James Kon
New educators from the Generation Z possesing technological know-how should incorporate creativity and innovation to ensure that the learning process is more effective as these educators are teaching students who are digital natives.
This was said by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Aliuddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman in his speech as the guest of honour during the opening ceremony for the induction programme for new teachers at An-Najah Hall of the Civil Service Institute (IPA) yesterday.
The role of today’s teacher is a resource provider, facilitator, enabler, prompter, provoker, and guider stressing on a student-centred approach or student-led-learning to mould students into independent learners, he said.
The use of blended learning, project research and group projects, he said, “needs to be emphasised in teaching.
“The methods will indirectly expose students to 21st Century skills to prepare them to a socioeconomic environment that is more dynamic and challenging”.
The COVID-19 pandemic, he said, “showed that technology cannot completely replace the role of an educator no matter how advance it is. An educator will remain the source of inspiration and motivation for students”.
The rapid development of technology, the deputy permanent secretary said, “has brought numerous affects to education.
“Therefore, the appreciation of spiritual values as well as Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) are the main pillars of education in this country.”
He added, “the shaping of individuals of faith and noble character should not be neglected. I believe that a student’s success is not only measured by their academic performance but also the character they posses.”
Aliuddin also stressed on the importance of human resource in education.
“Human resource is an asset for any organisation. Teachers are human resources that are also the heart of an education system. They are key to achieving the vision and mission of the education system of a country.
“In other words, the quality of an education system is dependent on the quality – effectiveness and efficiency – of its educators.
“The Ministry of Education (MoE) always focusses on capacity-building programmes for its human resource development.
“In the five-year strategic plan of the ministry (2018 to 2022), the first strategic objective is on the importance of a performance-driven culture.
“One of the main elements in instilling such a culture is the development of human resources, both teaching and non-teaching staff.
“Various initiatives have been and will be implemented by the MoE to improve several divisions in the ministry, such as the Human Resource Development Division to the Educators Management Department, Special Education Unit to the Special Education Department and Private Education Unit to the Private Education Department.
“Meanwhile, several centres have also been established, such as the Entrepreneurship Innovation Centre (EIC) and Centre for the Development of Gifted and Talented Education (EDGE) and the Education Technology Centre (EdTech).
“In addition, the ministry aims to improve the recruitment system by introducing apprenticeship and immersion programmes, implementing capacity-building programmes through schools, clusters and at the ministry level and thus becoming the MoE’s flagship programme to improve the quality, skills and competence of educators,” he said.
