Written by Mohammad Abdullah

Bandar Seri Begawan – Teachers must not only educate students but at times must also counsel them in matters other than education, such as personal problems. This was highlighted during a workshop on Education through Counselling for 137 teachers of the Raja Isteri Girls High School (STPRI).

Dr Ee Ah Meng, Associate Counsellor from the Counselling and Guidance Department, Ministry of Education, conducted the workshop urging teachers to listen to students’ problems and look out for hints on students needing help.

He explained that each teacher must also be humble when they are interacting with students, in particular when a student is in need of some advice or counselling. He said that by showing respect to students they will in turn respect the teacher not because they are teachers, but because they are someone who has shown them respect.

Communication skills are part of counselling and by communicating in a clear and concise manner, students will be able to understand teachers better, and their understanding in the subject will also improve.

He also stated that teachers must also use psychology and sometimes humour to keep students interested in learning the subject.

There are not enough counsellors allocated for students in each school. In theory there should be at least two counsellors for every 250 students, however in practice there are only two full-time counsellors for over 1500 students, therefore teachers must exercise their role as para counsellors to assist full-time counsellors.  – Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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