By Michelle Schuler, Mont'Kiara International School (M'KIS) English & Individual & Societies Teacher and Gail Hong, M'KIS Head of Communications
At Mont'Kiara International School (M'KIS), history lessons go beyond the pages of a textbook, sometimes arriving in suitcases filled with artifacts. We were honored to welcome representatives from the Melaka Chetti Heritage Association for a yearly collaboration with our Grade 6 Individuals & Societies (I&S) students and teachers, turning the classroom into a living museum.
M'KIS students learned about Individual & Societies through the art of investigation. Our students stepped into the shoes of historians, approaching a curated collection of artifacts with curiosity. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, M'KIS students put the IB Learner Profile into practice as Inquirers, nurturing their natural curiosity and drive for knowledge. Integrating skills from both English and I&S, students sharpened their research abilities and demonstrated independence while exploring the artifacts. They studied and investigated the artifacts. Armed with magnifying glasses and measuring tapes, they examined the textures, dimensions, and craftsmanship of various cultural objects. To structure their analysis, students utilized the OPVL (Origin, Purpose, Value, and Limitation) framework. This method allowed them to determine where an object came from (Origin), analyze why it was created (Purpose), assess what it teaches us about the past (Value) and recognize what information might still be missing (Limitation). By donning their "critical thinking caps," students used this structure to evaluate the reliability and significance of these primary sources, exploring how the Melaka Chetti heritage has evolved and maintained its identity within the historical context of Malaysia.
One of the highlights of the day arrived after the initial investigation, where students learned about stories beyond the surface of the artifacts. The Heritage Association representatives shared the "oral histories" of these objects, stories that a magnifying glass could not capture. Our guests connected the physical items to the lived experiences of the Melaka Chetti community, giving our students a profound look into their unique cultural identity. Through engaging directly with community members, students reflected on what constitutes cultural identity and how it is preserved through generations. We extend our gratitude to the Melaka Chetti Heritage Association. Your partnership provides our students with a meaningful, hands-on connection to the diverse history of our region. Here’s to many more years of shared stories and discovery for M'KIS students!
