DELEARN RELEARN+

1

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning

2

3

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning

R.E.A.L Education Group Sdn Bhd (Co. No. 248225-U)
2-6, Jalan SS19/1G, 47500 Subang Jaya,
Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Tel : 03 5631 8000
Fax : 03 5631 8439
Email : [email protected]

Cover concept and design by M. Hidayat Shamsuri

Copyright 2017 © R.E.A.L Education Group Sdn Bhd

All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe produced or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying,
recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission
in writing from the publisher except for the insertion of limited portions for review purposes.

4

5

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning Message From
The President

It has been more than three decades since the R.E.A.L founders first came together
to realize their lifelong passion and ambition: to make a difference in the lives of
children through education. Beyond that, we also wanted to make education more
holistic, learner-centric and enjoyable. This concept soon evolved and took shape as
R.E.A.L or ‘Results Enhancing through Active Learning’ - an educational philosophy
so fundamental we even named our company after it.

To us, the word ‘Results’ encompasses more than just academic results. They are in
fact ‘learning outcomes’: teaching students the skills of how to learn as opposed to
just what to learn. Knowing what to learn is enough to merely pass exams. Knowing
how to learn, on the other hand, has lifelong benefits with limitless rewards.

Of course, laying academic foundations is the fundamental role of any educational
institution. But R.E.A.L aspires to be more, and provide more. We want our students’
educational journey to be a truly transformative learning experience. Only then, we
believe, can they achieve their full potential.

The goal of R.E.A.L is to inspire individuals to embark on a lifelong journey of
learning. To be constantly curious, interested and hungry for knowledge. R.E.A.L
empowers learners to take charge of their own learning journey and to chart their
own course in life.

6

Learning cannot be forced. It has to be inspired
and our role is to create the right ecosystem for
learning to flourish. We aim to go beyond just
nurturing minds. We strive to develop students’
soft skills as well; and this is entrenched in our
five core values collectively referred to as the
‘5Cs’ - Character Collaboration, Communication,
Critical Thinking and Creativity. Because we
believe that educating only the mind and not the
heart is no education at all.

DELEARN RELEARN is a timely reflection; an accurate account of our educational Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning
philosophy for learners of all ages to grasp. Regardless of whether you are a
student, teacher or parent, and at which point you are in your educational journey,
this publication is designed as a playbook for learning in the new era. Rote learning
is a thing of the past. It may have served the generations before us, but today’s
children and youth are different. They also face completely different challenges.
Hence, the learning process and experience has to evolve as well. It has to be
relevant to the times and befit the needs of a 21st century learner.

I have always enjoyed teaching those who are eager to learn. This book goes a

long way in achieving that goal, as it depicts lessons which I have personally learnt

and taught. But more importantly, it is my sincere hope that DELEARN RELEARN

serves as a ‘constitution’ so to speak; a go-to guide and a compass that always

points us in the right direction as we embark on a transformative learning journey.

Moving forward, it also stands as a proud legacy of R.E.A.L for future generations

to come.

Ee Ching Wah

7

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning Prologue

Our Vision and Mission

The world today is engulfed by rapid transformation and growth. We are driven
by knowledge and fuelled by fast and vast information. The demands to improve
the generation succeeding us are immense as we enter a future that pushes us to
question what we know.

Despite high anticipation of the coming generation’s progress, we also encounter its
side effects in terms of personal and social development. Education has the tough
task of foreseeing who their students will be in the future and what challenges they
will face.

R.E.A.L stands for ‘Results Enhancing through Active Learning’ and this philosophy
has been our compass; it continues to guide us every step of the way. We believe in
real, authentic and continuous learning. It is part of who we are and we constantly
aim to enhance an individual’s learning ability, not just for now but in preparation
for life.

Learning is also based on our belief that it should start from the learners themselves
and that they drive their own learning journey. As education providers, our role is
to create the environment to ensure that their learning experience is active and
engaging enough for them to achieve their full potential.

8

The R.E.A.L experience is one of transformative Prologue
learning. We strive to meet educational institutions’
expectations for students to deliver the intellectual
competencies needed to build a better future, as
well as the students’ own expectations in enhancing
their identity and potential to contribute. We provide
individuals the opportunity to become better than
they were. It is a process, a lifelong journey and a
transformation.

We are firmly committed to fulfilling our mission of
transforming lives; nurturing citizens who are then
able to transform communities and have a long-
lasting impact on society.

But our vision to be established in every community
is a long and challenging one. Transformation takes
time. It is a process that works from the inside out and
pushes us out of our comfort zone. It also requires
taking one step back to go two steps forward. But we
cannot be stagnant and let our education fall behind
on still waters as we watch the world go by. We have to
move with the times, transform individuals and create
ripples of transformation within communities.

9

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning Grasping The Future

The 5C’s

Values define who we are. Whether by nature or nurture, having a set of core
values forms the basis of any effort or aspiration we may have to transform lives
and communities. Hence, the pulse of R.E.A.L Education lies at its core; or core
values to be exact. These consist of Character, Collaboration, Communication,
Critical Thinking and Creativity; or the ‘5Cs’ in short.

10

Like the palm of a hand, academic pursuits serve as the foundation of our Grasping The Future
philosophy while the five fingers represent the profound 5Cs that are essential in
shaping students with relevant qualities for life. Having academic knowledge alone
can get you through life, but like a palm without fingers, you can only do so much.
Therefore, the 5Cs are there to complete the hand and provide a more holistic
form of education that extends an individual’s abilities to go beyond intellectual
development. R.E.A.L education produces young minds (instead of mere graduates)
that are confident in facing the world and are able to contribute to it in a significant
way.

A large part of what makes you unique is your character make-up. Crafted
and moulded from personal experiences and influenced by both people and
relationships, our character is engraved and exhibited in everyday behaviour. The
environment has influence on your character as well, which in turn, influences
your choices in life.

Hence, it is vital to shape positive and desirable character values from young, in
order to help us make the right choices in life. Every one of us is born with our own
skills and talents, but how we end up using these gifts to benefit ourselves and
others boils down to character. This is why character education is integrated into
our academic curriculum, extracurricular endeavours and work environment. But
for it to be truly effective, character building has to extend beyond the walls of a
classroom or office.

11

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning Collaboration then comes into play, fulfilling a vital role in adding to the layers
of knowledge and experience that go a long way towards building character. The
whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Hence, for growth to be exponential,
collaboration is crucial as individual growth may be slow and limited to one’s own
perspectives.

Imagine tapping on the brains and experience of a team of individuals and leveraging
on the strengths of each member. You can achieve far greater goals and generate
more ideas this way than doing it on your own. Here, you are both the learner and
the teacher, thus affecting transformation as a team.

R.E.A.L’s vision is to foster teamwork both internally and with the community; thus
promoting mutually-supportive environments for greater impact. For instance,
we collaborate with students so that they can give more to the community. We

collaborate with the community so we can give more to our
students.

Collaboration requires good communication in order to convey
thoughts and ideas effectively. We believe that we should all
engage in open, honest and respectful discourse. What good
is there in knowing something if you are unable to channel it
across and share it? We also know that communication is a
two-way street, and it transcends language or linguistic ability.
It is not just about speaking but also listening; and being able
to evaluate, think critically and solve problems.

12

“Communication, particularly interpersonal communication, is one of the biggest Grasping The Future
challenges today because most of it is done through a screen. But it is in active
discussions and stimulating exchanges that ordinary ideas get transformed into
extraordinary ones. For this to take place, there has to be a platform to express
opinions, improve confidence and encourage the articulation of ideas in a skilful
and sensible manner. R.E.A.L Education provides such a platform.

“ Collaboration requires good
communication in order to convey
thoughts and ideas effectively.

Another essential quality or skill that is somewhat lacking in today’s digital age is
critical thinking. It is in our nature to think and this ability is what separates human
beings from God’s other creatures. But at a time when information is so readily and
easily available, thinking is in danger of slowly becoming redundant, so to speak. It
has turned into a process of just gathering information from various sources and
reusing them.

The search for knowledge is necessary and will continue throughout life, but
critical thinking is different. It is about putting things into intellectual perspective
and having the ability to analyse, understand and have insight. At R.E.A.L, it is also
about challenging the norm, seeking better or more effective ways of doing things.
This ‘results enhancing’ approach is the cornerstone of the R.E.A.L essence itself.

13

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning Speaking of doing things differently, creativity is all about being unconventional and
innovative. The beauty of human creativity is its limitless breadth. If knowledge is
the currency of the 21st century, then creativity is its treasure trove.

In this age of automation, the edge lies with those who are able to churn out
revolutionary ideas and designs. R.E.A.L’s effort to inspire the next generation of
movers and shakers has resulted in an educational approach that instils freedom
To be creative is to be curious. Thus, it is important to cultivate an inherent sense of
curiosity within students by creating the right environment for creativity to flourish.
The future starts now, and it belongs to visionaries and those who dare to dream.

Each of the 5Cs is uniquely its own yet inextricably linked or interwoven with one
another. R.E.A.L education is enriched by the lifelong value of the 5Cs which drives
us to do what we do and why we do it. Therefore, as we facilitate the potential and
growth of each person, it is worth remembering that scoring A’s is not everything in
life. We believe that chasing C’s, especially the 5Cs, is equally, if not more important
in the larger context of life.

14

Key Outcomes:

1 R.E.A.L’s 5C core values of Character, Collaboration,

Communication, Critical Thinking and Creativity provide a
more holistic form of education.

2 Positive and desirable character values help us make the right
choices in life.

3 Collaboration allows us to achieve greater goals and ideas by

combining people’s talents, strengths and experience.

4 Good communication; which goes beyond language and Grasping The Future
speaking; is essential to convey thoughts and ideas effectively.

Critical thinking is about analysing, understanding and having

5 insight on a subject; as well as seeking better ways of doing

things.

Creativity is born out of curiosity, and it is important to instil

6 freedom and courage within young minds to be unconventional

and innovative.

The lifelong value of the 5Cs helps fulfil the potential and

7 growth of each person.

15

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning Gardening 101

A Transformative
Learning Experience

Transformation often requires a complete
change in appearance or character. This makes
it profoundly personal; focusing on one’s
experience, insight and understanding of life.

Transformation cannot be forced, but it can be guided and influenced. A seed
cannot be forced to grow into a tree; but it can be influenced by the environment
to flourish, to be stunted, or to not grow at all. Likewise, learning is now being
‘transformed’ to be more responsive to the needs and aspirations of our learners;
thus moving away from its artificial and arbitrary ways.

Transformative learning with R.E.A.L is an opportunity, a journey and an experience
that come at various levels with different outcomes. It is characterized by cheerful
curiosity and a continuous pursuit for greater knowledge, experience and
competency.

Ours is a learning journey that is designed to respond to ongoing changes around
us, whilst placing the learner at the heart of our philosophy. This includes initiatives
to transform an individual into an authentic learner. Here, we are merely the
‘environment’ that tends to each seed, doing our best for them to blossom.

16

To achieve this, the learning experience must have appropriate designs with clear Gardening 101 : A Transformative Learning Experience
outcomes in mind. This then sets the platform for activities that promote the
desired learning and development.

Compare this learning experience to the care given by seasoned gardeners. They
know just how much water, sunlight and soil each plant needs to fruit. Not all
plants are the same, of course. Similarly, in the ‘garden’ of a class, we adapt every
learning experience to suit each student.

Outcomes on the other hand, set expectations on how the learner can explain,
apply or demonstrate a learning experience. If a flower doesn’t bloom, we question
why and what we need to do to help it bloom. If we know the right amounts of
water and sunlight for a tree to bear fruit, we remember and repeat those steps or
requirements.

Facilitators are the gardeners to learners,
and we use what we learn about students to
promote the desired learning experience.
We make adjustments as each student
grows, in order to give them opportunities
to strengthen and broaden their learning,
and be fruitful themselves.

17

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning The R.E.A.L Learning Journey has three stages for each curriculum level, starting
with the R.E.A.L Kids preschool programme that is designed to nurture graduates
that are confident learners. Preschoolers are naturally curious about everything
and have the uninhibited courage to question anyone.

But like seeds that are full of potential, they are also at their most delicate. Their
enthusiasm to learn can be encouraged as easily as it can be discouraged. Thus,
it is vital to develop a sense of positive self-awareness by being in sync with their
thoughts and feelings.

Emotions also highly affect a person’s ability to learn. Thus, it is also important to
build up their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Confident learners who
develop the right roots of attitudes and habits carry these with them throughout
their lifelong learning journey.

Over time, graduates make the step up to the second learning goal, i.e. R.E.A.L’s
primary school programme in order to be committed learners. The roots that
were planted at preschool would have already given learners firm foundations.
Like seedlings surfacing from the soil, they look forward to the next phase in their
learning journey, equipped to pursue growth.

18

They now possess increased motivation and a better understanding of things which
fuel this commitment to learn. Their intrinsic growth also persists as they develop
self-respect, positive appreciation of others, as well as good character and moral
values. This process is akin to seedlings in the midst of transformation towards
becoming a tree. They absorb as much as they can before they can be independent
in their learning journey.

Graduates now progress to “ They absorb as “ Gardening 101 : A Transformative Learning Experience
students of our secondary school much as they can
programme, which aims to produce before they can be
competent lifelong learners. Having independent in their
planted roots that have grown to provide learning journey.
self-reliance and resilience in the face
of adversity, they have built secure
values and beliefs at this stage by being
in the right environment.

This is also the point where they discover the determination to reach high
standards of achievement in anticipation of adulthood. The result is a willingness
to engage and participate in socio-cultural activities, having inclusive and open
attitudes towards different people, and an openness towards new thinking and
ideas. Competent lifelong learners are primed to be active contributors of society
and the workforce. Students already start to work on what they can do to build
their future.

19

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning The R.E.A.L Learning Journey ensures that both experiences and outcomes
combine to provide students with appropriate opportunities for progression within
each level, to arrive at their desired capacities. The aim is to cultivate learners who
drive their own learning journey, while fuelling them to go as far as they can.
In short, we strive to spur each learner to grow from the ground up, to plant deeper
roots in children, and to grow taller trees in adults.

20

Key Outcomes:

1 Transformation is a personal journey that cannot be forced, but
can be guided and influenced.

The learner is at the heart of R.E.A.L’s Transformative Learning Gardening 101 : A Transformative Learning Experience

2 Journey that comprises various levels as a response to constant

change.

3 By using what we learn about students, R.E.A.L promotes clear

expectations on one’s desired learning outcomes.

4 The first stage of the R.E.A.L Learning Journey starts at
preschool, which is designed to nurture confidentlearners.

5 The second stage takes place in R.E.A.L’s primary schools,
where the goal is to inspire committed learners.

The third and final stage involves R.E.A.L’s secondary school

6 programme, which aims to produce competent lifelong

learners.

21

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning Who’s Driving

The Learner

Why do we respond to colours and music? Why do we have better memories of
something fun, rather than something boring? Why do we do something better
after doing it once, rather than by simply reading the instructions?

Learning is innate: we are all born to learn, and we learn continuously through
life. We naturally strive to reach our potential, to build on our knowledge, and gain
more experience.

To be a life-long learner, we need to realize that this journey of learning is a
marathon for life. We are not sprinting for the semester. We don’t learn how to cope
with life by memorizing information so why does the education system train us to
do that? Students may get good grades, but we need to question, are they being
prepared to be life-long learners?

At R.E.A.L, we know that children learn best when they are interested, feel positive
about the subject, and can experience the topic, rather than simply read about
it. Classrooms shouldn’t make something that comes naturally, be unnatural.
That is why our focus is on learning through transformative experiences. Creating
transformative experiences isn’t easy, but at R.E.A.L, we have anchored our
learning experience on several principles.

22

The first is realizing that before a child can learn something, he or she needs to Who’s Driving : The Learner
know why they need to learn it. What is the benefit of the information? How can
they apply it in their lives? Understanding this is the gateway to engaging a child’s
curiosity and sparking interest in the lesson.

Learners at R.E.A.L are given the opportunity to discover for themselves. They
identify why an activity is being done in class, understand the learning outcomes,
take personal responsibility for achieving those outcomes, and grow to appreciate
achievements.

The key point here is that they value the learning experience. They take it on as
their own because the learner is the sole owner of the learning process. They are
the driver, their learning experience is their vehicle, and their route is life-long.

Children should have control and drive their own learning process. To illustrate
this, think about a time when you were driving but all your passengers decided
to be the drivers too. They kept telling you how
to drive and where to go. You got confused,
stressed, and doubted your own driving
skills. Perhaps you missed a turn,
drove poorly, or even crashed. Put
in the learning context, this is
how learners may feel and how
it can affect their performance.

23

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning At R.E.A.L, we believe that teachers and peers are not there to tell the learner what
to do, how to do it, or why they should do it. Learners are the driver of their learning
process, with their teacher as co-driver and their peers as passengers; all working
in collaboration.

We believe that each learner is born naturally curious; by letting that desire to learn
be their guide, we see our role as facilitators of the learning journey. We guide the
children’s learning experiences but they should actively co-create their learning
process with facilitators. Learning cannot be forced, so teachers who dictate won’t
succeed.

By letting the children actively co-create their learning process, and having
teachers act as facilitators, we allow each child to learn and journey based on their
individuality. Learners know what works best for them, what excites them, the best
way of retaining information, and what support they need to overcome mistake or
challenges.

For the most part, learners are autonomous and self-directed. They develop
their own thoughts and interests, and should be allowed to work on projects that
reflect them. Learners also progress at different pace and circumstances, so it is
necessary for learners to have some control over their self-learning.

24

If we can trust them with their learning, they start to take responsibility for their Who’s Driving : The Learner
learning outcomes. That responsibility is translated into a voluntary effort to learn.
The best way for children to learn is by relating to what is around them. They find
practical use of knowledge by relating to their experiences, their knowledge, and
their memory. It is the experience that turns information into knowledge.

Applying that knowledge helps them retain it and more than that, helps them make
new connections. Something they learnt as a child, applied to a science project,
using skills they learnt in English, recollecting the physics discovered through
sports, plus how they managed to pull off a prank on a friend, who knows? Learning
is everywhere!

Children have often surprised adults in how they are able to apply knowledge they
gained somewhere else! At R.E.A.L, we strive to nurture learners who can take a
science project and turn it into a series of connections and applications of different
concepts they have learnt. Their interest in learning new things is heightened when
they can connect ideas and concepts. This enables them to see learning in a new
light and that excitement reenergizes them, providing the drive to keep learning.

One of the most important things for us as educators is that our children experience
learning with fun. It’s a tough balancing act between getting results and making

25

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning learning fun. But clearly, how we feel affects how we learn. When students feel
good about the class, the school, their friends, their teachers, and get excited about
learning, they learn better and perform better. Their emotions fuel their vehicle of
learning experiences which translates to performance. Fun and good grades aren’t
mutually exclusive. In fact, it’s quite simple: feel better, learn better, perform better.

When we focus on each child being their own driver, we are also sending a message
to them that they are valued as a person. They are not just a number in class or a
grade to add to the school’s statistics. We get to know who they are, how they learn,
and how we can help. Their self-esteem is a significant part of the learning journey
because it says, “You are unique. You are full of potential. This is your journey. You
go where you want to go and we are here to help you get there.”

It’s not just the students who learn in this process; the teacher has a lot to learn
from the students – they are learners too. The route is life-long and we are all on
our own journey regardless of age.

As educators and parents, we are tasked with the responsibility to help each child
experience their journey. At R.E.A.L, we recognize that each learner’s individuality
has to be addressed if we are to help them realize their fullest potential. By realizing
who’s driving the learning, we are transforming learning journeys.

26

7 1 Understand why 5 Connect knowledge
LEARNER
PRINCIPLES: you’re learning. gained from anywhere.

2 Have control and drive 6 Experience learning

your learning process. with fun!

Co-create your 7 Be valued as

3 learning experience an individual.

with facilitators.

Turn information
into knowledge,

4 and knowledge into

practical use.

27

Delearn Relearn : A Playbook for Learning

28