The Teachers Who Never Stopped Being Students

15 Aug 2026

4 Min Read

K. Vethanayagam Kanapathy (Academic Contributor), Salina Mohd Farid (Academic Contributor), Taylor's Team (Editor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

For SACE lecturers K. Vethanayagam Kanapathy and Salina Mohd Farid, teaching has never been about relying on years of experience alone. With 15 and 18 years in the classroom respectively, both still continue to seek new ideas, refine their teaching and learn alongside fellow educators.

Recently, they have participated in the SACE International Professional Learning Workshop conducted by Subject Experts from South Australia (SACE Board) that was held at Taylor's Lakeside Campus. While the event explored teaching strategies and assessment practices, it also highlighted something more enduring: the most effective educators are often those who never stop learning themselves.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Educators collaborating during a professional learning workshop

Teaching may happen in the classroom, but learning does not stop there. For educators, it is an ongoing process of refining what works, learning from peers and adapting to the changing needs of students.

At the workshop, SACE educators from China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia and Vanuatu came together to exchange classroom experiences, discuss teaching approaches and learn from one another. Beyond curriculum updates, the conversations explored how educators could better engage students, strengthen assessment practices and respond to the evolving needs of today's learners.

For Salina, the opportunity to hear different perspectives on classroom challenges and student engagement reinforced the value of collaborative learning among educators. Similarly, Vethanayagam, similarly found the exchange of ideas valuable, particularly in understanding how teachers adapt their approaches to support students in different learning environments.

Despite the different classroom contexts, the educators shared a common goal of continually refining their teaching so students can benefit from approaches that remain relevant, practical and responsive to today's learning environment.

Understanding Today's Students

Educator presenting the challenges of AI in student assessment

One of the most valuable outcomes of continuous learning is the opportunity to step back and reflect on how students themselves are changing. While teaching methods continue to evolve, so do the challenges students face both inside and outside the classroom.

Although Salina teaches English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Vethanayagam teaches Economics, both see a growing need to help students develop independent learning, critical thinking and the ability to stay focused in an increasingly connected world.

Salina has noticed the changing needs of today's students over the years.

‘Today's Taylor’s SACE students need more support in areas such as time management, critical thinking, independent learning and managing stress. They also require guidance in maintaining focus and balancing academic demands with distractions from technology and social media.’

For Salina, supporting students today goes beyond delivering subject knowledge. It also means helping them develop their habits and confidence to learn independently.

As technology and artificial intelligence make information more accessible, Vethanayagam believes students need stronger support in evaluating information critically rather than simply accepting or reproducing what they find. He sees technology and AI as another reason educators must continue adapting.

‘Teachers must be able to integrate technology meaningfully, guide students in using AI responsibly, and create engaging learning environments that develop creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills,' said Vethanayagam.

Their insights highlight how the role of educators continues to evolve. Today, preparing students for success means not only building subject knowledge, but also equipping them with the judgement and learning habits to navigate a world where information is always within reach.

Turning Learning into Better Teaching

Educator presenting assessment strategies during a professional learning workshop

Professional learning is most meaningful when it finds its way back into the classroom. For both lecturers, the workshop was not simply about gaining new ideas, but about reflecting on how those ideas could better support their students' learning.

For Salina, one area she plans to strengthen is the way students are guided throughout the learning process. By incorporating more structured scaffolding and providing formative feedback before assessments, she hopes to help students develop their ideas progressively, build confidence and feel better prepared when it comes to completing their assignments.

Vethanayagam similarly sees value in strengthening the design of assessment tasks. Rather than viewing assessments solely as a way to measure learning, he plans to structure them, so they progressively develop students' analytical and critical thinking skills while aligning closely with assessment expectations.

These changes are rarely dramatic, but they are often the ones students benefit from most. Clearer guidance, timely feedback and thoughtfully designed assessments help students gain confidence, engage more deeply with their learning and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Learning Never Stops

For students, a classroom is where learning takes place. For educators, learning extends long after the lesson ends.

Throughout their careers, Salina and Vethanayagam have witnessed classrooms, technology and student needs evolve. Yet instead of relying solely on years of experience, they continue to grow alongside their students by improving on their teaching, learning from fellow educators and embracing new ideas that make a meaningful difference in the classroom.

At Taylor's College, the Australian Matriculation pathway is offered through the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). Discover how SACE combines experienced lecturers, personalised support and a student-centred learning environment to prepare you for university and beyond.

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