UOW students test teaching skills in Malaysia

Jul 06, 2007

Nineteen students from the University of Wollongong were recently involved in a two-week practical teaching session in schools on the Island of Penang in Malaysia.

The Graduate Diploma of Education students taught in local primary and secondary schools.

The visit was part of the course requirements for their qualification and gave the students valuable class time in a country characterised by linguistic and cultural diversity.

The trainee teachers attended a range of schools including Penang Free School Boys High School, Methodist Girls School, Francis Light School, Lebuh Light Prmary School, Sri Penang International High School, Minden Heights Primary School, Pulau Tikus Convent Girls High School, Convent Green Lane Primary School and Convent Green Lane Girls High School.

The 2007 visit follows a successful initial teaching program in 2006.

“The visit and teaching has given students the opportunity to teach in a multilingual and multi-ethnic society where education is highly valued,” said the co-ordinator of the visit Associate Professor Peter Kell (Faculty of Education).

The visit was organised as part of the international linkages between the Universiti of Sains Malaysia, the Malaysian Ministry of Education and the Penang State Department of Education.

Co-ordinator of the program from UOW's Faculty of Education, Dr Mohan Chinnappan, said the experience provides a unique opportunity for students to practice some of the pedagogical principles discussed in their subjects at the Faculty of Education and develop a better understanding of the Malaysian classroom culture.

Students have also provided very positive feedback about the teaching session.

“It was one of the most rewarding and challenging teaching experiences - made memorable because it was very different teaching conditions,” said student Michele Ferrari.

“You are tested in the extreme and all your abilities to be teacher are really challenged in a different place. You learn very quickly. It was an unforgettable experience.”

“The two weeks was an uplifting experience because it was a big challenge personally being outside your comfort zone. As a beginning teacher it was a challenge working in a new culture and it was great to get positive results,” said student Yasmeen Pasha.

In addition to the teaching practice linkages between the University of Wollongong and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), some strong research partnerships have been facilitated. Research projects on international literacy indices and mathematics teaching are also being conducted.