I had the opportunity to interact with a young Tok Penghulu today. He attended my class and shared his vision of introducing Scrabble games to attract the young to learn English and avoid social ills.
For people in my age group, Tok Penghulus are older pakciks or tokciks with serban and white beard. This Tok Penghulu enters my class wearing a blazer and he carries a netbook.
I'm looking forward to assist this young chap in setting up the programme. Scrabble has been my cup of tea since school days and I share his views on the more tactful ways of handling teenagers nowadays. Yup, the young are no meekies dollies we can tell them what not to do. Give them the options and make them responsible for what they choose to do.
A productive day.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Alive and Kicking
Howdy folks!
Hmmm... MIA for more than a year. Not too bad. There are worse :)
So whats new?
Plentiful, I guess. Depending on how one looks at it. But that's life.. with eventful happenings. I laughed. I cried. I got angry. I felt loved. Serene. I got angrier. I laughed louder. Blablabla..
I got smarter, too.. kehkeh :)
Well, life is good. Let's just hope it keeps on getting better :)
Hmmm... MIA for more than a year. Not too bad. There are worse :)
So whats new?
Plentiful, I guess. Depending on how one looks at it. But that's life.. with eventful happenings. I laughed. I cried. I got angry. I felt loved. Serene. I got angrier. I laughed louder. Blablabla..
I got smarter, too.. kehkeh :)
Well, life is good. Let's just hope it keeps on getting better :)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
I Love Being 50 :D
I had a wonderful 50th birthday over and over. My dearest ones are at their kindest and lovest. I have enough people I can call true friends. Nothing else really matters :D
Age never scares me. I never really bother what people say about age. That one should start or stop doing this and that once one reaches a certain age. I'd say these are purely myths.
I'll keep on doing things I like and won't start doing things I don't like to fit in the age. No, sire, I won't.
I'll do things better, yes. Or do better things; which ever which. And yes, I repeat; respect doesn't come with age.
Age never scares me. I never really bother what people say about age. That one should start or stop doing this and that once one reaches a certain age. I'd say these are purely myths.
I'll keep on doing things I like and won't start doing things I don't like to fit in the age. No, sire, I won't.
I'll do things better, yes. Or do better things; which ever which. And yes, I repeat; respect doesn't come with age.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Misteri Anak Kucing
When I came out from the car to open the gate yesterday, I heard stressful meowing of a kitten nearby. Thinking it must be one of the kittens at home, I just made sure none was on the driveway and parked in. Then I heard the meowing again. Only then I realised it came from the engine compartment of MY car!!
Horror of horror, I quickly pulled open the engine boot and looked inside. The sound was still there but I couldn't see a thing. The day was pricky hot and I could feel the heat from the engine compartment piercing through my face. The car was parked under the hot sun since morning and it was 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
Thinking that whatever kitten stuck in there would come out on its own later on, I left the hood opened and went inside. Afterall I only traveled around 2 km just now so if poor kitten was still alive by the time I parked, it must be alright.
It was just before bedtime I went to check the car again; switched on the engine and listened for the meowing. There was none. Though I was not quite convinced that everything was ok, the quietness was very much welcomed.
The following morning, as usual I didn't have much time to warm up the car but I spent a few second listening for the meowing again, if any. There was none. Convinced, I started the journey of 28 km to school.
I was just passing by the town when I heard the meowing again! Oh my God, the kitten was still stuck somewhere in the car! I had a tough time deciding what to do. I hate arriving late to school. I could apply for leave and have the car checked and serviced today. But no, I was not in school last 2 days and had missed many classes...
I drove unusually slow, thinking. The meowing was getting fainter until there was no more sound. I prayed to dear God, poor kitten would still be alright and I would do something once I reached school.
I had someone to look at the engine compartment but he too was convinced nothing was there. No traces of blood or fur or anything kitten-like. I was not satisfied but there was nothing I could do then.
Now after a thorough checked by hubby, still there was no traces of kitten what-so-ever. Have I imagined the sound in the morning? Very unlikely. I could tell the sound was fainter; the kitten was getting weaker... it was still stuck up there. And now it probably had died exhausted. Oh gosh, poor kitty!
The mystery is still not solved. I'm going to send the car for service tomorrow...
Update:
I had the car serviced on Saturday; and I practically went under it to see with my own eyes that no remnants of cats were stuck in there. The mechanic was amused, of course!
I know I did not imagine the cat. It was there. But how it got off the car still puzzles me. I just prayed to dear God, it is alright. I definitely would keep it if I get hold of it.
On Monday I was still thinking of the cat and believe it or not I drove ever so slow looking for remnants of a dead cat along the way! Gosh, it was like I was being spooked of some kind.. There's no way I can be sure of what really happened, but most importantly I did not see what I had hoped not to see. To me it's one of God's many blessings. Alhamdullilah.
Horror of horror, I quickly pulled open the engine boot and looked inside. The sound was still there but I couldn't see a thing. The day was pricky hot and I could feel the heat from the engine compartment piercing through my face. The car was parked under the hot sun since morning and it was 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
Thinking that whatever kitten stuck in there would come out on its own later on, I left the hood opened and went inside. Afterall I only traveled around 2 km just now so if poor kitten was still alive by the time I parked, it must be alright.
It was just before bedtime I went to check the car again; switched on the engine and listened for the meowing. There was none. Though I was not quite convinced that everything was ok, the quietness was very much welcomed.
The following morning, as usual I didn't have much time to warm up the car but I spent a few second listening for the meowing again, if any. There was none. Convinced, I started the journey of 28 km to school.
I was just passing by the town when I heard the meowing again! Oh my God, the kitten was still stuck somewhere in the car! I had a tough time deciding what to do. I hate arriving late to school. I could apply for leave and have the car checked and serviced today. But no, I was not in school last 2 days and had missed many classes...
I drove unusually slow, thinking. The meowing was getting fainter until there was no more sound. I prayed to dear God, poor kitten would still be alright and I would do something once I reached school.
I had someone to look at the engine compartment but he too was convinced nothing was there. No traces of blood or fur or anything kitten-like. I was not satisfied but there was nothing I could do then.
Now after a thorough checked by hubby, still there was no traces of kitten what-so-ever. Have I imagined the sound in the morning? Very unlikely. I could tell the sound was fainter; the kitten was getting weaker... it was still stuck up there. And now it probably had died exhausted. Oh gosh, poor kitty!
The mystery is still not solved. I'm going to send the car for service tomorrow...
Update:
I had the car serviced on Saturday; and I practically went under it to see with my own eyes that no remnants of cats were stuck in there. The mechanic was amused, of course!
I know I did not imagine the cat. It was there. But how it got off the car still puzzles me. I just prayed to dear God, it is alright. I definitely would keep it if I get hold of it.
On Monday I was still thinking of the cat and believe it or not I drove ever so slow looking for remnants of a dead cat along the way! Gosh, it was like I was being spooked of some kind.. There's no way I can be sure of what really happened, but most importantly I did not see what I had hoped not to see. To me it's one of God's many blessings. Alhamdullilah.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Peeewiitttt!
That one is supposed to sound like a whistle blowing, by the way.. haha!
I mean it's not too bad coming up with one entry per month despite the absent mindedness, out of focus; to the extent of feeling sorry for oneself. I hate self-pity. But self-pity sometimes we need to wallow ourselves into to get back that fighting power.
I've been so disorganised I don't even remember the date correctly. No, it's not age catching up. And it's also NOT the hormonal changes or whatever you call it. It has nothing to do with biological transform of what-so-ever...it's whom and what I surround myself with.
A friend wrote of feeling like a worm on a hot roof. Another friend replied it's better to be on a hot roof rather than in a closed tin can. Well, I'm one tired worm on a hot tin roof but watch out, I can jump off if I choose to do so!
I mean it's not too bad coming up with one entry per month despite the absent mindedness, out of focus; to the extent of feeling sorry for oneself. I hate self-pity. But self-pity sometimes we need to wallow ourselves into to get back that fighting power.
I've been so disorganised I don't even remember the date correctly. No, it's not age catching up. And it's also NOT the hormonal changes or whatever you call it. It has nothing to do with biological transform of what-so-ever...it's whom and what I surround myself with.
A friend wrote of feeling like a worm on a hot roof. Another friend replied it's better to be on a hot roof rather than in a closed tin can. Well, I'm one tired worm on a hot tin roof but watch out, I can jump off if I choose to do so!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Posting Takder Tajuk
Phew!
I'm still pretty much a zombie. Thank God for the cats. They are the only lively creatures around here. They multiply too. Now I have 5 extra mouths to feed!
Haywire is too mild a word to describe this blog. There are almost a hundred comments I have to delete very soon. Damn those spammers!
Here is something I would like to share with readers of this blog, if ever anyone stops by here with the exception of those spammers :P
Powerful New 3-Minute Exercise Improves Memory and Brain Power
By Paul Fassa
An unusual exercise to improve mental health and acuity has been going viral on the internet lately. It was featured in a Los Angeles CBS News report that has an MD, a Yale neurobiologist, an occupational therapist, educators, and parents endorsing it.
It is a simple routine, and it has created positive results for learning disabled and autistic children as well as older Alzheimer's victims.
And it's useful for any kind of brain fog or dullness, even emotional instability. It can improve memory and focus, and it's even made some a little smarter. It seems to work for everyone regardless of mental condition.
How to Do This Simple Exercise
With your feet pointing straight ahead, spread them apart about shoulder width. Grab your right earlobe with the thumb and finger of your left hand. Cross over your left arm and do the same using your right hand on the left earlobe. Then squat as fully as you can, breathing in. That's a little counter intuitive, but that's what you do. Breathe in as you squat.
Then breathe out as you stand. So the breathing needs to be synchronized with the squats. Continue this motion repetitively while holding both earlobes for three minutes. That may be too much at first, so start with one minute. One can go up to five minutes, but three is good enough. This can be done by anyone at any age and should be done on a daily basis until the fog lifts!
Haha!!
In Malay we call this exercise ketuk ketampi. Those born in the 60s and 70s must be very familiar with the word. I'm very sure they had had a share of ketuk ketampi one way or the other. But ketuk ketampi then was carried out more in the form of punishment rather than exercises to improve mental health. And for that reason, it was barred from being practiced in school.
Now if any teacher is caught ketuk ketampiing any of his students, we can be sure to read all about it in every newspapers on the very next day!
Weren't we old people a lot luckier? We didn't need rocket science to do things correctly, no?
*Read the full article here.
I'm still pretty much a zombie. Thank God for the cats. They are the only lively creatures around here. They multiply too. Now I have 5 extra mouths to feed!
Haywire is too mild a word to describe this blog. There are almost a hundred comments I have to delete very soon. Damn those spammers!
Here is something I would like to share with readers of this blog, if ever anyone stops by here with the exception of those spammers :P
Powerful New 3-Minute Exercise Improves Memory and Brain Power
By Paul Fassa
An unusual exercise to improve mental health and acuity has been going viral on the internet lately. It was featured in a Los Angeles CBS News report that has an MD, a Yale neurobiologist, an occupational therapist, educators, and parents endorsing it.
It is a simple routine, and it has created positive results for learning disabled and autistic children as well as older Alzheimer's victims.
And it's useful for any kind of brain fog or dullness, even emotional instability. It can improve memory and focus, and it's even made some a little smarter. It seems to work for everyone regardless of mental condition.
How to Do This Simple Exercise
With your feet pointing straight ahead, spread them apart about shoulder width. Grab your right earlobe with the thumb and finger of your left hand. Cross over your left arm and do the same using your right hand on the left earlobe. Then squat as fully as you can, breathing in. That's a little counter intuitive, but that's what you do. Breathe in as you squat.
Then breathe out as you stand. So the breathing needs to be synchronized with the squats. Continue this motion repetitively while holding both earlobes for three minutes. That may be too much at first, so start with one minute. One can go up to five minutes, but three is good enough. This can be done by anyone at any age and should be done on a daily basis until the fog lifts!
Haha!!
In Malay we call this exercise ketuk ketampi. Those born in the 60s and 70s must be very familiar with the word. I'm very sure they had had a share of ketuk ketampi one way or the other. But ketuk ketampi then was carried out more in the form of punishment rather than exercises to improve mental health. And for that reason, it was barred from being practiced in school.
Now if any teacher is caught ketuk ketampiing any of his students, we can be sure to read all about it in every newspapers on the very next day!
Weren't we old people a lot luckier? We didn't need rocket science to do things correctly, no?
*Read the full article here.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
zombie like
for the next 5 weeks i'd be walking around the house aimlessly like a zombie.. talking to the trees and the stones. the cats will love it because i'd be feeding them excessively, mindlessly..
this blog will go haywire too...
this blog will go haywire too...
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Aidil Adha
Today is Aidil Adha. Prepared nasi dagang and nasi minyak for the day. Got some lemang, rendang and nasi biryani masala from my sis next door. Ate some ketupat at a neighbour's house - done with food for today!
Skyped with Ams. And Ginger. Haha.. just realised the laptop camera for Sony Viao is able to monitor movement and focus accordingly. Ginger was very surprised to get VIP treatment today!
Awi is upset he has to go to Kerteh for intern. Literally kicked him out of the house to have the car serviced late yesterday afternoon. Shopping is in view. Mama is doing her part; and yours is to buck up and survive.
Oh. Got me a new toy a few days ago. Planning to go for a trip to make use of the toy. Ciao!
Skyped with Ams. And Ginger. Haha.. just realised the laptop camera for Sony Viao is able to monitor movement and focus accordingly. Ginger was very surprised to get VIP treatment today!
Awi is upset he has to go to Kerteh for intern. Literally kicked him out of the house to have the car serviced late yesterday afternoon. Shopping is in view. Mama is doing her part; and yours is to buck up and survive.
Oh. Got me a new toy a few days ago. Planning to go for a trip to make use of the toy. Ciao!
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Shocking!
It is shocking!
I didn't update the blog for the whole month of October! Good gracious me! My time was filled up with scrabbling, facebooking and kampoing... all mind-boggling activities with the third only understood by my exschool buddies!
I read an anonymous comment on the post PPSMI. The writer thanked me for writing the entry. I presume he/she is having the same view as I am on the topic. I've stopped writing and talking about PPSMI now. I want to remain apolitically inclined whenever the subject is brought up.
And I cringe to write about work condition now. It's like living on a time bomb. Anything anytime can happen. Very unhealthy situation.
As the saying goes, if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything!
I didn't update the blog for the whole month of October! Good gracious me! My time was filled up with scrabbling, facebooking and kampoing... all mind-boggling activities with the third only understood by my exschool buddies!
I read an anonymous comment on the post PPSMI. The writer thanked me for writing the entry. I presume he/she is having the same view as I am on the topic. I've stopped writing and talking about PPSMI now. I want to remain apolitically inclined whenever the subject is brought up.
And I cringe to write about work condition now. It's like living on a time bomb. Anything anytime can happen. Very unhealthy situation.
As the saying goes, if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Ramadhan and pre-Syawal Post
I'm very guilty for neglecting this blog. Not that anybody out there is wishing for an update, but I hate it too to be stumbled on an abandoned blog!
It's OK if the blog has evergreen contents like the other blog I have. Anybody searching the Net for Andrea Bocelli's video would be thankful to find The Treasures though some of the links are no longer working...
Gosh, what am I blabbering about???
Well, this entry is to accommodate Ramadhan as well as Syawal post. It has been a quiet Ramadhan this year with only hubby and I at home. Though we experienced this when both boys were at boarding school, but it was different since our weekends then were busy visiting them. Their schools were at the opposite direction of one another so imagine the rush when on some weekends we had to visit both places on the same day!
Well, those days!
And this year Syawal is going to be incomplete with Ams away. Thank God Awi is coming home on Thursday. His room is done up. I hope it's going to be a pretty normal Eid for us.
Honestly I haven't planned anything for Syawal except for a few fresh plants to replace the dried ones around the house. School will be closed starting Friday but gosh I'll be busy visiting other schools these last two days that I'll be doing lots of travelling. Thank God I'm done with the marking of SPM trial papers so come Friday I can start concentrating on preparing for Syawal.
A very blessed Syawal for all friends and whoever stops by at this blog. Keep ourselves safe wherever we are during this festive season. Drive safely and eat healthily. God bless.
It's OK if the blog has evergreen contents like the other blog I have. Anybody searching the Net for Andrea Bocelli's video would be thankful to find The Treasures though some of the links are no longer working...
Gosh, what am I blabbering about???
Well, this entry is to accommodate Ramadhan as well as Syawal post. It has been a quiet Ramadhan this year with only hubby and I at home. Though we experienced this when both boys were at boarding school, but it was different since our weekends then were busy visiting them. Their schools were at the opposite direction of one another so imagine the rush when on some weekends we had to visit both places on the same day!
Well, those days!
And this year Syawal is going to be incomplete with Ams away. Thank God Awi is coming home on Thursday. His room is done up. I hope it's going to be a pretty normal Eid for us.
Honestly I haven't planned anything for Syawal except for a few fresh plants to replace the dried ones around the house. School will be closed starting Friday but gosh I'll be busy visiting other schools these last two days that I'll be doing lots of travelling. Thank God I'm done with the marking of SPM trial papers so come Friday I can start concentrating on preparing for Syawal.
A very blessed Syawal for all friends and whoever stops by at this blog. Keep ourselves safe wherever we are during this festive season. Drive safely and eat healthily. God bless.
Monday, August 31, 2009
77 Brain Hacks to Learn Faster, Deeper, and Better
I haven't finished reading this article and I'm sharing it here with visitors of this blog. Happy reading!
_______________________________________
Source: Online Education Database
If someone granted you one wish, what do you imagine you would want out of life that you haven't gotten yet? For many people, it would be self-improvement and knowledge.
New knowledge is the backbone of society's progress. Great thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, and others' quests for knowledge have led society to many of the marvels we enjoy today.
Your quest for knowledge doesn't have to be as Earth-changing as Einstein's, but it can be an important part of your life, leading to a new job, better pay, a new hobby, or simply knowledge for knowledge's sake — whatever is important to you as an end goal.
Life-changing knowledge does typically require advanced learning techniques. In fact, it's been said that the average adult only uses 10% of his/her brain. Imagine what we may be capable of with more advanced learning techniques.
Here are 77 tips related to knowledge and learning to help you on your quest. A few are specifically for students in traditional learning institutions; the rest for self-starters, or those learning on their own. Happy learning.
Health
1. Shake a leg. Lack of blood flow is a common reason for lack of concentration. If you've been sitting in one place for awhile, bounce one of your legs for a minute or two. It gets your blood flowing and sharpens both concentration and recall.
2. Food for thought: Eat breakfast. A lot of people skip breakfast, but creativity is often optimal in the early morning and it helps to have some protein in you to feed your brain. A lack of protein can actually cause headaches.
3. Food for thought, part 2: Eat a light lunch. Heavy lunches have a tendency to make people drowsy. While you could turn this to your advantage by taking a "thinking nap" (see #23), most people haven't learned how.
4. Cognitive enhancers: Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba is a natural supplement that has been used in China and other countries for centuries and has been reputed to reverse memory loss in rats. It's also suggested by some health practitioners as a nootrope and thus a memory enhancer.
5. Reduce stress + depresssion. Stress and depression may reduce the ability to recall information and thus inhibit learning. Sometimes, all you need to reduce depression is more white light and fewer refined foods.
Balance
6. Sleep on it. Dr. Maxwell Maltz wrote about in his book Psycho-Cybernetics about a man who was was paid good money to come up with ideas. He would lock his office door, close the blinds, turn off the lights. He'd focus on the problem at hand, then take a short nap on a couch. When he awoke, he usually had the problem solved.
7. Take a break. Change phyical or mental perspective to lighten the invisible stress that can sometimes occur when you sit in one place too long, focused on learning. Taking a 5-15 minute break every hour during study sessions is more beneficial than non-stop study. It gives your mind time to relax and absorb information. If you want to get really serious with breaks, try a 20 minute ultradian break as part of every 90 minute cycle. This includes a nap break, which is for a different purpose than #23.
8. Take a hike. Changing your perspective often relieves tension, thus freeing your creative mind. Taking a short walk around the neighborhood may help.
Perspective and Focus
9. Change your focus. Sometimes there simply isn't enough time to take a long break. If so, change subject focus. Alternate between technical and non-technical subjects.
10. Change your focus, part 2. There are three primary ways to learn: visual, kinesthetic, and auditory. If one isn't working for you, try another.
11. Do walking meditation. If you're taking a hike (#25), go one step further and learn walking meditation as a way to tap into your inner resources and your strengthen your ability to focus. Just make sure you're not walking inadvertently into traffic.
12. Focus and immerse yourself. Focus on whatever you're studying. Don't try to watch TV at the same time or worry yourself about other things. Anxiety does not make for absorption of information and ideas.
13. Turn out the lights. This is a way to focus, if you are not into meditating. Sit in the dark, block out extraneous influences. This is ideal for learning kinesthetically, such as guitar chord changes.
14. Take a bath or shower. Both activities loosen you up, making your mind more receptive to recognizing brilliant ideas.
Recall Techniques
15. Listen to music. Researchers have long shown that certain types of music are a great "key" for recalling memories. Information learned while listening to a particular song or collection can often be recalled simply by "playing" the songs mentally.
16. Speedread. Some people believe that speedreading causes you to miss vital information. The fact remains that efficient speedreading results in filtering out irrelevant information. If necessary, you can always read and re-read at slower speeds. Slow reading actually hinders the ability to absorb general ideas. (Although technical subjects often requirer slower reading.) If you're reading online, you can try the free Spreeder Web-based application.
17. Use acronyms and other mnemonic devices. Mnemonics are essentially tricks for remembering information. Some tricks are so effective that proper application will let you recall loads of mundane information years later.
Visual Aids
18. Every picture tells a story. Draw or sketch whatever it is you are trying to achieve. Having a concrete goal in mind helps you progress towards that goal.
19. Brainmap it. Need to plan something? Brain maps, or mind maps, offer a compact way to get both an overview of a project as well as easily add details. With mind maps, you can see the relationships between disparate ideas and they can also act as a receptacle for a brainstorming session.
20. Learn symbolism and semiotics. Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols. Having an understanding of the symbols of a particular discipline aids in learning, and also allows you to record information more efficiently.
21. Use information design. When you record information that has an inherent structure, applying information design helps convey that information more clearly. A great resource is Information Aesthetics, which gives examples of information design and links to their sources.
22. Use visual learning techniques. Try gliffy for structured diagrams. Also see Inspiration.com for an explanation of webs, idea maps, concept maps, and plots.
23. Map your task flow. Learning often requires gaining knowledge in a specific sequence. Organizing your thoughts on what needs to be done is a powerful way to prepare yourself to complete tasks or learn new topics.
Verbal and Auditory Techniques
24. Stimulate ideas. Play rhyming games, utter nonsense words. These loosen you up, making you more receptive to learning.
25. Brainstorm. This is a time-honored technique that combines verbal activity, writing, and collaboration. (One person can brainstorm, but it's more effective in a group.) It's fruitful if you remember some simple rules: Firstly, don't shut anyone's idea out. Secondly, don't "edit" in progress; just record all ideas first, then dissect them later. Participating in brainstorming helps assess what you already know about something, and what you didn't know.
26. Learn by osmosis. Got an iPod? Record a few of your own podcasts, upload them to your iPod and sleep on it. Literally. Put it under your pillow and playback language lessons or whatever.
27. Cognitive enhancers: binaural beats. Binaural beats involve playing two close frequencies simultaneously to produce alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves, all of which produce either sleeping, restfulness, relaxation, meditativeness, alertness, or concentration. Binaural beats are used in conjunction with other excercises for a type of super-learning.
28. Laugh. Laughing relaxes the body. A relaxed body is more receptive to new ideas.
Kinesthetic Techniques
29. Write, don't type. While typing your notes into the computer is great for posterity, writing by hand stimulates ideas. The simple act of holding and using a pen or pencil massages acupuncture points in the hand, which in turn stimulates ideas.
30. Carry a quality notebook at all times. Samuel Taylor Coleridge dreamed the words of the poem "In Xanadu (did Kubla Khan)...". Upon awakening, he wrote down what he could recall, but was distracted by a visitor and promptly forgot the rest of the poem. Forever. If you've been doing "walking meditation" or any kind of meditation or productive napping, ideas may suddenly come to you. Record them immediately.
31. Keep a journal. This isn't exactly the same as a notebook. Journaling has to do with tracking experiences over time. If you add in visual details, charts, brainmaps, etc., you have a much more creative way to keep tabs on what you are learning.
32. Organize. Use sticky colored tabs to divide up a notebook or journal. They are a great way to partition ideas for easy referral.
33. Use post-it notes. Post-it notes provide a helpful way to record your thoughts about passages in books without defacing them with ink or pencil marks.
Self-Motivation Techniques
34. Give yourself credit. Ideas are actually a dime a dozen. If you learn to focus your mind on what results you want to achieve, you'll recognize the good ideas. Your mind will become a filter for them, which will motivate you to learn more.
35. Motivate yourself. Why do you want to learn something? What do want to achieve through learning? If you don't know why you want to learn, then distractions will be far more enticing.
36. Set a goal. W. Clement Stone once said "Whatever the mind of man can conceive, it can achieve." It's an amazing phenomenon in goal achievement. Prepare yourself by whatever means necessary, and hurdles will seem surmountable. Anyone who has experienced this phenomenon understands its validity. [Related Article: How to Write Your Goals]
37. Think positive. There's no point in setting learning goals for yourself if you don't have any faith in your ability to learn.
38. Organize, part 2. Learning is only one facet of the average adult's daily life. You need to organize your time and tasks else you might find it difficult to fit time in for learning. Try Neptune for a browser-based application for "getting things done."
39. Every skill is learned. With the exception of bodily functions, every skill in life is learned. Generally speaking, if one person can learn something, so can you. It may take you more effort, but if you've set a believable goal, it's likely an achievable goal.
40. Prepare yourself for learning. Thinking positive isn't sufficient for successfully achieving goals. This is especially important if you are an adult, as you'll probably have many distractions surrounding your daily life. Implement ways to reduce distractions, at least for a few hours at a time, else learning will become a frustrating experience.
41. Prepare yourself, part 2. Human nature is such that not everyone in your life will be a well-wisher in your self-improvement and learning plans. They may intentionally or subconsciously distract you from your goal. If you have classes to attend after work, make sure that work colleagues know this, that you are unable to work late. Diplomacy works best if you think your boss is intentionally giving you work on the days he/she knows you have to leave. Reschedule lectures to a later time slot if possible/ necessary.
42. Constrain yourself. Most people need structure in their lives. Freedom is sometimes a scary thing. It's like chaos. But even chaos has order within. By constraining yourself — say giving yourself deadlines, limiting your time on an idea in some manner, or limiting the tools you are working with — you can often accomplish more in less time.
Supplemental Techniques
43. Read as much as you can. How much more obvious can it get? Use Spreeder (#33) if you have to. Get a breadth of topics as well as depth.
44. Cross-pollinate your interests. Neurons that connect to existing neurons give you new perspectives and abilities to use additional knowledge in new ways.
45. Learn another language. New perspectives give you the ability to cross-pollinate cultural concepts and come up with new ideas. As well, sometimes reading a book in its original language will provide you with insights lost in translation.
46. Learn how to learn. Management Help has a resource page, as does SIAST (Virtual Campus), which links to articles about learning methods. They are geared towards online learning, but no doubt you gain something from them for any type of learning. If you are serious about optimum learning, read Headrush's Crash course in learning theory.
47. Learn what you know and what you don't. Many people might say, "I'm dumb," or "I don't know anything about that." The fact is, many people are wholly unaware of what they already know about a topic. If you want to learn about a topic, you need to determine what you already know, figure out what you don't know, and then learn the latter.
48. Multi-task through background processes. Effective multi-tasking allows you to bootstrap limited time to accomplish several tasks. Learning can be bootstrapped through multi-tasking, too. By effective multitasking, I don't mean doing two or more things at exactly the same time. It's not possible. However, you can achieve the semblance of effective multitasking with the right approach, and by prepping your mind for it. For example, a successful freelance writer learns to manage several articles at the same time. Research the first essay, and then let the background processes of your mind takeover. Move on consciously to the second essay. While researching the second essay, the first one will often "write itself." Be prepared to record it when it "appears" to you.
49. Think holistically. Holistic thinking might be the single most "advanced" learning technique that would help students. But it's a mindset rather than a single technique.
50. Use the right type of repetition. Complex concepts often require revisting in order to be fully absorbed. Sometimes, for some people, it may actually take months or years. Repetition of concepts and theory with various concrete examples improves absorption and speeds up learning.
51. Apply the Quantum Learning (QL) model. The Quantum Learning model is being applied in some US schools and goes beyond typical education methods to engage students.
52. Get necessary tools. There are obviously all kinds of tools for learning. If you are learning online like a growing number of people these days, then consider your online tools. One of the best tools for online research is the Firefox web browser, which has loads of extensions (add-ons) with all manner of useful features. One is Googlepedia, which simultaneously displays Google search engine listings, when you search for a term, with related entries from Wikipedia.
53. Get necessary tools, part 2. This is a very niche tip, but if you want to learn fast-track methods for building software, read Getting Real from 37 Signals. The Web page version is free. The techniques in the book have been used to create Basecamp, Campfire, and Backpack web applications in a short time frame. Each of these applications support collaboration and organization.
54. Learn critical thinking. As Keegan-Michael Key's character on MadTV might say, critical thinking takes analysis to "a whole notha level". Read Wikipedia's discourse on critical thinking as a starting point. It involves good analytical skills to aid the ability to learn selectively.
55. Learn complex problem solving. For most people, life is a series of problems to be solved. Learning is part of the process. If you have a complex problem, you need to learn the art of complex problem solving.
For Teachers, Tutors, and Parents
56. Be engaging. Lectures are one-sided and often counter-productive. Information merely heard or witnessed (from a chalkboard for instance) is often forgotten. Teaching is not simply talking. Talking isn't enough. Ask students questions, present scenarios, engage them.
57. Use information pyramids. Learning happens in layers. Build base knowledge upon which you can add advanced concepts.
58. Use video games. Video games get a bad rap because of certain violent games. But video games in general can often be an effective aid to learning.
59. Role play. Younger people often learn better by being part of a learning experience. For example, history is easier to absorb through reenactments.
60. Apply the 80/20 rule. This rule is often interpreted in dfferent ways. In this case, the 80/20 rule means that some concepts, say about 20% of a curriculum, require more effort and time, say about 80%, than others. So be prepared to expand on complex topics.
61. Tell stories. Venus Flytrap, a character from the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, once taught a student gang member about atoms, electrons, and protons by saying that an atom was one big neighborhood, and the protons and neutrons had their own smaller neighborhoods and never mixed. Just like rival gangs. The story worked, and understanding sparked in the students eyes.
62. Go beyond the public school curriculum. The public school system is woefully lacking in teaching advanced learning and brainstorming methods. It's not that the methods cannot be taught; they just aren't. To learn more, you have to pay a premium in additional time and effort, and sometimes money for commercially available learning tools. There's nothing wrong with that in itself, but what is taught in schools needs to be expanded. This article's author has proven that a nine-year old can learn (some) university level math, if the learning is approached correctly.
63. Use applied learning. If a high school student were having trouble in math, say with fractions, one example of applied learning might be photography, lenses, f-stops, etc. Another example is cooking and measurement of ingredients. Tailor the applied learning to the interest of the student.
For Students and Self-Studiers
64. Be engaged. Surprise. Sometimes students are bored because they know more than is being taught, maybe even more than a teacher. (Hopefully teachers will assess what each student already knows.) Students should discuss with a teacher if they feel that the material being covered is not challenging. Also consider asking for additional materials.
65. Teach yourself. Teachers cannot always change their curricula. If you're not being challenged, challenge yourself. Some countries still apply country-wide exams for all students. If your lecturer didn't cover a topic, you should learn it on your own. Don't wait for someone to teach you. Lectures are most effective when you've pre-introduced yourself to concepts.
66. Collaborate. If studying by yourself isn't working, maybe a study group will help.
67. Do unto others: teach something. The best way to learn something better is to teach it to someone else. It forces you to learn, if you are motivated enough to share your knowledge.
68. Write about it. An effective way to "teach" something is to create an FAQ or a wiki containing everything you know about a topic. Or blog about the topic. Doing so helps you to realize what you know and more importantly what you don't. You don't even have to spend money if you grab a freebie account with Typepad, Wordpress, or Blogger.
69. Learn by experience. Pretty obvious, right? It means put in the necessary time. An expert is often defined as someone who has put in 10,000 hours into some experience or endeavor. That's approximately 5 years of 40 hours per week, every week. Are you an expert without realizing it? If you're not, do you have the dedication to be an expert?
70. Quiz yourself. Testing what you've learned will reinforce the information. Flash cards are one of the best ways, and are not just for kids.
71. Learn the right things first. Learn the basics. Case in point: a frustrating way to learn a new language is to learn grammar and spelling and sentence constructs first. This is not the way a baby learns a language, and there's no reason why an adult or young adult has to start differently, despite "expert" opinion. Try for yourself and see the difference.
72. Plan your learning. If you have a long-term plan to learn something, then to quote Led Zeppelin, "There are two paths you can go by." You can take a haphazard approach to learning, or you can put in a bit of planning and find an optimum path. Plan your time and balance your learning and living.
Parting Advice
73. Persist. Don't give up learning in the face of intimdating tasks. Anything one human being can learn, most others can as well. Wasn't it Einstein that said, "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration"? Thomas Edison said it, too.
74. Defy the experts. Dyslexia, in a nutshell, is the affliction of mentally jumbling letters and digits, causing difficulties in reading, writing and thus learning. Sometimes spoken words or numbers get mixed up as well. In the past, "experts" declared dyslexic children stupid. Later, they said they were incapable of learning. This author has interacted with and taught dyslexic teens. It's possible. Helen Keller had no experience of sight, sound, or speech, and yet she learned. Conclusion: There is more than one way to learn; never believe you cannot.
75. Challenge yourself. People are often more intelligent than they realize. In a world that compartmentalizes and categorizes everything, not everyone is sure where they fit in. And genius can be found in many walks of life. If you honestly suspect that there's more to you than has been "allowed" to be let out, try an IQ test such as the one offered by MENSA. It's unlike the standardized IQ tests given in many schools. You know the kind — the ones which traumatize many young students into thinking they are stupid, simply because the tests don't really assess all student's knowledge and learning ability. And the ability to learn is far, far more important than what you already know.
76. Party before an exam. Well, don't go that far. The key is to relax. The worse thing to do is cram the night before an exam. If you don't already know a subject by then, cramming isn't going to help. If you have studied, simply review the topic, then go do something pleasant (no more studying). Doing so tells your brain that you are prepared and that you will be able to recall anything that you have already learned. On the other hand, if you didn't spend the semester learning the ideas you need, you might as well go party anyways because cramming at the last minute isn't going to help much at that point.
77. Don't worry; learn happy. Have a real passion for learning and want to share that? Join a group such as the Joyful Jubilant Learning community [via LifeHack].
This article was originally published at the Online Education Database
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Source: Online Education Database
If someone granted you one wish, what do you imagine you would want out of life that you haven't gotten yet? For many people, it would be self-improvement and knowledge.
New knowledge is the backbone of society's progress. Great thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, and others' quests for knowledge have led society to many of the marvels we enjoy today.
Your quest for knowledge doesn't have to be as Earth-changing as Einstein's, but it can be an important part of your life, leading to a new job, better pay, a new hobby, or simply knowledge for knowledge's sake — whatever is important to you as an end goal.
Life-changing knowledge does typically require advanced learning techniques. In fact, it's been said that the average adult only uses 10% of his/her brain. Imagine what we may be capable of with more advanced learning techniques.
Here are 77 tips related to knowledge and learning to help you on your quest. A few are specifically for students in traditional learning institutions; the rest for self-starters, or those learning on their own. Happy learning.
Health
1. Shake a leg. Lack of blood flow is a common reason for lack of concentration. If you've been sitting in one place for awhile, bounce one of your legs for a minute or two. It gets your blood flowing and sharpens both concentration and recall.
2. Food for thought: Eat breakfast. A lot of people skip breakfast, but creativity is often optimal in the early morning and it helps to have some protein in you to feed your brain. A lack of protein can actually cause headaches.
3. Food for thought, part 2: Eat a light lunch. Heavy lunches have a tendency to make people drowsy. While you could turn this to your advantage by taking a "thinking nap" (see #23), most people haven't learned how.
4. Cognitive enhancers: Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba is a natural supplement that has been used in China and other countries for centuries and has been reputed to reverse memory loss in rats. It's also suggested by some health practitioners as a nootrope and thus a memory enhancer.
5. Reduce stress + depresssion. Stress and depression may reduce the ability to recall information and thus inhibit learning. Sometimes, all you need to reduce depression is more white light and fewer refined foods.
Balance
6. Sleep on it. Dr. Maxwell Maltz wrote about in his book Psycho-Cybernetics about a man who was was paid good money to come up with ideas. He would lock his office door, close the blinds, turn off the lights. He'd focus on the problem at hand, then take a short nap on a couch. When he awoke, he usually had the problem solved.
7. Take a break. Change phyical or mental perspective to lighten the invisible stress that can sometimes occur when you sit in one place too long, focused on learning. Taking a 5-15 minute break every hour during study sessions is more beneficial than non-stop study. It gives your mind time to relax and absorb information. If you want to get really serious with breaks, try a 20 minute ultradian break as part of every 90 minute cycle. This includes a nap break, which is for a different purpose than #23.
8. Take a hike. Changing your perspective often relieves tension, thus freeing your creative mind. Taking a short walk around the neighborhood may help.
Perspective and Focus
9. Change your focus. Sometimes there simply isn't enough time to take a long break. If so, change subject focus. Alternate between technical and non-technical subjects.
10. Change your focus, part 2. There are three primary ways to learn: visual, kinesthetic, and auditory. If one isn't working for you, try another.
11. Do walking meditation. If you're taking a hike (#25), go one step further and learn walking meditation as a way to tap into your inner resources and your strengthen your ability to focus. Just make sure you're not walking inadvertently into traffic.
12. Focus and immerse yourself. Focus on whatever you're studying. Don't try to watch TV at the same time or worry yourself about other things. Anxiety does not make for absorption of information and ideas.
13. Turn out the lights. This is a way to focus, if you are not into meditating. Sit in the dark, block out extraneous influences. This is ideal for learning kinesthetically, such as guitar chord changes.
14. Take a bath or shower. Both activities loosen you up, making your mind more receptive to recognizing brilliant ideas.
Recall Techniques
15. Listen to music. Researchers have long shown that certain types of music are a great "key" for recalling memories. Information learned while listening to a particular song or collection can often be recalled simply by "playing" the songs mentally.
16. Speedread. Some people believe that speedreading causes you to miss vital information. The fact remains that efficient speedreading results in filtering out irrelevant information. If necessary, you can always read and re-read at slower speeds. Slow reading actually hinders the ability to absorb general ideas. (Although technical subjects often requirer slower reading.) If you're reading online, you can try the free Spreeder Web-based application.
17. Use acronyms and other mnemonic devices. Mnemonics are essentially tricks for remembering information. Some tricks are so effective that proper application will let you recall loads of mundane information years later.
Visual Aids
18. Every picture tells a story. Draw or sketch whatever it is you are trying to achieve. Having a concrete goal in mind helps you progress towards that goal.
19. Brainmap it. Need to plan something? Brain maps, or mind maps, offer a compact way to get both an overview of a project as well as easily add details. With mind maps, you can see the relationships between disparate ideas and they can also act as a receptacle for a brainstorming session.
20. Learn symbolism and semiotics. Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols. Having an understanding of the symbols of a particular discipline aids in learning, and also allows you to record information more efficiently.
21. Use information design. When you record information that has an inherent structure, applying information design helps convey that information more clearly. A great resource is Information Aesthetics, which gives examples of information design and links to their sources.
22. Use visual learning techniques. Try gliffy for structured diagrams. Also see Inspiration.com for an explanation of webs, idea maps, concept maps, and plots.
23. Map your task flow. Learning often requires gaining knowledge in a specific sequence. Organizing your thoughts on what needs to be done is a powerful way to prepare yourself to complete tasks or learn new topics.
Verbal and Auditory Techniques
24. Stimulate ideas. Play rhyming games, utter nonsense words. These loosen you up, making you more receptive to learning.
25. Brainstorm. This is a time-honored technique that combines verbal activity, writing, and collaboration. (One person can brainstorm, but it's more effective in a group.) It's fruitful if you remember some simple rules: Firstly, don't shut anyone's idea out. Secondly, don't "edit" in progress; just record all ideas first, then dissect them later. Participating in brainstorming helps assess what you already know about something, and what you didn't know.
26. Learn by osmosis. Got an iPod? Record a few of your own podcasts, upload them to your iPod and sleep on it. Literally. Put it under your pillow and playback language lessons or whatever.
27. Cognitive enhancers: binaural beats. Binaural beats involve playing two close frequencies simultaneously to produce alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves, all of which produce either sleeping, restfulness, relaxation, meditativeness, alertness, or concentration. Binaural beats are used in conjunction with other excercises for a type of super-learning.
28. Laugh. Laughing relaxes the body. A relaxed body is more receptive to new ideas.
Kinesthetic Techniques
29. Write, don't type. While typing your notes into the computer is great for posterity, writing by hand stimulates ideas. The simple act of holding and using a pen or pencil massages acupuncture points in the hand, which in turn stimulates ideas.
30. Carry a quality notebook at all times. Samuel Taylor Coleridge dreamed the words of the poem "In Xanadu (did Kubla Khan)...". Upon awakening, he wrote down what he could recall, but was distracted by a visitor and promptly forgot the rest of the poem. Forever. If you've been doing "walking meditation" or any kind of meditation or productive napping, ideas may suddenly come to you. Record them immediately.
31. Keep a journal. This isn't exactly the same as a notebook. Journaling has to do with tracking experiences over time. If you add in visual details, charts, brainmaps, etc., you have a much more creative way to keep tabs on what you are learning.
32. Organize. Use sticky colored tabs to divide up a notebook or journal. They are a great way to partition ideas for easy referral.
33. Use post-it notes. Post-it notes provide a helpful way to record your thoughts about passages in books without defacing them with ink or pencil marks.
Self-Motivation Techniques
34. Give yourself credit. Ideas are actually a dime a dozen. If you learn to focus your mind on what results you want to achieve, you'll recognize the good ideas. Your mind will become a filter for them, which will motivate you to learn more.
35. Motivate yourself. Why do you want to learn something? What do want to achieve through learning? If you don't know why you want to learn, then distractions will be far more enticing.
36. Set a goal. W. Clement Stone once said "Whatever the mind of man can conceive, it can achieve." It's an amazing phenomenon in goal achievement. Prepare yourself by whatever means necessary, and hurdles will seem surmountable. Anyone who has experienced this phenomenon understands its validity. [Related Article: How to Write Your Goals]
37. Think positive. There's no point in setting learning goals for yourself if you don't have any faith in your ability to learn.
38. Organize, part 2. Learning is only one facet of the average adult's daily life. You need to organize your time and tasks else you might find it difficult to fit time in for learning. Try Neptune for a browser-based application for "getting things done."
39. Every skill is learned. With the exception of bodily functions, every skill in life is learned. Generally speaking, if one person can learn something, so can you. It may take you more effort, but if you've set a believable goal, it's likely an achievable goal.
40. Prepare yourself for learning. Thinking positive isn't sufficient for successfully achieving goals. This is especially important if you are an adult, as you'll probably have many distractions surrounding your daily life. Implement ways to reduce distractions, at least for a few hours at a time, else learning will become a frustrating experience.
41. Prepare yourself, part 2. Human nature is such that not everyone in your life will be a well-wisher in your self-improvement and learning plans. They may intentionally or subconsciously distract you from your goal. If you have classes to attend after work, make sure that work colleagues know this, that you are unable to work late. Diplomacy works best if you think your boss is intentionally giving you work on the days he/she knows you have to leave. Reschedule lectures to a later time slot if possible/ necessary.
42. Constrain yourself. Most people need structure in their lives. Freedom is sometimes a scary thing. It's like chaos. But even chaos has order within. By constraining yourself — say giving yourself deadlines, limiting your time on an idea in some manner, or limiting the tools you are working with — you can often accomplish more in less time.
Supplemental Techniques
43. Read as much as you can. How much more obvious can it get? Use Spreeder (#33) if you have to. Get a breadth of topics as well as depth.
44. Cross-pollinate your interests. Neurons that connect to existing neurons give you new perspectives and abilities to use additional knowledge in new ways.
45. Learn another language. New perspectives give you the ability to cross-pollinate cultural concepts and come up with new ideas. As well, sometimes reading a book in its original language will provide you with insights lost in translation.
46. Learn how to learn. Management Help has a resource page, as does SIAST (Virtual Campus), which links to articles about learning methods. They are geared towards online learning, but no doubt you gain something from them for any type of learning. If you are serious about optimum learning, read Headrush's Crash course in learning theory.
47. Learn what you know and what you don't. Many people might say, "I'm dumb," or "I don't know anything about that." The fact is, many people are wholly unaware of what they already know about a topic. If you want to learn about a topic, you need to determine what you already know, figure out what you don't know, and then learn the latter.
48. Multi-task through background processes. Effective multi-tasking allows you to bootstrap limited time to accomplish several tasks. Learning can be bootstrapped through multi-tasking, too. By effective multitasking, I don't mean doing two or more things at exactly the same time. It's not possible. However, you can achieve the semblance of effective multitasking with the right approach, and by prepping your mind for it. For example, a successful freelance writer learns to manage several articles at the same time. Research the first essay, and then let the background processes of your mind takeover. Move on consciously to the second essay. While researching the second essay, the first one will often "write itself." Be prepared to record it when it "appears" to you.
49. Think holistically. Holistic thinking might be the single most "advanced" learning technique that would help students. But it's a mindset rather than a single technique.
50. Use the right type of repetition. Complex concepts often require revisting in order to be fully absorbed. Sometimes, for some people, it may actually take months or years. Repetition of concepts and theory with various concrete examples improves absorption and speeds up learning.
51. Apply the Quantum Learning (QL) model. The Quantum Learning model is being applied in some US schools and goes beyond typical education methods to engage students.
52. Get necessary tools. There are obviously all kinds of tools for learning. If you are learning online like a growing number of people these days, then consider your online tools. One of the best tools for online research is the Firefox web browser, which has loads of extensions (add-ons) with all manner of useful features. One is Googlepedia, which simultaneously displays Google search engine listings, when you search for a term, with related entries from Wikipedia.
53. Get necessary tools, part 2. This is a very niche tip, but if you want to learn fast-track methods for building software, read Getting Real from 37 Signals. The Web page version is free. The techniques in the book have been used to create Basecamp, Campfire, and Backpack web applications in a short time frame. Each of these applications support collaboration and organization.
54. Learn critical thinking. As Keegan-Michael Key's character on MadTV might say, critical thinking takes analysis to "a whole notha level". Read Wikipedia's discourse on critical thinking as a starting point. It involves good analytical skills to aid the ability to learn selectively.
55. Learn complex problem solving. For most people, life is a series of problems to be solved. Learning is part of the process. If you have a complex problem, you need to learn the art of complex problem solving.
For Teachers, Tutors, and Parents
56. Be engaging. Lectures are one-sided and often counter-productive. Information merely heard or witnessed (from a chalkboard for instance) is often forgotten. Teaching is not simply talking. Talking isn't enough. Ask students questions, present scenarios, engage them.
57. Use information pyramids. Learning happens in layers. Build base knowledge upon which you can add advanced concepts.
58. Use video games. Video games get a bad rap because of certain violent games. But video games in general can often be an effective aid to learning.
59. Role play. Younger people often learn better by being part of a learning experience. For example, history is easier to absorb through reenactments.
60. Apply the 80/20 rule. This rule is often interpreted in dfferent ways. In this case, the 80/20 rule means that some concepts, say about 20% of a curriculum, require more effort and time, say about 80%, than others. So be prepared to expand on complex topics.
61. Tell stories. Venus Flytrap, a character from the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, once taught a student gang member about atoms, electrons, and protons by saying that an atom was one big neighborhood, and the protons and neutrons had their own smaller neighborhoods and never mixed. Just like rival gangs. The story worked, and understanding sparked in the students eyes.
62. Go beyond the public school curriculum. The public school system is woefully lacking in teaching advanced learning and brainstorming methods. It's not that the methods cannot be taught; they just aren't. To learn more, you have to pay a premium in additional time and effort, and sometimes money for commercially available learning tools. There's nothing wrong with that in itself, but what is taught in schools needs to be expanded. This article's author has proven that a nine-year old can learn (some) university level math, if the learning is approached correctly.
63. Use applied learning. If a high school student were having trouble in math, say with fractions, one example of applied learning might be photography, lenses, f-stops, etc. Another example is cooking and measurement of ingredients. Tailor the applied learning to the interest of the student.
For Students and Self-Studiers
64. Be engaged. Surprise. Sometimes students are bored because they know more than is being taught, maybe even more than a teacher. (Hopefully teachers will assess what each student already knows.) Students should discuss with a teacher if they feel that the material being covered is not challenging. Also consider asking for additional materials.
65. Teach yourself. Teachers cannot always change their curricula. If you're not being challenged, challenge yourself. Some countries still apply country-wide exams for all students. If your lecturer didn't cover a topic, you should learn it on your own. Don't wait for someone to teach you. Lectures are most effective when you've pre-introduced yourself to concepts.
66. Collaborate. If studying by yourself isn't working, maybe a study group will help.
67. Do unto others: teach something. The best way to learn something better is to teach it to someone else. It forces you to learn, if you are motivated enough to share your knowledge.
68. Write about it. An effective way to "teach" something is to create an FAQ or a wiki containing everything you know about a topic. Or blog about the topic. Doing so helps you to realize what you know and more importantly what you don't. You don't even have to spend money if you grab a freebie account with Typepad, Wordpress, or Blogger.
69. Learn by experience. Pretty obvious, right? It means put in the necessary time. An expert is often defined as someone who has put in 10,000 hours into some experience or endeavor. That's approximately 5 years of 40 hours per week, every week. Are you an expert without realizing it? If you're not, do you have the dedication to be an expert?
70. Quiz yourself. Testing what you've learned will reinforce the information. Flash cards are one of the best ways, and are not just for kids.
71. Learn the right things first. Learn the basics. Case in point: a frustrating way to learn a new language is to learn grammar and spelling and sentence constructs first. This is not the way a baby learns a language, and there's no reason why an adult or young adult has to start differently, despite "expert" opinion. Try for yourself and see the difference.
72. Plan your learning. If you have a long-term plan to learn something, then to quote Led Zeppelin, "There are two paths you can go by." You can take a haphazard approach to learning, or you can put in a bit of planning and find an optimum path. Plan your time and balance your learning and living.
Parting Advice
73. Persist. Don't give up learning in the face of intimdating tasks. Anything one human being can learn, most others can as well. Wasn't it Einstein that said, "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration"? Thomas Edison said it, too.
74. Defy the experts. Dyslexia, in a nutshell, is the affliction of mentally jumbling letters and digits, causing difficulties in reading, writing and thus learning. Sometimes spoken words or numbers get mixed up as well. In the past, "experts" declared dyslexic children stupid. Later, they said they were incapable of learning. This author has interacted with and taught dyslexic teens. It's possible. Helen Keller had no experience of sight, sound, or speech, and yet she learned. Conclusion: There is more than one way to learn; never believe you cannot.
75. Challenge yourself. People are often more intelligent than they realize. In a world that compartmentalizes and categorizes everything, not everyone is sure where they fit in. And genius can be found in many walks of life. If you honestly suspect that there's more to you than has been "allowed" to be let out, try an IQ test such as the one offered by MENSA. It's unlike the standardized IQ tests given in many schools. You know the kind — the ones which traumatize many young students into thinking they are stupid, simply because the tests don't really assess all student's knowledge and learning ability. And the ability to learn is far, far more important than what you already know.
76. Party before an exam. Well, don't go that far. The key is to relax. The worse thing to do is cram the night before an exam. If you don't already know a subject by then, cramming isn't going to help. If you have studied, simply review the topic, then go do something pleasant (no more studying). Doing so tells your brain that you are prepared and that you will be able to recall anything that you have already learned. On the other hand, if you didn't spend the semester learning the ideas you need, you might as well go party anyways because cramming at the last minute isn't going to help much at that point.
77. Don't worry; learn happy. Have a real passion for learning and want to share that? Join a group such as the Joyful Jubilant Learning community [via LifeHack].
This article was originally published at the Online Education Database
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Eczema and Low Nickel Diet
It is exactly a year ago I wrote about eczema. Eczema is an allergy someone has to live with, no complete cure for it but it is possible to be kept under control by limiting our activities.
Except it is always a very tough choice to do so!
After quite a major recurrence recently, I searched the Net for more info on eczema. The entry before this, Dyshidrotic Dermatitis, is the new finding on the type of eczema that I'm suffering from.
The reason for the recent recurrence is very disappointing to mention. It makes me feel less a person. Further reading makes me believe that one of the reasons for eczema is stress. So OK, everything seems to be related one way or another to stress. Do you believe that? I honestly thought that was complete nonsense!
Well, that's not all. Another shocking finding is vegetables and some kinds of food supplement are sources of nickel - a big no-no to eczema sufferers!
Now you tell me. From young we were told that vegetables are good for our skin. Eat more spinach, eat more fruits! Now they are saying meat is OK!!
This I copy and paste from this site:
Low-nickel diet (taken from a medical text on eczema):
Permitted foods: All meats, fish (except herring), poultry, eggs, milk, yogurt, butter, margarine, cheese, one medium-size potato a day, small amounts of the following: cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, polished rice, flour (except whole grain), fresh fruits (except pears), marmalade/jam, coffee, wine, beer.
Prohibited foods: Canned foods, foods cooked in nickel-plated utensils, herring, oysters, asparagus, beans, mushrooms, onions, corn (maize), spinach, tomatoes, peas, whole grain flour, fresh and cooked pears, rhubarb, tea, cocoa and chocolate, baking powder.
Click the link above to read more. Be sure to close your mouth :)
So:
1. I'm going to throw away all canned food inside the cabinet. OK la, I'll give them away!
2. Buy dimethylglyoxime and carry out a test to eliminate the source of nickel from all cooking wares in the kitchen. Throw everything that is tested positive!
3. Use and buy only glass wares from now on.
4. Eliminate all sources of stress. How to do that, eh???
Except it is always a very tough choice to do so!
After quite a major recurrence recently, I searched the Net for more info on eczema. The entry before this, Dyshidrotic Dermatitis, is the new finding on the type of eczema that I'm suffering from.
The reason for the recent recurrence is very disappointing to mention. It makes me feel less a person. Further reading makes me believe that one of the reasons for eczema is stress. So OK, everything seems to be related one way or another to stress. Do you believe that? I honestly thought that was complete nonsense!
Well, that's not all. Another shocking finding is vegetables and some kinds of food supplement are sources of nickel - a big no-no to eczema sufferers!
Now you tell me. From young we were told that vegetables are good for our skin. Eat more spinach, eat more fruits! Now they are saying meat is OK!!
This I copy and paste from this site:
Low-nickel diet (taken from a medical text on eczema):
Permitted foods: All meats, fish (except herring), poultry, eggs, milk, yogurt, butter, margarine, cheese, one medium-size potato a day, small amounts of the following: cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, polished rice, flour (except whole grain), fresh fruits (except pears), marmalade/jam, coffee, wine, beer.
Prohibited foods: Canned foods, foods cooked in nickel-plated utensils, herring, oysters, asparagus, beans, mushrooms, onions, corn (maize), spinach, tomatoes, peas, whole grain flour, fresh and cooked pears, rhubarb, tea, cocoa and chocolate, baking powder.
Click the link above to read more. Be sure to close your mouth :)
So:
1. I'm going to throw away all canned food inside the cabinet. OK la, I'll give them away!
2. Buy dimethylglyoxime and carry out a test to eliminate the source of nickel from all cooking wares in the kitchen. Throw everything that is tested positive!
3. Use and buy only glass wares from now on.
4. Eliminate all sources of stress. How to do that, eh???
Monday, July 27, 2009
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
A collection of cells that look differently from the rest of the skin can be a growth, rash or blemish. They can be different is color, size and texture. They can be painful and itchy at times. You can better help your doctor make a correct diagnosis if you know your symptoms which will help you to get the appropriate treatment.
Also known as pompholyx, dyshidrotic dermatitis is a type of eczema that attacks the hands. It will usually start as itchy bumps on the side of the fingers that turns into a rash. The tiny bumps will appear to be deep in the skin. For the individual that develops them they can become very itchy.
Who Can Get Them?
Dyshidrotic dermatitis can affect anyone and all races are equally affected. Women have it slightly more than men. Individuals between the ages of twenty to forty are also more likely to develop the condition.
What Can Cause Them?
It is unknown exactly what causes dyshidrotic dermatitis. It looks like people who get it are predisposed to it. A contributing factor may also be stress and reactions to detergents and other chemicals. Some evidence shows that smokers may develop this more often than non-smokers. Individuals may also have this skin disorder if they experience an abnormal amount of sweating.
How Does It Happen?
When an individual experiences a high level of stress dyshidrotic dermatitis will often start. It is indicated that some change will trigger the skin disorder. Tiny blisters will appear deep in the skin as the skin starts to peel. An itching and burning sensation may also be experienced by individuals.
Where Do They Appear?
The hands and/or the feet of an individual is often the only area where dyshidrotic dermatitis appears.
What Are The Symptoms?
The development of bumps on the side of the fingers and toes that gradually become an itchy rash is a symptom of dyshidrotic dermatitis. The side of the fingers and feet can start to peel. After two weeks the skin disorder will usually clear up. Mostly one stage of the ailment or the other is experienced by individuals, but some may experience both at the same time.
How Can It Be Diagnosed?
Since the symptoms are easy to recognize a doctor or dermatologist can easily make a diagnosis. The tiny blisters and rash on the sides of the fingers and/or feet are a unique characteristic.
What Treatments Are Available?
Depending on how severe the condition is, individual treatment will vary. Most of the time no treatment is required and the rash or blisters will clear up on their own. The skin will take awhile to recover from this ailment and it can recur so you should be careful and take care of your skin.
Often a topical steroid can be prescribed to help reduce the itching and inflammation. To treat any secondary infection that might develop antibiotics are commonly given. When handling certain chemicals and putting their hands in the water individuals are advised to wear gloves so they don’t get further irritated. You should wear socks that are mainly cotton if you develop this ailment on your feet. The inflicted area should constantly have a moisturizer applied to help reduce the itching and soften the skin. At least two or three times a day it should be applied liberally and the area should be kept dry.
To relieve and dry up the blisters cool compresses and soaks can be used. The solution for these soaks should be vinegar and water. However, this should be done four times a day for a period of fifteen minutes.
It can be very difficult to have dyshidrotic dermatitis since it can have an adverse affect on your day to day activities more than other types of rashes and growths. It is crucial to protect the skin from further damages. Most of the time the ailment is simple and not life threatening, but if it becomes uncomfortable then you should speak with your doctor to try and relieve some of the symptoms.
http://www.beautyassist.com/skin-disorders/dyshidrotic-dermatitis.html
A collection of cells that look differently from the rest of the skin can be a growth, rash or blemish. They can be different is color, size and texture. They can be painful and itchy at times. You can better help your doctor make a correct diagnosis if you know your symptoms which will help you to get the appropriate treatment.
Also known as pompholyx, dyshidrotic dermatitis is a type of eczema that attacks the hands. It will usually start as itchy bumps on the side of the fingers that turns into a rash. The tiny bumps will appear to be deep in the skin. For the individual that develops them they can become very itchy.
Who Can Get Them?
Dyshidrotic dermatitis can affect anyone and all races are equally affected. Women have it slightly more than men. Individuals between the ages of twenty to forty are also more likely to develop the condition.
What Can Cause Them?
It is unknown exactly what causes dyshidrotic dermatitis. It looks like people who get it are predisposed to it. A contributing factor may also be stress and reactions to detergents and other chemicals. Some evidence shows that smokers may develop this more often than non-smokers. Individuals may also have this skin disorder if they experience an abnormal amount of sweating.
How Does It Happen?
When an individual experiences a high level of stress dyshidrotic dermatitis will often start. It is indicated that some change will trigger the skin disorder. Tiny blisters will appear deep in the skin as the skin starts to peel. An itching and burning sensation may also be experienced by individuals.
Where Do They Appear?
The hands and/or the feet of an individual is often the only area where dyshidrotic dermatitis appears.
What Are The Symptoms?
The development of bumps on the side of the fingers and toes that gradually become an itchy rash is a symptom of dyshidrotic dermatitis. The side of the fingers and feet can start to peel. After two weeks the skin disorder will usually clear up. Mostly one stage of the ailment or the other is experienced by individuals, but some may experience both at the same time.
How Can It Be Diagnosed?
Since the symptoms are easy to recognize a doctor or dermatologist can easily make a diagnosis. The tiny blisters and rash on the sides of the fingers and/or feet are a unique characteristic.
What Treatments Are Available?
Depending on how severe the condition is, individual treatment will vary. Most of the time no treatment is required and the rash or blisters will clear up on their own. The skin will take awhile to recover from this ailment and it can recur so you should be careful and take care of your skin.
Often a topical steroid can be prescribed to help reduce the itching and inflammation. To treat any secondary infection that might develop antibiotics are commonly given. When handling certain chemicals and putting their hands in the water individuals are advised to wear gloves so they don’t get further irritated. You should wear socks that are mainly cotton if you develop this ailment on your feet. The inflicted area should constantly have a moisturizer applied to help reduce the itching and soften the skin. At least two or three times a day it should be applied liberally and the area should be kept dry.
To relieve and dry up the blisters cool compresses and soaks can be used. The solution for these soaks should be vinegar and water. However, this should be done four times a day for a period of fifteen minutes.
It can be very difficult to have dyshidrotic dermatitis since it can have an adverse affect on your day to day activities more than other types of rashes and growths. It is crucial to protect the skin from further damages. Most of the time the ailment is simple and not life threatening, but if it becomes uncomfortable then you should speak with your doctor to try and relieve some of the symptoms.
http://www.beautyassist.com/skin-disorders/dyshidrotic-dermatitis.html
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Medical Check Up
In one of the district functions I attended recently, the education officer talked about taking care of one's health especially those over 40 years old. At last someone does talk sense.
In the speech he mentioned that the ruling is already out there; there are circulars stating that government officers are allowed, even encouraged to step forward to do a free full medical check up by the time they reach 40. Thus, he said, principals should collect data and send the names to the local hospital.
I dare say, nothing is going to happen.
First, not many principals were present that day. Information was given to the wrong audience. Whether the principals are aware of the circular, I do not know. But even if they do, without proper instructions from the district or state offices, I bet it's as good as nothing.
Secondly, even if somebody is kind enough to pass the information to the principal, I honestly don't think he or she will take it seriously. Again, without proper, in this case, repeated instruction from the said offices, one can just dream about it.
So if you are a teacher past 40 years old, go and do medical check up on your own. If you don't mind spending money, go private. The doctor will praise you for being health conscious.
But if you want to exercise your rights as a government officer, go ahead. The people at the hospital will entertain you, no doubt, but be prepared to answer questions on why you are there at each examination room. Even the doctor will look at you like you are some kind of an alien when you tell him that you are not sick but you would like to do a full medical check up!
In other words, have your speeches ready.
And be prepared to have an earful on how you should have gone to this hospital or that clinic, because it's less busy there; you should have come last year or two years from now; or you should have let them arrange for a time more convenience to you or more likely to them, bla bla bla...
The last time I went through all those, my blood pressure went up for the first time in history!
So, mister officer, thank you for trying. At least somebody did...
In the speech he mentioned that the ruling is already out there; there are circulars stating that government officers are allowed, even encouraged to step forward to do a free full medical check up by the time they reach 40. Thus, he said, principals should collect data and send the names to the local hospital.
I dare say, nothing is going to happen.
First, not many principals were present that day. Information was given to the wrong audience. Whether the principals are aware of the circular, I do not know. But even if they do, without proper instructions from the district or state offices, I bet it's as good as nothing.
Secondly, even if somebody is kind enough to pass the information to the principal, I honestly don't think he or she will take it seriously. Again, without proper, in this case, repeated instruction from the said offices, one can just dream about it.
So if you are a teacher past 40 years old, go and do medical check up on your own. If you don't mind spending money, go private. The doctor will praise you for being health conscious.
But if you want to exercise your rights as a government officer, go ahead. The people at the hospital will entertain you, no doubt, but be prepared to answer questions on why you are there at each examination room. Even the doctor will look at you like you are some kind of an alien when you tell him that you are not sick but you would like to do a full medical check up!
In other words, have your speeches ready.
And be prepared to have an earful on how you should have gone to this hospital or that clinic, because it's less busy there; you should have come last year or two years from now; or you should have let them arrange for a time more convenience to you or more likely to them, bla bla bla...
The last time I went through all those, my blood pressure went up for the first time in history!
So, mister officer, thank you for trying. At least somebody did...
Saturday, July 25, 2009
WWW
Do not reveal too much on the Internet, IT experts say. They are not taking about body parts. They talk about identities and personal information.It is worse when all social network websites are sources of free data. Everybody knows everybody. Bloggers are no exception. They wear their hearts on their sleeves. Most bloggers (of blogs I follow) are purely unsuspecting people. They are just sharing their thoughts with whoever like to share.
Nowadays I found out more and more of these blogs are gone. Either they go private, or the posts are deleted every few days. They do that because of violated privacy.
What a waste. Some great thoughts and comments were erased every day. Gone. Kaput. WWW is no longer a friendly place. Nowhere is.
Note: Despite the warnings here, I couldn't resist posting this pix of me and a close friend in high school, LYL.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Cancer and Cause
Stress can cause cancer. Our significant other is a source of stress besides other factors.
Well, I didn't say that. I read it in an outline of a talk, scheduled for sometimes this weekend, to be delivered by a cancer-survivor and a cancer care-giver.
If I'm somewhere near the place where they are having this talk, I would certainly go. Reading the outline, I'm curious to know what is the main point of delivery - the cause of the dreaded illness, or the source of that cause.
Which details are the more shocking discovery, I wonder.
Well, I didn't say that. I read it in an outline of a talk, scheduled for sometimes this weekend, to be delivered by a cancer-survivor and a cancer care-giver.
If I'm somewhere near the place where they are having this talk, I would certainly go. Reading the outline, I'm curious to know what is the main point of delivery - the cause of the dreaded illness, or the source of that cause.
Which details are the more shocking discovery, I wonder.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Minority
A report says 85% teachers nationwide rejects PPSMI. I'm proud to belong in the minority 15%.
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Power of Small
Read about the book in someone's blog and proceeded to read the reviews... Well, SMALL is exactly how I felt these few days so the reviews were very comforting.
Oh yeah, bigger isn't always better... have to always remember that :)
Let's get SMALL, people, and get going!
Oh yeah, bigger isn't always better... have to always remember that :)
Let's get SMALL, people, and get going!
Micheal Jackson Dies at 50
The first two songs that I remember when his name is mentioned are Ben and I'll Be There. He was then the youngest member of Jackson Five. His voice was still very much child-like, and him looking very much the same as his other four siblings.MJ went through a lot of changes over the years but one thing remained the same, his creativity in music.
Highly creative people are often weird, so was MJ. With a series of controversies which were good for his business anyway, MJ was one of the people I admired for their talent.
Rest in peace, dear MJ. "And may Allah be with you, Micheal, always." - Jermaine Jackson.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Talk VS Walk
I have to get away from writing about teaching and teachers. At least for today. Right now I have a very low perception of the profession, my own profession, so it's best to shut up.
I'll just do what I'm paid to do, quietly.
I'll just do what I'm paid to do, quietly.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday Blues
Entri hari ini ada kaitannya dengan entri semalam.
Masih tergiang-giang kat telinga apa yg disampaikan oleh para penceramah. Cikgu kat sekolah ni dok buat macam-macam kesilapan - silap buat analisis, silap mengawal pelajar, silap mengajar, silap ambik tindakan, silap buat perancangan, bla-bla-bla... semua silap!
Kesilapan-kesilapan inilah yg selalu disebut-sebut di setiap perjumpaan, dan diulang-ulang sebagai momokan. Yang herannya, tukang gelak hahahaha adalah dari kalangan cikgu juga!!
Ha ha ha ha!!!
Masih tergiang-giang kat telinga apa yg disampaikan oleh para penceramah. Cikgu kat sekolah ni dok buat macam-macam kesilapan - silap buat analisis, silap mengawal pelajar, silap mengajar, silap ambik tindakan, silap buat perancangan, bla-bla-bla... semua silap!
Kesilapan-kesilapan inilah yg selalu disebut-sebut di setiap perjumpaan, dan diulang-ulang sebagai momokan. Yang herannya, tukang gelak hahahaha adalah dari kalangan cikgu juga!!
Ha ha ha ha!!!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday Rambling
Hari ni nak berceloteh dalam Bahasa Melayu.
2, 3 blog yg I dok tengok hari-hari, kebanyakannya menyampaikan rasa tak puashati tentang keadaan dunia sekarang. Di Malaysia terutamanya. Dari layanan di service industry hinggalah ke pentadbiran negara.
Seorang kawan yg menguruskan syarikat kerajaan mengeluh kerana walau bagaimana komited kerjanya, the end picture masih bergantung kepada penentu polisi.
Itu satu hal.
Dalam pengurusan overhead pula, nak tak nak pengusaha terpaksa bergantung kepada tenaga kerja luar. Ni bukan syarikat persendirian yang target utama nak cari untung ni. Ni syarikat yang nak bagi kerja kat penduduk setempat. Asal boleh sambung operasi, dah. Itu pun tetap sengkek dek melayan kerenah pekerja tempatan yang merugikan.
Kata kawan ni, pekerja tempatan nak gaji tinggi dan tempat kerja yg selesa. Overtime tak mau. Kalau kerja susah sikit terus nak berhenti kerja. Biar melepak kat rumah mak pak tanggung daripada kena berpayah sikit.
Seme spesis takdak telo!
Yours truly terasalah pulak bila kawan tu dok mengomel gitu. Kita bukanlah pengeluar pasaran buruh tempatan, tetapi lebih 50% clients semasa rasanya tak pergi jauh ke mana. Akan ke ladang/industri tempatan juga akhirnya. Kalau pun bukan setaraf mat bangla dan indon tu, mereka akan duduk atas sikit kat pengurusan kawalan tu.
Tapi kalu boleh kita komen sikit, memanglah mereka ni tidak dilatih untuk menjadi buruh. Mereka semua diperasankan supaya menjadi tuan. Tipu takper as long as boleh jadi tuan. Maksudnya tak paham ujung pangkal takper as long as boleh jawab soklan peksa ikut skema jawapan dan dapat 1A!
Dari satu segi sepatutnya meraka ni boleh jadi pekerja yg menurut perintah. But then klau dah terlalu diagung-agungkan merekalah yg terbaik, patutlah pun mereka besor kepala. Tak mahu ikut peraturan dan arahan!
Akceli kita boleh lihat situasi ini dari beberapa segi. That's for next entry!
Ciao!
2, 3 blog yg I dok tengok hari-hari, kebanyakannya menyampaikan rasa tak puashati tentang keadaan dunia sekarang. Di Malaysia terutamanya. Dari layanan di service industry hinggalah ke pentadbiran negara.
Seorang kawan yg menguruskan syarikat kerajaan mengeluh kerana walau bagaimana komited kerjanya, the end picture masih bergantung kepada penentu polisi.
Itu satu hal.
Dalam pengurusan overhead pula, nak tak nak pengusaha terpaksa bergantung kepada tenaga kerja luar. Ni bukan syarikat persendirian yang target utama nak cari untung ni. Ni syarikat yang nak bagi kerja kat penduduk setempat. Asal boleh sambung operasi, dah. Itu pun tetap sengkek dek melayan kerenah pekerja tempatan yang merugikan.
Kata kawan ni, pekerja tempatan nak gaji tinggi dan tempat kerja yg selesa. Overtime tak mau. Kalau kerja susah sikit terus nak berhenti kerja. Biar melepak kat rumah mak pak tanggung daripada kena berpayah sikit.
Seme spesis takdak telo!
Yours truly terasalah pulak bila kawan tu dok mengomel gitu. Kita bukanlah pengeluar pasaran buruh tempatan, tetapi lebih 50% clients semasa rasanya tak pergi jauh ke mana. Akan ke ladang/industri tempatan juga akhirnya. Kalau pun bukan setaraf mat bangla dan indon tu, mereka akan duduk atas sikit kat pengurusan kawalan tu.
Tapi kalu boleh kita komen sikit, memanglah mereka ni tidak dilatih untuk menjadi buruh. Mereka semua diperasankan supaya menjadi tuan. Tipu takper as long as boleh jadi tuan. Maksudnya tak paham ujung pangkal takper as long as boleh jawab soklan peksa ikut skema jawapan dan dapat 1A!
Dari satu segi sepatutnya meraka ni boleh jadi pekerja yg menurut perintah. But then klau dah terlalu diagung-agungkan merekalah yg terbaik, patutlah pun mereka besor kepala. Tak mahu ikut peraturan dan arahan!
Akceli kita boleh lihat situasi ini dari beberapa segi. That's for next entry!
Ciao!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Permai Inn, Terengganu
The hotel is beautifully renovated so it was a comfortable stay though the meeting was a bit... rough!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Ams (2)
By now Ams must be breathing in American air, albeit through the closed buildings of LA Airport, waiting for the connecting flight to Nashville through Chicago.We left the house at 3.20 in the wee morning of Saturday June 13th. The flight was on time, we had ample time to do all the necessary.
It was an event of its own in KLIA. The management was well-prepared for the crowd of 41 students with contingents of relatives from all over Malaysia. Ams himself had 25 people sending him off!
All the best, Ams. Mama is still trying to believe that she won't be seeing you in a longggg time. Just don't do anything that make her regret for not being there with you, for you; for she just would want to do that. May Allah the Mighty always be with you. Amin.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
I'm a Mediator!
Ha ha...
I thought I'm done with that.
Those school days, it was easy being a peacemaker between two fighting friends. You just act normal, take them both to the canteen and viola they'll be in speaking term in 5 minutes!
But when it's between two male adults... urghh, it's worse when men fight. You don't see the fire. Not even the remotest sign of smoke. They sit sipping coffee facing each other at the same table, and laughing at the same joke. But once they open up... whoa, you'd be surprised at the amount of anger they have for one another!
And they have quite an adequate vocabulary for that, too!
It's best to let them talk. Of course they will say the worst thing possible. Just be prepared to have an earful. But as people began expressing themselves, they are bound to see things clearer. You don't have to say anything, they'll soon realise they've been behaving rather childishly.
End of problem.
I thought I'm done with that.
Those school days, it was easy being a peacemaker between two fighting friends. You just act normal, take them both to the canteen and viola they'll be in speaking term in 5 minutes!
But when it's between two male adults... urghh, it's worse when men fight. You don't see the fire. Not even the remotest sign of smoke. They sit sipping coffee facing each other at the same table, and laughing at the same joke. But once they open up... whoa, you'd be surprised at the amount of anger they have for one another!
And they have quite an adequate vocabulary for that, too!
It's best to let them talk. Of course they will say the worst thing possible. Just be prepared to have an earful. But as people began expressing themselves, they are bound to see things clearer. You don't have to say anything, they'll soon realise they've been behaving rather childishly.
End of problem.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Mothered or Smothered
When I was doing my first in-service course in the late 80s, I had a lady supervisor whose no 1 blind spot was being told she was wrong.
She would never admit her mistakes. Being an innocent young teacher then, I was very frank with my opinion. I stood my ground without having a second thought on why some matters were treated differently.
A few times I was called to the Head Department office. The office head was a very nice lady, moons apart from her sub-ordinate colleague. She apologised for what had happened between me and the instructor. She mentioned that this instructor was normally a very concerned supervisor and had high expectations of her supervisees, thus the hard push. She went on saying I could choose whether to be mothered or smothered.
I chose neither.
No 1 - I didn't enjoy being mothered, except for my mother. The way to my heart is to treat me fair then I'll get along fine with just anyone.
No 2 - I don't mind being smothered for the right reason. I'm not perfect, so is everybody else.
I'm afraid I haven't changed much. If anyone else ever ask me again either to be mothered or smothered; I'll tell them go get a life!
She would never admit her mistakes. Being an innocent young teacher then, I was very frank with my opinion. I stood my ground without having a second thought on why some matters were treated differently.
A few times I was called to the Head Department office. The office head was a very nice lady, moons apart from her sub-ordinate colleague. She apologised for what had happened between me and the instructor. She mentioned that this instructor was normally a very concerned supervisor and had high expectations of her supervisees, thus the hard push. She went on saying I could choose whether to be mothered or smothered.
I chose neither.
No 1 - I didn't enjoy being mothered, except for my mother. The way to my heart is to treat me fair then I'll get along fine with just anyone.
No 2 - I don't mind being smothered for the right reason. I'm not perfect, so is everybody else.
I'm afraid I haven't changed much. If anyone else ever ask me again either to be mothered or smothered; I'll tell them go get a life!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Ams
Ams will be leaving for the USA in 3 weeks' time.
I was somehow numb when the JPA personnel called to convey the news. I simply told him Ams was not available at that time because he was attending another interview. I couldn't even recognised the name of the university that Ams was chosen to attend!
But somehow I managed to convince Ams to accept the offer, first; and as time goes by and he receives more offers.. he can choose which suits him best.
I remember Awi was very straight forward and a lot more focused when he was at Ams's stage. He wants to do Chemical Engineering and he wants to do it locally. The Petronas offer is his first and he nonchalantly rejects all other offers later on. But Ams's case is different. He applies for a number of different courses, in a number of different institutions, both abroad and locally.
And he prefers to go to UK!
But as we read more on the programme, I told Ams it's a blessing to be chosen and he may as well grab the opportunity. Thank God he agrees.
So all the time is for him now. School will be closed for mid-year break in one week, and Ams's first request is to have some time off at his birth town. We are going back to Melaka for a few days for Ams to meet with his primary school buddies. Then after that is all shopping and packing for Ams's departure on 12th June.
Thank Allah the merciful for all His blessings.
I was somehow numb when the JPA personnel called to convey the news. I simply told him Ams was not available at that time because he was attending another interview. I couldn't even recognised the name of the university that Ams was chosen to attend!
But somehow I managed to convince Ams to accept the offer, first; and as time goes by and he receives more offers.. he can choose which suits him best.
I remember Awi was very straight forward and a lot more focused when he was at Ams's stage. He wants to do Chemical Engineering and he wants to do it locally. The Petronas offer is his first and he nonchalantly rejects all other offers later on. But Ams's case is different. He applies for a number of different courses, in a number of different institutions, both abroad and locally.
And he prefers to go to UK!
But as we read more on the programme, I told Ams it's a blessing to be chosen and he may as well grab the opportunity. Thank God he agrees.
So all the time is for him now. School will be closed for mid-year break in one week, and Ams's first request is to have some time off at his birth town. We are going back to Melaka for a few days for Ams to meet with his primary school buddies. Then after that is all shopping and packing for Ams's departure on 12th June.
Thank Allah the merciful for all His blessings.
LADAP 3 2009
Finally it's over! I've been carrying the baggage for over a week preparing for stuff to present for a 4-hour in-house training for my colleagues.
The one-week notice given was a bless and it gave me enough time to prepare something quite entirely different from the normal everyday school affairs. I tell you it's very boring to gossip about the students year in and year out!
Although I only had the materials ready by Friday afternoon (and stapling was done exactly 10 minutes before the session began this morning!), my style of working is I need time to ponder and think and sleep over the topic before finally sit down to do it.
Thus the one-week notice is necessary. Unless they want a repetition; to the students it works because I'll be meeting different groups of students each time... but today was the third time I handled LADAP in my own school, so naturally I would want to do something different.
So it was Johari Window this time. I first heard about it in my second year in Uni, a brief mention by the instructor but somehow it lies deep inside of me. I further read about it long before this, and as I was preparing for today's session, I learned more.
Which reminds me, I still have a book I bought months ago, kept in the car for easy access in case I need to save myself from some mind-killing moments; and I have yet to read the second page! A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle and it is a book that Oprah Winfrey is telling everybody to read!
Have a good weekend, people!
The one-week notice given was a bless and it gave me enough time to prepare something quite entirely different from the normal everyday school affairs. I tell you it's very boring to gossip about the students year in and year out!
Although I only had the materials ready by Friday afternoon (and stapling was done exactly 10 minutes before the session began this morning!), my style of working is I need time to ponder and think and sleep over the topic before finally sit down to do it.
Thus the one-week notice is necessary. Unless they want a repetition; to the students it works because I'll be meeting different groups of students each time... but today was the third time I handled LADAP in my own school, so naturally I would want to do something different.
So it was Johari Window this time. I first heard about it in my second year in Uni, a brief mention by the instructor but somehow it lies deep inside of me. I further read about it long before this, and as I was preparing for today's session, I learned more.
Which reminds me, I still have a book I bought months ago, kept in the car for easy access in case I need to save myself from some mind-killing moments; and I have yet to read the second page! A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle and it is a book that Oprah Winfrey is telling everybody to read!
Have a good weekend, people!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Rain oh Rain
Alhamdulillah for the rain.
At home I seldom use the air conditioner. The house was built with high ceilings so normally we only use the fan. But for the past two weeks it was unbearably hot. Even though the air conditioner was turned to the lowest, I could still feel the hot air blowing.
Today I could sit watching TV peacefully while taking my turns at scrabble. What bliss... ahhh!!!
:D
At home I seldom use the air conditioner. The house was built with high ceilings so normally we only use the fan. But for the past two weeks it was unbearably hot. Even though the air conditioner was turned to the lowest, I could still feel the hot air blowing.
Today I could sit watching TV peacefully while taking my turns at scrabble. What bliss... ahhh!!!
:D
Celcom Sucks!
I finally managed to get online after 40 minutes of waiting for Celcom Broadband to work! FORTY-BLOODY-MINUTES-to-open-a-page!!!!
Celcom is actively promoting new products nationwide, but even the old Streamyx sucks! The connection is constantly unstable. Yesterday, for the whole day, hubby was complaining the line was disconnected.
Try complaining to Celcom and they say please bear with them. It's a normal problem with wired internet connection. I wonder what their excuse might be for the slacking of Broadband!
For goodness sake, Celcom, please upgrade your services!
Celcom is actively promoting new products nationwide, but even the old Streamyx sucks! The connection is constantly unstable. Yesterday, for the whole day, hubby was complaining the line was disconnected.
Try complaining to Celcom and they say please bear with them. It's a normal problem with wired internet connection. I wonder what their excuse might be for the slacking of Broadband!
For goodness sake, Celcom, please upgrade your services!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Language Week Day 2
Today is scrabble day.
"Bismillahirrahmanirrahimmm! Pleaseee, give me Z!!"
"Hurry up! You've exceeded the time limit!!!"
"Hmmm... good! Let's see if we can add in more words here..."
For the record, yours truly has turned into a scrabble addict, the online version that is, no thanks to my dear Pae and HMom :D
"Bismillahirrahmanirrahimmm! Pleaseee, give me Z!!"
"Hurry up! You've exceeded the time limit!!!"
"Hmmm... good! Let's see if we can add in more words here..."For the record, yours truly has turned into a scrabble addict, the online version that is, no thanks to my dear Pae and HMom :D
Monday, April 06, 2009
Language Week
As the head the Language Unit, my programme includes the activities for the other languages taught in the school.
For Language Week this year I have lined up activities for Bahasa Melayu as well as English, Tamil, Mandarin and Arabic.
Today we started with essay writing competition in English and Bahasa Melayu. The pictures below tell how hardworking my students are :)
See the amount of writing they have done! And they are still writing!!
Everybody has a unique way of expressing their thoughts. The keyword is hardwork. They are doing their best to give the best. Well done, gals and guys!
For Language Week this year I have lined up activities for Bahasa Melayu as well as English, Tamil, Mandarin and Arabic.
Today we started with essay writing competition in English and Bahasa Melayu. The pictures below tell how hardworking my students are :)
See the amount of writing they have done! And they are still writing!!
Everybody has a unique way of expressing their thoughts. The keyword is hardwork. They are doing their best to give the best. Well done, gals and guys!
Happy Ever After, My Dear Girl
Kak Long, as her mother fondly refers her as, has blissfully wedded a very handsome Farid, her beau of high school days. Such a sweet love story to recall and such a blessed son-in-law one can ask for.
I'm very happy for my dear friend, Safi. Spending the night at her house gave me the opportunity to get to know everybody in her extended family. Everybody that had heard a certain story about me; everybody that she often wrote about throughout our correspondence days, which has graduated into emails and sms-es of the recent years.
Shorter and simpler forms of correspondence but still as meaningful.
And I also found out, after 37 years of friendship and as a prominent figure in her community, Safi still tells people about our friendship proudly!
Now, how else can your friend make you super happy? Super touched? I don't have the right words to express how I feel, dear Safi, only thank you and may Allah bless you always. Amin.
As for the wedding, I especially love this picture I snapped during the wedding rehearsal on Saturday. May you have a blessed married life, my dear favourite girl!
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