BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

TEACHERS were urged to share their strategies and best practices with their peers towards the development of a professional learning community.

Following the conclusion of the International Conference on Education 2015 (ICE 2015) yesterday, Dr Jainatul Halida Hj Jaidin who was the chairperson of the organising committee, said she hoped teachers will be given the opportunity to showcase what they have learnt during the parallel sessions.

“A lot of teachers have done great work with students and I hope they will now share their strategies and best practices,” said Dr Jainatul Halida, who is also the Dean of the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

She said teachers who attended the three-day conference were enjoying interactive discussions which were very good.

“Teachers who presented papers were also very proactive in the parallel sessions,” she told The Brunei Times.

Dr Jainatul Halida said overall, the organising committee was pleased with the outcomes of the conference.

Educators, academics, teachers and policy makers came together to discuss various issues pertaining to education.

“It is enlightening to hear colleagues establishing networks with international participants. We also noted full attendance in parallel sessions which shows sustained interest in topics presented,” she said.

Dr Jainatul Halida said she hoped such passion and commitment will be sustained to a greater level.

Asked how the education landscape in Brunei could be improved following the conference, the senior academic said perhaps a platform for teachers to share their best practices and showcase evidence of effective teaching and learning can be introduced.

“We took note of the teachers’ hard work and outstanding approach to teaching and learning. I suppose the challenge now is to create that multiplier effect and develop a strong culture of professional learning community.”

SHBIE’s message to teachers and educators is that teaching is a noble profession, and it affects the development of a whole generation.

“As such, continue to provide the best quality of teaching and learning for our children and sustain that sense of commitment and passion to help achieve the Vision 2035 for Brunei,” Dr Jainatul Halida said.

Earlier in the week, Dr Jainatul Halida said it was imperative for teachers to research and investigate their practices so they can intervene and improve for the students’ benefit.

Dr Jainatul Halida added she hoped for teachers attending the conference to improve upon classroom practices and support the Ministry of Education by learning from best practices and evidence based practices.

“We hope that this platform will be used by teachers, policy makers and academics to come together and debate on educational issues, as well as inspire new findings and knowledge,” she said.

“Through the discussions, they can grow professionally and create a mindset that is progressive and proactive in terms of combating problems. They need to use what they have learnt and studied to further improve,” she added.

The conference aimed to critically examine education in the 21st century to help empower students to lead meaningful and productive lives in all stages of their development and growth.

The Brunei Times