Change of Climes in the Classroom

By J. Theeban

TEACHERS from 150 schools learn how to integrate the subject of climate change into the curriculum at a Malaysian Nature Society workshop. J. THEEBAN writes.

A curriculum needs to be devised to give students the knowledge they need to make quality choices as regards to the environment, says Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) head of education Evelin Lim.

“Climate change issues are not going to be resolved overnight, so educating children about them needs to start now,” she adds.

The national school curriculum does not provide a separate subject on climate change but rather the topic has been infused into subjects across it.

The absence of a specific subject on environmental education has always prompted the MNS to take an active role in this area.

In 2003, a teacher’s workshop on various environmental issues was held at Templer Park, Selangor and 2005 saw another workshop on climate change at Teat Swamp Forrest in Pekan, Pahang.

Recently MNS conducted a four-day interactive training session in Cameron Highlands for 150 teachers representing 150 schools nationwide.

Using interactive hands-on training methods, activities ranged from early morning hikes deep into the jungle to talks, feedback sessions and development of study plans.

Teachers were also taught to identify endangered plants.

Reactions of teachers to the programme have been overwhelmingly positive.

“It has been gratifying,” says Fong Yin Leng, a mathematics teacher from SJK Man Ming, Gopeng, Perak.

“We have met global climate experts and jointly developed study plans with other teachers through well organised activities,” says Dyah Shin Tawati from SK Sri Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Groups of teachers exchanged ideas and swapped lesson plans. One group discussed how to create games that will educate students on the impact of climate change.

“It is rare for teachers from so many schools to meet and discuss methodologies,” says Aznan Ahmad, a mathematics teacher from SK Syed Jan Al-Jaffri, Sungai Petani, Kedah.

“I’ll be taking back ideas that I can use to strengthen the climate change programme in my school,” he adds.

Since global climate change is a broad topic, the training involved presentations by experts from various disciplines, including Associate Professor Azhar Hussin, a geologist from University of Malaya, who spoke on the impact that global warming had on penguins in Antarctica.

For V. Manimaran, who teaches biology at SMK Pasir Putih, Ipoh and Chan Sooi Sam, an English teacher from SMK Convent Taiping, a visit to an organic farm was enlightening.

“The way an organic farm is managed reveals the delicate balance of the environment. Both insects and birds have a role to play in producing a good crop,” says Manimaran.

“The visit to the farm made me realise how effective waste management can produce good fertilising agents for plants and vegetables,” says Chan.

“The aim of the programme is to prepare teachers to teach climate change.

“Currently it is up to teachers to use their own creativity,” says Lorizan Lawen, a geography teacher from SMK ST Columba, Miri, Sarawak.

At the end of the workshop, which was sponsored by Hong Kong And Shanghai Bank, the teachers were inspired to teach their students what they have learned.

Many want to develop lesson plans that will compel students to be more sensitive to the environment and develop the desire to care for it .

(c) 2007 New Straits Times. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.