Strategic teaching and learning of reading through the Appreciation, Exploration and HOTs Module (HEBAT)

Abstract

This article aims to clarify the HEBAT module (Appreciation, Exploration and HOTs)for reading. The Module is an approach to teaching and learning to read in the attempt to improve reading literacy among Secondary One to Secondary Four school students. The HEBAT module has been established by the Ministry of Education in preparing students for the PISA Reading Literacy. This module has been developed based on a thematic approach and emphasizes on the techniques and processes of reading as a guide for classroom teaching and learning. Therefore, this paper discussesthe literature related to the HEBAT module, the feasibility of the HEBAT module and the 21st century pedagogiesas well as Higher Order Thinking Skills (HoTS). Overall, this module has an added value towardsteaching and learning of reading of the Malay language. It integrates approaches, covers the strategic aspects of teaching and learning, suggestsactivities, and provides stimulation and simulatingmaterials as well as learning evaluation projects. Since the module emphasis on 21stcentury learning and HoTS, this module is an apt choice for the current teaching and learning situation.