Writing tests conducted by the University of New South Wales have proven that we spell better than Australians. It gives me such sheer pleasure to know this, as a Singaporean.
Words like chaotic, laborious, dilemma, perceive, voyage, actions, appearance, camouflage, disappeared, frightening, muscular and predators were on the list.
This ability is attributed to the "drill" method we use in learning and even local academic material print words that we should know how to spell. Our counterpart however, gets their students to "read" and pronounce. Spelling does require memory.
We have also clinched four of the top positions in the Royal Commonwealth Society's essay competition. Our command of English "trumps even native speakers from the United Kingdom." This is the third year, incidentally.We have been given the greatest number of awards out of all the participating countries as a result. So there.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Unnecessary whining out of self-centredness
Mock exercises have been held to prepare our citizens for any terrorist attacks waged upon us. Some people have voiced out their unhappiness at being inconvenienced by the exercises and have suggested holding them during the non-peak hours.
I've mentioned this in a much earlier entry and reiterate the fact that these people have failed to consider that terrorists will not take that factor into account when planning an attack.
"We also try to factor in an element of surprise so as to retain realism..." Having them during the peak hours is inconvenient but realistic. Period.
I've mentioned this in a much earlier entry and reiterate the fact that these people have failed to consider that terrorists will not take that factor into account when planning an attack.
"We also try to factor in an element of surprise so as to retain realism..." Having them during the peak hours is inconvenient but realistic. Period.
A 'Hall of Shame'
Noorhayati Rahamat wrote to Today suggesting a section of photographs showing people who are a menace to society through their manners. I fully agree with it. Singaporeans are known to be concerned about 'losing face' and maintaining their reputation. This fear in them should provoke them into acting with decorum around others.
Still, there is a qualm to grapple with. Remember the Hongkong Uncle incident? When it was broadcast over the Internet, people actually got so agitated over it that he was assaulted in the name of righteousness. I hope Singaporeans don't do the same.
Neil Humphreys cited an incident in London when he was still schooling. The old lady whose seat was snatched by a young girl snatched her up and berated her for being disrespectful, insolent and inconsiderate.
Yes, having the victims stand up for their own rights would be more effective for stamping out impoliteness on public transport. Age may be an issue but injustice can summon strength from within one never thought possible before. Benign by-standers would not be accused of being busybodies then. Together, we can make a difference, nationalistically cliched though it sounds.
He mentioned some forms of repulsive behaviour prevalent on local public transport. I would like to add to his list.
Steel poles are not meant for leaning on but for holding on. Singaporeans have not got this basic piece of knowledge into their heads.
Physical intimacy between lovebirds is really more private and special when displayed within the four walls of a home. Holding hands or having arms around the shoulders or waist at the very most is still acceptable. I'm not being a prude here but more consideration would be appreciated from especially the broken-hearted or unattached, before lovebirds decide to do things which offend sensibilities. I'm not speaking for myself though.
A recent article on people insisting on entering lifts despite a medical emergency team with a casualty inside makes me feel disgusted with such a selfish attitude. Where is the sense of decent sensitivity?
Of course, humility is sorely lacking when we're criticized. This couple retaliated when told to stop eating on the train by a fellow commuter. They obviously wanted to retain their 'face' when told off in front of everyone.
They were definitely wrong in this case. The commuter was doing the right thing by being so "kapo".
However, Lim Boon Hee mentioned that "too much vigilance will result in a self-righteous society where kaypohs pick on everything they don't approve of in the name of creating more civil living." It's true to say that some people may do so only to get grateful looks from others instead of sincerely wanting to right wrongs and restore a sense of decorum. We will then have to deal with the problems of complacency and arrogance instead!
There is also the issue of subjectivity involved. "Everyone has different views and standards of what constitutes acceptable public behaviour...seek(ing) to impose what each believes to be acceptable behaviour." Disunity will be the consequence, as each "self-appointed nann(y) of good public behavioural standards" strives to convince others of his principles.
There needs to be a socially accepted criteria on proper behavioural etiquette, which is again subjective in itself anyway, since the committee which comes up with it is made up of individuals with individual opinions.
Still, there is a qualm to grapple with. Remember the Hongkong Uncle incident? When it was broadcast over the Internet, people actually got so agitated over it that he was assaulted in the name of righteousness. I hope Singaporeans don't do the same.
Neil Humphreys cited an incident in London when he was still schooling. The old lady whose seat was snatched by a young girl snatched her up and berated her for being disrespectful, insolent and inconsiderate.
Yes, having the victims stand up for their own rights would be more effective for stamping out impoliteness on public transport. Age may be an issue but injustice can summon strength from within one never thought possible before. Benign by-standers would not be accused of being busybodies then. Together, we can make a difference, nationalistically cliched though it sounds.
He mentioned some forms of repulsive behaviour prevalent on local public transport. I would like to add to his list.
Steel poles are not meant for leaning on but for holding on. Singaporeans have not got this basic piece of knowledge into their heads.
Physical intimacy between lovebirds is really more private and special when displayed within the four walls of a home. Holding hands or having arms around the shoulders or waist at the very most is still acceptable. I'm not being a prude here but more consideration would be appreciated from especially the broken-hearted or unattached, before lovebirds decide to do things which offend sensibilities. I'm not speaking for myself though.
A recent article on people insisting on entering lifts despite a medical emergency team with a casualty inside makes me feel disgusted with such a selfish attitude. Where is the sense of decent sensitivity?
Of course, humility is sorely lacking when we're criticized. This couple retaliated when told to stop eating on the train by a fellow commuter. They obviously wanted to retain their 'face' when told off in front of everyone.
They were definitely wrong in this case. The commuter was doing the right thing by being so "kapo".
However, Lim Boon Hee mentioned that "too much vigilance will result in a self-righteous society where kaypohs pick on everything they don't approve of in the name of creating more civil living." It's true to say that some people may do so only to get grateful looks from others instead of sincerely wanting to right wrongs and restore a sense of decorum. We will then have to deal with the problems of complacency and arrogance instead!
There is also the issue of subjectivity involved. "Everyone has different views and standards of what constitutes acceptable public behaviour...seek(ing) to impose what each believes to be acceptable behaviour." Disunity will be the consequence, as each "self-appointed nann(y) of good public behavioural standards" strives to convince others of his principles.
There needs to be a socially accepted criteria on proper behavioural etiquette, which is again subjective in itself anyway, since the committee which comes up with it is made up of individuals with individual opinions.
Kudos to this parenting style!
Frances Ong wrote in I Say about her way of raising children. She rules out unhealthy influences like advertisements which really drain money out of consumers with unnecessary purchases and cause "slave(ry) to trends". She instills the values of simplicity and creative thinking by using the imagination to come up with games from mere household items. Less money is spent and her children's eyesight do not deteriorate due to gaming. Selflessness and consideration for others are also cultivated with the limitations and deprivations placed upon them.
"This may seem an unconventional way to raise our children but we actively choose to create the conditions for them to live in." Technology gives way to primitivity but results in spiritual and mental progress. Books, newspapers and enriching conversations are the order of the day in her household."As parents, we must ensure that...electronic gadgets do not take over our primary roles of forming a loving relationship with our children and establishing the proper values to guide them through life."
David Poh wrote in to comment that there can be benefits to exposing children to technology. He mentions that his son "was motivated to learn English as he did not understand the commands and dialogue in the (PC) games."
He also goes on to imply that initial mutual assessment of the things in life is better than letting them learn them in the wrong ways and from the wrong people. Some parents may disagree with this, saying that the best way to learn is also the hardest way. Indeed, mistakes and wrong choices do create a more lasting impact in the learning journey but what if it's too late and they lead to life-and-death situations? We're talking about smoking and drinking here.
Prevention is better than cure and preparatory learning is more appropriate when referring to vices.
"This may seem an unconventional way to raise our children but we actively choose to create the conditions for them to live in." Technology gives way to primitivity but results in spiritual and mental progress. Books, newspapers and enriching conversations are the order of the day in her household."As parents, we must ensure that...electronic gadgets do not take over our primary roles of forming a loving relationship with our children and establishing the proper values to guide them through life."
David Poh wrote in to comment that there can be benefits to exposing children to technology. He mentions that his son "was motivated to learn English as he did not understand the commands and dialogue in the (PC) games."
He also goes on to imply that initial mutual assessment of the things in life is better than letting them learn them in the wrong ways and from the wrong people. Some parents may disagree with this, saying that the best way to learn is also the hardest way. Indeed, mistakes and wrong choices do create a more lasting impact in the learning journey but what if it's too late and they lead to life-and-death situations? We're talking about smoking and drinking here.
Prevention is better than cure and preparatory learning is more appropriate when referring to vices.
Plagiarism vs tenacity and the boundaries of creativity
Dr Veronica Corna Toh wrote in the newspapers that people have survived through the ages by improving on what's existent. "That mankind imitates, improves and perfects each other's inventions to improve lives should be a celebration of man's tenacity and survivor instinct."
In literature however, this ability is seen as plagiaristic and unoriginal rather than tenacious and adaptable.
Ng Yew Hong also wrote in to comment on creativity as rampant in all aspects of education. It is usually associated with the Arts but he gives a new take on it. "Creativity is by no means confined to the arts and aesthetics. One can be creative no matter what profession he is in. In daily life, as long as we approach every problem we encounter with an inquisitive mind and think out of the box to resolve it, we are being creative."
To think that having a desire to ask questions and not be afraid of being ridiculed in the process, and stretching our lines of thinking is also being creative, is enlightening indeed! :)
In literature however, this ability is seen as plagiaristic and unoriginal rather than tenacious and adaptable.
Ng Yew Hong also wrote in to comment on creativity as rampant in all aspects of education. It is usually associated with the Arts but he gives a new take on it. "Creativity is by no means confined to the arts and aesthetics. One can be creative no matter what profession he is in. In daily life, as long as we approach every problem we encounter with an inquisitive mind and think out of the box to resolve it, we are being creative."
To think that having a desire to ask questions and not be afraid of being ridiculed in the process, and stretching our lines of thinking is also being creative, is enlightening indeed! :)
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Teachers in the news for the wrong reasons
Teachers mete out punishment according to the offence committed by their students but lately, a couple of them have crossed the line and done things that are truly uncalled for. They are more of humiliation shown towards the students.
One had banned her student from having his recess for the whole week just because he had made mistakes in his schoolwork. To ban him for that particular day on which he made those mistakes would have been more adequate. Was there a need to stretch it to the whole week? The punishment exceeds the offence committed.
Another teacher had asked her class to beat a student up. The reason was because he had not been consistently handing his homework in to her. She had even told her class that she would turn a blind eye to their actions.
This is not just a matter of giving an excessive punishment but also of imbuing the wrong values to the students. As a teacher, she's responsible for their sense of righteousness towards those around them. After all, she's one of the educators of our young and her actions have certainly caused injustice to the student who was beaten up. What if by such an order, she was goading on a fellow student's desire to get even with that particular student whom he may hate?
Sometimes I do find myself losing my sense of control when disciplining my students but I stop myself immediately when I become aware of it. It takes a conscious decision to have daily reflection to achieve this.
On the other hand, some parents nowadays can be unreasonable. They regard their children as precious gems which can't be touched. They differ from those of the older generation who left their children in the teachers' hands. Even a hit on the knuckle by a wooden ruler is seen as cruel treatment nowadays.
It's no wonder that their children turn out to be spoilt and wayward, thinking that their parents'll always be speaking up for them.
There is also a failure to understand that their child isn't the only pupil the teacher has to handle at one time.
With expectations placed on the calibre of a child, punishments inflicted on him will accord to them. That's quite a logical way of disciplining, isn't it?
A retired teacher said, "..we have gone too soft as a society and may pay a heavy price if the disciplinary fabric of the school starts to fall apart." Following the style of such unreasonable parents will inevitably lead to that.
As Santokh Singh comments, "...punish...with dignity...don't humiliate..." Explain the reason behind the punishment. "Err on the side of sympathy with first-time offenders...Punishment meted out with care and concern usually bears the right fruit." Don't be afraid to seem foolish by giving the benefit of the doubt when disciplining. It'll go a long way with students.
One had banned her student from having his recess for the whole week just because he had made mistakes in his schoolwork. To ban him for that particular day on which he made those mistakes would have been more adequate. Was there a need to stretch it to the whole week? The punishment exceeds the offence committed.
Another teacher had asked her class to beat a student up. The reason was because he had not been consistently handing his homework in to her. She had even told her class that she would turn a blind eye to their actions.
This is not just a matter of giving an excessive punishment but also of imbuing the wrong values to the students. As a teacher, she's responsible for their sense of righteousness towards those around them. After all, she's one of the educators of our young and her actions have certainly caused injustice to the student who was beaten up. What if by such an order, she was goading on a fellow student's desire to get even with that particular student whom he may hate?
Sometimes I do find myself losing my sense of control when disciplining my students but I stop myself immediately when I become aware of it. It takes a conscious decision to have daily reflection to achieve this.
On the other hand, some parents nowadays can be unreasonable. They regard their children as precious gems which can't be touched. They differ from those of the older generation who left their children in the teachers' hands. Even a hit on the knuckle by a wooden ruler is seen as cruel treatment nowadays.
It's no wonder that their children turn out to be spoilt and wayward, thinking that their parents'll always be speaking up for them.
There is also a failure to understand that their child isn't the only pupil the teacher has to handle at one time.
With expectations placed on the calibre of a child, punishments inflicted on him will accord to them. That's quite a logical way of disciplining, isn't it?
A retired teacher said, "..we have gone too soft as a society and may pay a heavy price if the disciplinary fabric of the school starts to fall apart." Following the style of such unreasonable parents will inevitably lead to that.
As Santokh Singh comments, "...punish...with dignity...don't humiliate..." Explain the reason behind the punishment. "Err on the side of sympathy with first-time offenders...Punishment meted out with care and concern usually bears the right fruit." Don't be afraid to seem foolish by giving the benefit of the doubt when disciplining. It'll go a long way with students.
Tourists are really national ambassadors and Singaporeans are 'complaint queens'
As someone who has travelled widely, I am aware that when we go to other countries, we are really representing our own country to foreigners. This probably stems from my choral roots. In the midst of performing at concerts on a major scale, we are really representing our church and religion.
I've encountered fellow Singaporeans on the same tour as I am, giving a bad name to our country. The uncouth mannerisms they display in their speech and behaviour are truly appalling. Such selfish people don't bother about the impression they portray to outsiders and instead care more about their own needs.
Yan Liping mentioned in her letter about this family who disobeyed instructions on the plane to only stand up when the seatbelt signs were not lighted up. This family defies my comments. All I can say is that with them around, I'd be ashamed to tell people I'm a Singaporean just like them. Perhaps they are taking the opportunity to break free from the boundary of rules that curtail their freedom back on mainland or they are showing foreign passengers on the plane that they've reached their homeland and are eager to go home. Are these reasons really justifiable?
GEMS is now being enforced in the sales industry but as Tiah Kiang Choon implies, customers affect the direction of this campaign. If customers think that they are everything, then they can't blame salespeople for giving them such negative attitudes. 'You reap what you sow'. It's a matter of practising empathy. The reason why salespeople give better service to foreigners is because they make the effort to be polite to them, according to Jeffrey Law. They also practise empathy. So, what else is there left to say on this?
I mentioned in a much earlier entry about this bank customer. No other customer was making a mountain as she was. If customers could just stop to think in the salespeople's shoes, they'd understand the whole situation better and less noise would be added to this already noisy world. As a former temporary salesgirl, I'm aware of how much those who work in customer service have to put up with. Such ridiculous customers just spoil their day.
Maria Fung wrote that "many customers tend to be impatient when things are slow...rush(ing) off with our goods without saying a word of thanks." Such typical behaviour is exhibited in restaurants and shopping outlets. Those who do otherwise are the minority. Does it hurt to put yourselves in the salespeople's shoes and give them more time to meet your requests, or say a simple 'thank you' to the service staff? "It is time we learn that going the extra mile in courtesy is a two-way, not one-way affair. "
I've encountered fellow Singaporeans on the same tour as I am, giving a bad name to our country. The uncouth mannerisms they display in their speech and behaviour are truly appalling. Such selfish people don't bother about the impression they portray to outsiders and instead care more about their own needs.
Yan Liping mentioned in her letter about this family who disobeyed instructions on the plane to only stand up when the seatbelt signs were not lighted up. This family defies my comments. All I can say is that with them around, I'd be ashamed to tell people I'm a Singaporean just like them. Perhaps they are taking the opportunity to break free from the boundary of rules that curtail their freedom back on mainland or they are showing foreign passengers on the plane that they've reached their homeland and are eager to go home. Are these reasons really justifiable?
GEMS is now being enforced in the sales industry but as Tiah Kiang Choon implies, customers affect the direction of this campaign. If customers think that they are everything, then they can't blame salespeople for giving them such negative attitudes. 'You reap what you sow'. It's a matter of practising empathy. The reason why salespeople give better service to foreigners is because they make the effort to be polite to them, according to Jeffrey Law. They also practise empathy. So, what else is there left to say on this?
I mentioned in a much earlier entry about this bank customer. No other customer was making a mountain as she was. If customers could just stop to think in the salespeople's shoes, they'd understand the whole situation better and less noise would be added to this already noisy world. As a former temporary salesgirl, I'm aware of how much those who work in customer service have to put up with. Such ridiculous customers just spoil their day.
Maria Fung wrote that "many customers tend to be impatient when things are slow...rush(ing) off with our goods without saying a word of thanks." Such typical behaviour is exhibited in restaurants and shopping outlets. Those who do otherwise are the minority. Does it hurt to put yourselves in the salespeople's shoes and give them more time to meet your requests, or say a simple 'thank you' to the service staff? "It is time we learn that going the extra mile in courtesy is a two-way, not one-way affair. "
Language has its dangers
A word may have certain set definitions, both literal and contextual but it can be abused in its usage, causing far-reaching effects.
Gender discrimination can be said to be attributed to it. "Men are players, women are sluts, just the way men are tough and women are bitchy." Aren't promiscuity and aggression the common language here? Why have different labels? Is it to show prowess in language?
People's perceptions of language have also become decadent with time. "Slut" is now used to tease and greet each other instead of being used in its proper meaning. People think of this word as "fun" to use. They become mean to others on the pretext of being humorous.
Gender discrimination can be said to be attributed to it. "Men are players, women are sluts, just the way men are tough and women are bitchy." Aren't promiscuity and aggression the common language here? Why have different labels? Is it to show prowess in language?
People's perceptions of language have also become decadent with time. "Slut" is now used to tease and greet each other instead of being used in its proper meaning. People think of this word as "fun" to use. They become mean to others on the pretext of being humorous.
Downloaded worksheets vs private tuition
In conjunction with the Speak Good English campaign to be held, there have been many letters and articles in the papers on the language. Colin Ong wrote in to comment on assessment books and model essay books being sold to help students master English. However, he mentioned that links to academic websites where worksheets can be downloaded for practice is more feasible than private tuition.
I'm not really sympathetic to this statement not because I'm a private tutor who does not charge market rates. My rates are rather low in comparison, Worksheets can be downloaded, together with their answer sheets but who will explain the rationale behind the answers to the students? To merely use the answer sheets to mark the worksheets without explaining the 'why' behind them is tantamount to memorising the answers to the questions. English has a wide syllabus and we can't predict what is going to be set in the examinations, unlike Mathematics where we set varying questions based on certain formulae to be memorized.
Not all parents are academically qualified in English and not all students can figure out why their answers are wrong as opposed to the suggested ones on their own, so aren't private tutors an alternative?
Besides, the answers on the sheets are suggested ones. To regard them as the sole answers would be quelling creative thinking. Private tutors can then affirm the alternative but equally good ones which students may give to the questions. This does boost their morale and enthusiasm for learning, besides enhancing their thinking skills.
I'm not really sympathetic to this statement not because I'm a private tutor who does not charge market rates. My rates are rather low in comparison, Worksheets can be downloaded, together with their answer sheets but who will explain the rationale behind the answers to the students? To merely use the answer sheets to mark the worksheets without explaining the 'why' behind them is tantamount to memorising the answers to the questions. English has a wide syllabus and we can't predict what is going to be set in the examinations, unlike Mathematics where we set varying questions based on certain formulae to be memorized.
Not all parents are academically qualified in English and not all students can figure out why their answers are wrong as opposed to the suggested ones on their own, so aren't private tutors an alternative?
Besides, the answers on the sheets are suggested ones. To regard them as the sole answers would be quelling creative thinking. Private tutors can then affirm the alternative but equally good ones which students may give to the questions. This does boost their morale and enthusiasm for learning, besides enhancing their thinking skills.
Never-ending talk on English
Paul Tan wrote that even if native teachers are hired to teach English, the local teachers' skills need to be brushed up on, since English is the medium of instruction for most subjects. A Mathematics teacher needs to be clear in her conveyance of Mathematics concepts. If more native speakers are employed to raise the standard of English, there will be fewer places for the locals and more unhappiness will result. It's quite a tough decision here.
He mentioned that the prevalence of Singlish compels foreigners to learn it so as to fit into our society. This is yet a pull in another direction concerning the justification of Singlish. It undermines standard English but enhances social belonging. The latter is the concern of especially teenagers. It is true that "rooting out non-standard languages is near-impossible", as they make up one's national identity. The best solution would be to recognise that there is a time for non-standard English and for standard English to be used. Standard English after all, does aid a sense of belonging as well, just with the world rather than with domestic societies.
Santokh Singh wrote against the idea of hiring expatriates as teachers, as they expect to be able to solely teach their specialized subject. They want nothing to do with the administrative aspects of what local teachers do. Of course we local teachers do have that same desire but it's part of being a teacher here in Singapore, whether we like it or not.
I worked in a private school as a teacher and due to our small staff number, we had to do everything from maintenance to stock-take. I'm quite sure that there were grouses in our minds but we knew that we had to do all these to keep the school up and running.
It's possible that expatriate teachers are expected to just teach academia back in their own countries but unfortunately, local teachers don't have that privilege. So in order to fulfill their job critieria as local teachers, they have to adapt themselves to incorporating these duties into their job scope. Hence the high salaries we get as teachers.
Still, I find that such multi-tasking gives us a better exposure to handling pressure. I wonder if discipline and remedial lessons aren't part of teaching though. You must discipline to teach more effectively and give remedials to reinforce your lessons, must you not?
To me, teaching is a vocation and not a job. If you really love your students, counselling stems from your love for them. You care enough to want them to be happy. I'm not looking at this career with rose-tinted eyes. I've experience to temper those eyes.
He mentioned that the prevalence of Singlish compels foreigners to learn it so as to fit into our society. This is yet a pull in another direction concerning the justification of Singlish. It undermines standard English but enhances social belonging. The latter is the concern of especially teenagers. It is true that "rooting out non-standard languages is near-impossible", as they make up one's national identity. The best solution would be to recognise that there is a time for non-standard English and for standard English to be used. Standard English after all, does aid a sense of belonging as well, just with the world rather than with domestic societies.
Santokh Singh wrote against the idea of hiring expatriates as teachers, as they expect to be able to solely teach their specialized subject. They want nothing to do with the administrative aspects of what local teachers do. Of course we local teachers do have that same desire but it's part of being a teacher here in Singapore, whether we like it or not.
I worked in a private school as a teacher and due to our small staff number, we had to do everything from maintenance to stock-take. I'm quite sure that there were grouses in our minds but we knew that we had to do all these to keep the school up and running.
It's possible that expatriate teachers are expected to just teach academia back in their own countries but unfortunately, local teachers don't have that privilege. So in order to fulfill their job critieria as local teachers, they have to adapt themselves to incorporating these duties into their job scope. Hence the high salaries we get as teachers.
Still, I find that such multi-tasking gives us a better exposure to handling pressure. I wonder if discipline and remedial lessons aren't part of teaching though. You must discipline to teach more effectively and give remedials to reinforce your lessons, must you not?
To me, teaching is a vocation and not a job. If you really love your students, counselling stems from your love for them. You care enough to want them to be happy. I'm not looking at this career with rose-tinted eyes. I've experience to temper those eyes.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Renewal amidst separation
I had dinner with my god-brother before he migrated overseas and I miss him as well as the little things about him. He used to poke me in the ribs and his way of showing pretended annoyance is also a unique thing about him. Well, I hope he is all right in Perth.
I met my god-daughter for dinner the next day and though we meet only once a year nowadays, we never fail to regale each other with our life stories. I rediscover her through her thoughts and attitudes. It is so strange how she is now so much easier to talk to and empathetic. I guess she grows on me with age. :) She was my best friend's sister to me when I first knew her. Look where we are now!
I met my best friend two days after her sister. I too, rarely get to meet her nowadays but we never feel that we've drifted apart despite the infrequency of getting together. It just isn't in our vocabulary of friendship. She is just as affectionate towards me and is still the same person that makes her unique. :) I do miss the times I slept over at her place and perhaps we may get down to it soon, when her leave starts next month.
These two sisters have only proven to me that a friendship is still secure even if there's no frequent contact between the parties involved. The degree of closeness isn't compromised. They are one of the special people in my life and I'm glad we're still one in heart with each other. :) We may spend limited time with each other but the time is still cherished because of the company.
I met my god-daughter for dinner the next day and though we meet only once a year nowadays, we never fail to regale each other with our life stories. I rediscover her through her thoughts and attitudes. It is so strange how she is now so much easier to talk to and empathetic. I guess she grows on me with age. :) She was my best friend's sister to me when I first knew her. Look where we are now!
I met my best friend two days after her sister. I too, rarely get to meet her nowadays but we never feel that we've drifted apart despite the infrequency of getting together. It just isn't in our vocabulary of friendship. She is just as affectionate towards me and is still the same person that makes her unique. :) I do miss the times I slept over at her place and perhaps we may get down to it soon, when her leave starts next month.
These two sisters have only proven to me that a friendship is still secure even if there's no frequent contact between the parties involved. The degree of closeness isn't compromised. They are one of the special people in my life and I'm glad we're still one in heart with each other. :) We may spend limited time with each other but the time is still cherished because of the company.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Monolingualism or multilingualism
Singaporeans are known to be bilingual in both English and a second language due to the education system. Some are even trilingual, in a foreign language or a dialect as well. We can switch to different languages while communicating with different people. That enables comprehensibility from others.
Koo Tsai Kee, a columnist, wrote an article about this in Today dated 17 July 2006. I quote "See how monolingualism can limit our interactions with other people?" "...expanding (one's) linguistic horizons" is the way to an increase in social relations.
Yes, though English speakers are "renowned for their inability to learn foreign tongues", Singapore is a "communication hub....in languages." We can at least "pick up functional" languages to interact with others.
Being well-versed in a language other than English gives rise to cultural closeness as well. Knowing Mandarin, Tamil or Malay enables one to have a greater degree of bonding with his ethnicity and experience the same beatings of the heart with those of his race.
Also, Latin was the language used before vernacular English replaced it and is now hardly used. More languages may very well erode with time. We should indeed prepare for this phenomenon with multilingualism.
Koo Tsai Kee, a columnist, wrote an article about this in Today dated 17 July 2006. I quote "See how monolingualism can limit our interactions with other people?" "...expanding (one's) linguistic horizons" is the way to an increase in social relations.
Yes, though English speakers are "renowned for their inability to learn foreign tongues", Singapore is a "communication hub....in languages." We can at least "pick up functional" languages to interact with others.
Being well-versed in a language other than English gives rise to cultural closeness as well. Knowing Mandarin, Tamil or Malay enables one to have a greater degree of bonding with his ethnicity and experience the same beatings of the heart with those of his race.
Also, Latin was the language used before vernacular English replaced it and is now hardly used. More languages may very well erode with time. We should indeed prepare for this phenomenon with multilingualism.
Teachers - encouragers or criticisers?
Crystal Chan wrote to the papers about how some teachers can be so extremely annoying in the way they react to their students' work. Some embarrass the students in front of the whole class. I remember being sarcastically spoken about when I forgot to bring my textbook. Was there a need to "advertise" it to the whole class? Would my classmates have wanted to know that I had not brought my textbook? It'd have been better for my spirits if she had admonished me in private.
However, I would like to jump to the defence of teachers who suspect the authenticity of students' work if it's of an unusually high standard. To be sceptical, we are firstly aware that they don't produce such quality on a consistent level and we are of the knowledge that their age encompasses a certain standard of work. To perform beyond expectations in such a suspicious manner prevents us from being open to a marked improvement in their work. We go on to wonder if someone else had done their work or at least provided the content for it. I had encountered such a case before. Of course, it still doesn't allow us to shame the student in public though. Private questioning is just as effective.
On the other hand, a reader wrote in to respond to an article in Today dated 12 July 2006 titled 'No! Not a zero please'. I'm quoting from Daniel Chan's letter to show how some teachers fail to be open in their grading of exam scripts. "A phrase or sentence may be subject to all kinds of interpretation. Must a student only interpret it as the teacher sees correct and anything else is irrelevant? Whatever happened to thinking out of the box?"
Such teachers are just being dictatorial and impose their own ideas on their students. Is that what education, is about? Aren't teachers supposed to encourage creativity instead of quelling it? This is especially pertinent to English essays, specifically expository and narrative questions. A zero should be given only when there is total misinterpretation of the question.
Another writer in the Straits Times Forum, Patrick Tan, wrote that "first and foremost, we need to stop putting them into boxes." This's so very true. Don't define the direction in which our students' creativity take. Let their imagination flow and move naturally, unless it defies moral and ethical standards.
However, I would like to jump to the defence of teachers who suspect the authenticity of students' work if it's of an unusually high standard. To be sceptical, we are firstly aware that they don't produce such quality on a consistent level and we are of the knowledge that their age encompasses a certain standard of work. To perform beyond expectations in such a suspicious manner prevents us from being open to a marked improvement in their work. We go on to wonder if someone else had done their work or at least provided the content for it. I had encountered such a case before. Of course, it still doesn't allow us to shame the student in public though. Private questioning is just as effective.
On the other hand, a reader wrote in to respond to an article in Today dated 12 July 2006 titled 'No! Not a zero please'. I'm quoting from Daniel Chan's letter to show how some teachers fail to be open in their grading of exam scripts. "A phrase or sentence may be subject to all kinds of interpretation. Must a student only interpret it as the teacher sees correct and anything else is irrelevant? Whatever happened to thinking out of the box?"
Such teachers are just being dictatorial and impose their own ideas on their students. Is that what education, is about? Aren't teachers supposed to encourage creativity instead of quelling it? This is especially pertinent to English essays, specifically expository and narrative questions. A zero should be given only when there is total misinterpretation of the question.
Another writer in the Straits Times Forum, Patrick Tan, wrote that "first and foremost, we need to stop putting them into boxes." This's so very true. Don't define the direction in which our students' creativity take. Let their imagination flow and move naturally, unless it defies moral and ethical standards.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Long Live Literature!
It was unusual to see an article on Literature in Lifestyle Magazine. Olivia Goh addressed Lit students in it. Indeed, this subject has many benefits, both hidden and obvious.
Yes, though it is full of subjectivity, this can turn out to be a saving grace in exams. At degree level, different texts can be used to answer the same essay question, as long as there are substantial textual evidence and well-constructed arguments. Lit teachers who aren't open to this when perusing exam papers have failed to bring out the very essence of the subject, I feel. This will just serve to quell the students' passion for the subject. Some have even started to hate Lit because of such demoralizing attitudes.
As Olivia wrote, Lit can "teach people how to think...shape character and impart good values". I feel sure that my emotional maturity stems from majoring in Lit, though of course the Arts in general contribute to that too. Sometimes it is at a higher level than those of people older than I am. How remarkable. Technical reading, on the other hand, can be limiting to one's inner growth and this is a danger first-world countries are in due to their expansive boundaries in education, ironically.
Most upper secondary students choose not to take Lit for the O'levels but due to the fact that Singapore's education system seems to be pushing for a wider literary exposure in its syllabuses, schools have incorporated Lit into both the passages and the questions while setting comprehension exercises for their students, thus making it a 'killer'. As a result, Lit students have an added advantage over their contemporaries. Only the former will know what the terms irony, metaphors and tone fully mean.
Lit "sensitise(s) the human mind to the living world and its complexities" according to a great critic. This affirms Olivia's view mentioned above. Readers become more empathetic to pathos and are able to look beyond superficiality.
Yes, though it is full of subjectivity, this can turn out to be a saving grace in exams. At degree level, different texts can be used to answer the same essay question, as long as there are substantial textual evidence and well-constructed arguments. Lit teachers who aren't open to this when perusing exam papers have failed to bring out the very essence of the subject, I feel. This will just serve to quell the students' passion for the subject. Some have even started to hate Lit because of such demoralizing attitudes.
As Olivia wrote, Lit can "teach people how to think...shape character and impart good values". I feel sure that my emotional maturity stems from majoring in Lit, though of course the Arts in general contribute to that too. Sometimes it is at a higher level than those of people older than I am. How remarkable. Technical reading, on the other hand, can be limiting to one's inner growth and this is a danger first-world countries are in due to their expansive boundaries in education, ironically.
Most upper secondary students choose not to take Lit for the O'levels but due to the fact that Singapore's education system seems to be pushing for a wider literary exposure in its syllabuses, schools have incorporated Lit into both the passages and the questions while setting comprehension exercises for their students, thus making it a 'killer'. As a result, Lit students have an added advantage over their contemporaries. Only the former will know what the terms irony, metaphors and tone fully mean.
Lit "sensitise(s) the human mind to the living world and its complexities" according to a great critic. This affirms Olivia's view mentioned above. Readers become more empathetic to pathos and are able to look beyond superficiality.
The English teaching debate continues
Ever since the government put the idea of employing native teachers to teach English in the pipeline, responses to it have been published in the newspapers. One gives a refreshing perspective to the usual responses of local teachers being just as good in it.
It makes people see that just as we look to China as the centre of Mandarin and employ teachers from there to teach Mandarin to our students, it's also all right to shift this perspective to the English world. I've been guilty of closing my mind to this equal perspective.
It also goes on to mention that standard Mandarin was advocated by the ban on dialect and so standard English should be similarly promoted by prohibiting Singlish. This is something I agree with. English is an international language and interaction with its speakers from other countries may be hindered, by each country's dialects, when they are included as part of communication. Accents are already difficult enough to get past in order to clearly comprehend what different speakers convey. This topic in itself is controversial. Dialects and accents give regional identity to the cultures but also adversely affect standard English.
Yet another response poses more questions to this prevalent topic. Is grammar pertinent to learning it? I did talk about this in an earlier entry. I think that the answer to this is affirmative. Without learning the proper grammar, how can we say that we've truly learnt English? We would then just be stringing words together without any coherence and the level of comprehension would be affected. Nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunction, interjections and the like not only add more colour to language descriptions but more importantly, also form the building blocks of the language and its comprehension. Hence it is essential that they are taught though they may be rigorous and boring to absorb. It is not so much the meanings of such terms that should be imparted but the examples of such terms, since it is those that are used in the communication of language.
Is a language learnt better when used as the medium of instruction? Yes, language should be used as the medium of instruction, since oral fluency is part of mastering a language. It may be initially difficult for foreign students, as the medium of instruction back in their own countries may differ but they'll gradually get better in it with time.
Does the family environment affect the learning of a language? It definitely does. I am blessed with visionary parents who instilled the love for reading in me since I was young and encouraged me to pursue this liking in the form of a Hons degree in Lit. English fills almost every part of our house on a mostly daily basis as well.
It makes people see that just as we look to China as the centre of Mandarin and employ teachers from there to teach Mandarin to our students, it's also all right to shift this perspective to the English world. I've been guilty of closing my mind to this equal perspective.
It also goes on to mention that standard Mandarin was advocated by the ban on dialect and so standard English should be similarly promoted by prohibiting Singlish. This is something I agree with. English is an international language and interaction with its speakers from other countries may be hindered, by each country's dialects, when they are included as part of communication. Accents are already difficult enough to get past in order to clearly comprehend what different speakers convey. This topic in itself is controversial. Dialects and accents give regional identity to the cultures but also adversely affect standard English.
Yet another response poses more questions to this prevalent topic. Is grammar pertinent to learning it? I did talk about this in an earlier entry. I think that the answer to this is affirmative. Without learning the proper grammar, how can we say that we've truly learnt English? We would then just be stringing words together without any coherence and the level of comprehension would be affected. Nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunction, interjections and the like not only add more colour to language descriptions but more importantly, also form the building blocks of the language and its comprehension. Hence it is essential that they are taught though they may be rigorous and boring to absorb. It is not so much the meanings of such terms that should be imparted but the examples of such terms, since it is those that are used in the communication of language.
Is a language learnt better when used as the medium of instruction? Yes, language should be used as the medium of instruction, since oral fluency is part of mastering a language. It may be initially difficult for foreign students, as the medium of instruction back in their own countries may differ but they'll gradually get better in it with time.
Does the family environment affect the learning of a language? It definitely does. I am blessed with visionary parents who instilled the love for reading in me since I was young and encouraged me to pursue this liking in the form of a Hons degree in Lit. English fills almost every part of our house on a mostly daily basis as well.
More thoughts on blogging and the Arts
In every issue of Today, Blogsphere recommends blog entries to read based on a specific topic. Also, there was an article on food blogs and they contain reviews as well as recipes. Some are even business projects to market food! Another was on the wariness of including personal details in one's blogs for fear of them being used against one's own advantage. After reading it, I checked my entries and profile to ensure I was not revealing unnecessary details about myself.
A fourth one lamented that blogs tend to be negative rather than positive in content. I did write about this in a much earlier entry. Some bloggers use the opportunity to scandalise people they detest on the pretext of venting their frustrations out and sharing their subjective thoughts. This article only serves to affirm what I had mentioned earlier. Still, there are blogs that are positive in nature. A photographer used his blog to highlight the plight of a sick girl who needed financial aid. True enough, funds were raised for her to enable her to go for her operation. Blogs are powerful but it's really how one makes use of them to make a difference to others.
I update my blog mainly for my students so that they can improve their English language in the process of reading it.
Singapore has become more open to the Arts as the decades pass. I'm not referring to merely movies and television programmes that are churned out annually by production houses but to performances like dances, musical concerts and theatrical productions. Even museum exhibitions are part of the menu too.
Clara Chow wrote an article in Life about including the Arts as part of parenting. Yes, children can be noisy but as she suggested, there can be time slots reserved solely for families with young children, which other countries do. Students do get some exposure to the Arts but coupled with the focus on other subjects they take, it doesn't add up to much, so what more such families?
It's so true that children have the perception that "culture consumption is an occasional excursion" because of the de-emphasis on the Arts. Somehow society tends to regard people who major in it as less intelligent. Are they really so? Such graduates exude an aura of character refinement as well as emotional maturity in their character, I feel. It's time artistic participation became "a norm".
Ultimately though, it's really up to the parents to cultivate a love for the Arts in their kids, as Clara sums up, since they are the kids' first teachers.
A fourth one lamented that blogs tend to be negative rather than positive in content. I did write about this in a much earlier entry. Some bloggers use the opportunity to scandalise people they detest on the pretext of venting their frustrations out and sharing their subjective thoughts. This article only serves to affirm what I had mentioned earlier. Still, there are blogs that are positive in nature. A photographer used his blog to highlight the plight of a sick girl who needed financial aid. True enough, funds were raised for her to enable her to go for her operation. Blogs are powerful but it's really how one makes use of them to make a difference to others.
I update my blog mainly for my students so that they can improve their English language in the process of reading it.
Singapore has become more open to the Arts as the decades pass. I'm not referring to merely movies and television programmes that are churned out annually by production houses but to performances like dances, musical concerts and theatrical productions. Even museum exhibitions are part of the menu too.
Clara Chow wrote an article in Life about including the Arts as part of parenting. Yes, children can be noisy but as she suggested, there can be time slots reserved solely for families with young children, which other countries do. Students do get some exposure to the Arts but coupled with the focus on other subjects they take, it doesn't add up to much, so what more such families?
It's so true that children have the perception that "culture consumption is an occasional excursion" because of the de-emphasis on the Arts. Somehow society tends to regard people who major in it as less intelligent. Are they really so? Such graduates exude an aura of character refinement as well as emotional maturity in their character, I feel. It's time artistic participation became "a norm".
Ultimately though, it's really up to the parents to cultivate a love for the Arts in their kids, as Clara sums up, since they are the kids' first teachers.
Prevention overrides Cure
Jeremy Lim, a frequent contributor to Today, wrote an article on saving on medical bills by taking care of our health in the first place. I agree with him because people who are financially tight will benefit more. His suggestions of awarding points to those who do, as an incentive and increasing the bill totals of those who don't, as a deterrent are feasible and I applaud him based on his age. He's only 16.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
The personality plus profile test
Took this test as part of my character analysis and here are the results:
[The Non-Choleric
42% Sanguine, 50% Melancholy, 0% Choleric, 42% Phlegmatic
What can be said about you Non-Choleric? You don't like to be in charge. You don't like to have to be right, have the final say and know what to do.]
I'm quite surprised at the proportions alloted to each aspect of character. I guess they change with age. When I was younger, my highest aspect would be sanguine but now it is actually melancholy! My phlegmatic aspect's proportion is also higher than I thought.
So in layman language, I am mostly reserved, moody and sad. This is not completely untrue, since I find myself feeling comfortable being alone, as long as I have my favourite hobbies to occupy me. I can be erratic in mood and vent my frustrations out on people. My parents are usually the unfortunate victims. I do conceal my sorrows too. I'm somewhat like Eeyore.
At the same time, I'm optimistic, humorous and cheerful. This has always been my character since young but I guess melancholy has dominated it now. I try to look for the good in life instead of the bad and I am fun to be with. I can be childlike too. I'm somewhat like Tigger.
My last aspect is one that is pragmatic, practical and realistic. I don't really work towards my dreams when reality doesn't seem to accommodate it. I doubt I'll publish my book of self-composed poems by 40. I've no inspiration to add more poems and some thoughts are far too personal as well as intimate to pen.
I guess I'm also not so emotional as before. I'm calmer and more action-based. However, this did not come easy. I learnt it through the trials of life. Perhaps I'm a little like Christopher Robin here? He always calls Pooh "Silly old bear" when Pooh gets too paranoid.
[The Non-Choleric
42% Sanguine, 50% Melancholy, 0% Choleric, 42% Phlegmatic
What can be said about you Non-Choleric? You don't like to be in charge. You don't like to have to be right, have the final say and know what to do.]
I'm quite surprised at the proportions alloted to each aspect of character. I guess they change with age. When I was younger, my highest aspect would be sanguine but now it is actually melancholy! My phlegmatic aspect's proportion is also higher than I thought.
So in layman language, I am mostly reserved, moody and sad. This is not completely untrue, since I find myself feeling comfortable being alone, as long as I have my favourite hobbies to occupy me. I can be erratic in mood and vent my frustrations out on people. My parents are usually the unfortunate victims. I do conceal my sorrows too. I'm somewhat like Eeyore.
At the same time, I'm optimistic, humorous and cheerful. This has always been my character since young but I guess melancholy has dominated it now. I try to look for the good in life instead of the bad and I am fun to be with. I can be childlike too. I'm somewhat like Tigger.
My last aspect is one that is pragmatic, practical and realistic. I don't really work towards my dreams when reality doesn't seem to accommodate it. I doubt I'll publish my book of self-composed poems by 40. I've no inspiration to add more poems and some thoughts are far too personal as well as intimate to pen.
I guess I'm also not so emotional as before. I'm calmer and more action-based. However, this did not come easy. I learnt it through the trials of life. Perhaps I'm a little like Christopher Robin here? He always calls Pooh "Silly old bear" when Pooh gets too paranoid.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
EDITOR'S NOTE
In my last note, I talked about updating the existing entries instead of adding new entries to my blog. I have reverted to the latter way of blogging since it is more practical and common.
Also, I would like to thank Hazel for crediting me with the rejuvenation of her own blog. She said she was inspired by mine but I don't deserve it, really.
The utmost credit goes to Life for without what it gives me, I will have nothing to blog about.
I also add to the list, my readers. Thank you all! Without you, I will have no motivation to blog so much and so frequently. Special thanks to Ca-l. :)
From the editor
Also, I would like to thank Hazel for crediting me with the rejuvenation of her own blog. She said she was inspired by mine but I don't deserve it, really.
The utmost credit goes to Life for without what it gives me, I will have nothing to blog about.
I also add to the list, my readers. Thank you all! Without you, I will have no motivation to blog so much and so frequently. Special thanks to Ca-l. :)
From the editor
Teachers of English
There have been letters on the distinction between local teachers and native teachers pertaining to the subject of English, in the newspapers recently. Somehow, the consensus opinion seems to be that of the latter being more outstanding.
However, I mentioned in a much earlier entry that foreign accents can disguise the lack of grammar in speech and this is not a matter of sour grapes. This view has been affirmed by a native English couple who teach in our schools. Adherence to recognized grammar laws in one's speech takes precedence over mere foreign accents.
Also, local teachers have an advantage over native teachers. They can take up the task of translating English into Mandarin or Malay or Tamil while teaching, when the need arises. This is to aid the understanding of the language for those who lack a firm English foundation in their lives and especially for foreign students who study here. Sometimes using the pure English language to teach can be a hindrance to the speed of understanding.
As a private tutor specialising in English, I do teach using this method of inter-language translation. As the saying goes, the ends justify the means.
However, I mentioned in a much earlier entry that foreign accents can disguise the lack of grammar in speech and this is not a matter of sour grapes. This view has been affirmed by a native English couple who teach in our schools. Adherence to recognized grammar laws in one's speech takes precedence over mere foreign accents.
Also, local teachers have an advantage over native teachers. They can take up the task of translating English into Mandarin or Malay or Tamil while teaching, when the need arises. This is to aid the understanding of the language for those who lack a firm English foundation in their lives and especially for foreign students who study here. Sometimes using the pure English language to teach can be a hindrance to the speed of understanding.
As a private tutor specialising in English, I do teach using this method of inter-language translation. As the saying goes, the ends justify the means.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)