Learning English amid Nature

Reprinted from Geetha Krishnan's coverage

Participants of the workshop exploring one of the many trails around Putrajaya Wetlands

The Putrajaya Wetlands served as the venue recently for a one-day English Communications Skills Workshop for 70 schoolchildren.

The children, aged between four and 16, were split into large groups before they ventured to explore the many trails around the wetlands. They jotted down their observations in English as they went along, stopping now and then for discussions.

The workshop, held from 9am to 1pm, was organised by Master English with Di Purba Consulting Sdn Bhd. All the students who attended were from the centre. Di Purba director Major (Rtd) Jagindar Singh said the workshop was aimed at enhancing the participants' speaking, reading, researching and teamwork skills.

The children sitting in groups for discussions

The Di Purba method of learning language and teaching was developed in Essex, Britain, in 1990.

It is unique because it incorporates the method of understanding promoted in British education and the local method of reinforcing knowledge.

"It is a method of proactive learning that I have successfully tested on my two children and its accredited by Anglia Polytechnic University in Cambridge," explained Jagindar.

Some of the children getting into smaller groups to learn about teamwork

*Master English with Di Purba is located in Precinct 8 of Putrajaya. Its intensive English classes are conducted twice a week and employs instructors who are educated and trained abroad.

"The Putrajaya Wetlands was picked because it provides a natural setting with trees, birds, lakes and the Nature Centre offers a wealth of research material for the children," Jagindar added.

"The teams were split further in order to facilitate teamwork and team building. Results of the observations and discussions were then presented as a group effort.

"Our aim in organising the workshop was also to enhance participants' ability to interact, build confidence and enhance their conversational skills," Jagindar added.

*Master English with Di Purba is holding an open day at its premises tomorrow from 4pm to 6pm.

*For details, call 03-88894089, 019-270 5500 or e-mail jagpurba@tm.net.my

*Outdated reprinted information

Original Article by Geetha Krishnan