SEGi College Subang Jaya is taking early childhood education to new heights with its innovative We.Play Centre, offering students immersive, hands-on learning opportunities that bridge the gap between theory and practice. For Wee Yong Khee, a Diploma in Early Childhood Education student, her recent experience working part-time at the We.Play Centre was transformative, deepening her understanding of child development through unstructured play.
We.Play, a space dedicated to unstructured and loose play, serves as an experiential platform for SEGi students to engage directly with children. Wee spent three days assisting at the playground and witnessed how unstructured play is not only enjoyable for children but also crucial for their holistic development. According to UNESCO, early childhood development activities like these are essential in laying the foundation for lifelong learning, well-being, and social skills. The experience highlighted the value of experiential learning in preparing future educators to foster positive child development.
During her time at We.Play, Wee had a defining moment while helping a young girl who felt discouraged during a group activity. With words of encouragement, she helped the child shift her focus from comparison to the value of teamwork and resilience. The immediate positive effect of this simple yet meaningful interaction underscored the power of timely support in building children’s confidence. This aligns with SEGi’s commitment to the practice of scaffolding—where educators offer structured support to help students achieve independence.
Wee’s experience also included mentorship from experienced educators who demonstrated effective ways to scaffold children’s learning. She learned techniques to guide children in recognising their own mistakes and transforming challenges into learning opportunities. This approach resonates with SEGi’s dedication to fostering a learning culture that embraces and learns from mistakes, nurturing future educators to instil resilience and a positive mindset in their students.
The We.Play Centre exemplifies SEGi’s philosophy of integrating experiential learning with academic study. By working with children, students like Wee not only apply their classroom knowledge but also develop essential skills for their future careers in education. According to the World Bank, integrating real-world experiences in teacher education significantly improves the quality of early childhood programmes, benefiting both educators and children.
Through initiatives like We.Play, SEGi College Subang Jaya is shaping passionate and empathetic educators who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to the future of early childhood education. These immersive learning opportunities empower students to become transformative teachers who inspire growth and curiosity in young learners. Wee’s journey at We.Play is a testament to SEGi’s dedication to experiential education, ensuring its students are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the classroom.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 4 – Quality Education
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
