ARKIB (UM) : 09/07/2009
TANJUNG MALIM 8 Julai - Tokoh akademik mendesak kerajaan supaya memansuhkan dasar Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam bahasa Inggeris (PPSMI) dengan segera dan bukannya menunggu sehingga 2012.
Pemegang Kursi Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba, Prof. Datuk Dr. Zainal Kling berkata, dasar itu perlu dimansuhkan dengan segera kerana PPSMI terbukti satu kesilapan.
'''Kenapa hendak tunggu sehingga 2012 baru nak dimansuhkan. Sesuatu dasar yang silap perlu ditamatkan dengan segera.
''Tidak timbul soal penganiayaan kepada pelajar dan guru yang telah melalui proses pembelajaran dan pengajaran dalam PPSMI kerana ilmu itu adalah kelebihan bagi mereka," katanya ketika ditemui Utusan Malaysia selepas seminar Integrasi Nasional di Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) di sini hari ini.
Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas keputusan kerajaan memansuhkan PPSMI selepas tujuh tahun dasar itu dilaksanakan sehingga menimbul pelbagai polimik.
Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin hari ini berkata, pengajaran dan pembelajaran kedua-dua mata pelajaran itu di Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina dan Tamil pula dalam bahasa ibunda masing-masing.
Tambah Zainal, pelajar dan guru yang telah mengikuti PPSMI tidak akan menghadapi sebarang masalah jika keputusan memansuhkan dasar itu dilaksanakan serta-merta.
Tegas beliau, langkah kerajaan melambatkan tempoh memansuhkan PPSMI hanya akan merendahkan lagi nilai ekonomi bahasa Melayu.
Turut bersetuju dengan desakan itu ialah Pengarah Institut Kajian Etnik Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Prof. Datuk Dr. Shamsul Amri Baharuddin.
Katanya, pelaksanaan dasar PPSMI adalah satu kesilapan besar kerajaan kerana membuat keputusan tanpa menimbang pandangan rakyat terlebih dahulu.
''Ini adalah pengajaran kepada kerajaan supaya tidak meminggirkan rakyat dalam membuat keputusan berhubung sesuatu dasar pada masa hadapan.
''Apatah lagi PPSMI mempunyai kaitan dengan Perkara 152 Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Namun, saya tetap memuji kerajaan kerana berani mengakui kesilapan lalu," jelasnya.
Menurut Shamsul, langkah menguatkuasakan PPSMI dalam tempoh tiga tahun lagi adalah sesuatu yang merugikan pelajar Melayu terutamanya di kawasan luar bandar.
IslamiCity.com
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Apabila membincangkan sebarang aspek peradaban Islam, matlamat yang akhir dan dasar kreatifnya mestilah dilihat sebagai berlandaskan Al-Quran, kitab suci Islam. Budaya Islam sebenarnya “budaya Al-Quran” kerana takrif, struktur, matlamat dan kaedah untuk mencapai matlamat budaya Islam itu semuanya dihasilkan daripada seni penurunan wahyu daripada Allah kepada Nabi Muhammad S.A.W. dalam abad ketujuh Masihi. Orang Islam tidaklah sekadar mendapatkan pengetahuan tentang kebenaran hakiki daripada Al-Quran. Perkara yang juga begitu mendesak dan memaksa adalah idea-idea Al-Quran tentang alam semula jadi, tentang manusia dan semua makhluk hidup yang lain, tentang pengetahuan, tentang institusi sosial, politik dan ekonomi yang diperlukan bagi mengendalikan masyarakat yang sihat. Pendeknya, semua ini meliputi setiap cabang pembelajaran dan aktiviti kehidupan manusia. Ini bermakna bahawa dalam Al-Quran yang terdiri daripada 114 surah, terdapat prinsip-prinsip asas bagi keseluruhan budaya dan peradaban. Tanpa wahyu tentang prinsip-prinsip asal itu, budaya tidak dapat dibangunkan. Tanpa wahyu itu juga, mungkin tidak akan ada agama Islam, negara Islam, falsafah Islam, undang-undang Islam, masyarakat Islam mahupun organisasi politik dan ekonomi Islam. Seni peradaban Islam perlu juga dilihat sebagai pernyataan estetik yang berasaskan Al-Quran. Aspek budaya Islam ini harus dilihat sebagai mempunyai sifat-sifat Al-Quran dari segi asas dan motivasi. Begitulah juga seni peradaban Islam haruslah dilihat sebagai ungkapan estetika yang sama bentuknya dalam pelaksanaannya. Sesungguhnya kesenian Islam adalah kesenian Al-Quran. al-Faruqi. (1992). Atlas Budaya Islam. |
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Saturday, 11 July 2009
Galakkan anak aktif bermain
ARKIB (UM): 09/07/2009
TENTU ramai yang bersetuju bahawa udara segar, sinaran matahari serta senaman adalah baik untuk anak-anak. Bagaimanapun sekerap manakah mereka diberi peluang untuk berlari bebas dan berseronok membuat apa sahaja yang mereka mahu sambil menikmati sinaran sang suria?
Ini kerana ramai ibu bapa yang tidak begitu membenarkan anak-anak berlari sebebas itu kerana bimbangkan keselamatan dan boleh memudaratkan kesihatan.
Namun laporan klinikal oleh Kenneth R. Ginsburg yang diterbitkan dalam jurnal American Academy of Pediatrics menyatakan bahawa bermain merupakan penyumbang utama kepada perkembangan kognitif, fizikal, sosial dan emosi serta kesejahteraan kanak-kanak yang turut memberi peluang kepada ibu bapa berinteraksi dengan anak-anak mereka.
Pendapat itu turut dipersetujui oleh Pengarah Pemasaran Johnson & Johnson, Stanford Guo yang menyatakan bahawa bermain membolehkan kanak-kanak mencipta dan menerokai suatu dunia yang dapat mereka kuasai.
Di samping itu bermain juga mengawal rasa takut sambil berlatih menjadi dewasa. Dalam dunia tersebut, mereka memperoleh kebolehan-kebolehan baru yang membawa kepada keyakinan diri serta ketabahan yang di perlukan bagi menghadapi cabaran-cabaran mendatang.
Kanak-kanak juga digalakkan untuk bermain di luar kerana ruang yang luas. Mereka boleh berlari bebas dan ini membantu mereka tidur dengan lebih lena pada waktu malam dan mengurangkan risiko obesiti.
Pakar perkembangan kanak-kanak pernah mengatakan bahawa kanak-kanak yang banyak menghabiskan masa di luar mempunyai perilaku yang lebih baik, kurang nakal serta lebih mudah dikawal.
"Dengan pelbagai sebab yang membuktikan kebaikan bermain terutamanya di luar, masih terdapat banyak sebab kanak-kanak kini jarang bermain di luar berbanding dahulu.
"Kanak-kanak masa kini sering mendapat hiburan di dalam rumah melalui televisyen dan permainan komputer.
"Mereka juga sibuk dengan aktiviti-aktiviti lepas sekolah seperti tuisyen atau kelas-kelas bimbingan, dan tiada di rumah sewaktu masa yang sesuai untuk bermain di luar (sebelum terbenam matahari).
"Tidak lupa juga golongan ibu bapa yang tidak menggalakkan anak mereka untuk bermain di luar kerana merasakan bermain di luar tanpa pengawasan adalah tidak selamat," katanya ketika merasmikan Kempen Jom Main! Johnson's Baby Powder baru-baru ini.
Menurut Guo, Kempen Jom Main! Johnson's Baby Powder yang diadakan baru-baru ini adalah untuk menggalakkan kepentingan bermain serta aktiviti fizikal dalam kehidupan seorang kanak-kanak.
Pada hari tersebut, sebuah taman permainan kanak-kanak yang luas direka khas untuk ibu bapa dan anak-anak untuk menikmati aktiviti di luar rumah, serta memahami kebaikan aktiviti-aktiviti tersebut bermula daripada peringkat umur yang muda.
Acara famili yang diadakan di Padang Timur, Petaling Jaya telah dianjurkan dengan kerjasama Q-dees, francais sistem pendidikan tadika, bagi menarik minat golongan ibu bapa yang mempunyai kanak-kanak tahap pra-sekolah.
Selain daripada menyediakan pengalaman bermain di luar rumah, Johnson's Baby Powder telah mengambil inisiatif memperkenalkan sebuah portal maklumat online bagi ibu bapa mendapatkan tip-tip bermain dengan anak dengan seronok dan kreatif, agar hari minggu serta musim cuti anak-anak tidak lagi membosankan.
Portal web tersebut turut menyediakan maklumat tentang perkembangan kanak-kanak pra-sekolah, tip-tip keibubapaan serta album gambar bagi ibu bapa berkongsi detik-detik riang bermain dengan anak-anak.
TENTU ramai yang bersetuju bahawa udara segar, sinaran matahari serta senaman adalah baik untuk anak-anak. Bagaimanapun sekerap manakah mereka diberi peluang untuk berlari bebas dan berseronok membuat apa sahaja yang mereka mahu sambil menikmati sinaran sang suria?
Ini kerana ramai ibu bapa yang tidak begitu membenarkan anak-anak berlari sebebas itu kerana bimbangkan keselamatan dan boleh memudaratkan kesihatan.
Namun laporan klinikal oleh Kenneth R. Ginsburg yang diterbitkan dalam jurnal American Academy of Pediatrics menyatakan bahawa bermain merupakan penyumbang utama kepada perkembangan kognitif, fizikal, sosial dan emosi serta kesejahteraan kanak-kanak yang turut memberi peluang kepada ibu bapa berinteraksi dengan anak-anak mereka.
Pendapat itu turut dipersetujui oleh Pengarah Pemasaran Johnson & Johnson, Stanford Guo yang menyatakan bahawa bermain membolehkan kanak-kanak mencipta dan menerokai suatu dunia yang dapat mereka kuasai.
Di samping itu bermain juga mengawal rasa takut sambil berlatih menjadi dewasa. Dalam dunia tersebut, mereka memperoleh kebolehan-kebolehan baru yang membawa kepada keyakinan diri serta ketabahan yang di perlukan bagi menghadapi cabaran-cabaran mendatang.
Kanak-kanak juga digalakkan untuk bermain di luar kerana ruang yang luas. Mereka boleh berlari bebas dan ini membantu mereka tidur dengan lebih lena pada waktu malam dan mengurangkan risiko obesiti.
Pakar perkembangan kanak-kanak pernah mengatakan bahawa kanak-kanak yang banyak menghabiskan masa di luar mempunyai perilaku yang lebih baik, kurang nakal serta lebih mudah dikawal.
"Dengan pelbagai sebab yang membuktikan kebaikan bermain terutamanya di luar, masih terdapat banyak sebab kanak-kanak kini jarang bermain di luar berbanding dahulu.
"Kanak-kanak masa kini sering mendapat hiburan di dalam rumah melalui televisyen dan permainan komputer.
"Mereka juga sibuk dengan aktiviti-aktiviti lepas sekolah seperti tuisyen atau kelas-kelas bimbingan, dan tiada di rumah sewaktu masa yang sesuai untuk bermain di luar (sebelum terbenam matahari).
"Tidak lupa juga golongan ibu bapa yang tidak menggalakkan anak mereka untuk bermain di luar kerana merasakan bermain di luar tanpa pengawasan adalah tidak selamat," katanya ketika merasmikan Kempen Jom Main! Johnson's Baby Powder baru-baru ini.
Menurut Guo, Kempen Jom Main! Johnson's Baby Powder yang diadakan baru-baru ini adalah untuk menggalakkan kepentingan bermain serta aktiviti fizikal dalam kehidupan seorang kanak-kanak.
Pada hari tersebut, sebuah taman permainan kanak-kanak yang luas direka khas untuk ibu bapa dan anak-anak untuk menikmati aktiviti di luar rumah, serta memahami kebaikan aktiviti-aktiviti tersebut bermula daripada peringkat umur yang muda.
Acara famili yang diadakan di Padang Timur, Petaling Jaya telah dianjurkan dengan kerjasama Q-dees, francais sistem pendidikan tadika, bagi menarik minat golongan ibu bapa yang mempunyai kanak-kanak tahap pra-sekolah.
Selain daripada menyediakan pengalaman bermain di luar rumah, Johnson's Baby Powder telah mengambil inisiatif memperkenalkan sebuah portal maklumat online bagi ibu bapa mendapatkan tip-tip bermain dengan anak dengan seronok dan kreatif, agar hari minggu serta musim cuti anak-anak tidak lagi membosankan.
Portal web tersebut turut menyediakan maklumat tentang perkembangan kanak-kanak pra-sekolah, tip-tip keibubapaan serta album gambar bagi ibu bapa berkongsi detik-detik riang bermain dengan anak-anak.
Stimulating Interest In Science And Nurturing Art Appreciation
By Mohd Azhar Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Petronas is highly committed to the culture and practice of life-long learning and recognises that the learning process can also be effectively facilitated in an informal and people-friendly setting.
In adopting a holistic approach towards education, apart from educational and training institutions like Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) located in Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak, PETRONAS Management Training Centre (PERMATA) in Bangi, Selangor and Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP) in Batu Rakit, Terengganu; PETRONAS has also established the Petrosains Discovery Centre and Galeri PETRONAS to stimulate interest and promote understanding in science, and nurture art appreciation among Malaysians regardless of age or status.
Petrosains, which is Malaysia's first interactive science discovery centre, is dedicated to reveal the story behind the oil and gas industry amidst a rich and stimulating environment.
Through its interactive and entertaining exhibits, Petrosains hopes to encourage today's children to become future scientists by stimulating their curiosity in science.
Galeri PETRONAS, on the other hand, provides a world-class venue for Malaysian and foreign artists to display their works to the public, to help nurture an interest in art among Malaysians from all walks of life.
Working in collaboration with international institutions, Galeri PETRONAS promotes Malaysian artworks abroad while at the same time foster cultural exchanges and learning opportunities that contribute to the development of Malaysian art practice and awareness in tandem with international trends.
The two institutions, while operating in different spheres of influence, facilitate and complement each other by providing an illuminating encounter in two separate but equally important aspects of our daily life.
While Petrosains creates a rich and stimulating environment for the public to learn about science and technology, Galeri PETRONAS makes art accessible, enjoyable and engaging to the public.
STIMULATING CURIOSITY AND DEVELOPING INQUISITIVE MINDS
Since its opening on 25 March 1999, the Petrosains Discovery Centre has never ceased to spark curiosity and connect science and technology to everyday life through fun-filled exhibitions and activities, for over three million visitors of all ages who have passed through its door.
Using innovative methods of presentation, more than 500 interactive exhibits spread over 70,000 square feet of exhibition space occupying levels 4 and 5 of both the Petronas Twin Towers; demystify science, conveying its beauty, showing its necessity and making the understanding of science accessible to the general public.
Facts and figures of science combine with the excitement, emotion and energy of the theatre, provide a stimulating environment for the public to learn and appreciate the science and technology behind the petroleum industry as well as the underlying principles behind science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
"In the two to three hours that they spend here, we try to 'touch' the child or adult visitor by making them realise that science is everywhere and anywhere and cover all aspects of their lives.
"We want them to come out feeling excited about science, having their own questions and interested in finding out more," Petrosains Chief Executive Officer Tengku Nasariah Tengku Syed Ibrahim told Bernama in an interview recently.
The latest addition to the lineup, the Petrosains DinoTrek 2 interactive exhibition featuring dinosaurs and other information on the prehistoric era, which was officially launched on 11 March 2009 in conjunction with Petrosains 10th anniversary, is currently the star attraction.
"DinoTrek 2 showcases a high-tech interactive exhibition, including some animatronics in the form of robotic dinosaurs with interactive features that encourages learning experiences in an engaging and entertaining manner.
"DinoTrek 2, which uses best practices a well as the latest science centre's research on effective learning approaches, was fully conceptualised, designed and developed by the Petrosains in-house team," said Tengku Nasariah.
Similarly, Petrosains school and community outreach programmes have managed to enrich the lives of a wide cross-section of the community.
SCHOOL PROGRAMMES Petrosains has developed various internal and community outreach programmes for school children and teachers, aimed to nurture and sustain interest in science and technology. "The Science Action Team and the Creative Science for Schools are designed to inculcate the culture of an inquiry-based approach to learning, while the Teachers Fellowship and Petrosains Teachers Workshop help teachers to welcome questions and apply innovative and interactive methods in the learning process in the classroom," Tengku Nasariah said.
Petrosains school programmes had contributed significantly to PETRONAS winning the prestigious Prime Minister's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award for Education for 2007. VOLUNTEER SCHEME
The Petrosains Volunteer Scheme, introduced in 1999, which is open to those from 17 to 65 years old, aims to promote the spirit of volunteerism at nurturing interest towards science and technology.
Volunteers are given basic training in science, teamwork and communication skills to boost their self-confidence.
"They get to be Petrosains ambassadors and gain positive experience that will put them in good stead while we get their dedicated labour.
"We are also delighted to have a couple of pensioners on board, who are dedicated and good at their task as volunteers," she added.
The Petrosains Volunteer Scheme won PETRONAS the 2008 Petroleum Economist Award for the Best Youth Education Programme.
The Petroleum Economist is an international magazine which recognises the excellence of those making significant contributions to the energy industry. COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMMES
At the Fifth Science Centre World Congress held in Toronto on 19 June 2008, science centre operators agreed that their activities should be extended to places and communities where such centres are not available.
Called The Toronto Declaration, it was signed by Tengku Nasariah as President of the Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres (ASPAC).
True to form, Petrosains has many community outreach programmes, which among others include the Petronas StreetSmart Travelling Exhibition, Petrosains PlaySmart and Sahabat Petrosains.
Petrosains StreetSmart conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Road Safety Department, Ministry of Transport and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research is an interactive exhibition road-show promoting road safety.
Since its inception in 2001, it has impacted over 900,000 children and parents from 300 schools throughout Malaysia.
"If we want to educate Malaysians on road safety, we should start them young. We want them to understand the science concepts behind road safety. Of course we target the parents too," Tengku Nasariah said.
In PlaySmart, Petrosains science facilitators visit schools (from preschool to secondary level) to conduct science based road-safety programs which include science shows, hands-on activities and quizzes.
Alternatively, schools can organise educational trips to PlaySmart centres in Langkawi, Johor Baharu and Penang; where students get to try the myriad of interactive exhibits and engage in fun and educational science-based activities.
Sahabat Petrosains is organised in collaboration with the Department of Orang Asli Affairs and the Education Ministry, to address the educational needs of the children of the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia as well as indigenous communities of Sabah and Sarawak.
"We want to open up their minds to the fascinating science surrounding their everyday lives, especially in their natural environment," Tengku Nasariah said.
"The programme is carried out in two phases. First, we visit the community and conduct activities at their premises. Then we bring the children over for a two-night fun-filled camp-in at Petrosains," Tengku Nasariah added.
"From the feedback we received, the experience has actually made the children eager to attend school and learn more about science," Tengku Nasariah said. NURTURING ART APPRECIATION
In the fast-paced and highly stressed society of today, where technology and science appear to be always at the forefront, some might wonder about the place of art.
A good artist will, through a medium of his or her choice, choose a subject, colour, and texture to evoke and uncover feelings, some of which we were previously unaware of.
Art triggers emotions that are important as an intellectual stimulant. Art advances culture and civilisation by provoking thought, introspection and discussion.
It is with such realisation that Galeri PETRONAS was established in 1993.
Part of the philosophy behind Galeri PETRONAS is to nurture art appreciation by direct public engagement and to provide Malaysian and international artists with an international class venue to exhibit their works.
Apart from this, it is also meant to foster better relations among the various races in the country through the appreciation for various ethnic arts and culture.
In addition, Galeri PETRONAS is also the custodian of the PETRONAS Art Collection that comprises of 1,500 pieces of artworks worth RM8 million displayed in PETRONAS premises at various countries where the company operates.
The gallery was initially located at the Dayabumi Complex, where 34 art exhibitions were held from 1993 to 1998 before it was relocated to the present location at Level 3, Suria KLCC, where it subsequently went on to host another 88 art exhibitions.
These exhibitions facilitate to increase awareness and promote the appreciation of art and culture among Malaysians from all walks of life.
Talks, slideshows, dialogues, panel discussions, forums and demonstrations specifically related to the themes of the work on display are held in conjunction with an exhibition.
To date, the gallery has held 400 art appreciation programmes for varying age and interest group attracting about 1.4 million visitors altogether.
Apart from the exhibition space, Galeri PETRONAS has an Art Resource Centre with a collection of art books, journals and audio-visual material for public reference.
There is also a Galeri Shop where visitors can purchase art books and supplies, catalogues and a range of unique and affordable art merchandise related to the Galeri, its exhibitions and the PETRONAS Art Collection.
PROMOTING MALAYSIAN ART ABROAD
According to Galeri PETRONAS Director Hartini Abdullah, the gallery offers the public a variety of ways to engage, experience and enjoy contemporary art, both Malaysian and international, as well as the opportunity to expand and explore their creative inclination.
Galeri PETRONAS aims to provide international exposure to both artists and the public, while at the same time fostering cultural exchanges and learning opportunities on a global level.
Collaborations with international institutions and artists are an important feature in Galeri PETRONAS touring exhibition programmes targeted at raising the image and appreciation of Malaysian art and artists abroad.
Galeri PETRONAS has successfully hosted exhibitions and promoted local textile art and Malaysian art works in India, Vietnam, Australia, Japan and Sweden.
Through its various activities, Galeri PETRONAS has made a profound impact in international relations and cross-culture exchange, apart from art infrastructure development.
According to Hartini, the research and publication works of Galeri PETRONAS in documenting the Visual Art History of Malaysia has made a profound impression on the Malaysian art scene.
It is widely accepted among educators that humans are not passive recipients of knowledge but that we actively construct new knowledge based on our experiences.
The intangible reward of cultural and intellectual invigorations is impossible to quantify, but a visit to a science centre or an art gallery makes a measurable impact on most visitors.
(http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsfeatures.php?id=424387)
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Petronas is highly committed to the culture and practice of life-long learning and recognises that the learning process can also be effectively facilitated in an informal and people-friendly setting.
In adopting a holistic approach towards education, apart from educational and training institutions like Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) located in Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak, PETRONAS Management Training Centre (PERMATA) in Bangi, Selangor and Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP) in Batu Rakit, Terengganu; PETRONAS has also established the Petrosains Discovery Centre and Galeri PETRONAS to stimulate interest and promote understanding in science, and nurture art appreciation among Malaysians regardless of age or status.
Petrosains, which is Malaysia's first interactive science discovery centre, is dedicated to reveal the story behind the oil and gas industry amidst a rich and stimulating environment.
Through its interactive and entertaining exhibits, Petrosains hopes to encourage today's children to become future scientists by stimulating their curiosity in science.
Galeri PETRONAS, on the other hand, provides a world-class venue for Malaysian and foreign artists to display their works to the public, to help nurture an interest in art among Malaysians from all walks of life.
Working in collaboration with international institutions, Galeri PETRONAS promotes Malaysian artworks abroad while at the same time foster cultural exchanges and learning opportunities that contribute to the development of Malaysian art practice and awareness in tandem with international trends.
The two institutions, while operating in different spheres of influence, facilitate and complement each other by providing an illuminating encounter in two separate but equally important aspects of our daily life.
While Petrosains creates a rich and stimulating environment for the public to learn about science and technology, Galeri PETRONAS makes art accessible, enjoyable and engaging to the public.
STIMULATING CURIOSITY AND DEVELOPING INQUISITIVE MINDS
Since its opening on 25 March 1999, the Petrosains Discovery Centre has never ceased to spark curiosity and connect science and technology to everyday life through fun-filled exhibitions and activities, for over three million visitors of all ages who have passed through its door.
Using innovative methods of presentation, more than 500 interactive exhibits spread over 70,000 square feet of exhibition space occupying levels 4 and 5 of both the Petronas Twin Towers; demystify science, conveying its beauty, showing its necessity and making the understanding of science accessible to the general public.
Facts and figures of science combine with the excitement, emotion and energy of the theatre, provide a stimulating environment for the public to learn and appreciate the science and technology behind the petroleum industry as well as the underlying principles behind science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
"In the two to three hours that they spend here, we try to 'touch' the child or adult visitor by making them realise that science is everywhere and anywhere and cover all aspects of their lives.
"We want them to come out feeling excited about science, having their own questions and interested in finding out more," Petrosains Chief Executive Officer Tengku Nasariah Tengku Syed Ibrahim told Bernama in an interview recently.
The latest addition to the lineup, the Petrosains DinoTrek 2 interactive exhibition featuring dinosaurs and other information on the prehistoric era, which was officially launched on 11 March 2009 in conjunction with Petrosains 10th anniversary, is currently the star attraction.
"DinoTrek 2 showcases a high-tech interactive exhibition, including some animatronics in the form of robotic dinosaurs with interactive features that encourages learning experiences in an engaging and entertaining manner.
"DinoTrek 2, which uses best practices a well as the latest science centre's research on effective learning approaches, was fully conceptualised, designed and developed by the Petrosains in-house team," said Tengku Nasariah.
Similarly, Petrosains school and community outreach programmes have managed to enrich the lives of a wide cross-section of the community.
SCHOOL PROGRAMMES Petrosains has developed various internal and community outreach programmes for school children and teachers, aimed to nurture and sustain interest in science and technology. "The Science Action Team and the Creative Science for Schools are designed to inculcate the culture of an inquiry-based approach to learning, while the Teachers Fellowship and Petrosains Teachers Workshop help teachers to welcome questions and apply innovative and interactive methods in the learning process in the classroom," Tengku Nasariah said.
Petrosains school programmes had contributed significantly to PETRONAS winning the prestigious Prime Minister's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award for Education for 2007. VOLUNTEER SCHEME
The Petrosains Volunteer Scheme, introduced in 1999, which is open to those from 17 to 65 years old, aims to promote the spirit of volunteerism at nurturing interest towards science and technology.
Volunteers are given basic training in science, teamwork and communication skills to boost their self-confidence.
"They get to be Petrosains ambassadors and gain positive experience that will put them in good stead while we get their dedicated labour.
"We are also delighted to have a couple of pensioners on board, who are dedicated and good at their task as volunteers," she added.
The Petrosains Volunteer Scheme won PETRONAS the 2008 Petroleum Economist Award for the Best Youth Education Programme.
The Petroleum Economist is an international magazine which recognises the excellence of those making significant contributions to the energy industry. COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMMES
At the Fifth Science Centre World Congress held in Toronto on 19 June 2008, science centre operators agreed that their activities should be extended to places and communities where such centres are not available.
Called The Toronto Declaration, it was signed by Tengku Nasariah as President of the Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres (ASPAC).
True to form, Petrosains has many community outreach programmes, which among others include the Petronas StreetSmart Travelling Exhibition, Petrosains PlaySmart and Sahabat Petrosains.
Petrosains StreetSmart conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Road Safety Department, Ministry of Transport and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research is an interactive exhibition road-show promoting road safety.
Since its inception in 2001, it has impacted over 900,000 children and parents from 300 schools throughout Malaysia.
"If we want to educate Malaysians on road safety, we should start them young. We want them to understand the science concepts behind road safety. Of course we target the parents too," Tengku Nasariah said.
In PlaySmart, Petrosains science facilitators visit schools (from preschool to secondary level) to conduct science based road-safety programs which include science shows, hands-on activities and quizzes.
Alternatively, schools can organise educational trips to PlaySmart centres in Langkawi, Johor Baharu and Penang; where students get to try the myriad of interactive exhibits and engage in fun and educational science-based activities.
Sahabat Petrosains is organised in collaboration with the Department of Orang Asli Affairs and the Education Ministry, to address the educational needs of the children of the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia as well as indigenous communities of Sabah and Sarawak.
"We want to open up their minds to the fascinating science surrounding their everyday lives, especially in their natural environment," Tengku Nasariah said.
"The programme is carried out in two phases. First, we visit the community and conduct activities at their premises. Then we bring the children over for a two-night fun-filled camp-in at Petrosains," Tengku Nasariah added.
"From the feedback we received, the experience has actually made the children eager to attend school and learn more about science," Tengku Nasariah said. NURTURING ART APPRECIATION
In the fast-paced and highly stressed society of today, where technology and science appear to be always at the forefront, some might wonder about the place of art.
A good artist will, through a medium of his or her choice, choose a subject, colour, and texture to evoke and uncover feelings, some of which we were previously unaware of.
Art triggers emotions that are important as an intellectual stimulant. Art advances culture and civilisation by provoking thought, introspection and discussion.
It is with such realisation that Galeri PETRONAS was established in 1993.
Part of the philosophy behind Galeri PETRONAS is to nurture art appreciation by direct public engagement and to provide Malaysian and international artists with an international class venue to exhibit their works.
Apart from this, it is also meant to foster better relations among the various races in the country through the appreciation for various ethnic arts and culture.
In addition, Galeri PETRONAS is also the custodian of the PETRONAS Art Collection that comprises of 1,500 pieces of artworks worth RM8 million displayed in PETRONAS premises at various countries where the company operates.
The gallery was initially located at the Dayabumi Complex, where 34 art exhibitions were held from 1993 to 1998 before it was relocated to the present location at Level 3, Suria KLCC, where it subsequently went on to host another 88 art exhibitions.
These exhibitions facilitate to increase awareness and promote the appreciation of art and culture among Malaysians from all walks of life.
Talks, slideshows, dialogues, panel discussions, forums and demonstrations specifically related to the themes of the work on display are held in conjunction with an exhibition.
To date, the gallery has held 400 art appreciation programmes for varying age and interest group attracting about 1.4 million visitors altogether.
Apart from the exhibition space, Galeri PETRONAS has an Art Resource Centre with a collection of art books, journals and audio-visual material for public reference.
There is also a Galeri Shop where visitors can purchase art books and supplies, catalogues and a range of unique and affordable art merchandise related to the Galeri, its exhibitions and the PETRONAS Art Collection.
PROMOTING MALAYSIAN ART ABROAD
According to Galeri PETRONAS Director Hartini Abdullah, the gallery offers the public a variety of ways to engage, experience and enjoy contemporary art, both Malaysian and international, as well as the opportunity to expand and explore their creative inclination.
Galeri PETRONAS aims to provide international exposure to both artists and the public, while at the same time fostering cultural exchanges and learning opportunities on a global level.
Collaborations with international institutions and artists are an important feature in Galeri PETRONAS touring exhibition programmes targeted at raising the image and appreciation of Malaysian art and artists abroad.
Galeri PETRONAS has successfully hosted exhibitions and promoted local textile art and Malaysian art works in India, Vietnam, Australia, Japan and Sweden.
Through its various activities, Galeri PETRONAS has made a profound impact in international relations and cross-culture exchange, apart from art infrastructure development.
According to Hartini, the research and publication works of Galeri PETRONAS in documenting the Visual Art History of Malaysia has made a profound impression on the Malaysian art scene.
It is widely accepted among educators that humans are not passive recipients of knowledge but that we actively construct new knowledge based on our experiences.
The intangible reward of cultural and intellectual invigorations is impossible to quantify, but a visit to a science centre or an art gallery makes a measurable impact on most visitors.
(http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsfeatures.php?id=424387)
Art class hours to double in elementary schools
By Nicole Inglis
July 11, 2009
Craig,CO — When kindergartner Adylah Silva was asked to draw herself at the beginning of a handwriting class, her self-image was simple: A circle for a head, sticks for body parts, few facial features.
Two weeks later, her self-portrait included hair, details such as ears, colors and even a house in the background.
Christine Villard, assistant superintendent of Moffat County School District, said even though the class taught a verbal skill — handwriting — the muscle memory and spatial awareness affected the more creative side of her brain.
“It’s interesting how art can help develop other parts of the brain and vice versa,” she said. “Our mode of teaching is normally verbal, but they each can be used to enhance the other.”
District officials seem to agree.
At the Moffat County School Board meeting June 25, a motion was passed to increase elementary school art classes from once every two weeks to once a week.
Villard and the art teachers presented a draft of the new curriculum to the board, citing recent research that emphasizes the connection between art education and verbal, cognitive and math skills.
Though hours in art class have doubled, no extra items have been added to the curriculum. Instead, the time will be use to study existing subjects more in-depth, from color wheels to papier-mâché sculptures.
Villard said that at younger ages, when the brain is developing at a high rate, it is important for children to stretch their brains and learn the spatial awareness that can help them in every subject in school.
“When they start to learn multiplication, they immediately start to visualize,” Villard said. “The math part of their brain has to be developed, but they will try to visualize in their head what three times four looks like. It’s like training their brains.”
“Arts with the Brain in Mind,” by Eric Jensen, states that art education “enhances cognition, emotional expressions, perception, cultural awareness and aesthetics.”
The book also shows how art classes have improved reading and math scores by giving children the cognitive tools to organize information in their brains.
Previously, elementary students had art twice a month. When they entered Craig Intermediate School, they had to adjust to having art every day.
“We really needed equalization in that,” Villard said. “So it’s really a step forward in the right direction.”
Martha Laliberte is an art teacher at Sandrock and East elementary schools. She is thrilled to be able to increase the exposure to the arts.
“I’m glad they are increasing the art program,” she said. “That’s telling me the district cares about art. It’s important to students’ social development.”
Laliberte previously taught at CIS but will now be taking two of the elementary schools while Steve Martinson will teach the other two. Jill Stacy will take all three grades at Craig Middle School’s new art studio.
Laliberte said the improvements in the art curriculum will directly benefit the students and their education.
“When we teach art, we don’t just show them how to draw,” Lalibterte said. “We do critiques, look at other pieces of art. Then there is the geometry of art. We also have art history in there, too.”
Villard is confident that the increased hours in art class is important in students’ early education.
“It really educates the whole child,” she said.
(http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2009/jul/11/art_class_hours_double_elementary_schools/)
July 11, 2009
Craig,CO — When kindergartner Adylah Silva was asked to draw herself at the beginning of a handwriting class, her self-image was simple: A circle for a head, sticks for body parts, few facial features.
Two weeks later, her self-portrait included hair, details such as ears, colors and even a house in the background.
Christine Villard, assistant superintendent of Moffat County School District, said even though the class taught a verbal skill — handwriting — the muscle memory and spatial awareness affected the more creative side of her brain.
“It’s interesting how art can help develop other parts of the brain and vice versa,” she said. “Our mode of teaching is normally verbal, but they each can be used to enhance the other.”
District officials seem to agree.
At the Moffat County School Board meeting June 25, a motion was passed to increase elementary school art classes from once every two weeks to once a week.
Villard and the art teachers presented a draft of the new curriculum to the board, citing recent research that emphasizes the connection between art education and verbal, cognitive and math skills.
Though hours in art class have doubled, no extra items have been added to the curriculum. Instead, the time will be use to study existing subjects more in-depth, from color wheels to papier-mâché sculptures.
Villard said that at younger ages, when the brain is developing at a high rate, it is important for children to stretch their brains and learn the spatial awareness that can help them in every subject in school.
“When they start to learn multiplication, they immediately start to visualize,” Villard said. “The math part of their brain has to be developed, but they will try to visualize in their head what three times four looks like. It’s like training their brains.”
“Arts with the Brain in Mind,” by Eric Jensen, states that art education “enhances cognition, emotional expressions, perception, cultural awareness and aesthetics.”
The book also shows how art classes have improved reading and math scores by giving children the cognitive tools to organize information in their brains.
Previously, elementary students had art twice a month. When they entered Craig Intermediate School, they had to adjust to having art every day.
“We really needed equalization in that,” Villard said. “So it’s really a step forward in the right direction.”
Martha Laliberte is an art teacher at Sandrock and East elementary schools. She is thrilled to be able to increase the exposure to the arts.
“I’m glad they are increasing the art program,” she said. “That’s telling me the district cares about art. It’s important to students’ social development.”
Laliberte previously taught at CIS but will now be taking two of the elementary schools while Steve Martinson will teach the other two. Jill Stacy will take all three grades at Craig Middle School’s new art studio.
Laliberte said the improvements in the art curriculum will directly benefit the students and their education.
“When we teach art, we don’t just show them how to draw,” Lalibterte said. “We do critiques, look at other pieces of art. Then there is the geometry of art. We also have art history in there, too.”
Villard is confident that the increased hours in art class is important in students’ early education.
“It really educates the whole child,” she said.
(http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2009/jul/11/art_class_hours_double_elementary_schools/)
Guru harus jadi ejen perubahan
ARKIB (UM): 30/06/2009
JOHOR BAHRU 29 Jun - Golongan guru menjadi ejen perubahan selaras dengan keperluan sistem pendidikan negara dalam usaha melahirkan modal insan berkualiti pada masa akan datang.
Sehubungan itu Pengarah Pelajaran negeri, Sufaat Tumin berkata, guru dituntut berfikiran kreatif dan kritis dalam mempelbagaikan kaedah pembelajaran selaras dengan keperluan semasa.
Beliau berkata, ia mampu memberikan impak yang besar dalam memastikan kualiti perkhidmatan pendidikan sentiasa memenuhi kehendak pelanggan iaitu ibu bapa kepada para pelajar.
"Sekolah merupakan ejen melahirkan modal insan dan ia harus bergerak selari dengan keadaan semasa bagi memastikan setiap pelajar mendapatkan pendidikan pada tahap terbaik.
"Profesion perguruan pada abad ke-21 berhadapan dengan pelbagai cabaran termasuk pelbagai perubahan dari pelbagai aspek dan ia memerlukan kreativiti para guru untuk menanganinya," katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian dalam ucapannya ketika merasmikan Sudut Sumber Pendidikan Pencegahan Dadah Contoh Negeri Johor di Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Universiti 1, Skudai, dekat sini kelmarin.
Sufaat berkata, dalam usaha melahirkan modal insan kelas pertama, para pendidik harus memainkan peranan memastikan generasi muda menjauhi gejala penagihan dadah kerana ia mampu memusnahkan masa depan mereka.
Beliau berkata, proses pembudayaan sekolah selamat perlu diwujudkan di setiap sekolah secara berterusan dengan sokongan daripada semua pihak.
Katanya, ia bagi memastikan generasi hari ini dapat meneruskan pembelajaran secara kondusif di samping mengelakkan diri daripada terlibat dengan kancah penagihan dadah.
"Usaha ini amat penting kerana sekolah berperanan penting dalam menjana pembangunan minda generasi muda dan pada masa sama menyediakan prasarana yang selamat untuk menjamin kualiti pendidikan.
"Oleh itu, semua pihak harus memainkan peranan masing-masing dan jangan biarkan masalah dadah merosakkan masa depan generasi hari ini dan menggugat kesejahteraan negara," katanya.
JOHOR BAHRU 29 Jun - Golongan guru menjadi ejen perubahan selaras dengan keperluan sistem pendidikan negara dalam usaha melahirkan modal insan berkualiti pada masa akan datang.
Sehubungan itu Pengarah Pelajaran negeri, Sufaat Tumin berkata, guru dituntut berfikiran kreatif dan kritis dalam mempelbagaikan kaedah pembelajaran selaras dengan keperluan semasa.
Beliau berkata, ia mampu memberikan impak yang besar dalam memastikan kualiti perkhidmatan pendidikan sentiasa memenuhi kehendak pelanggan iaitu ibu bapa kepada para pelajar.
"Sekolah merupakan ejen melahirkan modal insan dan ia harus bergerak selari dengan keadaan semasa bagi memastikan setiap pelajar mendapatkan pendidikan pada tahap terbaik.
"Profesion perguruan pada abad ke-21 berhadapan dengan pelbagai cabaran termasuk pelbagai perubahan dari pelbagai aspek dan ia memerlukan kreativiti para guru untuk menanganinya," katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian dalam ucapannya ketika merasmikan Sudut Sumber Pendidikan Pencegahan Dadah Contoh Negeri Johor di Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Universiti 1, Skudai, dekat sini kelmarin.
Sufaat berkata, dalam usaha melahirkan modal insan kelas pertama, para pendidik harus memainkan peranan memastikan generasi muda menjauhi gejala penagihan dadah kerana ia mampu memusnahkan masa depan mereka.
Beliau berkata, proses pembudayaan sekolah selamat perlu diwujudkan di setiap sekolah secara berterusan dengan sokongan daripada semua pihak.
Katanya, ia bagi memastikan generasi hari ini dapat meneruskan pembelajaran secara kondusif di samping mengelakkan diri daripada terlibat dengan kancah penagihan dadah.
"Usaha ini amat penting kerana sekolah berperanan penting dalam menjana pembangunan minda generasi muda dan pada masa sama menyediakan prasarana yang selamat untuk menjamin kualiti pendidikan.
"Oleh itu, semua pihak harus memainkan peranan masing-masing dan jangan biarkan masalah dadah merosakkan masa depan generasi hari ini dan menggugat kesejahteraan negara," katanya.
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