Seasons Greetings

Seasons greetings to everyone. In a few days time year 2009 will be over and we look forward to another new year. It will be a time of taking stock of what we have experienced... achievements, disappointments, joys, challenges, good health, and the list goes on.

With this reflection comes a whole new list of new year resolutions to motivate us to face another year. The visual reminds us that "the only thing that we can really control in life is our mental attitude". So with a strong belief system to guide us, the goals we set will be achievable and hopefully we will be contented.

With this we welcome the New Year with a positive frame of mind and hope and pray for the best.

Sunset at Sutera Harbour Resort, Kota Kinabalu

Thought for today.

"To know oneself, one should assert oneself"

-Albert Camus

While watching the sun set over the sea at the waterfront of Sutera Harbour Resort I managed to take a few photos as the sun disappeared into the clouds and then down the horizon.

There is a certain fascination with sunrise and sunset. When watching something in the distance, the rays of the sun add a different character to the scenery. For example it was no magic when a picture I took of the ruins of Angkor Wat during sunset turned out to be one where the ruins was golden in colour. It was the effect of the sun's rays!!

Sunrise and sunset are indicators of the reality of life...as the sun rises so it must set. Life must go on no matter what the realities are. But knowing oneself will be half the battle won. Reflecting on Albert Camus quote... "one should assert oneself". So how then can we assert oneself?

Try using "I" statements when communicating with people. In a situation when something is not what one expects it to be, one can state one's feelings about it and then proceed to describe the situation and then indicate what one wants changed to make one feel "good". For example " I feel disappointed. The lecture room is untidy. I will be happy if the cleanliness of the room is maintained." Communicating one's thought and feelings in this way and in a calm and mature manner is not offensive instead it indicates that one is assertive. It is advisable to be assertive in our interaction style so that one will not be perceived to be passive and submissive. Neither is it advisable for one to be aggressive and manipulative. Being assertive and perseptive will help us be more aware of ourselves and also of others.

Swot Analysis

Thought for for today.

" Be always sure you are right, then go ahead"

David Crockett.

How does one figure out what is right? Simple enough -as a group of lecturers during a Teacher Education training workshop in Kota Kinabalu discovered when they used the SWOT Analysis as a tool in the decision making process.

During the case study discussion, Vivien, Ashley, Helen, and Muada listed out the strengths and weakness, or what is also known as internal factors, of the case study subject. Next, the other group members Tsen Lip Sheng, Yap Sau Lan and Jacqueline analysed the external variables, namely the threats and opportunities, in the case study. After a detailed discussion on these issues, they were confident with the decision they finally arrived at. Using the SWOT Analysis can help one seive out the unimportant issues, thus making it easier to focus on the relevant matters before arriving at a well considered decision.

During the forum session Yap Su Teng, Noirom, Simon Hii Chui Yung and Ellis shared their views and related some of their experiences with regards to the importance of listening skills in effective communication. They concluded that emphatetic listening in interpersonal communication will help the listener understand the feelings and views of the speaker. The other lecturers elaborated that this can also be applied in their interaction with the students.

The presentation of the conclusions of the case studies generated a great deal of discussion and everyone went away feeling more confident to deal with issues pertaining to effective classroom management.

Kota Kinabalu

Thought for today.

"Time ripens all things.

No man's born wise.

-Cervantes

(Don Quixote)

Before the trip to Kota Kinabalu, I was reminded to visit the Atkinson Tower, a must for all tourists. So, fired with great expectations, I was greeted by this small but interesting wooden tower with a clock which is still working...notice the time? Although it is a wooden tower it survived the war. It was constructed in 1905 to as a memorial to the then British District Officer Atkinson who died at the age of 28. Over the years the tower has been extensivley repaired and restored and is now under the Museum department.

Reflecting on the above thought is motivating for it reminds us that no time is too late to anyone to go ahead to pursue one's desires. Things are achievable if one remain focussed and act appropriately instead of being complacent.