Beyond Memorisation, Beyond the Classroom
By Dr Venix Teo, Deputy Head of International School, Knewton Global Schools Rawang

Sometimes, in the middle of our busy schedules, we have opportunities that remind us why we chose to work in education in the first place.

This week, I had the opportunity to visit a university and share my thoughts with students who are preparing to become future educators. My session, Beyond Memorisation: Learning to Think, Apply and Grow, focused on something I strongly believe in: learning should be about more than remembering information for examinations.

Having spent many years in education, from teaching in the classroom to taking on school leadership responsibilities, I have come to realise that real learning happens when students understand what they learn, ask questions, connect ideas and apply their knowledge in real situations. We can teach students to reproduce information, but can they explain it in their own words? Can they use what they know to solve a problem they have never encountered before?

These are the questions that matter to me.

Sharing this message with future educators was particularly fulfilling. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own journey and share lessons I have gathered along the way. More importantly, I hope it encouraged them to see teaching from a different perspective and understand the importance of developing independent thinkers who have the curiosity and confidence to explore beyond what is taught.

School leadership keeps me busy with daily decisions and responsibilities, but experiences like this remind me that my contribution to education can extend beyond my own school. Sometimes, a simple conversation or an idea we share can leave a lasting impression.

I may never know how these future educators will navigate their own teaching journeys, but I hope something from our session stays with them.

After all, education is not just about what students remember. It is about how they think, what they can apply, and how they continue to grow.

 

Challenging Vocabulary

Fulfilling– Giving a deep sense of satisfaction or purpose.

Reflect– To think carefully about an experience. 

Reproduce– To repeat or recreate information.

Gathered– Gained or collected over time.

Perspective– A particular way of looking at something.

Independent– Able to think or act for oneself.

Curiosity– A strong desire to learn or discover.

Confidence– Belief in one’s own abilities. 

Contribution– Something done to help or benefit others. 

Impression– An effect or feeling left on someone’s mind.

Navigate – To find one’s way through a situation or challenge.

Responsibilities – Duties or tasks that someone is expected to manage.

Encountered – Experienced or faced something.

Developing – Growing or helping something to improve.

Extend – To reach beyond an existing limit.

Great teaching goes beyond helping students pass examinations. It is about inspiring curiosity, building confidence and empowering learners to think independently.

At ILTI, we believe every learner deserves the opportunity to grow, communicate confidently and discover the joy of learning English.

Ready to take the first step?

Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.