Newspapers can be used in education
Straits Times, 7 February 2005
Informative newspaper reports are the teaching tool of the future because they can be incorporated into almost any teaching curriculum, from language skills to science and mathematics.
To encourage more teachers to use newspapers as an effective instructional tool, the Press Foundation of Singapore and the English Language and Literature Teachers Association of Singapore are joining forces to conduct a one-day conference.
Titled Making News: Teach All About It! Newspapers For An Integrated Curriculum, it will be held at the Grand Hyatt Singapore on March 16.
At the conference, education experts and journalists will share their views and tips on the usefulness of newspapers as education tools.
The conference is specially designed for teachers of English language and literature, mother tongue subjects, sciences and humanities at primary, secondary and junior college levels.
Mrs Sng Ngoi May, general manager of the Press Foundation of Singapore, said: 'Newspapers are current, relevant and bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world. They are living textbooks and write history as it unfolds, while creating interest in current events.'
The president of the English Language and Literature Teachers Association of Singapore, Dr Phyllis Chew, agreed that newspapers are essential to help students make connections with the real world.
The conference will feature two plenary sessions and 16 workshops on the use of newspapers in specific subject areas.
Fees are set at a subsidised rate of $120 for early-bird registration by Feb 28, and $140 for registrations after. Registration closes on March 8. The fee includes resource materials, lunch and tea.
To register, contact Ms Tammy Chua on 6338-2321 or at tammy@splanner.com.sg, or go to www.elltas.org
(Copyright 2005 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.)