'Body language' makes classes fun

'Body language' makes classes fun

Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Who would have thought that a seminar can be fun, as can a math
class?

Well, it all depends on the ability of the teacher to read the
body language of students, said Singaporean educationalist
Jeffrey Goh Kim Heng during a seminar on Wednesday at the Raffles
International Christian School in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta.

Acting out every word -- in English and Malay -- Kim Heng had
the 58 teachers attending the seminar in stitches as he
demonstrated the importance of body language in teaching.

Kim Heng, who has 40 years of teaching experience under his
belt, said that a good teacher should be able to prevent students
from becoming bored.

"I would suggest that Indonesian teachers tell their students
more stories to get their full attention and avoid boredom," he
told The Jakarta Post during a break in the seminar.

He added that a teacher must have passion and creativity so
that classroom becomes a fun place to learn.

Kim Heng, who is visiting Jakarta in his capacity as a member
of World Teach, an U.S.-based non-governmental organization
concerned with education, said that compared to Indonesia,
Singapore has much better educational equipment and technology,
including up-to-date presentation tools and computers.

"However, I think the quality of the teachers is not that
different," he added.

A number of the participating teachers expressed their
satisfaction with the seminar, saying that not only had it
provided them with many useful tips but it was also very
entertaining.

"The seminar was very substantial. It highlights the important
points that are relevant for a teacher who wants to improve his
capabilities. All of these were delivered by a lively and
effective speaker," Edmira Margalas, one of the participants,
told the Post.

Raffles executive director Ardi Kho said that the seminar was
aimed at enhancing the skills of teachers in Indonesia as this
was essential in order to improve the country's standard of
education.

"Raffles is committed to helping raise the quality of
education in Indonesia. Teachers play a key role in the education
system. We hope that this seminar will help them improve their
skills."