Never quite thought I would be back to writing on this blog. Probably that is going to be a rare occurence, but nonetheless, I still enjoy writing random stuff every now and then.
FINALS ARE COMING UP IN A MONTH'S TIME! That's way to soon. How prepared am I? A big fat zero percent. It's so bad it's not even funny. Time to work harder!
Last words of the day: This is a really short post. More like a mini-rant about life.
29 October 2012
01 August 2012
[Fifty-third] HTHT
HTHT, an abbreviation for heart to heart talk.
That was what the team did at night, in the volunteer trip in Malang, Indonesia. Not that I would share any contents about the HTHTs here, but I would like to examine the impacts it has on team dynamics. (However, since this was a once-off project, it's not that important how the team dynamics would be affected.)
1. Formation of small cliques
HTHT was pretty much the pasttime of the team in Indonesia, and still continuing now. Someone started this whole trend of HTHT/gossip sessions, which led to many circle of trusts. This circle eventually grew bigger, and it certainly did leave some people out. The team was still generally bonded, but one could certainly see that those left out were in a clique, and the others also kind of just split up among themselves. Don't really have an explanation for that. It just happened. LOL.
2. Gossips leaking
There were TOO many circle of trusts, so many you couldn't keep track of who said what to you, and when you had to share a certain story, it's difficult to be watchful of what you said because you simply couldn't remember! What was meant to be a secret became knowledge to everyone, which was terrible for some.
And ending off with a good point...
3. Closer ties
Within those circle of trusts, those who have heard about their stories, understand each other deeper, which is a nice thing, because most people wouldn't have shared their stories unless in the "HTHT setting" (You know, that very solemn mood to discuss serious stuff. Sort of.) You also find nice friends who would truly listen to you and offer advice.
Last words of the day: I will miss the team, if ever we were drawn apart. "We are a part, not apart." <3
That was what the team did at night, in the volunteer trip in Malang, Indonesia. Not that I would share any contents about the HTHTs here, but I would like to examine the impacts it has on team dynamics. (However, since this was a once-off project, it's not that important how the team dynamics would be affected.)
1. Formation of small cliques
HTHT was pretty much the pasttime of the team in Indonesia, and still continuing now. Someone started this whole trend of HTHT/gossip sessions, which led to many circle of trusts. This circle eventually grew bigger, and it certainly did leave some people out. The team was still generally bonded, but one could certainly see that those left out were in a clique, and the others also kind of just split up among themselves. Don't really have an explanation for that. It just happened. LOL.
2. Gossips leaking
There were TOO many circle of trusts, so many you couldn't keep track of who said what to you, and when you had to share a certain story, it's difficult to be watchful of what you said because you simply couldn't remember! What was meant to be a secret became knowledge to everyone, which was terrible for some.
And ending off with a good point...
3. Closer ties
Within those circle of trusts, those who have heard about their stories, understand each other deeper, which is a nice thing, because most people wouldn't have shared their stories unless in the "HTHT setting" (You know, that very solemn mood to discuss serious stuff. Sort of.) You also find nice friends who would truly listen to you and offer advice.
Last words of the day: I will miss the team, if ever we were drawn apart. "We are a part, not apart." <3
12 July 2011
[Fifty-second] Education System in Singapore
Haven't posted anything in a while, but just wanted to pen down my feelings after reading this letter, written by 16 year-old Janelle Lee, to the Education Minister.
Link to letter
Link to comment I support (though on the extreme side)
In short, Janelle discusses in her letter,
My Thoughts
--
In the letter, she mentioned one example which really set me thinking...
"Why is carbon a non-metal?"
Even an A level graduate like me (I got an A for chem k!), couldn't quite answer the question. I went to google the question, and guess what, no convincing answers. This questions is in fact like asking "Why is an apple a fruit?". This is purely classification. There's no why to it, it's just classified like that. I don't know whether the education system has indeed killed my creative thinking but I stand firmly on my point of view.
Many things can't exactly be explained to students because they might not be at the age where they are able to understand and appreciate them. Although there are many improvements that can be made, memory work still has a part to play in learning.
One example I can give are magnets. (How do they work? LOL! I'm not trolling here.)
In primary schools, we are taught that like poles repel, opposite poles attract and some materials can be magnetized. However, one kid might ask, why do magnets have such properties? Are teachers able to explain to this child that it's due to electron spin and stuff of that sort? It is definitely not practical to do so.
Furthermore, with regards to questioning, being a relief teacher for a term, I was instructed by the senior teachers to not spoonfeed them, but rather question them in class and guide them in class. A teacher should be a facilitator in learning. That's what I believed in. (At least this is true in the JC I taught in)
The failure in this system cannot be solely blamed on the teachers. Students themselves should always question themselves, and learn to apply their knowledge, not just memorizing them. When asked questions, students often keep quiet in class. Class dynamics are simply non-existent nowadays. Teachers do try, but many students are unwilling to cooperate.
Last words of the day: Still thinking about some current affairs and discussing them with my old friends :D
Link to letter
Link to comment I support (though on the extreme side)
In short, Janelle discusses in her letter,
- The education system in Singapore discourages students from asking why.
- The problems with rote learning.
- Values being taught in schools and how teachers use civics time for subjects.
- Character development should be more important than academic education.
My Thoughts
--
In the letter, she mentioned one example which really set me thinking...
"Why is carbon a non-metal?"
Even an A level graduate like me (I got an A for chem k!), couldn't quite answer the question. I went to google the question, and guess what, no convincing answers. This questions is in fact like asking "Why is an apple a fruit?". This is purely classification. There's no why to it, it's just classified like that. I don't know whether the education system has indeed killed my creative thinking but I stand firmly on my point of view.
Many things can't exactly be explained to students because they might not be at the age where they are able to understand and appreciate them. Although there are many improvements that can be made, memory work still has a part to play in learning.
One example I can give are magnets. (How do they work? LOL! I'm not trolling here.)
In primary schools, we are taught that like poles repel, opposite poles attract and some materials can be magnetized. However, one kid might ask, why do magnets have such properties? Are teachers able to explain to this child that it's due to electron spin and stuff of that sort? It is definitely not practical to do so.
Furthermore, with regards to questioning, being a relief teacher for a term, I was instructed by the senior teachers to not spoonfeed them, but rather question them in class and guide them in class. A teacher should be a facilitator in learning. That's what I believed in. (At least this is true in the JC I taught in)
The failure in this system cannot be solely blamed on the teachers. Students themselves should always question themselves, and learn to apply their knowledge, not just memorizing them. When asked questions, students often keep quiet in class. Class dynamics are simply non-existent nowadays. Teachers do try, but many students are unwilling to cooperate.
It’s the right attitude towards learning, being motivated to be curious and taking action to acquire knowledge. Instead of waiting to be spoon-fed by teachers, students should be taught to seek knowledge on their own. If they cant find answers from their textbooks or classes, seek knowledge on their own instead of waiting for someone else. Real learners are proactive!
On the topic of moral/values education, I think giving tests on these subjects are ridiculous. Enough said.Last words of the day: Still thinking about some current affairs and discussing them with my old friends :D
27 April 2010
[Fifty-first] Lowering standards of Chinese
Seriously I think the people who write to newspaper forums are getting more senseless.
Argument in the newspaper: Less focus on mother tongue for PSLE to retain the talents in Singapore and educate them in Singapore.
If the student can't even score well in mother tongue for PSLE, at such a low level, how can they expect him to excel in university when he lacks the basic skill to commmunicate with others efficiently? A talent needs to be all rounded, equipped with knowledge as well as knowing how to communicate their ideas. And why is it that students can score well for PSLE English paper then? Is the paper too easy? Or is it that students have more exposure to it, which results in more frequent usage of the English language, thus gaining better results? Therefore by decreasing the difficulty of the Chinese paper, or reducing the weightage of the paper will not solve the root problem of having little exposure and usage of the Chinese language outside the classroom.
This lack of Chinese oratorical skills is detrimental to the society as well because China is a blooming country, and Singapore having such close ties with China, much of the business deals may have to be discussed in Chinese thus emphasizing the importance of Chinese. Although one may say that the Chinese are getting more literate in English, they might jeer at us for not knowing our culture, not knowing about our language and takes the Chinese language as an unimportant subject. Now how would they feel? They are passionate about their own language and culture, and the way Singaporeans respect their language is a total opposite. This could create an invisible barrier between business partners as there is a sense of detatchment. However if Chinese was used in negotiating, the Chinese businesses may feel more attached and can relate to us better, thus increasing the chances of a good outcome.
Furthermore there's a trend to decrease the standards of Chinese by various means and teaching methods, like focusing more on oral and using English to teach Chinese. That's just ridiculous. I'm so infuriated that Chinese people are losing their interest in mother tongue and regard Chinese as unimportant.
CONCLUSION: LOWERING STANDARDS OR WEIGHTAGE OF CHINESE AS A CRITERIA FOR HIGHER EDUCATION SHOULD NOT TAKE PLACE. SOLVE THE PROBLEM BY PUTTING EVEN MORE EMPHASIS ON IT, SO PEOPLE WILL WORK HARDER ON IT AND NOT PROCRASTINATE BY COMPLAINING THAT THE SUBJECT IS TOO DIFFICULT. SERIOUSLY STOP COMPLAINING. IT'S SO SAD TO SEE THE CHINESE CULTURE DYING IN THIS SOCIETY.
Side note: People are also getting more interested in foreign culture, especially the Korean culture. They are motivated to learn more about their language and culture... Why can't this be done for Chinese? Singapore wants to be in the forefront of everything, so why are the standards of Chinese decreasing where it should be increasing? I remember this when I was studying social studies: Do what is right, not what is popular... I cannot figure out whether this lower standards are the voices of the majority, or that this could be right? Or both plays a role? Anyway I simply think that this is an insult to the Chinese language. Might as well not learn it since students are learning the bare minimum.
Assumption: Many people view the Chinese language as unimportant. Maybe the majority are fine with Chinese? Let's just hope that is true. (:
Last words of the day: I wanted to post this on my fb status... but it was too long as I got carried away so I transferred it here (:
Argument in the newspaper: Less focus on mother tongue for PSLE to retain the talents in Singapore and educate them in Singapore.
If the student can't even score well in mother tongue for PSLE, at such a low level, how can they expect him to excel in university when he lacks the basic skill to commmunicate with others efficiently? A talent needs to be all rounded, equipped with knowledge as well as knowing how to communicate their ideas. And why is it that students can score well for PSLE English paper then? Is the paper too easy? Or is it that students have more exposure to it, which results in more frequent usage of the English language, thus gaining better results? Therefore by decreasing the difficulty of the Chinese paper, or reducing the weightage of the paper will not solve the root problem of having little exposure and usage of the Chinese language outside the classroom.
This lack of Chinese oratorical skills is detrimental to the society as well because China is a blooming country, and Singapore having such close ties with China, much of the business deals may have to be discussed in Chinese thus emphasizing the importance of Chinese. Although one may say that the Chinese are getting more literate in English, they might jeer at us for not knowing our culture, not knowing about our language and takes the Chinese language as an unimportant subject. Now how would they feel? They are passionate about their own language and culture, and the way Singaporeans respect their language is a total opposite. This could create an invisible barrier between business partners as there is a sense of detatchment. However if Chinese was used in negotiating, the Chinese businesses may feel more attached and can relate to us better, thus increasing the chances of a good outcome.
Furthermore there's a trend to decrease the standards of Chinese by various means and teaching methods, like focusing more on oral and using English to teach Chinese. That's just ridiculous. I'm so infuriated that Chinese people are losing their interest in mother tongue and regard Chinese as unimportant.
CONCLUSION: LOWERING STANDARDS OR WEIGHTAGE OF CHINESE AS A CRITERIA FOR HIGHER EDUCATION SHOULD NOT TAKE PLACE. SOLVE THE PROBLEM BY PUTTING EVEN MORE EMPHASIS ON IT, SO PEOPLE WILL WORK HARDER ON IT AND NOT PROCRASTINATE BY COMPLAINING THAT THE SUBJECT IS TOO DIFFICULT. SERIOUSLY STOP COMPLAINING. IT'S SO SAD TO SEE THE CHINESE CULTURE DYING IN THIS SOCIETY.
Side note: People are also getting more interested in foreign culture, especially the Korean culture. They are motivated to learn more about their language and culture... Why can't this be done for Chinese? Singapore wants to be in the forefront of everything, so why are the standards of Chinese decreasing where it should be increasing? I remember this when I was studying social studies: Do what is right, not what is popular... I cannot figure out whether this lower standards are the voices of the majority, or that this could be right? Or both plays a role? Anyway I simply think that this is an insult to the Chinese language. Might as well not learn it since students are learning the bare minimum.
Assumption: Many people view the Chinese language as unimportant. Maybe the majority are fine with Chinese? Let's just hope that is true. (:
Last words of the day: I wanted to post this on my fb status... but it was too long as I got carried away so I transferred it here (:
03 February 2010
[Fiftieth] Random thoughts
I kind of lost count for the post number. But I can always change it :D
Random thought 1: Human beings are like dogs.
In this section, "I" refers to the dog
My master gave birth to me, or so I thought. I was adopted, but I never knew because I was too dumb to understand anything.
[no logic flow here]
I obey my master, always at his beck and call. I have the choice to disobey, but this would result in me starving to death. And my master will just sit at a corner, smiling cruelly at me while he strokes his new pet.
Perhaps I'm just like the new pet, just a mere substitute for the old pet my master is tired of. All the times my master has been nice to me, feeding me with treats and brushed my fur gently, were they just illusions and false memories?
Therefore, I never harboured the thought of disobeying my master. The price to pay was way too high.
Random thought 2:
WHY DID THE STUPID OLD MAN STAND IN FRONT OF ME WHEN I WAS WALKING HOME?! I was just drinking soya bean milk, then he suddenly appear in front of me when I looked up. SCARY.
Random thought 3:
Waiting.
Waiting is a joy. By waiting, you think about all sorts of possibilities about what would happen when you've finally seen the thing you've been waiting for. These possibilities are mostly positive, holding a bright future ahead.
As time goes by, these thoughts diminishes, and waiting becomes meaningless. Nothing is done just waiting. Waiting there like a statue, barely with emotions, just waiting for more time to pass until you see what you've been waiting for.
When you wait too long, all hopes get shattered and you start to get frustrated. In the end, you're just where you are in the beginning, waiting all over again, for hope.
Last words of the day: I think I'm at stage 3 of the waiting process now. FML.
Random thought 1: Human beings are like dogs.
In this section, "I" refers to the dog
My master gave birth to me, or so I thought. I was adopted, but I never knew because I was too dumb to understand anything.
[no logic flow here]
I obey my master, always at his beck and call. I have the choice to disobey, but this would result in me starving to death. And my master will just sit at a corner, smiling cruelly at me while he strokes his new pet.
Perhaps I'm just like the new pet, just a mere substitute for the old pet my master is tired of. All the times my master has been nice to me, feeding me with treats and brushed my fur gently, were they just illusions and false memories?
Therefore, I never harboured the thought of disobeying my master. The price to pay was way too high.
Random thought 2:
WHY DID THE STUPID OLD MAN STAND IN FRONT OF ME WHEN I WAS WALKING HOME?! I was just drinking soya bean milk, then he suddenly appear in front of me when I looked up. SCARY.
Random thought 3:
Waiting.
Waiting is a joy. By waiting, you think about all sorts of possibilities about what would happen when you've finally seen the thing you've been waiting for. These possibilities are mostly positive, holding a bright future ahead.
As time goes by, these thoughts diminishes, and waiting becomes meaningless. Nothing is done just waiting. Waiting there like a statue, barely with emotions, just waiting for more time to pass until you see what you've been waiting for.
When you wait too long, all hopes get shattered and you start to get frustrated. In the end, you're just where you are in the beginning, waiting all over again, for hope.
Last words of the day: I think I'm at stage 3 of the waiting process now. FML.
10 October 2009
[Fourty-eighth] OMG HILARIOUS.
Not that bad considering I made it myself!
Last words of the day: Stupid link from pointless sites <3
10 September 2009
[Fourty-seventh] LOL!
lol! I saw this crap on pointless sites. haha just for fun :D
Last words of the day: This blog is going to be dead D: oh no!
Last words of the day: This blog is going to be dead D: oh no!
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