New Blog

Hi!

Have you visited my new blog yet?

http://www.ievolve36.blogspot.com/.

Share my experiences there.

New Year, New Blog

Hi everyone.

From U-evolve, we move now to

http://www.ievolve36.blogspot.com/

Follow me on my blogging experiences in this new blog.

Best wishes to all of you.

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.

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!!!

Turtle management centre, Segari, Perak

Thought for today.

"Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land."

Aldo Leopold. (A Sand County Almanac)

From the exit of Changkat Jering Toll plaza, a pleasant drive for about 50 Km southwards along the coastal road will bring one to the Turtle Management Centre, in Segari, Perak

This centre is the initiative of the Fisheries Department for the purpose to protect maritime turtles from threats of extinction. So there is a turtle hatchery where the hatchlings are released when they are big and strong enough to fend for themselves in the open sea. Tourists will be able to see several tanks where the hatchlings and small turles in the various stages of development are kept. One can also see large turtles swimming in some man made ponds. There is also a small tourist centre with informative posters and a few specimens.

Apparently this coastal area, called Pasir Panjang Segari is a suitable nesting area for these maritime turtles. The nesting season is all year round with the peak season being between March to July.

This is an interesting place to visit and tourist can later adjourned or lunch in the restaurants in Lumut or Pantai Remis.