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.

Evaluation of Teaching

Thought for today.

"Education is what survives when what has been learnt has been forgotten".

B.F. Skinner.(Education in 1984)

Recent newspaper reports on the teaching of Science and Mathematics in Chinese schools, have generated interesting feedback from readers and concerned parties. The Ministry of Education is interested to know the magic formula used in these schools. The Director-General of education has been directed to investigate into this. He is going to identify the "good" schools to study the teaching and learning approaches used and will implement these best practices next year.

What are some of these appropriate approaches which will be identified by the officers in their study? Some views expressed in the newspaper include rote memory of multiplication tables, detailed and clear explanations by the teachers, and a lot of homework and practice. But the most relevant are the views expressed by a Mathematics teacher Ms Cheah Yin Hong ...." I teach them how to connect Mathematics to their daily lives and how to apply it. " She also added that more research must be done by the Ministry before emulating the methods used in Chinese schools. An important consideration adds Ms Cheah ..."Is our teaching just different from the aspect of the mother tongue? Does the language affect the students' ability to focus and absorb the knowledge?"

In a recent workshop on the evaluation of teaching and effective teaching practices, particpants emphasized two important issues. The first is the need to select teaching approaches and activities based on the learning outcomes instead of focus on just the topic to be taught. Ms Koshila from TAR College shared that getting students hands-on and with close monitoring her students have no problems achieving the learning outcomes. Ms Cheng Wei Fong, also from TAR college emphasized that giving students feedback on their performance have enabled them to improve.

Secondly, to ensure that the learning outcomes are achieved, teachers are encouraged to use cognitive strategies to maximise learning on the part of the students. Ms Sheila from UCS Institute Excecutive, Sarawak explained that some of these strategies include spatial strategies, mnemonics, analogy, and advanced organisers. Twinkle Anak Bati added that rehearsal activities, such as role play, simulation, and group work will increase learning.

Some food for thought on the teaching of Science and mathematices include investigating into the appropriate teaching methods to use and more importantly is the monitoring of what really goes on in the classroom,. We cannot fault the manufacturer of a fast car if the driver does not know how to drive it properly!!!

Multi intelligence

Thought for today.

"They know enough who know how to learn"

-Henry Brooks Adams. (The educaton of Henry Adams)

The UPSR results hace been announced and the Ministry of Education has proudly highlighted that the results have improved slightly, with rural schools performing better than last year. At the same time it was noted that an aptitude test for gauging thinking skills and problem solving skills, which was introduced last year showed disappointing results. Post mortem into the reasons for this will definitely useful.

This new subject is a positive move a holistic education. We often hear the relevant authorities take pride in announcing schools' achivements in terms of academic results. Rarely has there been mention of students abilities and achievements in the other areas of development. Are we giving scant regard to the students' other strengths as explained Howard Gardner's Theory of Multi intelligences discussed in his book "Frames of Mind" 1983? Giving due consideration to these many aspects of human intelligence will be helpful in understanding learning styles, personality and behaviour in education and thus promoting skills in critical thinking and problem solving.

Edward De Bono, a famous British psychologist, writer and expert on thinking, has this relevant quotation. "Many highly intelligent people are poor thinkers. Many people of average intelligence are skilled thinkers. The power of the car is separate from the way a car is driven"

So the move by the ministry in introducing the new subject to gauge the thinking and problem skills of the students is a move in the right direction. What remains to be seen is the implementation of appropriate teaching activities in schools to enable students to develop these skills. If students are guided in this direction they will be able to apply their own judgement and interpretation to adapt to situations and thus be able to make the best for themselves.