My takeaway from the Excel Fest

Hi guys,

How was your experience at the MOE Excel Fest recently? For me, the main attraction was the experience I had when I visited the booth by Telok Kurau Secondary. I had a manicure (is that what you call it? the one where they shape the nails, then did something to it and finally buff it?) done by the pupils and managed to talk to them and a teacher while waiting for the manicure to be done.

This is a programme for the Normal Technical pupils. The pupils who did my nail told me that the programme was conducted within curriculum hours. The girls learn this while the boys learn about haircut. At the end of the course, they are certified hairstylist and beauticians. I think it's an excellent learning experience for the pupils. The takeaway is practical and some may even realise a talent they may not have discovered if they are not given that experience. As it was exciting, learning becomes engaging and meaningful. I felt that it was a fruitful experience for the pupils.

My takeaway for our pupils? I feel that if we bring meaning to what they are learning, they will be more enthusiastic and engaged. Thus, I got to constantly revisit the practicality of the humanities education with pupils - how they are learning skills to help them become more discerning individuals. This is useful no matter what field they are working in in future. By telling them the usefulness on life, we can get them to be more enthusiastic in learning.

What about your experience?

Azlinda