PENANG, 14 November 2016 – At present, education for students should be about 'Rethinking Teaching, Redesign Learning' in order to move forward into future endeavours and also to motivate and inspire students to ensure their success in life.

This was said by the Director of the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre for Development of Academic Excellence (CDAE), Professor Dr. Abdul Karim Alias who delivered the Keynote Address at the National Seminar for Public University Council of Deans of Education 2016, today.

He stressed for all to be on the alert in relation to advancements in technology and also in the creation of innovative learning environments.

Karim said that, to realise the 21st century school and education system, parties involved need to have strong and visionary Principals, creative teachers and innovative approaches.

"Providing plenty of content and to quickly finish the syllabus would be the norm, but for students in universities, when they leave university life, they will forget the content but will not forget what they have experienced easily, so we need to give them experiences and a memorable atmosphere, don’t just give them lessons," said Karim, who had been with USM for 24 years.

Added the Food Technology expert, we also need to create an education ecosystem that offers an innovative learning environment which involves engaging, experiential, self-directed, authentic learning experience; and with collaborative and immersive activities for the students to achieve the learning goals.

"In the 21st century education, there needs to be more than teaching; which are to impart knowledge, to inculcate skills and instil values," he said.

Furthermore, he added that, in order to transform and to have innovations in education, we need to begin with our teaching and provide suitable learning ecosystems for the students, and if we don’t innovate, we will be sidelined from the competition.

Karim also advised all teachers to change their mindsets and become more energetic, enthusiastic, inspiring, exciting, thought-provoking and to develop well-designed lesson plans.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah