ENHANCING OPINION ESSAY WRITING: SUCCESSFUL GLOBAL CLASSROOM SESSION ON TRANSITIONAL MARKERS
PEKAN, 13 May 2025 - A successful Global Classroom (GC) session focusing on transitional markers in opinion essays was conducted via Google Meet. The GC session was organised by ULE1352 Essential English and ULE1310 Fundamentals of English Language courses and conducted by two instructors, Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan and Nurul Nadia Muhammad. The session featured a special guest speaker, Ms. M.C. Dayani Siriwardana, an accomplished English Teacher from St.Mary's College, Kegalle, Sri Lanka. In addition, she also actively collaborates with international platforms such as Class2Class.org, Global Classroom, and AWTE Intellectual Exchange sessions.
Despite a public holiday in Sri Lanka for Wesak Day, Ms. Champika graciously dedicated her time to engage with UMPSA students in a session titled “Writing That Flows: The Arts of Expressing Ideas Smoothly”. The GC session aimed to enhance students’ understanding of using transitional markers to improve the coherence and fluency of their opinion essays. Students were introduced to essential linking phrases, provided with sample sentences, and actively participated in interactive activities designed to strengthen their writing skills.
The session also included a Padlet sharing activity, allowing students to interact directly with Ms. Champika and receive feedback on their work. One of the participating students, Affindi bin Mohd Bohari Bunyau from the Faculty of Manufacturing and Mechatronic Engineering Technology expressed his appreciation for the session, sharing that he had learned “how to write an essay in an effective and easy way.”
In her closing remarks, Ms. Champika encouraged students to continue practising their writing skills without fear of making mistakes. She mentioned that “Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes, what matters is a consistent practice,” she said”. Overall, it is hoped that there will be more meaningful collaborations and opportunities for Global Classroom sessions in the future as these kinds of sessions not only enhance students’ knowledge but also broaden their international perspectives and foster valuable cross-cultural connections.
Prepared by: Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan & Nurul Nadia Muhammad