Bandar Seri Begawan - One of the recipients of the Meritorious Teacher's Awards, Datin Paduka Hjh Misli binti Hj Awang shared with the Bulletin her experience during her time serving the nation as an educator.

She understood that students back in the day were introverts because they were too withdrawn to ask questions. She also believed that the students relied solely on textbooks and teachers made education somewhat limited. She offered her perspective on the difference in teaching and learning today.

"Alhamdulillah, now we have students who are brave enough to ask questions, which is actually good, and this is one of the many reasons for teachers to prepare themselves because students can sometimes ask questions that are beyond our expectations," she said.

"It is advisable for teachers to have a wide range of knowledge because students have now gained new information and knowledge not only from their teachers but from other sources such as newspapers and the Internet. We are now living in a world where knowledge has no borders at all. Individuals can get new information and knowledge from almost anywhere," she added.

In another interview, Dato Paduka Hj Abd Razak bin Hj Muhammad, also a recipient of the Meritorious Teacher's Award, expressed his gratitude for receiving the award from His Majesty. Simultaneously he also shared his experience and familiarity of being a teacher since the start of his service.

"The difference between now and then was before, there were teachers who didn't have any education qualification or diplomas. But their determination to improve the educational level in Brunei was their own self-achievement. At least, it shows their sacrifice and commitment for the future of their students.

"Now, we have an increasing number of teachers who have graduated, with certificates and diplomas, and who are given training so we can better improve ourselves to be an educational society We should also be thankful that the use of technology has made teaching easier than before."

Dato Hj Abd Razak hoped that the presentation of awards yesterday would inspire other teachers to build up a determination upon themselves and seek to do better in their service.

He also showed his appreciation and satisfaction with the development of the national education over the recent years especially the implementation of a number of policies to formulate a better educational system.