SIBU: Teachers should have the freedom to choose the teaching methods and approaches they believe will benefit their students.
According to Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD), Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, when teachers have this flexibility, they can fully utilise their own ideas and approaches to improve student learning.
Dr Annuar expressed concern about whether the current education system allows teachers to be independent and use their preferred methods for teaching, or if they are required to strictly follow the Ministry of Education’s instructions.
He said, “We have many good ideas, but we need to ask ourselves if the Ministry or the current system allows teachers to use these ideas that they believe are beneficial for the students.”
Dr Annuar said this during his speech at the National Conference on Research and Innovation in Teaching at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) today (July 15).
He said that the conference is an excellent platform for teachers to share their ideas and approaches, not only related to teaching methods but also regarding the overall improvement of education standards in our country.
However, Dr Annuar also highlighted that if teachers are unable to implement the research, ideas, and approaches they learn at such conferences, students will not benefit from these valuable resources.
Dr Annuar further mentioned that the MEITD has allocated RM2.69 billion in the past five years to support students. This includes funds for dilapidated schools, continuous professional development (CPD), the Dual Language Programme (DLP), and rural transformation projects (RTP) to improve school infrastructure.
Also present were Sibu district education officer Ahli Chikba, SMK Sacred Heart principal David Teo.
