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School resource centers are facilities provided by schools
for students and teachers to seek additional reference materials related to
their subjects. Previously known as libraries, resource centers are now more
suitable due to the advancement of technology that enables the provision of
additional reference materials in various forms such as posters and
computers. Schools should strive to enhance the use of their resource
centers to benefit students and educators.
One primary way to attract individuals to visit a desired location is
through its conducive and appealing atmosphere. A well-organized arrangement
of shelves, orderly table and chair placement, and comfortable reading areas
guarantee students’ desire to use the available resources. The establishment
of discussion corners where students can learn collectively is also highly
encouraged as it is an effective method of learning today. The school should
ensure that all facilities in the resource center are well-maintained. If
there are any budgetary constraints in resource center management, they can
collaborate with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), which is concerned
with such issues.
Resource centers also play a vital role in providing quality and up-to-date
reference materials. Typically, the reference materials available in
resource centers are outdated. New reference materials are stored and can
only be accessed by teachers. The school should seek approaches to sell old
reference materials and constantly acquire new and useful ones for students.
Reference materials should also be varied, such as subscribing to daily
newspapers in various languages so that students can be aware of current
issues and spend their time in the resource center. Books should not only be
related to academics, but also cultural or financial management books that
can be useful and enjoyable for students.
In addition, the school and parents should be responsible for changing
children's attitudes towards less reading and preferring to search for
references using computers or smartphones. Reading is a bridge of knowledge,
so the school should empower the Amalan Membaca (Reading Practice) program
among students. As we know, there is a National Reading Award as an annual
award, which can become an essential platform for students. Therefore,
school-level recognition can be enhanced by providing attractive incentives
if students reach certain levels in the Reading Practice program. Incentives
can be diverse, such as educational trips to specific locations or
participation in programs such as speech contests.
Finally, resource centers can provide interactive teaching aids to teachers.
The teaching and learning process can be carried out more effectively with
teaching aids that can engage students. For example, science labs can
contain dolls that explain the names and locations of organs in the body.
Students are more interested in visual learning and are more likely to
understand subjects or topics taught by teachers compared to explanations
that may be less effective. Resource centers can provide a globe for
geography, cultural costumes for social studies, and more.
In conclusion, schools should implement strategies to enhance the use of
their resource centers, such as improving the atmosphere, providing quality
and up-to-date reference materials, empowering reading programs, and
providing interactive teaching aids. Schools should continue to monitor and
evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies to ensure that their resource
centers remain beneficial to students and educators. |
