SHAH ALAM, 3 MAY — Being an educator in today’s technological era is akin to navigating a vessel of knowledge through turbulent currents of change.
The world of education no longer operates within a traditional framework; instead, it evolves in tandem with technological progress, social change, and increasingly complex societal demands.
A teacher is not merely someone who delivers the syllabus; they must also be creative, perceptive, and resilient within the current educational landscape.
SMK Bandar Saujana Putra's former principal Azman Sharif, 60, believes that teaching with genuine engagement can touch the heart and develop intellectual capacity.
A teacher who truly understands the meaning of knowledge can bring the essence of learning to life in the classroom, rather than merely skimming the surface of a topic.
This is particularly evident in the teaching of history, which requires a deep understanding of past events, figures, and contexts.
“Teachers with a background in history are crucial because the subject is not easy to grasp if it is not taught by someone qualified and well-versed in the field.
“I do a lot of storytelling in class so that students are more engaged and do not become easily bored learning about events that took place long ago,” said the educator, affectionately known as Cikgu Azman, in an interview with Media Selangor.
He believes that efforts to instil interest and enthusiasm for learning history must begin with the teacher’s own commitment. Each chapter and topic should be explained creatively so that the learning process does not become dull for students.
“In line with developments in educational technology, teachers can no longer rely entirely on traditional delivery methods. Instead, they must make use of available technological tools to provide clearer, more focused, and more easily understood explanations for students,” Azman said.
Azman, who also helps run the free Selangor People’s Tuition Programme (PTRS), stressed that a teacher's fundamental quality must stem from a deep passion for the profession.
Without a genuine love for the role of educating, a teacher may carry out their duties as a mere routine without giving due attention to the quality of education and the shaping of future generations.
As such, credible educators must continuously strengthen their mastery of knowledge through ongoing learning, study, and research to ensure their intellectual capability and teaching quality remain at a high standard.
“Teachers need to be competent in schools. Those who are not competent will not be able to attract students’ interest in mastering a subject, especially history,” said the former history teacher.
He is firm in his belief that quality teachers are those who possess deep knowledge, high levels of competence, and a willingness to shoulder the responsibility of guiding future generations.
Azman also reiterated that the role of an educator is not a duty to be taken lightly, as mistakes in teaching can influence an individual’s future and, in turn, impact generations to come.
“Mistakes in teaching not only shape an individual’s future but can also have a profound impact on future generations,” he said.
Cikgu Azman’s Class
After more than 35 years of service in education, Azman continues to share his experience by establishing Kelas Cikgu Azman as an open learning space for his children’s friends and anyone in need of academic guidance.
The seminar room at the Kuala Langat Public Library in Banting serves as a venue for knowledge sharing, using the PTRS module introduced by the state government as the foundation for learning to help students master history.
His students come from diverse backgrounds, including those facing difficulties and on the verge of giving up. Yet they gather with a shared determination to master the core SPM subject.
Recognising that the subject is often seen as difficult due to its heavy emphasis on facts, dates and historical figures, Azman emphasises a lively and effective teaching approach.
“History cannot be taught as mere facts. It must be retold so that it comes alive,” he said.
