Interestingly, students seem to feel that doing homework is for their teachers.
Common Complaints.
1. Too much homework.
2. Dunno how to do. Dont understand teacher. Lesson too boring.
So often they procrastinate till the last moments and resort to copying furiously away.
Seriously, if ancient civilisation knew of my students today, they wouldnt even have invented the typewriter. Which in turn, probably we wouldn't have computers today.
I was sick on thurs and fri. And I asked my students to do some revision exercise as homework.
It was a total of 10 practise pages. I instructed them to do just half a page.
So half a page for 10 pages. Simple maths give us 5 pages worth.
We have Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon. 5 days.
Again by simple proportions, it is just 1 page a day.
Still I have students copying the solutions from behind the book.
Well, there are those who are slower at maths, but neither are they asking the right people for help! They do not approach me, neither do they approach the good students, instead they are asking their play-mates, where they will be laughing and chatting and gossiping when "doing their work". After 2 years, they still do not realise that that does not amount to anything?
Out of all, I do see some that can see the whole picture. They understand that time is running out, they understand that I chose the Math Tutor for them for the solutions to help them when they really cannot understand. And most importantly, they understand that the work is for themselves, not for me. It is for what they want in life. Not my life.
I look at our graduate students coming back, often remorseful and often saying "i wished I had study harder earlier. Now I cant get into the course i want. I don't know where to go."
I wonder if given a 2nd chance, would history repeat itself? I wonder if my students hear from these graduates, would they hear a clearer msg than what i am telling them?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Whats fair? Whats unfair?
This is a post I am reluctant to make. As the following will be my own opinion, and may or may not be shared with my fellow professionals in the education line.
A few weeks ago, a student brought up to my attention that they felt that I was being biased against some of the naughtier students in the class. By nature's natural selection, these students happen to be poor in the subject that I teach them too.
As a teacher, it all seemed very simple. My job is to groom my students' Values first then their Academics. Good students who listen and do their work and can achieve results, I have no need to call on them to check, I will however use the opportunity to call on the weaker students to answer questions from time to time to make sure they are with me in the Class room and not with their minds floating elsewhere.
Another group that I will frequently pay attention to are those who always talk to or disturb those students who are weak.
Now if at this point, there is a sour taste in your throat and you feel that Mr Low's world is unfair, let me put it into perspective for you. Try organising a Class T shirt in your class, and getting everyone to agree on one colour of T Shirt. Dealing with 40 people is not an easy task. It is impossible, I wouldnt even say near impossible. It is impossible for everyone to agree that a decision or an action is fair or unfair, good or not good etc. Thus I believe that as long as the learning takes place and that I stand true to my own values, ( which is to groom my students into fine young men and ladies ) , then it is ok.
So two incidents happened in my classes. One with the Sec 2s, and one with the Sec 3s. Both students felt that I picked on them and that I treat the good students better. Of course I explained my rationale to them. At that point, they seem to understand.
However, what is sad is that one of them dont seem to remember. And on my part, I feel reluctant to check on the student again when I am in that class. (Naturally, in an attempt on my part to be sensitive.) But when I am alone and I reflect upon that, I wonder if I am doing the student more harm than good? Yearly I do get new batches of students to try out my different teaching styles, but for any particular student, they only get one shot at exams.
Greatly troubled, I ventured out to grab students whenever and wherever I can to paint them the scenario to get their feedback.
My question to them at the start of the story was, "Do you think that things are fair in this world?" Most will reply "no". Then I will give them the story and ask them if they think teachers should be fair or at least try to be fair to everyone. Most will reply "yes".
And my last question will stump majority of them. "Then whose job is it, to educate our students that the world is not a fair place, and we have to think of solutions to just make the best out of the situations presented to us?"
In school, we reprimand, we counsel, if need be, we discipline students in a attempt to guide them on a "good" path. Who in the working world would be so kind to guide you?
Society has its own way of "punishing" the "bad" workers.
Eg: Politics leading to a unenjoyable working environment.
( In this category, it ranges from "ganging" up at work places to unwilingness to help or simply "sabo-ing" or giving unfavourable employees a difficult time.)
Job Termination (Painful but Quick)
One adult told me that because our students are still at a young age, we must be as fair as possible simply because teenagers are unable to grasp that concept. Well, true. But I beg to differ on the part that we are not, or cannot, be the ones to guide them to the "real world".
I personally find it difficult to work in an "unfair" environment. My mind will always come up with ways and means of a confrontation with the respective people in charge to suggest solutions to make things "fair".
Now I wonder if it was my own "fair" education that made me turn out this way.
Cheers Folks, and have a Happy Chinese New Year.
A few weeks ago, a student brought up to my attention that they felt that I was being biased against some of the naughtier students in the class. By nature's natural selection, these students happen to be poor in the subject that I teach them too.
As a teacher, it all seemed very simple. My job is to groom my students' Values first then their Academics. Good students who listen and do their work and can achieve results, I have no need to call on them to check, I will however use the opportunity to call on the weaker students to answer questions from time to time to make sure they are with me in the Class room and not with their minds floating elsewhere.
Another group that I will frequently pay attention to are those who always talk to or disturb those students who are weak.
Now if at this point, there is a sour taste in your throat and you feel that Mr Low's world is unfair, let me put it into perspective for you. Try organising a Class T shirt in your class, and getting everyone to agree on one colour of T Shirt. Dealing with 40 people is not an easy task. It is impossible, I wouldnt even say near impossible. It is impossible for everyone to agree that a decision or an action is fair or unfair, good or not good etc. Thus I believe that as long as the learning takes place and that I stand true to my own values, ( which is to groom my students into fine young men and ladies ) , then it is ok.
So two incidents happened in my classes. One with the Sec 2s, and one with the Sec 3s. Both students felt that I picked on them and that I treat the good students better. Of course I explained my rationale to them. At that point, they seem to understand.
However, what is sad is that one of them dont seem to remember. And on my part, I feel reluctant to check on the student again when I am in that class. (Naturally, in an attempt on my part to be sensitive.) But when I am alone and I reflect upon that, I wonder if I am doing the student more harm than good? Yearly I do get new batches of students to try out my different teaching styles, but for any particular student, they only get one shot at exams.
Greatly troubled, I ventured out to grab students whenever and wherever I can to paint them the scenario to get their feedback.
My question to them at the start of the story was, "Do you think that things are fair in this world?" Most will reply "no". Then I will give them the story and ask them if they think teachers should be fair or at least try to be fair to everyone. Most will reply "yes".
And my last question will stump majority of them. "Then whose job is it, to educate our students that the world is not a fair place, and we have to think of solutions to just make the best out of the situations presented to us?"
In school, we reprimand, we counsel, if need be, we discipline students in a attempt to guide them on a "good" path. Who in the working world would be so kind to guide you?
Society has its own way of "punishing" the "bad" workers.
Eg: Politics leading to a unenjoyable working environment.
( In this category, it ranges from "ganging" up at work places to unwilingness to help or simply "sabo-ing" or giving unfavourable employees a difficult time.)
Job Termination (Painful but Quick)
One adult told me that because our students are still at a young age, we must be as fair as possible simply because teenagers are unable to grasp that concept. Well, true. But I beg to differ on the part that we are not, or cannot, be the ones to guide them to the "real world".
I personally find it difficult to work in an "unfair" environment. My mind will always come up with ways and means of a confrontation with the respective people in charge to suggest solutions to make things "fair".
Now I wonder if it was my own "fair" education that made me turn out this way.
Cheers Folks, and have a Happy Chinese New Year.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A new year has began. This will be a very quick year for you Sec 2s, ask your seniors, learn from their mistakes, pull up your socks now and its gonna be a straight dash for your end of year exams right from the start.
Be clear about your end of year goals and be clear about how to achieve them. No use crying over split milk at the end of the year.
On a happy note though, just from the first week of school, I can see that a handful of my students from 2-1 have matured alot since last year. I feel that I am able to trust the class more to make certain decisions for themselves. However, those few which are still very immature in their thoughts and comments seem to have not mature the least bit at all.
My sincere prayer for this class is that you lot will be clear about what you want out of yourselves from this year and that you will not regret whatever decisions that you guys make thruout the year.
God Bless and may your dreams and wishes come true this year.
Thru Hardwork, Achieve Success.
Cheers
Be clear about your end of year goals and be clear about how to achieve them. No use crying over split milk at the end of the year.
On a happy note though, just from the first week of school, I can see that a handful of my students from 2-1 have matured alot since last year. I feel that I am able to trust the class more to make certain decisions for themselves. However, those few which are still very immature in their thoughts and comments seem to have not mature the least bit at all.
My sincere prayer for this class is that you lot will be clear about what you want out of yourselves from this year and that you will not regret whatever decisions that you guys make thruout the year.
God Bless and may your dreams and wishes come true this year.
Thru Hardwork, Achieve Success.
Cheers
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Leadership training camp
LTC 09 has just ended.
What an eventful camp!
It has been quite a few years since teachers' organised LTC camp. And it was a first for me to be in it too.
I was approached to help out in the camp, and i thought to myself, " Hmmmm, 7 of my students are in it. It will be good to stick around in camp to see how they grow thru this experience."
Intentional Walk
An activity that requires a person to walk thru two rows of participants uniquely!
This was a fun activity that caused alot of cheering, bonding and laughter. Memorable ones were from Ming Xiang and Victoria doing their cartwheels. Of course not forgetting the ever ready to shine Rachael doing her....I dunno whats the name for what she did, Front cartwheel? =)
This was also a good time for the leaders to think whether they are ready to lead. Being in front of the crowd in the spot light is never an easy task. Especially when you know that people are judging you.
Scenarios Training
Students were given difficult scenarios and asked to think about their reactions. I see most students gave perfect model answers, and when i questioned them if it was truly what they will decide to do, they answered with conviction in their eyes.
This reminded me of an incident which happened in my class earlier this year. A discipline case required me to ask some students to write green forms. However they felt it was necessary to ask "permission" from the offender to whether they can write the "truth".
I was shocked. Loyalty to friends seemed more important than helping bring justice to what the offender has done to a teacher. In that moment, my heart goes out to the offender who realises he has done wrong and just asked his classmates to go ahead and write the truth.
I wonder what my students would have written should he have asked them not to.
Night Walk
With just small light sticks leading the way, students are to walk thru some of the darkest portions of the school!
I was stationed just before one of the darkest part of the route. Halfway thru, i was thinking to myself, is this a Night walk? or a Intentional Walk? Simply because, each student was going pass me with all kinds of styles and actions!
Guys who were afraid adopted the "gangster" walking mannerism, some purposely dragged their feet loudly, some were whistling and singing too. An unforgettable one was Robert from 1-2. He was dodging from pillar to pillar like a detective. Inside i was LOL-ing all the way when i spotted him.
Girls. I salute the girls here for their bravery in facing up to their fears. They were not afraid of showing their weaknesses and taking their time slowly to overcome them. I believe in humility, as leaders, often we will meet with circumstance we do not know how to handle, but we must think on the spot for solutions or be humble enough to ask others for advice. Thru their tears, I believe many girls went thru the Night walk which before this, they would have never thought that it could be something that they are capable of.
Coach Carter
As i watched this DVD to find all the parts that we want to show the leaders, I must have watched the whole movie 6 or 7 times. Yet as I watch Cruz illustate his deepest fear each time, I cant help but be moved by his words. I hope this movie made a small impact on my students, and hopefully when the new year begins, I can find chance to screen the whole movie to those who are interested.
Amazing Race!!!!!
An unforgettable event! Especially with my racing Lloyd up the spider web at West Coast park, leaving me with a bruised chin ( and a bruised ego). Argghh =(
Admiration at my station goes out to those who were afraid of heights but still managed to conquer them. Some names to mention are Garrick and Amanda, the rest I apologise, I didnt get all your names. I was helping Garrick up the web and his hands were freezing cold. Many a times he said " no i cant do it anymore, i want to go down." but with encouragement, he went all the way up, and was able to lie flat down without any help.
Looks like my students are demolishing their fears one at a time! from Darkness, to heights.
Leader's Night!
Hmmm, I cant remember when was the last time I was so dressed up. I felt kind of excited, as if i was going to a prom. (I can remember my JC prom though, it was horrible.) A lot of effort was put in by the Leader's Night committee to setting up the place and creating the ambience.
Just as there were many "firsts" for the students thru out the activities in camp, dancing is a first for me in my life. Though i enjoy the limelight in certain things i do, i know i absolutely suck at singing and dancing. However, still i wanted to learn what steps my students were learning, so i was asking the guys to teach me. Guys being guys, we all suck at it. It must have been an eye sore for Rachael seeing how hard they were trying to teach me but getting no where. She stepped in to give me a "proper" lesson.
Gasps! and there goes my first dance with a lady! Too shy to continue, i made my exit and hide away. Lol.
Finale
An eventful 3 days, leaving us with alot to learn and alot to think about. One parent called me to ask me what the camp was about as they are worried their child will be caught up in too much activities and their academics will suffer.
So this is my message to all leaders that chance upon my blog.
1. You all already know that academics is a requirement for being a leader. Now are you going to see it as a burden? Or are you going to see leadership being a motivation for you to want to excel in your work?
2. With all the values and empowerment that you went thru during the camp, not all of you will be chosen to be leaders at the end of the day. Now will you leave the responsibilities to those who are chosen? Would you still think, act and behave like a leader even though you do not have a badge?
Being a leader is a decision, a choice. It comes with many responsibilities, not all we are comfortable with but we go thru with it to see that they are achieved. With or without a badge, a true leader exhibits his/her qualities at all times.
And that is how I hope that all students in AES will strive to become.
This is Mr Low signing out after a very very very long post.
See you guys soon. =)
PS: I would really like to hear from all leaders that have attended LTC if they have any thoughts and feelings after reading my post. Feel free to post in my comment or tagbox, or if you wish to share more private thoughts, u can email me at low_kiah_yong@moe.edu.sg
What an eventful camp!
It has been quite a few years since teachers' organised LTC camp. And it was a first for me to be in it too.
I was approached to help out in the camp, and i thought to myself, " Hmmmm, 7 of my students are in it. It will be good to stick around in camp to see how they grow thru this experience."
Intentional Walk
An activity that requires a person to walk thru two rows of participants uniquely!
This was a fun activity that caused alot of cheering, bonding and laughter. Memorable ones were from Ming Xiang and Victoria doing their cartwheels. Of course not forgetting the ever ready to shine Rachael doing her....I dunno whats the name for what she did, Front cartwheel? =)
This was also a good time for the leaders to think whether they are ready to lead. Being in front of the crowd in the spot light is never an easy task. Especially when you know that people are judging you.
Scenarios Training
Students were given difficult scenarios and asked to think about their reactions. I see most students gave perfect model answers, and when i questioned them if it was truly what they will decide to do, they answered with conviction in their eyes.
This reminded me of an incident which happened in my class earlier this year. A discipline case required me to ask some students to write green forms. However they felt it was necessary to ask "permission" from the offender to whether they can write the "truth".
I was shocked. Loyalty to friends seemed more important than helping bring justice to what the offender has done to a teacher. In that moment, my heart goes out to the offender who realises he has done wrong and just asked his classmates to go ahead and write the truth.
I wonder what my students would have written should he have asked them not to.
Night Walk
With just small light sticks leading the way, students are to walk thru some of the darkest portions of the school!
I was stationed just before one of the darkest part of the route. Halfway thru, i was thinking to myself, is this a Night walk? or a Intentional Walk? Simply because, each student was going pass me with all kinds of styles and actions!
Guys who were afraid adopted the "gangster" walking mannerism, some purposely dragged their feet loudly, some were whistling and singing too. An unforgettable one was Robert from 1-2. He was dodging from pillar to pillar like a detective. Inside i was LOL-ing all the way when i spotted him.
Girls. I salute the girls here for their bravery in facing up to their fears. They were not afraid of showing their weaknesses and taking their time slowly to overcome them. I believe in humility, as leaders, often we will meet with circumstance we do not know how to handle, but we must think on the spot for solutions or be humble enough to ask others for advice. Thru their tears, I believe many girls went thru the Night walk which before this, they would have never thought that it could be something that they are capable of.
Coach Carter
As i watched this DVD to find all the parts that we want to show the leaders, I must have watched the whole movie 6 or 7 times. Yet as I watch Cruz illustate his deepest fear each time, I cant help but be moved by his words. I hope this movie made a small impact on my students, and hopefully when the new year begins, I can find chance to screen the whole movie to those who are interested.
Amazing Race!!!!!
An unforgettable event! Especially with my racing Lloyd up the spider web at West Coast park, leaving me with a bruised chin ( and a bruised ego). Argghh =(
Admiration at my station goes out to those who were afraid of heights but still managed to conquer them. Some names to mention are Garrick and Amanda, the rest I apologise, I didnt get all your names. I was helping Garrick up the web and his hands were freezing cold. Many a times he said " no i cant do it anymore, i want to go down." but with encouragement, he went all the way up, and was able to lie flat down without any help.
Looks like my students are demolishing their fears one at a time! from Darkness, to heights.
Leader's Night!
Hmmm, I cant remember when was the last time I was so dressed up. I felt kind of excited, as if i was going to a prom. (I can remember my JC prom though, it was horrible.) A lot of effort was put in by the Leader's Night committee to setting up the place and creating the ambience.
Just as there were many "firsts" for the students thru out the activities in camp, dancing is a first for me in my life. Though i enjoy the limelight in certain things i do, i know i absolutely suck at singing and dancing. However, still i wanted to learn what steps my students were learning, so i was asking the guys to teach me. Guys being guys, we all suck at it. It must have been an eye sore for Rachael seeing how hard they were trying to teach me but getting no where. She stepped in to give me a "proper" lesson.
Gasps! and there goes my first dance with a lady! Too shy to continue, i made my exit and hide away. Lol.
Finale
An eventful 3 days, leaving us with alot to learn and alot to think about. One parent called me to ask me what the camp was about as they are worried their child will be caught up in too much activities and their academics will suffer.
So this is my message to all leaders that chance upon my blog.
1. You all already know that academics is a requirement for being a leader. Now are you going to see it as a burden? Or are you going to see leadership being a motivation for you to want to excel in your work?
2. With all the values and empowerment that you went thru during the camp, not all of you will be chosen to be leaders at the end of the day. Now will you leave the responsibilities to those who are chosen? Would you still think, act and behave like a leader even though you do not have a badge?
Being a leader is a decision, a choice. It comes with many responsibilities, not all we are comfortable with but we go thru with it to see that they are achieved. With or without a badge, a true leader exhibits his/her qualities at all times.
And that is how I hope that all students in AES will strive to become.
This is Mr Low signing out after a very very very long post.
See you guys soon. =)
PS: I would really like to hear from all leaders that have attended LTC if they have any thoughts and feelings after reading my post. Feel free to post in my comment or tagbox, or if you wish to share more private thoughts, u can email me at low_kiah_yong@moe.edu.sg
My Kitten
As I watch my little Kitten hide out in my woofer box, I think of my students.
When I first spotted this kitten, it was injured badly hiding among the bushes near a very big drain. It was drizzling and when the water level rises, it would definitely drown.
As humans, it was very easy for us to see the predicament, the kitten got to leave the bushes or it will die. But for the kitten, it wasnt able to see the same. It was thinking to itself, im injured, im safe in the bushes, i will attack anyone that tries to touch me.
This is very much similar to parents and teachers guiding our students. We can see 10 steps ahead of you and we always warn you of what is to come. However, you can only see 3 - 5 steps in front of you and decide that you know what is best, and you react against your teachers and parents.
I climbed into the drain to pick up the kitten. It was ferocious. It bit me on my finger and i was bleeding profusely. Still i managed to bring it to a vet and now it resides in my home, together with my other 2 cats.
Heres a video showing how it is still very scared and wary and resorts to hiding in all places.
When I first spotted this kitten, it was injured badly hiding among the bushes near a very big drain. It was drizzling and when the water level rises, it would definitely drown.
As humans, it was very easy for us to see the predicament, the kitten got to leave the bushes or it will die. But for the kitten, it wasnt able to see the same. It was thinking to itself, im injured, im safe in the bushes, i will attack anyone that tries to touch me.
This is very much similar to parents and teachers guiding our students. We can see 10 steps ahead of you and we always warn you of what is to come. However, you can only see 3 - 5 steps in front of you and decide that you know what is best, and you react against your teachers and parents.
I climbed into the drain to pick up the kitten. It was ferocious. It bit me on my finger and i was bleeding profusely. Still i managed to bring it to a vet and now it resides in my home, together with my other 2 cats.
Heres a video showing how it is still very scared and wary and resorts to hiding in all places.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Gathering!
Hi all, I just picked out all the food for the gathering on tuesday! Hope you people will like the food i ordered.
Anyways, have you all decided which teachers your class wishes to invite? Pls let me know via sms so I can tell the teachers and they will save their stomachs and be hungry on tues.
Anyways, have you all decided which teachers your class wishes to invite? Pls let me know via sms so I can tell the teachers and they will save their stomachs and be hungry on tues.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Gangsters and Bullies
It has been a while since i posted.
It has been a tiring month with exam papers, and other administrative work. On top of that, there have been discipline cases in my class.
So much in my head, so much to say. I cant organise my thoughts.
If only my students could see my past. Like, if there was a projector where I can put my brain in, and my teenage years is replayed onto the white screen.
Thinking back, how did i struggle thru those times?
Gangs, fights, BGRs etc. I think in the centre of it all, God was protecting me and sheltering me. I remember the teachers that I had that guided me along during times when I was just trash.
And now I can only pray that He does the same for my students.
A scar that I have. Serves as a memory that God is looking after us all the time, even when things seem bad and that He has forsaken us, it is just that we are not seeking Him, thus we do not have the wisdom and maturity to handle the problems around us.
It has been a tiring month with exam papers, and other administrative work. On top of that, there have been discipline cases in my class.
So much in my head, so much to say. I cant organise my thoughts.
If only my students could see my past. Like, if there was a projector where I can put my brain in, and my teenage years is replayed onto the white screen.
Thinking back, how did i struggle thru those times?
Gangs, fights, BGRs etc. I think in the centre of it all, God was protecting me and sheltering me. I remember the teachers that I had that guided me along during times when I was just trash.
And now I can only pray that He does the same for my students.
A scar that I have. Serves as a memory that God is looking after us all the time, even when things seem bad and that He has forsaken us, it is just that we are not seeking Him, thus we do not have the wisdom and maturity to handle the problems around us.
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