SEGi College Penang, in collaboration with the Penang English Language Learning and Teaching Association (PELLTA), hosted an impactful workshop on 18 January 2025, titled “Student-Centred Communicative Classrooms.” Designed to equip educators with innovative, student-focused teaching strategies, the session was led by Carol Petersen, an esteemed English Language Fellow from the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, whose global expertise spans Colombia, Nepal, Spain, and the USA.
Education systems worldwide are shifting towards interactive and inclusive teaching methods, a transformation essential for bridging learning gaps. Research by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) shows that student-centred learning improves knowledge retention by 30% and enhances problem-solving skills (source: UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report). Recognising this, the workshop focused on practical application, starting with community-building activities to establish a collaborative and engaging classroom culture.
Participants actively engaged in discussions and hands-on exercises to explore student-led learning methodologies, aligning with global education trends that prioritise critical thinking, communication, and adaptability. Studies indicate that 60% of today’s jobs require soft skills such as teamwork and leadership, skills that student-centred learning fosters (source: World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report). The workshop demonstrated instructional techniques that encourage students to take ownership of their learning, ensuring they are prepared for real-world challenges.
Petersen introduced strategies to drive active engagement, equipping educators with tools to redefine traditional classroom dynamics. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Inclusive and effective teaching methods are key to reducing education disparities, ensuring that students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality learning experiences.
The workshop received overwhelming positive feedback, reinforcing the importance of educator empowerment in achieving sustainable educational development. SEGi remains dedicated to transforming education through global partnerships, equipping educators with innovative, research-backed methodologies to cultivate the next generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG4 Quality Education
SDG10 Reduced Inequalities
SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals
