Minister tells preschool teachers to be creative
Published on: Friday, November 08, 2019
By: Ottey Peter
KOTA KINABALU: State Education and Innovation Minister, Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, wants preschool teachers to be innovative and creative in preparing children for the future so as to empower them with the foundational skills they need to succeed in life.
He said through the use of technology, teachers have access to more innovative and improved teaching methods that allow them to promote learning and create an active learning environment for children.
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“Nowadays, technology plays a positive role in children’s development and learning. By using technology, teachers have the ability to identify opportunities to support a pupil’s learning development more easily and foster a strong interaction with the child,” said Yusof when officiating the Cultural Carnival of Preschool Students held at Resital Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Thursday.
His speech was read by his Political Secretary, Rapahi Edris.
Yusof said the carnival was the best place for young talents to be polished and nurtured which will help them to mature and be competitive.
He said such event was important to children because it was a natural and enjoyable way for children to keep active, stay well and be happy.
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“Children can learn on skills they need for study, work and relationships like confidence and self-esteem through the carnival.
“Exposure to a variety of challenging activities opens the mind and engages children with a healthy and strong mentality, especially in dealing with competitive situation like in this carnival,” he said.
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UMS Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin, represented by the Dean of Faculty of Psychology and Education and Preschoolers of Cultural Carnival Advocate, Prof Dr Ismail Ibrahim said cultural competitions are important to instil understanding among preschoolers.
He said children need to be educated and exposed to scientific and cultural activities so that they can be developed from the beginning as agents of change in the country.
“The diversity in Malaysia requires a vessel to unite and such carnival is a start to the unification.
“With the physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and social equilibrium in each of the preschool students, it is not impossible that they will become the catalyst for change.
“Thus, the early application of positive values and perseverance in preschoolers will foster and stimulate students’ self-esteem and commitment to their role as participants in the carnival,” he said.
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The event was organised by the Faculty of Psychology and Education UMS in collaboration with the Minda Lestari Centre with participation from 17 preschools across the State.
Themed as “Culture the Soul of the Country”, there are six categories contested, namely are “Rampai Sari Dance”, Singing and Movement, “Hafazan”, storytelling in English and Malay languages and solo and duet singing.