The Implications of using Teaching Aids in the Teaching of the Science and Technology Component in Malaysian Preschools

In accordance with the Ministry of Education in Malaysia (2010), a crucial change involving the content and learning levels of preschool curriculum has been emphasized. Specifically, an early focus on the education of Science and Technology as a component in preschool curriculum has been proposed, involving skills such as exploration, investigation, observation, classification and so on. The importance of these skills are mentioned by Gallenstine (2004) who states that practical activities are necessary for children to empower their observational skills. Bose, Tsamaase & Seetso (2013) reiterate this finding by stating that the use of teaching aids help in the stimulation and motivation to problem solving and decision making skills. This study aims to identify the types of teaching aids used by the preschool teachers and the problems faced related to it in teaching the Science and Technology component. Qualitative method used and data were analyzed using Hermeneutic method and the findings show that preschool teachers use 2 types of teaching aids which is electronic and non-electronic. The problems faced by teachers are related to the two aspects which are, in creating and using the teaching materials.