LITTLE LEARNERS, BIG FUTURE: PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACHES FOR TEACHING ENGLISH TO YOUNG LEARNERS WORKSHOP 1.0
28 September 2024 – A team of skilled trainers from the Centre for Modern Languages, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), successfully conducted “Little Learners, Big Future: Practical Instructional Approaches for Teaching English to Young Learners Workshop 1.0” at Dewan Tun Fatimah, UMPSA Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang. The workshop was a joint effort with Persatuan Pendidikan Awal Kanak-Kanak (PPAKK), Pahang. The primary objectives of the workshop were to increase self-confidence among early childhood educators in using English, enhance English proficiency among early childhood educators, and introduce interactive teaching techniques to support effective English instruction in early childhood education.
The one-day training, which commenced at 8:00 a.m. and concluded at 5:00 p.m., attracted 50 preschool educators from various regions across Pahang. These teachers, all eager to enhance their teaching skills, participated in a series of thoughtfully designed sessions aimed at making English instruction both enjoyable and effective for young learners. Central to the training was a specially developed module that offered innovative techniques for teaching English in a way that captivates the attention and imagination of preschool-aged children, while also supporting educators in their English instruction. Through practical, real-life applications, participants were immersed in interactive activities that they could easily adapt to their classrooms.
Dr. Ezihaslinda binti Ngah, the program director and one of the trainers for the day, anchored the workshop alongside Dr. Wan Jumani binti Fauzi, the lead trainer. Other trainers included AP. Dr. Noor Raha binti Mohd Radzuan, Ms. Hajah Noor Azlinda binti Zainal Abidin, Ms. Alia Najaa binti Md Nor, and Ms. Aisyah Khaleeda binti Rosli. Meanwhile, Ms. Nurul Ishafira binti Ismail, Ms. Jannatu Aliya binti Ali Salman and Ms. Farah Liyana binti Ahmad Azmey served as the program secretariat on behalf of the hosting organiser, alongside the secretariat team from PPAK. The workshop began at 9:00 AM with an Ice-Breaking and Confidence Building session, followed by Circle of Trust at 11:00 AM. After lunch, the afternoon sessions resumed with Lead & Inspire: Transforming English Classrooms, and the final session, Engage & Apply: Active Learning Scenarios, wrapped up the day’s activities. The workshop was attended by the Vice President of PPAKK, Madam Chan Yin Yin. In her speech, she offered heartfelt words of encouragement and expressed deep appreciation for the participants and trainers, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to professional growth. She commended their willingness to invest their time and energy in the workshop, recognising their shared passion for enhancing the quality of early childhood education.
The event concluded with a closing ceremony and a certificate-giving session, to appreciate everyone’s active participation and high spirits throughout the day. Following the success of this workshop, the trainers plan to conduct "Little Learners, Big Future: Practical Instructional Approaches for Teaching English to Young Learners Workshop 2.0” in the future, focusing on preschool teachers in Terengganu. The positive feedback received from the participants underscored the trainers’ commitment to continuous learning and skill development among educators, particularly those teaching young learners.
Prepared by: Alia Najaa binti Md Nor
