaded to carry them out? The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@
