STEP FORWARD - 7th Issue

THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT PARTNERSHIP CENTRE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

STEP FORWARD Dec 2009

Issue : 7

Inside

STEP Newsletter

Tel/Fax : 2335963. E-mail: [email protected]

Page 1

Brunei Environment Youth Envoys (EYEs) Workshop & Green Exhibition Betabur Hall, Ministry of Development, (6th to 8th June 2009)

By: Nor Erawadi Haji Ibrahim Photos: Courtesy of JASTRE, Min. of Development

Official launching of Brunei EYEs From 6th to 8th June 2009, STEP Centre as a joint organiser with Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRE), Ministry of Development, successfully organised the launching of Brunei’s Environment Youth Envoys (EYEs) and workshop for 40 selected secondary students and 10 teachers as well as Green Exhibition which was participated by 10 secondary schools. These Form 4 and Lower 6 students were chosen through an essay-writing selection carried out by STEP Centre. Meanwhile the selected teachers came from different schools and were also selected based on their active involvement in environmental activities in their own schools.

The workshop and exhibition was held in Betabur Hall and the ground floor open-spaced lobby of the Ministry of Development building at Jalan Airport Lama Berakas respectively. The programme was held in c o m m e m o r a t i o n W o r l d Environment Day which falls on every 6th June.

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GREEN STEP, Poster Competition [See page 6]

Tree planting at Badas [See page 8]

Recycling at STEP Centre [See page 17]

STEP’s Green Day [See page 18]

The honourable Minister of Development at the exhibition

Group photo with the guest of honour

STEP FORWARD Messages

Foreword from The Acting Head of STEP Centre Hj Metali bin Hj Mirasan

Editorial Board Patron Datin Paduka Dayang Apsah binti Hj Abdul Majid Permanent Secretary [Core Education] Ministry of Education Advisor Dayangku Hajah Mastoli binti PSI Pg Hj Ismail Director General, Ministry of Education Awang Hj Metali bin Hj Mirasan Acting Head of STEP Centre Chief Editor Awang Zulbahri bin Achee Education Officer, STEP Centre

Editors Dayang Sarimah binti Abu Bakar Senior Education Officer, STEP Centre Awang Nor Erawadi bin Haji Ibrahim Senior Education Officer, STEP Centre Awang Azahan bin Hj Abd Wahab Education Officer, STEP Centre Awang Mohd Purat bin Abdullah Sikut Education Officer, STEP Centre Dayang Satinah binti Haji Abang Education Officer, STEP Centre

STEP Newsletter Page 2

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh Dear Readers

First of all, I would like to welcome you all to the 7th issue of STEP FORWARD; which provides information and reports on STEP Centre programmes / activities for the 2nd half of 2009 ( June - December 2009).

Some of our programmes have to be cancelled or postponed because of the Influenza A H1N1. We managed to organise Poster Competition, Lego Workshop, Inforama & eXplomaths finals, Programmes To Raise Science Achievement ( PPPS) and Education for Sustainable Development ( ESD). As for Regional and International programmes Negara Brunei Darussalam participated in the International Mathematics & Science Olympiad ( IMSO) in Jogjakarta, Republic of Indonesia, and International Mathematics Competition in the Philippines. Brunei won 3 Bronze medals in IMSO. Finally, I would like to thank Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad for their continuous financial support, and last but not least to the Permanent Secretary (Core Education) and the Director General of Education for their invaluable advice and support. Wassalam.

STEP FORWARD News


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Official Opening Ceremony Present as the guest-of-honour during the launching ceremony was the Minister of Development, the honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar. The Director General of Education, Dk Hajah Mastoli binti PSI Pg Haji Ismail also attended on behalf of Ministry of Education. The honourable minister officially launched Brunei’s Environment Youth Envoys (EYEs) official logo during the ceremony. There was a presentation on environment by the participants of Young Environmental Envoys who attended a workshop in Singapore in March 2009. They were Cikgu Lina Hasrina Md. Tahir (an Education Officer), Dk. Khairunnisa Nazirah Pg Dr. Karim and Fatin Basirah Hj Samli (Menengah 4 students) of Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School and a sole form 4 participant from Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College, Mohammad Fazrul Wafiy bin Musa. The honorable Minister ended the morning ceremony with a tour of the 10 Green Exhibitors from various schools. The participating schools with their exhibition topics were:

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No. Name of School Topic of Environment Exhibition

1 Pusat Tingkatan Enam, Katok The Greenhouse Effect

2 Pusat Tingkatan Enam, Meragang Environmental Management

3 Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Awareness on the Importance of Recycling / Practice of Recycling

4 SM SMJA Towards a Healthy and Sustainable School

5 SM Awg Semaun Better Environment of the Future

6 SM Sayyidina Abu Bakar Alternative Source of Energy

7 SM Sayyidina Umar Al-Khatab The Wonders of Nature in Mukim Lumapas

8 SM Sayyidina Hasan 3R : Reduce, Reuse & Recycle in SM Sayyidina Hasan

9 SM Sayyidina Husain Environmental activities

10 SM PAP Hajah Masna 3R products

STEP FORWARD News


From page 3

Content of the Workshop The workshop included presentations, activities and group discussions on various environmental issues, including ways and means to produce and achieve sustainability through effective environmental project management. The main theme for the workshop was “You(ths) can make a difference”. The programmme aims were to enable and empower youth advocates of Brunei Darussalam on environmental issues and to heighten awareness of environmental protection and resources as well as sustainable development. It was also aimed at nurturing and building a network of youths in Brunei Darussalamwho will become leaders and change agents in moving their peers and the community towards environment ownership and sustainability. On a wider scope, it also provided an avenue for consolidating existing schools’ Eco-Clubs and others in Brunei. The synergising efforts were primarily aimed at stimulating public awareness on the negative consequences of unsustainable urban growth and over consumption as well as the need to move towards creating a low carbon economy. The workshop began in the afternoon and continued through the whole of Sunday. I presented a general introduction on Sustainable Development (SD) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) whilst an environment officer from JASTRE, Awang Yusrein Hady delivered a talk on the general overview of the environmental status in Brunei Darussalam and how we, as citizens, should take actions. Awang Yusrein and myself with the facilitators of YEE participants in 2009 then conducted the workshop proper for the

The core of the workshop was to address the students on how to actually put PLANS INTO ACTIONS. We began by identifying the environmental problems through data inputs or data-gathering. Once the issues were identified, the strategies were thought out as the process of implementing activities and projects were dealt with. We groomed these young envoys on the importance of proper planning, public participation and skills that could even be used to solve any other relevant problems. It simultaneously empowered our Brunei youths with skills and knowledge to initiate environmental advocacy projects in the future and thus creating a multiplier effect in a wider community in the near future. These are important strategies in the formulation and management of environmental programmes and projects.

On the last day of the programme, the participants were brought on an educational visit to Kampong Ayer to look first hand at how the contractors appointed by JASTRE carried out their synchronised waste disposal activities. Most of the rubbish in Kampong Ayer came mainly from irresponsible dumping by the residents even though there were waste bins provided and collected by the government which was done for free! This was a sad truth of reality. For most students, the visit was an eye-opener in actually what “Saying and Doing” was all about when it came to practising proper waste management. They were impressed with the cleaning up process which they did not know existed before.

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STEP FORWARD News


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The closing ceremony was held on the last afternoon and officiated by Dato Paduka Hj Abd Rashid bin Hj Abd Rahman, Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Development and was welcomed by Hj Zakaria bin Hj Serudin, Director of Environment, Parks and Recreation. In this occasion, the completing participants were proudly presented their EYEs certificates and vests with the EYE’s logo on them.

The Way Forward The Plan of Actions that these young Brunei EYEs would engage themselves in with regard to tackling the issues raised would be crucial. STEP Centre plans to help the environmental clubs in schools through proper support in terms of resources, etc. STEP Centre has some of its strategies in the pipeline especially in empowering and engaging schools’ environmental clubs towards greening of the school concept which is line with the centre’s “GREEN STEPs” strategy. This also aligns with STEP Centre’s own ESD initiative and hopefully make environmental awareness well co-ordinated in schools. In addition, the collaboration of JASTRE and MOE through STEP Centre especially on highlighting environmental agenda in schools will be continued and strengthened from time to time. Initiatives through ASEAN’s action plan on environmental education such as initiating “Sustainable Schools” concept as well as the establishment of an Environmental Youth Society in Asean can be realised sooner. Together, we can strive to make a greener Brunei!

QUOTES "We never know the worth of water till the well is dry ."

Thomas Fuller English Historian. (1654 - 1734)

"The problem is no longer that with every pair of hands that comes into the world there comes a hungry stomach. Rather it is that, attached to those hands are sharp elbows ."

Paul A. Samuelson American Economist (1915 - 2009)

STEP FORWARD News


“Towards A Greener Brunei” Poster Competition

By : Zulbahri Achee

The Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre, Ministry of Education and with the support of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) organised a poster-making competition with the theme of “Towards A Greener Brunei”. The main aim of this competition is to raise awareness on the important issues of nature and its environment among the younger generation.

The prize presentation was held on 20th November 2009 at Yayasan Complex in the capital. The guest of honour at the function was Awang Hj Mohammad bin Hj Jambul, Senior Special Duties Officer and Head of Private Education Section, Ministry of Education and he had the honour to give away prizes.

This computer generated poster competition was divided into three categories: Category A : Primary Level (Year 4, 5 & 6) Category B : Colleges / Secondary Schools (Year 7 to year 11) Category C : Pre-U / Technical / vocational schools

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STEP FORWARD News


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In the Category A, Muizatul Fitriyah Hew of Pehin Dato Jamil Primary School, Brunei 1 won first prize. Second place went to Alan Lim Chua Chuin of St Andrew’s School and Dayang Siti Nurul Rahwanie Syasya binti Hj Rosli of DES School won third place.

Muhd Adi Adham Ramlan of Ma’had Islam Brunei snatched first spot in Category B. Second place went to Megan Elizabeth Binit Loreince of Chung Ching Middle School, Seria and Yong Pey Sze of Anthony Abell College of Seria came in third place.

For Category C, Mohd Ariffin bin Hj Metussin of Business School emerged as the winner followed by Baihaqi @ Md Bazil bin Hj Bidin of Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Boys Secondary School in second place and Muhammad Azizan Bin Hj Maidin, also from Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Boys Secondary School, in third place.

The winners of each category received cash prize of $100.00 and trophy, second place winners received $75.00 and trophy and the third placing went home with cash prize of $50.00 and trophy while the consolation winners received a modest amount of cash prize of $25.00 each.

STEP FORWARD News


A total of 10,000 trees were donated by Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn.Bhd (BSP) to the Badas Forest Reserve, which was recently devastated by forest fires. The forest reserve forms part of the Heart of Borneo protected area and is currently the focus of a tree-planting project that aims to have 50,000 trees planted by the end of the month of October 2009.

Tree Planting at Badas Heart of Borneo

By; Zulbahri Achee

On hand to plant the first tree was BSP Managing Director Dr Grahaeme Henderson, joined by BSP senior management and staff as well as representatives from the Ministry of Education, International School of Brunei and members of the Panaga Natural History Society.

BSP Managing Director Dr Grahaeme Henderson, planting the first tree

STEP officials at the function Group photo with BSP Deputy Managing Director

During the function, the “Seashore Life of the Brunei Heart of Borneo” series of educational children's books were also launched. The books are to be distributed to schools throughout the country, with the support from the Ministry of Education

BSP Managing Director Dr Grahaeme Henderson handing the books to the Acting Head of STEP Centre

Awang Haji Metali bin Haji Mirasan

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STEP FORWARD News


After the ceremony, attendees planted the initial 250 indigenous trees in a plot allocated for the occasion.

The species of trees planted were mainly comprised Agathis borneensis (the existing dominant tree species in the forest reserve) and Dryobalanops rappa (similar to trees in Anduki forest reserve).

STEP officers headed by Awang Haji Metali (top left) joyously at the planting site

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Head of STEP, Awang Hj Metali Awang Nor Erawadi Dayang Sarimah

Awang Zulbahri Awang Azahan Syed Rozman Awang Mohd Purat

STEP FORWARD News


6th IMSO For Primary Schools, Jogjakarta By: Muhammad Purat Abdullah Sikut

The 6th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) for Primary Schools was held from 8 to 16 November 2009 in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. This Olympiad was organised by the Ministry of National Education, Republic of Indonesia. It aimed to develop primary students’ talent and interest in Mathematics and Science and to motivate these students to develop their intellectual capacity and skills in Mathematics, too. There were twelve primary school students selected to represent Brunei Darussalam for the Olympiad. Six students competed in the Science category. They were Mohammad Ashraf Haziq bin Hj Mohd Marasharin, Muhammad Adib bin Haji Abu Bakar, Nicholas Ting Jing Kun, Kon Wei Keong, Muna Maisarah binti Abdul Malik and Nurul Aqilah binti Awang Andinan. Another six took part in the Mathematics category and they were Samuel Johannes Chin Yun Chen, Tengku Putra Muhammad Afif Anis bin Tengku Putra Hj Amir Farouk, Muhammad Shaamil bin Mohd Suaib, Ahmad Yusri bin Azfri, Hjh Nurul Atiqah binti Hj Abu Bakar and Asila Hanum binti Hj Ahad.

Brunei Darussalam delegation with Indonesian primary 6 dance performers after the Opening Ceremony

The delegation was led by Muhammad Purat bin Abdullah Sikut, an Education Officer from STEP Centre and assisted by Cikgu Zahidatul Adawiyah binti Hj Saidin, an Education Officer from Sekolah Rendah Pulaie. Also accompanying the students were Cikgu Abdul Nafri Bin Hj Hussin, an Education Officer from Sekolah Menengah Sultan Sharif Ali, as mathematics Tutor and Cikgu Hjh Noorul Sulastrie binti Hj Sabtu, an Education Officer from Sekolah Menengah Masin, as Science Tutor.

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STEP FORWARD News


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From the Science category, three students did Brunei Darussalam proud when they managed to get bronze medals. The students were Mohammad Asraf Haziq bin Hj Mohd Marasharin from Sekolah Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Nicholas Ting Jing Kun from Sekolah Seri Mulia Sarjana (Rendah) and Kon Wei Keong from Sekolah Chung Hwa, BSB.

Altogether, there were 160 contestants competed in the Olympiad. The participating countries were Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, India, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, South Africa and Hong Kong.

Besides sitting for the tests, the students had the opportunity to visit historical places, such as; Taman Sari, Ullan Sentalu, Borobudur temple and Perambanan temple. Taman Sari is a water recreation area for the Java king. It has 3 swimming pools, one for king’s children, one for his wives and one for himself. Ullan Sentalu is a museum where the history of various Java Kings and their wives and children were described. It also has Batik museum and traditional music instruments. Borobudur temple is the largest Buddhist monument in the world. It is made from lava stone from volcanic eruptions. It has three levels which are “Earth”, “Hell” and “Heaven”. Perambanan temple also called Candi Rara Jonggrang or Lara Jonggrang located in Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.

The delegation had the opportunity to watch a show called “The Ramayana Ballet” in the open air stadium near Prambanan temple. “The Ramayana Ballet” is about Ramayana, the prince of Ayodya kingdom and his adventure of rescuing his wife Dewi Shinta, the princess of Mantili Kingdom which was kidnapped by Rahwana, the ruler of Alengkadiraja Kingdom. In the end there was a battle between Ramayana and Rahwana and Ramayana won.

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STEP FORWARD News


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According to Hajah Nurul Aqilah “My visit to Jogjakarta was a very interesting, enjoyable and educational experience but the examinations were slightly tough. The tours to the various places were interesting and educating. I learned a lot of things on the ways of life, tradition, religion and history of the people of Java and their kings. The most interesting was the story of Ramayana and Shinta. The performances were brilliant but we were not able to understand the narrator song since it was in Javanese.” She added, “It is also interesting to observe the architectural talent who built the two huge temples who just used interlocking stone like puzzles to build the huge monument. The carvings on the walls were also very articulate, one picture described a thousand words. I would like to extend my gratitude to STEP and all the teachers who were involved in training and guiding us and had given me a chance to join the IMSO 2009.”

Snapshots of IMSO 2009

STEP FORWARD News


THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (COSMED) 2009

PENANG, MALAYSIA 10TH TO 12TH NOVEMBER 2009

By: Nor Erawadi Haji Ibrahim

Conference background The Third International Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (COSMED) was held in Penang Malaysia from 10th to 12th November 2009. I had the opportunity to attend and present in the conference together with ten other Education Officers representing Ministry of Education Brunei Darussalam. They were: 1. Awang Haji Ali @ Mustafa bin Haji Talip from Department of Schools’ Inspectorate; 2. Dayang Jessica Shak Poh Meng from Curriculum Development Department; 3. Awang Arisfadilah bin Haji Ibrahim from SM PIHM Serasa; 4. Dayang Nooratna binti Haji Amit from SM Berakas; 5. Dayang Lim Lay Giok from SR Labu Estate Temburong; 6. Dayang Hayati binti Haji Ismail from SR Sungai Tali Lumut; The 4 other Education Officers were also involved in paper presentations. They were Muhammad Nur Hadi from SM Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab and Mohd Danny from SMPAP Hajah Rashidah Lumut who both presented their paper entitled “Journal Writing Could Help The Thinking Process And Concept Understanding Of Students On The Lessons”. Another two officers were Dayang Hajah Norhani and Dayang Hajah Siti Sabariah from government primary schools who presented together their paper entitled “The Use of ICT As A Tool To Help Improve Pupils’ Understanding In The Natural Processes And Human Activities.”

As a biennial conference, it gathered as many as 500 participants from academic and educational backgrounds from countries including Asean, Middle East, Europe and USA. The theme of the conference was “Improving Science and Mathematics Literacy: Theory, Innovation and Practice”. The opening ceremony was officiated by Director of RECSAM Centre, Dr Azian T.S. Abdullah on Tuesday morning, 10th November 2009. It was filled with a a series of fun experiments by Petrosains Malaysia entitled “The Cool Chemistry Show”. Several keynote addresses and plenaries were held at different times and locations in those three days conference too.

Paper presentation on STEP Centre’s PPPS I had the opportunity to present my paper on a project by STEP Centre entitled “Suggestions For Practical Approaches Towards Enhancing Mass Students’ Achievement In Science”. I had it presented in one of the parallel sessions on Thursday, 12th November 2009 at 3.00 pm in Penang 1 Room, RECSAM building.

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Participants from MOE Brunei Darussalam during the Conference Opening Ceremony.

All the participants enjoying “Pass-The-Gooey” game

STEP FORWARD News


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From page 13

My paper examined STEP Centre’s attempt to increase the intake of science stream students in the national upper secondary level to 40% from its current value by means of organised practical approaches as recommended in our MOE Stretegic Map 2007 – 2011. Through a programme called Program Peningkatan Pencapaian Sains (PPPS) or “Enhancing Achievement in Science”, the activities emphasised on full participation of “hands-on” and “out-of-classroom” activities. These were co-ordinated with the collaboration of 6 selected government schools (3 primary schools and 3 secondary schools). By monitoring and evaluating the first phase of three year period (2007 – 2009), some 10 big-scale science activities were implemented. The schools involved in the programme were SR Dato Jamil, SR Junjongan, SR PAP Besar, SM Masin, SM Awang Semaun and SM Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab. The science teachers of those schools acted as activity creators with an average of around 100 students involved per activity. Based on a series of surveys and informal discussions, the activities arousing science interest and achievement were found to involve games that are fun to do yet inquiry-type, problem-solving tasks and encourage teamwork discussions. Those which received many positive comments reflected by the students and teachers were Science Trail, Science Fair, Study Visits and Science Educational Games. Nevertheless, PPPS alone was insufficient to justify students’ bona fide improved performance thus inclined them to pursue education in science stream as many other contributing factors would have come into play. The finding was hoped to significantly provide an impetus for other interested parties to identify or creating programmes which served similar purpose. Further research to assess the high success rate and effectiveness of an activity associated towards enhancing student achievement must be undertaken before one is deemed as the best “problem-solver” for such an eminent issue. A further analysis has made me realised that the PPPS activities conducted so far could not increase achievement, ever. That is to say that getting excellent results either in internal examinations or public examinations could not be determined by one or two such activities per year. What we merely had done was “food dressing” or as putting “icing on the cake”. Personally, the real factor on really increasing achievement is very much based on what actually happens in the classroom. The real teaching and learning processes taking place, day-to-day progress and right throughout the year what really count. The commitment and creativity of the teachers in their lessons what really count. The emotional and spiritual support of parents and peers of the students counts. Most importantly, the effective work rate or revision of the students counts. PPPS, so far, could only catalyse the process of understanding of concepts through hands-on and interactive out-of-clasroom activities. To have an impact on the ups and downs of achievement (examination results) with only one or two PPPS projects in each year with the limited number of students would be very minimal. Maybe STEP Centre could help in terms of resources that add to classroom teaching and learning which would not have been provided by other relevant departments. For example, purchasing licensed softwares on science lessons. It is back to what STEP Centre has strived for since the beginning. The Centre provides opportunities for the students in Brunei to be involved in science-related activities which would, of course, take up some of their school time as well as their teachers. This should not be seen as a burden but rather opportunities to better understand and probably, help to improve their academic performance.

Presenting paper on “STEP Centre’s Enhancing Achievement in Science programme.”

Paper presentation by Mohd Danny and Muhammad Hadi on “Science Journal Writing”.

STEP FORWARD News


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From page 14

Keynote addresses Professor Kaye Stacey of Melbourne Graduate School Of Education University of Melbourne gave a talk on Mathematical Literacy Around The World. She was a leading expert on The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a well-known assessment programme utilised by several countries. Since the year 2000, PISA evaluated mathematical literacy for students aged 15 in as many as 67 countries. With several interesting statistics and data shown, she gave her interpretation and the implications of the results in promoting Mathematics literacy in the schools. Professor David Treagust of Curtin University of Technology, Australia gave an interesting keynote speech called “The Challenges Ahead For Research And Development On Conceptual Change In Science”. He is renowned for his expertise on science and mathematics education as he was known to many students and lecturers in Brunei Darussalam several years ago. He argued that although conceptual change in teaching and learning plays an important role in pedagogical R & D since the late 1970s, there are evidences where consistent discrepancies in such changes occur in the implementations. He said that many research findings by university researchers could not be implemented practically whether in schools or in any other relevant institutional agencies.

Professor Dr. Pairash Thajchayapong a Senior Advisor and Specialist at National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand delivered a keynote address entitled “Education Development For People With Special Needs: A Thai Experience”. Having had his Masters from Imperial College, University of London and Doctorate from Cambridge University, UK, he became a scientific advisor with the government. He was involved in “The Information Technology Project”, a project on developing IT literacy to rural areas which was an initiative of a Royal family, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s since 1995. Professor Dr Pairash shared the success stories from that project which aimed at educating the rural people of Thailand as well as those who had special needs and even to prison convicts. Professor Lilia Halim of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Bangi, Malaysia delivered her keynote address called “Improving Science Literacy Through A Conducive Laboratory Learning Environment: A Proposed Model”. She described how an ideal laboratory in the new age should be. Using clear and informative 3D graphic animation, she illustrated how a science lab looked like. The designs, shapes were not only innovative but adhere to the strict demands of safety, comfort and effectiveness of learning experience. All in the aims of ensuring science laboratories are places conducive to a better teaching and learning environment especially amongst secondary students.

Dr. Yeap Ban Har of National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University Singapore gave his key-note entitled “Improving Mathematical Literacy Through Assessment”. With his ability to attract listeners, he gave an energetic speech on his “anecdotes” and experience after teaching in primary and secondary schools in Singa-pore. As he touched on mathematical assessments, he pinpointed several examples on questions from a recent examination paper where the Singapore students found difficult and how their parents voiced out their concerns on the validity of those said questions through the daily media!

Opening speech by Director of RECSAM Centre, Dr Azian T.S. Abdullah.

Paper presentation by Hajah Norhani and Hajah Siti Sabariah on “Using ICT In A Science Lesson”.

STEP FORWARD News


From page 15

Conclusions Attending the conference has given myself a well-informed knowledge on the current trends of science and Mathematics education within our region mainly. The information on various educational issues, best practices in pedagogical learning of Science in different countries within Asia and elsewhere gave me the opportunity to explore further on possible learning and teaching techniques and reforms which could either be shared through sharing sessions or even into further stages. Indeed, the conference benefits educators and in building professional capacities. The more exposed we are to such experience, the better educator we will become.

“Magic spray” through chromatography demonstration by Petrosains Malaysia, Petronas.

SHELL INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE VISIT STEP CENTRE By: Zulbahri Achee

Two Shell International officer paid a visit to STEP Centre on 10th October 2009, one of them is a social advisor performance for Shell International, The Hague and the other being the trainee from Shell Malaysia Exploration & production (SMEP). Welcoming these officers was the Acting Head of STEP Centre, Awang Haji Metali bin Haji Mirasan. The function began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fathihah followed by the briefing on the function and structure of STEP Centre by the Head of STEP Centre and also by Dayang Sarimah binti Abu Bakar, Senior Education Officer at STEP Centre. The meeting was wrapped up by question and answer sessions. The ceremony ended with the Head of STEP Centre presented token of appreciation to the two visitors.

STEP FORWARD News


STEP CENTRE’S “PAPER RECYCLING DAY” Story By: Nor Erawadi Haji Ibrahim

Photos by: Zulbahri Achee

As part of promoting STEP Centre’s “GREEN STEPs” initiative, an in-house “Paper Recycling Day” was held at the Centre on Wednesday morning, 9th December 2009. As the time was near year-end when activities started to wind down, it was perfect for some organisation especially in keeping the office neat and presentable. Hence, we used the spare time to clear up and sorted all the paper work by recycling any unused paper materials.

STEP Centre’s officers and staff really worked hard on that day. Some of the old magazines, papers and brochures which were to be recycled were separated from others. These were placed inside the two giant paper recycle bins which stood guard at the front verandahs of our C7 and C8 office. Apart from that, the staff took the opportunity to arrange the shelves in the office by reorganising plastic bags, reports and others to make them more presentable and easier to refer to. The extra effort was strenuous but everyone enjoyed it. It was intended that such an activity could be done at least twice a year, that is, in June and December of each year. The recycling project was initiated on 1st February 2008. The collections that STEP Centre had made so far are as follows:

No. Date of collection by recycling company

Quantity of paper recycled

Amount paid by recycling company

1 12th November 2008 128 kg $3.00

2 8th August 2009 259 kg $7.77

3 12th December 2009 697 kg $20.91

Of course, the idea of recycling is not to make money but rather to ensure all unused papers are recycled. The culture of paper-saving in the office is carried out very much. For example, we must ensure that both sides of the papers are being used when printing and minimise spacing of fonts in memos thereby not allowing paper excesses. The unused papers are also used for drafting letters or proposals before decided on recycling them. These small actions can make a big impact. Save and conserve our environment. Together we can succeed!

STEP FORWARD News


STEP CENTRE’S “GREEN DAY” Story By: Nor Erawadi Haji Ibrahim

Photos by: Zulbahri Achee

As part of STEP Centre’s conscientious effort in greening its compound, a “Tree Planting Day” programme was held on Monday, 7th December 2009. Each officer and staff of STEP Centre was required to purchase either a sapling of mango (Dokmai or Mahathir species) or rambutan (lychee species). Armed with spades, the plants were planted at different areas around the rear compound of the office bungalows. The plants would create some shades to the grassy land as well as beautify STEP Centre in general.

Before the planting session started, all members of staff had an aerobic session headed by Awang Syed Rozman, an Education Officer of STEP Centre on the concrete parking space between Bungalows C7 and C8. It was a good way to start the day’s activity and promote healthy living and lifestyles in the workplace. After the 20-minute aerobic, everyone had a jogging session around the vicinity of STEP Centre for another 20 minutes. After that, each member of staff took turn to plant their own saplings.

STEP Centre will continue this activity in the very near future so that we can have a clean and green office environment. Together we can succeed!

STEP FORWARD News


Workshop on NXT Lego Mindstorm By: Zulbahri Achee

A total of seven teachers from the primary and secondary schools in Brunei Darussalam completed a half-day workshop at STEP Centre, Ministry of Education, on how to operate and use the NXT Lego Mindstorm. The function began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and followed by the welcoming speech by the Acting Head of STEP Centre, Awang Haji Metali bin Haji Mirasan.

The workshop was conducted by Awang Boby Zakri bin Haji Abdul Hamid of Sekolah Rendah Muhd Alam Seria. During the workshop the participants were shown how to use the NXT software as well as the basic design of how to build the robot.

At the end of the workshop, all the participants received the certificates from the Acting Head of STEP centre, Awang Haji Metali bin Haji Mirasan.

STEP FORWARD News


Officers and staff of STEP Centre hold a Korban ceremony on 30th November 2009. One buffalo was slaughtered and the beef was distributed among the staff and the family members of STEP Centre. [Above]

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri gathering for the year 1430 Hijrah was held on 8th October 2009 at STEP Centre. The function began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by the reading of Doa Selamat and the speech by the Acting Head of STEP Centre, Awang Haji Metali bin Haji Mirasan. Also present at the function was the ex-head of STEP centre, Mr. Koh Hong Puah.

STEP’s Centre Annual Dinner @ KTM Restaurant Jerudong on 8th December 2009. Present at the dinner were the Acting Head of STEP Centre, Principals from Sekolah Menengah Masin & Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Umar Al-Khatab, officers from BSP & OGDC, technical committee and staff of STEP Centre. The highlight of the function was the lucky draw.

Hari Raya Korban @ STEP Centre

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri @ STEP Centre

Annual Dinner

Documents

STEP FORWARD - 7th Issue