'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."