Friday, July 16, 2010
S.I.R competition 2010
To those who are interested in SIR.... Spell It Right.... the competition will be held on Sunday, 18 July 2010 at Dewan Capitol at 9.00am. Please come early to secure seats... Good luck to our students who are participating : Hamdi Ayman, Mudzaffar B Zoher, Zaidatunnajla and Dhiyauddin.. May all of you become the winners.., inshaAllah... and Amin..
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Among the entries....(Star Mag Inc .. Pizza Hut..) by SMSTSP students
There will be more pictures soon....
Using Mind mapping in writing
It's a great idea.. Thanks ELTC lecturers..
Yesterday we did an essay entitled "Computer and its benefits "
The mind mapping proved useful for the students who didn't have ideas when writing. Try it. MM is very useful. You can even use power writing technique at the same time. Just imagine the branch that goes out from the topic as P1. The next level will be P2 which is elaboration of the main ideas. P3 is the details which is the third level or branch...
Paragraph Building using power writing.
p1: Computer has a lot of benefits.
p2: One of the benefits of computer is it can help you search for information.
p3: For example, you can easily find information on Thomas Edison by just typing the keyword "Thomas Edison" in the search engine. After clicking the "enter" key, a list of websites will appear on the screen.
p3: In other words, you can find whatever information you need using the computer.
p4 : Thus, computer is indeed useful in our life.
Comments... anyone??
Yesterday we did an essay entitled "Computer and its benefits "
The mind mapping proved useful for the students who didn't have ideas when writing. Try it. MM is very useful. You can even use power writing technique at the same time. Just imagine the branch that goes out from the topic as P1. The next level will be P2 which is elaboration of the main ideas. P3 is the details which is the third level or branch...
Paragraph Building using power writing.
p1: Computer has a lot of benefits.
p2: One of the benefits of computer is it can help you search for information.
p3: For example, you can easily find information on Thomas Edison by just typing the keyword "Thomas Edison" in the search engine. After clicking the "enter" key, a list of websites will appear on the screen.
p3: In other words, you can find whatever information you need using the computer.
p4 : Thus, computer is indeed useful in our life.
Comments... anyone??
Thursday, July 1, 2010
"Mapping for better writing " A course I attended - 29 June - 1 July 2010
Course "Mapping for better writing"
This course stressed that we do the pre-writing process first before we ask the students to write.
a) We may start our writing lesson by giving them prose model. (This can also be reading lesson).
b) then we give the students the topic for them to think of the ideas.
c)The ideas can be generated using graphic organizers like fish bone or mind map.
d) Later we rearrange the organization of ideas. The process writing approach should use PDREP and RAFTS.
PDREP (P= Prewriting to generate ideas, D=Drafting; R=Revise the ideas and contents; E=Edit; P=Publishing)
RAFTS.(R=Roles, A=Audience, F=Format of writing ..speech,article etc, T=Topics, S=Strong verb - to entertain, amuse, inform, invite , persuade)
RAFTS is a reminder about decisions you make before drafting any piece of writing.
e) do peer conferencing on the graphic organizer to probe more questions / give more pictures to the students so that they can elaborate their ideas.
f) Then students write their first draft.
g) TAG Conference - We TAG their draft... Tell, Ask question, Give advice..
Eg of an outline on
Healthy Lifestyle
1) The types of food that we should take
a) The food pyramid
i) vitamins
ii) proteins
iii) carbohydrates
iv) fats
b) Junk Food
2) How to practise good Hygiene
a) Personal Cleanliness - How to keep yourself clean
i) Hair
ii) Body
iii) Fingernails
iv) Oral hygiene
v) Clothes
b) Surrounding area
i) Residential Area
ii) School
iii) Classroom
iv) Canteen
3) Social life
a) Relationship
i) neighbours
ii) friends
iii) family
b) Leisure activities
i) entertainment
ii) drug free
iii) enough rest/ sleep
iv) hobbies
4) What type of exercise should you do to stay healthy
a) types of exercise – jogging, cycling , swimming
b) duration/ no of times per week
c) benefits of exercises
This course stressed that we do the pre-writing process first before we ask the students to write.
a) We may start our writing lesson by giving them prose model. (This can also be reading lesson).
b) then we give the students the topic for them to think of the ideas.
c)The ideas can be generated using graphic organizers like fish bone or mind map.
d) Later we rearrange the organization of ideas. The process writing approach should use PDREP and RAFTS.
PDREP (P= Prewriting to generate ideas, D=Drafting; R=Revise the ideas and contents; E=Edit; P=Publishing)
RAFTS.(R=Roles, A=Audience, F=Format of writing ..speech,article etc, T=Topics, S=Strong verb - to entertain, amuse, inform, invite , persuade)
RAFTS is a reminder about decisions you make before drafting any piece of writing.
e) do peer conferencing on the graphic organizer to probe more questions / give more pictures to the students so that they can elaborate their ideas.
f) Then students write their first draft.
g) TAG Conference - We TAG their draft... Tell, Ask question, Give advice..
Eg of an outline on
Healthy Lifestyle
1) The types of food that we should take
a) The food pyramid
i) vitamins
ii) proteins
iii) carbohydrates
iv) fats
b) Junk Food
2) How to practise good Hygiene
a) Personal Cleanliness - How to keep yourself clean
i) Hair
ii) Body
iii) Fingernails
iv) Oral hygiene
v) Clothes
b) Surrounding area
i) Residential Area
ii) School
iii) Classroom
iv) Canteen
3) Social life
a) Relationship
i) neighbours
ii) friends
iii) family
b) Leisure activities
i) entertainment
ii) drug free
iii) enough rest/ sleep
iv) hobbies
4) What type of exercise should you do to stay healthy
a) types of exercise – jogging, cycling , swimming
b) duration/ no of times per week
c) benefits of exercises
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Youngsters must be trained to think to succeed in life
THE STAR Sunday June 6, 2010
Time to train youngsters to think
EMPLOYERS and those involved in recruiting graduates lament that many of our local graduates have resumes that boast of Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPAs) of between 3.5 to 4.0, but tend to underperform and fail miserably when it comes to real work.
When businessmen lament that our graduates are not creative at work, it really means that they are not thinking persons.
Therefore, we have to create environments to produce thinking individuals who use their grey matter to understand and analyse.
Such traits can be acquired if they are instilled from a young age.
To create thinking individuals, we have to take into consideration one’s culture, parental habits, the mindset of teachers and professors, and the type of stimuli in the classroom.
Only by looking into these factors, can we hope to produce graduates who can think, instead of graduates who learn by rote.
First, the environment or setting must be right to raise thinking individuals.
We, as parents, also need to change the way we bring up our children.
We cannot limit our children by allowing them to be completely influenced by other people’s opinions; not allowing them to question adults; expecting them to blindly obey adults; and subscribing to the adage that “children should be seen, not heard”.
Lacking in confidence
Such a culture has unknowingly brought about a lack of self-esteem in our children.
They also lack the confidence to experiment with new ideas and concepts, and are unable to think out of the box.
We should not be bound by what others say in coming up with bold measures and ideas, and should instead, be strong enough to put forth our own ideas and stick by them.
For example, we should not be afraid to ride a bicycle, instead of driving a car to work, if the intention is to save energy.
While others may think it is a crazy idea and criticise or ridicule us, we should be bold enough to stick by our decisions without being disrespectful or offensive to them.
We must also bear in mind that we have to be sensitive to others when it comes to issues concerning morality, discipline, respect and decency.
This country is made of people of different races, and we should capitalise on our multi-cultural and multi-religious backgrounds to hone our creative skills and thoughts.
Look at the United States — its success is due to its “thinking people’’ of diverse backgrounds.
We, too, can emulate the global power in this area.
The second effective change is for parents to drill the importance of reading into their children.
This can be attained if parents themselves pick up the reading habit, as their children will naturally follow them.
Try to have libraries at home, not collections of toys. Your children will soon become voracious readers.
Thinking is best done in silence. Parents should control the noise level at home by not switching on the TV, music and other forms of entertainment all day long.
There are studies saying that our brains work best at its lower waves.
Good decisions are made and creativity works best during the alpha brainwave, which can be attained only when we have quiet surroundings. Great religions preach about the power and strength of silence. There is science involved in such teachings.
Activating the mind
Thirdly, the education system should offer a curriculum that promotes thinking instead of rote-learning.
Thinking helps an individual to develop the habits of inquiry.
It will also cultivate skills of expression and effective communication. All these in turn will produce active citizens.
Similarly, we can add other methods of academic engagement to our traditional methods of teaching, such as lectures, seminars, distance learning, field trips and computer-assisted activities.
Also, it is about time that professors and lecturers learn to accept and respect queries raised by students.
They should not intimidate their students, but instead, treat them as equals and encourage them to have intellectual discourse.
The fourth element is providing the stimuli in class to make students think.
This can be done through activities that, among others, involve the metaphorical power of language, logical thinking, the centrality of thinking, misthinking, the role of expectation, and sharpening our senses.
After all, education means developing one’s mind from emptiness. We rely on education to develop thinking and appreciate wisdom.
Educators should also emphasise and instil in students an attitude that the best-educated man is the one whose mind never ceases thinking.
Make them see education as a process of constant and perpetual self-improvement.
Develop a stance that education is to educate, not train, as training involves rote-learning, which does not promote thinking.
DR MEGAWATI OMAR and DR ABU BAKAR ABDUL MAJEED
RESEARCH MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
UiTM, SHAH ALAM
Time to train youngsters to think
EMPLOYERS and those involved in recruiting graduates lament that many of our local graduates have resumes that boast of Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPAs) of between 3.5 to 4.0, but tend to underperform and fail miserably when it comes to real work.
When businessmen lament that our graduates are not creative at work, it really means that they are not thinking persons.
Therefore, we have to create environments to produce thinking individuals who use their grey matter to understand and analyse.
Such traits can be acquired if they are instilled from a young age.
To create thinking individuals, we have to take into consideration one’s culture, parental habits, the mindset of teachers and professors, and the type of stimuli in the classroom.
Only by looking into these factors, can we hope to produce graduates who can think, instead of graduates who learn by rote.
First, the environment or setting must be right to raise thinking individuals.
We, as parents, also need to change the way we bring up our children.
We cannot limit our children by allowing them to be completely influenced by other people’s opinions; not allowing them to question adults; expecting them to blindly obey adults; and subscribing to the adage that “children should be seen, not heard”.
Lacking in confidence
Such a culture has unknowingly brought about a lack of self-esteem in our children.
They also lack the confidence to experiment with new ideas and concepts, and are unable to think out of the box.
We should not be bound by what others say in coming up with bold measures and ideas, and should instead, be strong enough to put forth our own ideas and stick by them.
For example, we should not be afraid to ride a bicycle, instead of driving a car to work, if the intention is to save energy.
While others may think it is a crazy idea and criticise or ridicule us, we should be bold enough to stick by our decisions without being disrespectful or offensive to them.
We must also bear in mind that we have to be sensitive to others when it comes to issues concerning morality, discipline, respect and decency.
This country is made of people of different races, and we should capitalise on our multi-cultural and multi-religious backgrounds to hone our creative skills and thoughts.
Look at the United States — its success is due to its “thinking people’’ of diverse backgrounds.
We, too, can emulate the global power in this area.
The second effective change is for parents to drill the importance of reading into their children.
This can be attained if parents themselves pick up the reading habit, as their children will naturally follow them.
Try to have libraries at home, not collections of toys. Your children will soon become voracious readers.
Thinking is best done in silence. Parents should control the noise level at home by not switching on the TV, music and other forms of entertainment all day long.
There are studies saying that our brains work best at its lower waves.
Good decisions are made and creativity works best during the alpha brainwave, which can be attained only when we have quiet surroundings. Great religions preach about the power and strength of silence. There is science involved in such teachings.
Activating the mind
Thirdly, the education system should offer a curriculum that promotes thinking instead of rote-learning.
Thinking helps an individual to develop the habits of inquiry.
It will also cultivate skills of expression and effective communication. All these in turn will produce active citizens.
Similarly, we can add other methods of academic engagement to our traditional methods of teaching, such as lectures, seminars, distance learning, field trips and computer-assisted activities.
Also, it is about time that professors and lecturers learn to accept and respect queries raised by students.
They should not intimidate their students, but instead, treat them as equals and encourage them to have intellectual discourse.
The fourth element is providing the stimuli in class to make students think.
This can be done through activities that, among others, involve the metaphorical power of language, logical thinking, the centrality of thinking, misthinking, the role of expectation, and sharpening our senses.
After all, education means developing one’s mind from emptiness. We rely on education to develop thinking and appreciate wisdom.
Educators should also emphasise and instil in students an attitude that the best-educated man is the one whose mind never ceases thinking.
Make them see education as a process of constant and perpetual self-improvement.
Develop a stance that education is to educate, not train, as training involves rote-learning, which does not promote thinking.
DR MEGAWATI OMAR and DR ABU BAKAR ABDUL MAJEED
RESEARCH MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
UiTM, SHAH ALAM
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Resepi untuk Lamb Chop Alumni BBQ
Thank You MLan For this Recipe..... Hanya Allah yang dapat membalasnya.. Resepi yang sungguh sedap..
Utk yang berminat...Zurina, Norlida, Almin, Kamsari, Mood, dan yang lain2...
>Dengan lafas Bismillahhirrahmann irrahim.. .saya dengan ini merasmikan.. ..
>
>Main ingredient;
>Sos BBQ ...yang halal dan selera tuan/puan
>Pure Honey...Yang bagus madu Tualang...bukan Madu...Madu 3
>Kicap soya cair
>Sos Tiram
>Lada hitam Serawak...ditumbuk atau blend..kalau malas sos lada hitam pun boleh...
>
>Cara;
>Sukatan ikut selera dan lihat kuantiti daging nak diperap...biar pekat dan jika lebih boleh dibuat sos dan di ulang guna..
>campur kesemua dalam bekas yang sesuai
>rasa mengikut selera masing2.
>Celupkan daging kambing kedalam adunan..
>kemudian angkat dan susun dalam bekas bertutup dan masukkan kedalam peti sejuk..(bukan tempat ais)
>perap sekurang2nya 24 jam...lebih lama lagi meresap...( jangan terlalu lama hingga rosak)
>Sos lebihan dimasak sehingga pekat untuk dijadikan sos...atau dibuat celupan sebelum dipanggang..
>Sila pastikan anda memanggang guna Bara bukan membakar...guna api...or Pan Fry...
>
>Cara memanggang;
>Guna Arang yang sepertimana Ron beli...(rujuk Ron)
>bakar arang sehingga tinggal Bara...
>Daging Kambing "slice" cepat masak...maka kerap balik2kan...
>sekiranya api mula menyambar..maknanye daging dah masak...
>pastikan air daging yang keluar jernih tanpa darah...
>pastikan hasilnya daging panggang dan bukannye arang..(rentung)
>
>Rahsia;
>membasuh daging dan perap ...
>perlu di marinade dan serinade dengan penuh perasaan kasih sayang kpd yang nak diberi makan ...InsyaAllah. ..
>
>Selamat Mencuba...boleh dipraktik untuk segala jenis daging kecuali ikan...
>
Utk yang berminat...Zurina, Norlida, Almin, Kamsari, Mood, dan yang lain2...
>Dengan lafas Bismillahhirrahmann irrahim.. .saya dengan ini merasmikan.. ..
>
>Main ingredient;
>Sos BBQ ...yang halal dan selera tuan/puan
>Pure Honey...Yang bagus madu Tualang...bukan Madu...Madu 3
>Kicap soya cair
>Sos Tiram
>Lada hitam Serawak...ditumbuk atau blend..kalau malas sos lada hitam pun boleh...
>
>Cara;
>Sukatan ikut selera dan lihat kuantiti daging nak diperap...biar pekat dan jika lebih boleh dibuat sos dan di ulang guna..
>campur kesemua dalam bekas yang sesuai
>rasa mengikut selera masing2.
>Celupkan daging kambing kedalam adunan..
>kemudian angkat dan susun dalam bekas bertutup dan masukkan kedalam peti sejuk..(bukan tempat ais)
>perap sekurang2nya 24 jam...lebih lama lagi meresap...( jangan terlalu lama hingga rosak)
>Sos lebihan dimasak sehingga pekat untuk dijadikan sos...atau dibuat celupan sebelum dipanggang..
>Sila pastikan anda memanggang guna Bara bukan membakar...guna api...or Pan Fry...
>
>Cara memanggang;
>Guna Arang yang sepertimana Ron beli...(rujuk Ron)
>bakar arang sehingga tinggal Bara...
>Daging Kambing "slice" cepat masak...maka kerap balik2kan...
>sekiranya api mula menyambar..maknanye daging dah masak...
>pastikan air daging yang keluar jernih tanpa darah...
>pastikan hasilnya daging panggang dan bukannye arang..(rentung)
>
>Rahsia;
>membasuh daging dan perap ...
>perlu di marinade dan serinade dengan penuh perasaan kasih sayang kpd yang nak diberi makan ...InsyaAllah. ..
>
>Selamat Mencuba...boleh dipraktik untuk segala jenis daging kecuali ikan...
>
How To Improve My Language Proficiency In English?
There are a number of ways every person can improve his/her language skills. Whether you are a professional or just a beginner, learning is a part of life. Here are some tips to help improve your English:
1) Reading - Spend time in reading. Whether it is books, magazines, or newspaper, reading is an excellent way to improve your vocabulary, and understanding of the language. Choose a book that meets your level of understanding of the language. Gradually, you can move on to more difficult ones as your English improves. Also, if you need to improve your basics, there are many grammar books that teach you how to make sentences etc. If you come across some words you don't know the meaning of, be sure to look them up in the dictionary.
2) Watch TV - Watching documentaries, sitcoms can help you improve your English. Pay special attention to how they speak.
3) Speak out loud, in front of the mirror or maybe with a friend or sister. This will improve your speaking skills and boost your confidence.
4) Try writing small essays, stories, or paragraphs on a regular basis. You may want to get it checked by a trusting individual who can provide positive criticism as to where improvements can be made.
5) Lastly there are some good websites that can teach you English for free. Be sure to search some up in Google and find one that meets your needs. Hope this helps, and best of luck.
Written by Rocksolid
1) Reading - Spend time in reading. Whether it is books, magazines, or newspaper, reading is an excellent way to improve your vocabulary, and understanding of the language. Choose a book that meets your level of understanding of the language. Gradually, you can move on to more difficult ones as your English improves. Also, if you need to improve your basics, there are many grammar books that teach you how to make sentences etc. If you come across some words you don't know the meaning of, be sure to look them up in the dictionary.
2) Watch TV - Watching documentaries, sitcoms can help you improve your English. Pay special attention to how they speak.
3) Speak out loud, in front of the mirror or maybe with a friend or sister. This will improve your speaking skills and boost your confidence.
4) Try writing small essays, stories, or paragraphs on a regular basis. You may want to get it checked by a trusting individual who can provide positive criticism as to where improvements can be made.
5) Lastly there are some good websites that can teach you English for free. Be sure to search some up in Google and find one that meets your needs. Hope this helps, and best of luck.
Written by Rocksolid
Alumni 1980 Programme on 29 Mei 2010 - SPG30
It is a joy to see old friends and to be able to work together again. Hoping that all of us will be blessed by Allah and hoping that we will be able to organise a better event next time...
SPG 30 - ALUMNI 80
This is the third event for SPG30, organised by batch80 of SMSTSP alumni. The purpose is to serve the school which has done a lot for us. We are very grateful indeed to the school for moulding us into what we are today. By having this event, we also take the opportunity to meet one another whom we haven't met for 30 years. Surely there are lots to talk about. The day ended with a barbeque dinner held at the canteen. The menu was lamb chop, grilled chicken and fish, mee hoon, fried rice, papaya, etc. It was indeed a successful day for the alumni .
Saturday, May 22, 2010
How Can I Improve My English.
How Can I Improve My English...
That is a question asked by many students. For me, to improve one's English, there are four important ways to do so.
As we all know, learning a language is not like learning other subjects. This is because to score in most subjects, you need to expose yourself (by doing a lot of exercise)to the topics that are in the syllabus. Questions that will be asked are taken from the syllabus, without exception . The difficulties will be because you are asked to think before answering when the question is not straight forward.
However, it is different with languages especially English. To learn a language and to be good in a language, you need to be able to listen , speak, read and write well in English. You need to excel in these skills. Usually , you will be considered proficient in the language if you are able to express your opinion well in the language. This is done when you speak or write.
Many students are not able to either speak or write well.. There will always be errors everywhere. So we wonder what is wrong here. On the average,our students learn English for at least 11 years. Still , many are not able to write even one accurate paragraph.
Who is responsible for this low proficiency in English?
Well for me, both the teachers and students are to be blamed. Why? Teachers, because they are not able to provide suitable environment for the students to learn the language. Students also should be blamed because they should try their best to learn the language. This is because learning a language does not require you to study the language only, but you need to practise using the language. Practice Makes Perfect!
Consider this example. A eight year old, a Malay boy.. can speak English well. You might be wondering why. Well, actually he was raised in UK and go to school there. He doesn't have 11 years of schooling , still he talks like a British.
Well , what happen here? What makes him different from other Malay boy. Actually, it's the surrounding. He lives in London, and hears English being used all the time, and he has to use the language to communicate. So , what is important here is you have to use the language often (if not all the time) to be good or proficient in the language..
So , girls and boys.. you know now..how to improve your English. Please start right away..
From me, your teacher, Pn Norlida Abu Bakar..
That is a question asked by many students. For me, to improve one's English, there are four important ways to do so.
As we all know, learning a language is not like learning other subjects. This is because to score in most subjects, you need to expose yourself (by doing a lot of exercise)to the topics that are in the syllabus. Questions that will be asked are taken from the syllabus, without exception . The difficulties will be because you are asked to think before answering when the question is not straight forward.
However, it is different with languages especially English. To learn a language and to be good in a language, you need to be able to listen , speak, read and write well in English. You need to excel in these skills. Usually , you will be considered proficient in the language if you are able to express your opinion well in the language. This is done when you speak or write.
Many students are not able to either speak or write well.. There will always be errors everywhere. So we wonder what is wrong here. On the average,our students learn English for at least 11 years. Still , many are not able to write even one accurate paragraph.
Who is responsible for this low proficiency in English?
Well for me, both the teachers and students are to be blamed. Why? Teachers, because they are not able to provide suitable environment for the students to learn the language. Students also should be blamed because they should try their best to learn the language. This is because learning a language does not require you to study the language only, but you need to practise using the language. Practice Makes Perfect!
Consider this example. A eight year old, a Malay boy.. can speak English well. You might be wondering why. Well, actually he was raised in UK and go to school there. He doesn't have 11 years of schooling , still he talks like a British.
Well , what happen here? What makes him different from other Malay boy. Actually, it's the surrounding. He lives in London, and hears English being used all the time, and he has to use the language to communicate. So , what is important here is you have to use the language often (if not all the time) to be good or proficient in the language..
So , girls and boys.. you know now..how to improve your English. Please start right away..
From me, your teacher, Pn Norlida Abu Bakar..
You Alone Can Decide How You Want To Live... The Choice is Yours...
Sunday May 16, 2010
When teaching grows on you
TEACHER TALK
By MALLIKA VASUGI
Sometimes we are thrust into a job that we may have no interest in, only to find that we begin to take a liking to it, over time.
THEY say that life turns out pretty much the way you choose it to be, and most of the time, we feel that it is true.
“The choice is yours,” they tell us.
“You alone can decide how you want to live.”
We hear these phrases almost all the time, in different variations perhaps, and usually we just nod in agreement even when we know that they have been glibly uttered by people whose most major decisions in life alternate between the choice of holiday destinations or designer handbags.
Still, we do know that being able to choose is by itself a gift, a symbol of free-will which lends dignity to the human state. But we also know that life doesn’t always give us the freedom to choose. That in itself may not necessarily be a bad thing, especially when you are not entirely sure about the choices you have to make.
Sometimes we rationalise that it is better to have the choices made for us, because if they turn out to be less than perfect, at least we are absolved from the guilt or responsibility of being the one who made the wrong choice.
It is also sometimes the almost-perfect excuse to use when we feel a lack of commitment towards a cause or a career, like teaching for example.
“We were not given a choice. We were thrust into it,” we often justify to whoever is within earshot. More often than not however, if we think about it enough, we know that the words are really an attempt to subdue the uneasy twinges of conscience that surface when you feel you’ve not performed according to what has been required of you.
With sufficient repetition, there comes a time when we may no longer feel any more twinges or pricking of conscience altogether, and hence there is no longer any need for any form of justification for the substandard work we present. Quite simply, we no longer see ourselves as what we should be against what we are.
“I became a teacher because I had no other choice. I wasn’t allowed to choose. My parents wanted me to become a teacher.”
We didn’t ask to be teachers so don’t blame us if we get it wrong, or even if we stop trying to get it right.
But, there are still many of us who have grown into our jobs even if we didn’t ask for it in the first place. Even if you don’t see them everywhere, there are countless teachers, who, despite having had their career choice made for them, have come to the happy discovery that they had really been called to teach.
An arranged marriage?
“It’s like the arranged marriages of long ago,” says one teacher, who in his own words “was dragged kicking and screaming into the teaching profession.”
“Think of our parents or grandparents. Some of them had never even seen the person whom they were going to spend the rest of their lives with. But most of the marriages worked, didn’t they? Compared to now? Love grows you know. Like teaching.”
It was the first time I had heard anyone compare teaching with a marriage. But it is true. Teaching does grow on you — but even that is a choice.
Perhaps that is why we sometimes have teachers in the same work-settings and pay-scales with completely opposing perspectives of their jobs.
There are those who remain because they know that teaching defines them — that it is what they do best and that they cannot imagine leaving when there are still so many students out there to impart an education to. And then there are those who have never allowed their position as teacher to reach anywhere deeper than the surface of their skin.
But there are times also that we all vacillate between the two extremes. There are moments when we feel so bonded to our job and to our students that we cannot conceive of how life would be like otherwise.
Then there are times when we question whether we have been too stupid or just plain cowardly for not wanting to take on something else like some others we know.
There are questions that flit through all our minds every once in a while. What could I have been doing if I were not doing this? Is the rest of my life going to be spent in some classroom, grading exercises and filling out senseless forms? How much do I really want to teach?
Then, quite unconsciously, we do a frustration level check. Are we frustrated enough to want to leave? Or is the genuine passion you have for teaching strong enough to transcend the boundaries of bad-mannered students, mismatched curriculum, or even chewing gum that gets stuck on to your shoes every day?
Do you come out of a class that had gone rather badly, breathing fire and vowing to yourself that you are going to – that very minute – call up your friend regarding that other job offer, and then completely disregard it when just one student comes up to you with a note saying that you are his favourite teacher?
But maybe it has nothing to do with frustration levels after all.
Perhaps you have reached the point in your career where you feel you really should be moving on. You have given your very best in your years as a teacher, enjoyed every step of the way, have absolutely no regrets about it, but now you just want to move on to something else. The choice is again yours, and no one else is able to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do with your life.
Sometimes, though, all it needs to make some of us to stay on is a little reaffirmation of our role as teachers.
To one who is not a teacher, it may seem like a dismal state of affairs or even come across as pathetic. But to us who have grown into teaching after having either made the conscious choice or having the choice thrust upon us, the significance of our role is indisputable.
We know who we are and what we do. And if our fire is fuelled by a few seemingly feeble words of affirmation from the unlikely bunch of students we teach, so be it.
It is after all, we, who among many other professions in the world, who have the privilege of being able to say:
“Hey, I taught this kid his multiplication tables”, “I showed him how to write a letter to his grandfather”, “I taught him how to play badminton”,
“I told him what a good job he did as a monitor”, “I allowed him to believe in himself”, and “I touched his life.”
Happy Teachers Day.
When teaching grows on you
TEACHER TALK
By MALLIKA VASUGI
Sometimes we are thrust into a job that we may have no interest in, only to find that we begin to take a liking to it, over time.
THEY say that life turns out pretty much the way you choose it to be, and most of the time, we feel that it is true.
“The choice is yours,” they tell us.
“You alone can decide how you want to live.”
We hear these phrases almost all the time, in different variations perhaps, and usually we just nod in agreement even when we know that they have been glibly uttered by people whose most major decisions in life alternate between the choice of holiday destinations or designer handbags.
Still, we do know that being able to choose is by itself a gift, a symbol of free-will which lends dignity to the human state. But we also know that life doesn’t always give us the freedom to choose. That in itself may not necessarily be a bad thing, especially when you are not entirely sure about the choices you have to make.
Sometimes we rationalise that it is better to have the choices made for us, because if they turn out to be less than perfect, at least we are absolved from the guilt or responsibility of being the one who made the wrong choice.
It is also sometimes the almost-perfect excuse to use when we feel a lack of commitment towards a cause or a career, like teaching for example.
“We were not given a choice. We were thrust into it,” we often justify to whoever is within earshot. More often than not however, if we think about it enough, we know that the words are really an attempt to subdue the uneasy twinges of conscience that surface when you feel you’ve not performed according to what has been required of you.
With sufficient repetition, there comes a time when we may no longer feel any more twinges or pricking of conscience altogether, and hence there is no longer any need for any form of justification for the substandard work we present. Quite simply, we no longer see ourselves as what we should be against what we are.
“I became a teacher because I had no other choice. I wasn’t allowed to choose. My parents wanted me to become a teacher.”
We didn’t ask to be teachers so don’t blame us if we get it wrong, or even if we stop trying to get it right.
But, there are still many of us who have grown into our jobs even if we didn’t ask for it in the first place. Even if you don’t see them everywhere, there are countless teachers, who, despite having had their career choice made for them, have come to the happy discovery that they had really been called to teach.
An arranged marriage?
“It’s like the arranged marriages of long ago,” says one teacher, who in his own words “was dragged kicking and screaming into the teaching profession.”
“Think of our parents or grandparents. Some of them had never even seen the person whom they were going to spend the rest of their lives with. But most of the marriages worked, didn’t they? Compared to now? Love grows you know. Like teaching.”
It was the first time I had heard anyone compare teaching with a marriage. But it is true. Teaching does grow on you — but even that is a choice.
Perhaps that is why we sometimes have teachers in the same work-settings and pay-scales with completely opposing perspectives of their jobs.
There are those who remain because they know that teaching defines them — that it is what they do best and that they cannot imagine leaving when there are still so many students out there to impart an education to. And then there are those who have never allowed their position as teacher to reach anywhere deeper than the surface of their skin.
But there are times also that we all vacillate between the two extremes. There are moments when we feel so bonded to our job and to our students that we cannot conceive of how life would be like otherwise.
Then there are times when we question whether we have been too stupid or just plain cowardly for not wanting to take on something else like some others we know.
There are questions that flit through all our minds every once in a while. What could I have been doing if I were not doing this? Is the rest of my life going to be spent in some classroom, grading exercises and filling out senseless forms? How much do I really want to teach?
Then, quite unconsciously, we do a frustration level check. Are we frustrated enough to want to leave? Or is the genuine passion you have for teaching strong enough to transcend the boundaries of bad-mannered students, mismatched curriculum, or even chewing gum that gets stuck on to your shoes every day?
Do you come out of a class that had gone rather badly, breathing fire and vowing to yourself that you are going to – that very minute – call up your friend regarding that other job offer, and then completely disregard it when just one student comes up to you with a note saying that you are his favourite teacher?
But maybe it has nothing to do with frustration levels after all.
Perhaps you have reached the point in your career where you feel you really should be moving on. You have given your very best in your years as a teacher, enjoyed every step of the way, have absolutely no regrets about it, but now you just want to move on to something else. The choice is again yours, and no one else is able to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do with your life.
Sometimes, though, all it needs to make some of us to stay on is a little reaffirmation of our role as teachers.
To one who is not a teacher, it may seem like a dismal state of affairs or even come across as pathetic. But to us who have grown into teaching after having either made the conscious choice or having the choice thrust upon us, the significance of our role is indisputable.
We know who we are and what we do. And if our fire is fuelled by a few seemingly feeble words of affirmation from the unlikely bunch of students we teach, so be it.
It is after all, we, who among many other professions in the world, who have the privilege of being able to say:
“Hey, I taught this kid his multiplication tables”, “I showed him how to write a letter to his grandfather”, “I taught him how to play badminton”,
“I told him what a good job he did as a monitor”, “I allowed him to believe in himself”, and “I touched his life.”
Happy Teachers Day.
Friday, May 14, 2010
THE PQRST METHOD - way to get A+ in your exam
P- PREVIEW the content of the chapter you are going to learn tomorrow
Q- QUESTION yourself about the content, close the book and ask yourself questions
to test whether you understand the content
( TEACHING & LEARNING IN CLASS)
R- REVIEW the content taught by the teacher
S- STATE the points learnt - it would be better if you can teach your friends about
what you have learnt
T- TEST yourself to see that you understand the new knowledge / concept learnt
Q- QUESTION yourself about the content, close the book and ask yourself questions
to test whether you understand the content
( TEACHING & LEARNING IN CLASS)
R- REVIEW the content taught by the teacher
S- STATE the points learnt - it would be better if you can teach your friends about
what you have learnt
T- TEST yourself to see that you understand the new knowledge / concept learnt
THE PQRST METHOD OF STUDYING
The method that many students who like to add an overt structure to their learning to keep them on track is the PQRST method. It helps the student focus on studying and prioritizing the information in a way that relates directly to how they will be asked to use that information in an exam.
Step 1
Preview: Look at the topic you have to learn by glancing over the major headings or the points in the syllabus.
Step 2
Question: Formulate questions that you would like to be able to answer once you have finished the topic. It is important that you match as much as possible what you would like to know to your syllabus or course direction. This allows a certain flexibility to take in other topics that may aid your learning of the main point or if you are just interested. Make sure that your questions are neither more specific or more open-ended than they might be in an exam.
Step 3
Read: Read through your reference material that relates to the topic you want to learn for your exam being mindful to pick out the information that best relates to the questions you wish to answer.
Step 4
Summary: This is the most flexible part of the method and allows individual students to bring any ways that they used to summarize information into the process. This can include making written notes, spider diagrams, flow diagrams, labeled diagrams, mnemonics, making a voice recording of you summarizing the topic, or any method that feels most appropriate for what has to be learned. You can combine several methods as long as this doesn't extend the process too long as you may lose sight that you are merely seeking to use the information in the most appropriate way.
Step 5
Test: Use this step to assess whether you have focused on the important information and stayed on topic. Answer the questions that you set for yourself in the Question section as fully as you can as this using of the information is another way of using the information and remembering more of it. This section also reminds you to continually manipulate the information so that is focused on whatever form of assessment that it is needed for. It is sometimes easy to lose sight of the point of learning and see it as a task to be completed mundanely. Try to avoid adding questions that you didn't formulate in the Q section.
Reference : unknown
Step 1
Preview: Look at the topic you have to learn by glancing over the major headings or the points in the syllabus.
Step 2
Question: Formulate questions that you would like to be able to answer once you have finished the topic. It is important that you match as much as possible what you would like to know to your syllabus or course direction. This allows a certain flexibility to take in other topics that may aid your learning of the main point or if you are just interested. Make sure that your questions are neither more specific or more open-ended than they might be in an exam.
Step 3
Read: Read through your reference material that relates to the topic you want to learn for your exam being mindful to pick out the information that best relates to the questions you wish to answer.
Step 4
Summary: This is the most flexible part of the method and allows individual students to bring any ways that they used to summarize information into the process. This can include making written notes, spider diagrams, flow diagrams, labeled diagrams, mnemonics, making a voice recording of you summarizing the topic, or any method that feels most appropriate for what has to be learned. You can combine several methods as long as this doesn't extend the process too long as you may lose sight that you are merely seeking to use the information in the most appropriate way.
Step 5
Test: Use this step to assess whether you have focused on the important information and stayed on topic. Answer the questions that you set for yourself in the Question section as fully as you can as this using of the information is another way of using the information and remembering more of it. This section also reminds you to continually manipulate the information so that is focused on whatever form of assessment that it is needed for. It is sometimes easy to lose sight of the point of learning and see it as a task to be completed mundanely. Try to avoid adding questions that you didn't formulate in the Q section.
Reference : unknown
MAKANAN UNTUK PELAJAR CEMERLANG
Kerap makan makanan
1. 21 kismis sehari ( 7 biji 3x sehari ) – sekurang-kurangnya 9 biji
( 3 biji 3 x sehari ) / 3 biji sekali
2. Air kacang soya sekali sehari
3. 2 biji kurma
4. 3 biji kacang pistachios sehari
Elakkan makan makanan
1. Jajan
2. Air atau makanan ada semut padanya
3. Makanan fast food seperti nuggets, burger, sosej
4. Makanan yang masam seperti jeruk
5. Otak ikan
6. Makanan yang berajinomoto
7. Makanan yang berbau busuk seperti- petai, jering dan bawang mentah
8. Air yang terlalu manis seperti air berkaibonat –air coke , pepsi,f&n
1. 21 kismis sehari ( 7 biji 3x sehari ) – sekurang-kurangnya 9 biji
( 3 biji 3 x sehari ) / 3 biji sekali
2. Air kacang soya sekali sehari
3. 2 biji kurma
4. 3 biji kacang pistachios sehari
Elakkan makan makanan
1. Jajan
2. Air atau makanan ada semut padanya
3. Makanan fast food seperti nuggets, burger, sosej
4. Makanan yang masam seperti jeruk
5. Otak ikan
6. Makanan yang berajinomoto
7. Makanan yang berbau busuk seperti- petai, jering dan bawang mentah
8. Air yang terlalu manis seperti air berkaibonat –air coke , pepsi,f&n
Adab Belajar Mengikut Imam Al-Ghazali
1. Mendahulukan salam kepada guru dan bersalaman dengan bercium tangan sebagai tanda penghormatan- ikut jantina
2. Jangan banyak bercakap di hadapan guru
3. Jangan bercakap jikalau tidak ditanya
4. Jangan bertanya melainkan jikalau diarah oleh guru
5. Jangan menyangkal kata-kata guru
6. Jangan mengumpat pelajar lain
7. Jangan berbisik di hadapan guru
8. Jangan berpaling kiri dan kanan
9. Jangan menyoal semasa guru kepenatan
10. Berdiri apabila guru bangun
11 Dengar dengan khusyuk ilmu yang disampaikan walaupun diulang 1000 kali
12 Rujuk guru dalam memilih ilmu
13 Jangan duduk tempat guru
14. Jangan berjalan dihadapan guru kecuali darurat
15. Jangan ketuk pintu berulang kali hingga guru keluar menemuinya
16. Sentiasa mendapat keredhaannya dan jauhkan kemurkaannya
17. Muliakan anak-anak guru
18. Selalu berhubung dengan guru
19. Elakkan tidak menziarahi guru lebih 40 hari. Ini boleh mengurangkan keberkatan ilmu
20. Selalu mendoakan guru selepas setiap solat lima waktu.
2. Jangan banyak bercakap di hadapan guru
3. Jangan bercakap jikalau tidak ditanya
4. Jangan bertanya melainkan jikalau diarah oleh guru
5. Jangan menyangkal kata-kata guru
6. Jangan mengumpat pelajar lain
7. Jangan berbisik di hadapan guru
8. Jangan berpaling kiri dan kanan
9. Jangan menyoal semasa guru kepenatan
10. Berdiri apabila guru bangun
11 Dengar dengan khusyuk ilmu yang disampaikan walaupun diulang 1000 kali
12 Rujuk guru dalam memilih ilmu
13 Jangan duduk tempat guru
14. Jangan berjalan dihadapan guru kecuali darurat
15. Jangan ketuk pintu berulang kali hingga guru keluar menemuinya
16. Sentiasa mendapat keredhaannya dan jauhkan kemurkaannya
17. Muliakan anak-anak guru
18. Selalu berhubung dengan guru
19. Elakkan tidak menziarahi guru lebih 40 hari. Ini boleh mengurangkan keberkatan ilmu
20. Selalu mendoakan guru selepas setiap solat lima waktu.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Having trouble with thetheme for the magazine?
What do I consider a better life? (Pizza Hut & The Star joint competition)
Well, for me , having a better life means being able to be with my family on a trip to a holiday destination every holiday. Why? Well , I need the rest and quality time with my family.
so students, the topic would be tourism.. but is this topic included in the list.That means I have to check first..
Well, for me , having a better life means being able to be with my family on a trip to a holiday destination every holiday. Why? Well , I need the rest and quality time with my family.
so students, the topic would be tourism.. but is this topic included in the list.That means I have to check first..
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Toward a better life - related articles
Content of this article
Towards a better life
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3 : original article
=============================
Article 1
Tuesday March 9, 2010
Students share a ‘better life’
PETALING JAYA: An end to child abuse. Less time spent on social media. More time for personal interaction.
These were among the suggestions from students who were asked on what they thought would contribute to a better world.
Twelve students, who were given 10 minutes to depict their version of “A Better Life”, highlighted these elements in a mock magazine at The Star-NiE-Pizza Hut’s Mag Inc launch yesterday.
The contest this year invites students to share their views on how their lives would be better through a three-page mini magazine. A “better life” could be in areas such as relationships, environment, education, social work and health.
Holistic development: (From left) Ee, Jamaludin and Yeoh launching The Star-NiE -Pizza Hut contest at the Pizza Hut Kota Damansara outlet Monday.
Students have to work in teams of four or five under the supervision of an English teacher for the competition, comprising three categories – Primary Four to Six, lower secondary and upper secondary.
For their efforts, winners in the upper secondary category will walk away with pre-university scholarships worth a total of RM100,000 from Taylor’s University College. The winning teams in each category will also be feted to a four-day, three-night stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with flight tickets sponsored by AirAsia; while the runners-up will enjoy a trip to Resorts World Genting and receive Pizza Hut vouchers.
Students submitting entries under the video clip category will have the chance to walk away with gadgets like iPods in addition to Pizza Hut vouchers worth RM100.
Education Ministry sports division director Ee Hong said the Mag Inc contest could help spur students to think critically as they would need to learn how to put together a mini magazine.
“Sports and co-curricular activities are important to students’ holistic deve¬¬lopment,” she said when launching Mag Inc 2010 at the Pizza Hut Kota Damansara outlet here yesterday.
Star Publications (M) Bhd managing editor David Yeoh said the newspaper was pleased to find that its hard work over the past 12 years had made a lasting impression on the local school community.
“This would not have been possible without the support of Pizza Hut, our partner in NiE, as well as the Education Ministry,” he said.
Managing director Jamaludin Md Ali of QSR Brands Bhd, which operates Pizza Hut, said the contest was part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility programme in the education sector.
“Pizza Hut is committed to spending more than RM1.4mil on newspaper pullouts, workshops, incentives and prizes on the contest this year.”
The first contest workshop will be held in Tafe College, Seremban, on Wednesday and subsequently in Stamford College, Malacca, the following day.
See StarEducation for the full report on Sunday.
Posted by N.A.B at 10:04 AM
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Article 2
Sunday May 9, 2010 THE STAR
Edited from Star Online.. A possible future.. COURTING CHANGES
By Dr THEVA NITHY
The technology and resources are already available for electronic readers to transform our education landscape.
Picture this — Malaysian students walking into school compounds with light bags that require just one finger to carry. As they walk in, the day’s and week’s lessons, complete with lesson plans, notes, web links, assignments and problems for collaborative actions, are instantly downloaded into a gadget that looks suspiciously like an old-fashioned slate, but with an LED screen.
Is this a plausible scene, or is it a ridiculous notion?
An electronic reader is a computer in the form of a book, and has the potential to be immensely beneficial in the classroom. — AP File photo
Let me pose the following questions:
• Why destroy the earth and the environment with the unsustainable action of destroying trees to print books, all to create books that will be outdated the day they are sent for printing and obsolete when published?
• Why pay more to have books that can only be used in one way, when ER (Electronic Readers) could cheaply replace books, provide means for innovative classroom pedagogies, and could be updated continuously for almost forever?
• Why have books when ERs could be the catalyst for the development of broadband access for every school — hence transforming Malaysian education?
• Why force our children to carry heavy bags that damage their bodies when all they need is a lightweight ER?
The ER, a simple technological innovation, has the potential to completely transform Malaysian education, and only requires professional and political will to happen – with perhaps a dash of forward thinking and real concern for learners and educators.
It requires the Education Ministry to completely change their approach, and for our printing and publishing companies to retool themselves to offer a new service.
It also requires perhaps the Engineering and Computer Science experts at our universities and industries to build Malaysian-made ERs that are cheap, adaptable and most of all, completely sustainable.
An ER is simply a computer in the form of a book, with minimal capabilities except to read and write on and with web browsing capabilities. It has a local area connection, has plug and play upgradable components and best of all, it could easily be manufactured locally.
So, why does this amazing device not exist in Malaysian schools?
Long-term gain
In terms of purely financial commitments, the ER is much cheaper than textbooks. We believe that local technology could, albeit with some difficulty, create an ER for RM500 or so.
Keep in mind that the device is usable for at least five to 10 years, and updates to content and syllabus could be done hourly if necessary.
For comparison’s sake, what is the financial cost of 15 years worth of obsolete, un-updatable textbooks, from primary school right up to university?
Sure, it will involve a huge expenditure of capital to start-up, but we have the talent and the resources.
With the billions we are spending on weapons, food subsidies and textbooks, this would be an easy buy if we were to just divert funds from “needless” programmes to this crucial one!
With the ER, even exercise books could be done away with, as assignments could be completed on the device and sent directly to the teacher when logged on to the school network.
Realise that the important event that we want to transpire is to get everyone to have access to learning.
Reading from a textbook is just a different experience than reading from an ER. The important thing is the text, not the medium.
The introduction of ERs into every school in Malaysia, rural schools included, will spur the growth of broadband and access to truly cater to all Malaysians, especially to those who need it the most in rural schools.
We know that there will be detractors who will say that staring at a computer screen for long periods will cause eye-strain and related problems — but that is expected with any new technology.
Before ERs, everyone said that the textbooks strained students’ eyes because the texts were too small and students were reading for too long with bad lighting.
ERs are backlit, have almost zero glare due to the latest LED technology, text size can be customised and can feature animated movies to demonstrate dangerous experiments and create new learning experiences.
We also must point out that the application of this technology is not completely new — we are all already using ERs in one form or another in the likes of PDAs, mobile phones, paging devices and so on.
Why not evolve to the next stage where it can be used to enhance not just our social lives and comfort levels, but our education systems as well?
In spite of the proven track record of the role of technology and its capability to greatly enhance teaching practices, many traditional educators are not convinced simply because it really is difficult to access technology in our schools – and this certainly is a case of seeing is believing.
With easy access, implementation and operationalising of ERs in classrooms, learners, teachers, parents and stakeholders will start thinking and incorporating technology into teaching and learning in a whole new way.
We are confident that authors, publishing companies and other parties with financial interests and political clout will raise a huge stink should this materialise.
As such, we need the support of someone with the highest levels of power and with focused attention to our nation and our national interests.
Conducted properly, this would aid tremendously in the development of the New Economic Model and achieve buy-in by Malaysians for the eight Strategic Reform Initiatives.
Stakeholders would clearly see that our future talent is being placed on the right track and that the powers that be are in touch with global educational developments, objectives and expected outcomes.
Dr Theva is a senior lecturer at The School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Through this fortnightly column and through the ENGAGE Programme – Education for Sustainable Global Futures – USM has started, he and his colleagues hope to help transform the Malaysian schooling and higher education systems. He can be contacted through
theva@usm.my.
Article 3 : original article
What makes for a better life?
STUDENTS... TAKE NOTE OF THIS ... YOU COULD WIN RM100,000 worth of scholarships at Pizza Hut and The Star’s annual NiE contest
Sunday March 14, 2010 EDITED ARTICLE FROM THE STAR - Towards a better life
By SHARON OVINIS and ALYCIA LIM educate@thestar.com.my
At a time when the five C’s (Cars, Credit Cards, Condominium, Cash and Career) are priority to Generation Y, it’s refreshing to hear how four 14-year-olds concocted the five F’s for a better life.
A FEW STUDENTS FROM SMK Damansara Utama vouched that “Family, Food, Fun, Friends and Freedom” were sure tickets to quality living.
“What makes for a better life are face-to-face interactions. Social websites or gaming consoles are merely distractions,” said Syahana, while teammates Vanessa and Ainaa nodded in agreement — wise words indeed, from youngsters who have never known life without the Internet, mobile phones or social networking sites.
Vanessa added: “We should be grateful because we have everything that we need, and I feel it is time we do something to help those who do not even have basic necessities.”
A better life - Such enthusiasm to inspire change marked the start of The Star-Pizza Hut’s annual Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) contest which was launched last Tuesday in the Pizza Hut restaurant outlet in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya.
The contest concept, which requires students to produce a three-page mini magazine, is running for the second year. Last year’s theme “Teenage angst” saw 74,000 students submit entries to win Pizza Hut vouchers.
This year’s contest, jointly sponsored by The Star and Pizza Hut, in cooperation with the Education Ministry, centres on the theme “A better life”.
Students, in teams of four or five, design a three-page mini magazine on an issue that changes their lives for the better. Topics could centre on health, safety, racial integration and environment, among others. Each team will have to conduct research on a selected topic, interview peers and write a feature article.
Students are also encouraged to to be more creative in their presentation by using a myriad of writing forms such as poetry, anecdotes, statistics, or comic strips for a more exciting presentation.
This year’s theme allows plenty of room for creativity. As student N. Nagulan, 12, of SJKT Rri Sungai Buloh puts it: “A better life for me is having a car that can be transformed into a radio.
CONCEPT OF A BETTER LIFE
“Not only will I then have a radio to listen to, the car folds neatly into my pocket as well. Parking will no longer be a problem!”
Teams will shoot a three-minute clip based on their perception of what makes a better life for them. While the team with the best video presentation will receive iPods, participation in the category is optional. Qualification for the merit and the grand prize awards depends solely on the mini magazine category.
Great prizes
While the students came with noble ideas, it was undeniable that a major motivation factor for participating in the competition were the attractive prizes offered.
- trip to Cambodia made the competition all the more enticing.
-iPods offered for the video-clip category
- competition makes learning English a lot of fun because we get to carry out activities we don’t normally do in class.
QSR Brands Bhd managing director Jamaludin Md Ali said: ”I feel that the theme this year is a good platform for students to express their creativity, as it gives them a wider scope to delve into. “Students can produce their magazine about almost anything, from issues about economics to their personal life.” He added that competitions like Mag Inc also made learning English more interesting.
Online registration for schools will open on April 1, and contest templates will be available on April 7 (with reprints on April 28). The contest is limited to schools and is open to primary (Years Four to Six), Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary teams.
BELOW IS THE COMPLETE ARTICLE FROM THE STAR ONLINE DATED 14 MARCH 2010
Sunday March 14, 2010
Towards a better life
What makes for a better life? Your ideas could just win RM100,000 worth of scholarships at Pizza Hut and The Star’s annual NiE contest.
By SHARON OVINIS and ALYCIA LIM
educate@thestar.com.my
At a time when the five C’s (Cars, Credit Cards, Condominium, Cash and Career) are priority to Generation Y, it’s refreshing to hear how four 14-year-olds concocted the five F’s for a better life.
Syahana Azhari, Vanessa Chip Shiao Ven, Ainaa Aiman Mohd Mashrique, and Aaron Luke of SMK Damansara Utama vouched that “Family, Food, Fun, Friends and Freedom” were sure tickets to quality living.
Excited: Pupils celebrate with mock-ups of their magazines and pizzas.
“What makes for a better life are face-to-face interactions. Social websites or gaming consoles are merely distractions,” said Syahana, while teammates Vanessa and Ainaa nodded in agreement — wise words indeed, from youngsters who have never known life without the Internet, mobile phones or social networking sites.
Vanessa added: “We should be grateful because we have everything that we need, and I feel it is time we do something to help those who do not even have basic necessities.”
A better life
Such enthusiasm to inspire change marked the start of The Star-Pizza Hut’s annual Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) contest which was launched last Tuesday in the Pizza Hut restaurant outlet in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya.
The contest concept, which requires students to produce a three-page mini magazine, is running for the second year. Last year’s theme “Teenage angst” saw 74,000 students submit entries to win Pizza Hut vouchers.
This year’s contest, jointly sponsored by The Star and Pizza Hut, in cooperation with the Education Ministry, centres on the theme “A better life”.
Pizzalicious: Students of SMK Bandar Baru Petaling and SK Sri Hartamas enjoying their pizzas.
Students, in teams of four or five, design a three-page mini magazine on an issue that changes their lives for the better.
Topics could centre on health, safety, racial integration and environment, among others.
Each team will have to conduct research on a selected topic, interview peers and write a feature article.
Students are also encouraged to to be more creative in their presentation by using a myriad of writing forms such as poetry, anecdotes, statistics, or comic strips for a more exciting presentation.
This year’s theme allows plenty of room for creativity. As student N. Nagulan, 12, of SJKT Rri Sungai Buloh puts it: “A better life for me is having a car that can be transformed into a radio.
Yeoh (second from left), Jamaludin, Wong and Ee Hong listening to students of SMK Damansara Utama as they explain their concept of “A better life”.
“Not only will I then have a radio to listen to, the car folds neatly into my pocket as well. Parking will no longer be a problem!”
After an encouraging submission of 800 entries for the video clip category last year, this part of the contest has been retained for students who want to try their skills at this genre.
Teams will shoot a three-minute clip based on their perception of what makes a better life for them. While the team with the best video presentation will receive iPods, participation in the category is optional.
Qualification for the merit and the grand prize awards depends solely on the mini magazine category.
Great prizes
While the students came with noble ideas, it was undeniable that a major motivation factor for participating in the competition were the attractive prizes offered.
Sathappan Somasundaram, 12, from SK Sri Hartamas, said that a trip to Cambodia made the competition all the more enticing.
“I really hope to win a trip to Siem Reap so I can see the Angkor Wat, which is one of the wonders of the world,” he said, adding that he would like to learn about the history and culture of Cambodia.
His classmate, Puteri Alisa Alishsal said that the iPods offered for the video-clip category was a good incentive for students to participate in that additional category.
“I also think the competition makes learning English a lot of fun because we get to carry out activities we don’t normally do in class.
“Not only are we learning something new, but are in the running for exciting prizes too!”
New ideas, anyone?
For the second consecutive year, Taylor’s University College is sponsoring the awesome grand prize of pre-university scholarships totalling RM100,000.
Five lucky students can choose to enrol in any one of the following programmes — South Australian Matriculation (SAM), International Canadian Pre-University (ICPU) or Cambridge A-Levels (CAL) — offered by Taylor’s Pre-U studies.
Taylor’s Institutional Marketing vice-president Loy Teik Inn said that it had always been a practice for Taylor’s University College to give scholarships as a means of recognising achievements.
“A competition like this requires a different set of skills.
“Winning a contest like Mag Inc is an accomplishment of a different kind.”
He added that when a scholarship was offered as one of the prizes, it would usually heighten the level of competition among students.
Taylor’s School of Communications dean Josephine Tan is optimistic that the contest would receive an even better response this year.
“The contest theme is an avenue for students to showcase their creativity.
“Since it focuses on aspects that can improve their lives through even the simplest of changes, students would find ample room for expressing their ideas.
“These young minds have many interesting and innovative ideas which we may not have even thought about,” added Tan.
Gracious support
Present to officially launch Mag Inc 2010 was Education Ministry sports director Ee Hong.
In her speech, Ee thanked corporate companies like The Star and Pizza Hut who generously lent their expertise to nation-building efforts.
“Formulate your thoughts and express your observations in ways that can help make this country better as we work towards values and morals that are relevant to our social order and, ultimately, One Malaysia,” she advised students.
QSR Brands Bhd managing director Jamaludin Md Ali said: ”I feel that the theme this year is a good platform for students to express their creativity, as it gives them a wider scope to delve into.
“Students can produce their magazine about almost anything, from issues about economics to their personal life.”
He added that competitions like Mag Inc also made learning English more interesting.
“It is a good avenue for students to brush up on their English language skills.
“It makes the learning process a fun and interactive one.”
Jamaludin said that he was appreciative of the strong support shown by the Education Ministry over the past years.
“I am very grateful for the interest generated by the ministry.
“What we are doing I believe, is just a small contribution to the bigger picture.”
He added that he looked forward to the finals in September, where six shortlisted teams will present their mini magazines to a panel of judges.
Pizza Hut will be spending more than RM1.4mil on Star-NiE pullouts, workshops, incentives and prizes for the contest this year.
Also present at the contest launch was The Star’s managing editor David Yeoh and QSR Brands Bhd (KFC/Pizza Hut Division) director Wong Sooi Kheong.
The Mag Inc 2010 contest workshops are currently running throughout Peninsular Malaysia.
Online registration for schools will open on April 1, and contest templates will be available on April 7 (with reprints on April 28).
The contest is limited to schools and is open to primary (Years Four to Six), Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary teams.
Towards a better life
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3 : original article
=============================
Article 1
Tuesday March 9, 2010
Students share a ‘better life’
PETALING JAYA: An end to child abuse. Less time spent on social media. More time for personal interaction.
These were among the suggestions from students who were asked on what they thought would contribute to a better world.
Twelve students, who were given 10 minutes to depict their version of “A Better Life”, highlighted these elements in a mock magazine at The Star-NiE-Pizza Hut’s Mag Inc launch yesterday.
The contest this year invites students to share their views on how their lives would be better through a three-page mini magazine. A “better life” could be in areas such as relationships, environment, education, social work and health.
Holistic development: (From left) Ee, Jamaludin and Yeoh launching The Star-NiE -Pizza Hut contest at the Pizza Hut Kota Damansara outlet Monday.
Students have to work in teams of four or five under the supervision of an English teacher for the competition, comprising three categories – Primary Four to Six, lower secondary and upper secondary.
For their efforts, winners in the upper secondary category will walk away with pre-university scholarships worth a total of RM100,000 from Taylor’s University College. The winning teams in each category will also be feted to a four-day, three-night stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with flight tickets sponsored by AirAsia; while the runners-up will enjoy a trip to Resorts World Genting and receive Pizza Hut vouchers.
Students submitting entries under the video clip category will have the chance to walk away with gadgets like iPods in addition to Pizza Hut vouchers worth RM100.
Education Ministry sports division director Ee Hong said the Mag Inc contest could help spur students to think critically as they would need to learn how to put together a mini magazine.
“Sports and co-curricular activities are important to students’ holistic deve¬¬lopment,” she said when launching Mag Inc 2010 at the Pizza Hut Kota Damansara outlet here yesterday.
Star Publications (M) Bhd managing editor David Yeoh said the newspaper was pleased to find that its hard work over the past 12 years had made a lasting impression on the local school community.
“This would not have been possible without the support of Pizza Hut, our partner in NiE, as well as the Education Ministry,” he said.
Managing director Jamaludin Md Ali of QSR Brands Bhd, which operates Pizza Hut, said the contest was part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility programme in the education sector.
“Pizza Hut is committed to spending more than RM1.4mil on newspaper pullouts, workshops, incentives and prizes on the contest this year.”
The first contest workshop will be held in Tafe College, Seremban, on Wednesday and subsequently in Stamford College, Malacca, the following day.
See StarEducation for the full report on Sunday.
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Article 2
Sunday May 9, 2010 THE STAR
Edited from Star Online.. A possible future.. COURTING CHANGES
By Dr THEVA NITHY
The technology and resources are already available for electronic readers to transform our education landscape.
Picture this — Malaysian students walking into school compounds with light bags that require just one finger to carry. As they walk in, the day’s and week’s lessons, complete with lesson plans, notes, web links, assignments and problems for collaborative actions, are instantly downloaded into a gadget that looks suspiciously like an old-fashioned slate, but with an LED screen.
Is this a plausible scene, or is it a ridiculous notion?
An electronic reader is a computer in the form of a book, and has the potential to be immensely beneficial in the classroom. — AP File photo
Let me pose the following questions:
• Why destroy the earth and the environment with the unsustainable action of destroying trees to print books, all to create books that will be outdated the day they are sent for printing and obsolete when published?
• Why pay more to have books that can only be used in one way, when ER (Electronic Readers) could cheaply replace books, provide means for innovative classroom pedagogies, and could be updated continuously for almost forever?
• Why have books when ERs could be the catalyst for the development of broadband access for every school — hence transforming Malaysian education?
• Why force our children to carry heavy bags that damage their bodies when all they need is a lightweight ER?
The ER, a simple technological innovation, has the potential to completely transform Malaysian education, and only requires professional and political will to happen – with perhaps a dash of forward thinking and real concern for learners and educators.
It requires the Education Ministry to completely change their approach, and for our printing and publishing companies to retool themselves to offer a new service.
It also requires perhaps the Engineering and Computer Science experts at our universities and industries to build Malaysian-made ERs that are cheap, adaptable and most of all, completely sustainable.
An ER is simply a computer in the form of a book, with minimal capabilities except to read and write on and with web browsing capabilities. It has a local area connection, has plug and play upgradable components and best of all, it could easily be manufactured locally.
So, why does this amazing device not exist in Malaysian schools?
Long-term gain
In terms of purely financial commitments, the ER is much cheaper than textbooks. We believe that local technology could, albeit with some difficulty, create an ER for RM500 or so.
Keep in mind that the device is usable for at least five to 10 years, and updates to content and syllabus could be done hourly if necessary.
For comparison’s sake, what is the financial cost of 15 years worth of obsolete, un-updatable textbooks, from primary school right up to university?
Sure, it will involve a huge expenditure of capital to start-up, but we have the talent and the resources.
With the billions we are spending on weapons, food subsidies and textbooks, this would be an easy buy if we were to just divert funds from “needless” programmes to this crucial one!
With the ER, even exercise books could be done away with, as assignments could be completed on the device and sent directly to the teacher when logged on to the school network.
Realise that the important event that we want to transpire is to get everyone to have access to learning.
Reading from a textbook is just a different experience than reading from an ER. The important thing is the text, not the medium.
The introduction of ERs into every school in Malaysia, rural schools included, will spur the growth of broadband and access to truly cater to all Malaysians, especially to those who need it the most in rural schools.
We know that there will be detractors who will say that staring at a computer screen for long periods will cause eye-strain and related problems — but that is expected with any new technology.
Before ERs, everyone said that the textbooks strained students’ eyes because the texts were too small and students were reading for too long with bad lighting.
ERs are backlit, have almost zero glare due to the latest LED technology, text size can be customised and can feature animated movies to demonstrate dangerous experiments and create new learning experiences.
We also must point out that the application of this technology is not completely new — we are all already using ERs in one form or another in the likes of PDAs, mobile phones, paging devices and so on.
Why not evolve to the next stage where it can be used to enhance not just our social lives and comfort levels, but our education systems as well?
In spite of the proven track record of the role of technology and its capability to greatly enhance teaching practices, many traditional educators are not convinced simply because it really is difficult to access technology in our schools – and this certainly is a case of seeing is believing.
With easy access, implementation and operationalising of ERs in classrooms, learners, teachers, parents and stakeholders will start thinking and incorporating technology into teaching and learning in a whole new way.
We are confident that authors, publishing companies and other parties with financial interests and political clout will raise a huge stink should this materialise.
As such, we need the support of someone with the highest levels of power and with focused attention to our nation and our national interests.
Conducted properly, this would aid tremendously in the development of the New Economic Model and achieve buy-in by Malaysians for the eight Strategic Reform Initiatives.
Stakeholders would clearly see that our future talent is being placed on the right track and that the powers that be are in touch with global educational developments, objectives and expected outcomes.
Dr Theva is a senior lecturer at The School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Through this fortnightly column and through the ENGAGE Programme – Education for Sustainable Global Futures – USM has started, he and his colleagues hope to help transform the Malaysian schooling and higher education systems. He can be contacted through
theva@usm.my.
Article 3 : original article
What makes for a better life?
STUDENTS... TAKE NOTE OF THIS ... YOU COULD WIN RM100,000 worth of scholarships at Pizza Hut and The Star’s annual NiE contest
Sunday March 14, 2010 EDITED ARTICLE FROM THE STAR - Towards a better life
By SHARON OVINIS and ALYCIA LIM educate@thestar.com.my
At a time when the five C’s (Cars, Credit Cards, Condominium, Cash and Career) are priority to Generation Y, it’s refreshing to hear how four 14-year-olds concocted the five F’s for a better life.
A FEW STUDENTS FROM SMK Damansara Utama vouched that “Family, Food, Fun, Friends and Freedom” were sure tickets to quality living.
“What makes for a better life are face-to-face interactions. Social websites or gaming consoles are merely distractions,” said Syahana, while teammates Vanessa and Ainaa nodded in agreement — wise words indeed, from youngsters who have never known life without the Internet, mobile phones or social networking sites.
Vanessa added: “We should be grateful because we have everything that we need, and I feel it is time we do something to help those who do not even have basic necessities.”
A better life - Such enthusiasm to inspire change marked the start of The Star-Pizza Hut’s annual Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) contest which was launched last Tuesday in the Pizza Hut restaurant outlet in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya.
The contest concept, which requires students to produce a three-page mini magazine, is running for the second year. Last year’s theme “Teenage angst” saw 74,000 students submit entries to win Pizza Hut vouchers.
This year’s contest, jointly sponsored by The Star and Pizza Hut, in cooperation with the Education Ministry, centres on the theme “A better life”.
Students, in teams of four or five, design a three-page mini magazine on an issue that changes their lives for the better. Topics could centre on health, safety, racial integration and environment, among others. Each team will have to conduct research on a selected topic, interview peers and write a feature article.
Students are also encouraged to to be more creative in their presentation by using a myriad of writing forms such as poetry, anecdotes, statistics, or comic strips for a more exciting presentation.
This year’s theme allows plenty of room for creativity. As student N. Nagulan, 12, of SJKT Rri Sungai Buloh puts it: “A better life for me is having a car that can be transformed into a radio.
CONCEPT OF A BETTER LIFE
“Not only will I then have a radio to listen to, the car folds neatly into my pocket as well. Parking will no longer be a problem!”
Teams will shoot a three-minute clip based on their perception of what makes a better life for them. While the team with the best video presentation will receive iPods, participation in the category is optional. Qualification for the merit and the grand prize awards depends solely on the mini magazine category.
Great prizes
While the students came with noble ideas, it was undeniable that a major motivation factor for participating in the competition were the attractive prizes offered.
- trip to Cambodia made the competition all the more enticing.
-iPods offered for the video-clip category
- competition makes learning English a lot of fun because we get to carry out activities we don’t normally do in class.
QSR Brands Bhd managing director Jamaludin Md Ali said: ”I feel that the theme this year is a good platform for students to express their creativity, as it gives them a wider scope to delve into. “Students can produce their magazine about almost anything, from issues about economics to their personal life.” He added that competitions like Mag Inc also made learning English more interesting.
Online registration for schools will open on April 1, and contest templates will be available on April 7 (with reprints on April 28). The contest is limited to schools and is open to primary (Years Four to Six), Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary teams.
BELOW IS THE COMPLETE ARTICLE FROM THE STAR ONLINE DATED 14 MARCH 2010
Sunday March 14, 2010
Towards a better life
What makes for a better life? Your ideas could just win RM100,000 worth of scholarships at Pizza Hut and The Star’s annual NiE contest.
By SHARON OVINIS and ALYCIA LIM
educate@thestar.com.my
At a time when the five C’s (Cars, Credit Cards, Condominium, Cash and Career) are priority to Generation Y, it’s refreshing to hear how four 14-year-olds concocted the five F’s for a better life.
Syahana Azhari, Vanessa Chip Shiao Ven, Ainaa Aiman Mohd Mashrique, and Aaron Luke of SMK Damansara Utama vouched that “Family, Food, Fun, Friends and Freedom” were sure tickets to quality living.
Excited: Pupils celebrate with mock-ups of their magazines and pizzas.
“What makes for a better life are face-to-face interactions. Social websites or gaming consoles are merely distractions,” said Syahana, while teammates Vanessa and Ainaa nodded in agreement — wise words indeed, from youngsters who have never known life without the Internet, mobile phones or social networking sites.
Vanessa added: “We should be grateful because we have everything that we need, and I feel it is time we do something to help those who do not even have basic necessities.”
A better life
Such enthusiasm to inspire change marked the start of The Star-Pizza Hut’s annual Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) contest which was launched last Tuesday in the Pizza Hut restaurant outlet in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya.
The contest concept, which requires students to produce a three-page mini magazine, is running for the second year. Last year’s theme “Teenage angst” saw 74,000 students submit entries to win Pizza Hut vouchers.
This year’s contest, jointly sponsored by The Star and Pizza Hut, in cooperation with the Education Ministry, centres on the theme “A better life”.
Pizzalicious: Students of SMK Bandar Baru Petaling and SK Sri Hartamas enjoying their pizzas.
Students, in teams of four or five, design a three-page mini magazine on an issue that changes their lives for the better.
Topics could centre on health, safety, racial integration and environment, among others.
Each team will have to conduct research on a selected topic, interview peers and write a feature article.
Students are also encouraged to to be more creative in their presentation by using a myriad of writing forms such as poetry, anecdotes, statistics, or comic strips for a more exciting presentation.
This year’s theme allows plenty of room for creativity. As student N. Nagulan, 12, of SJKT Rri Sungai Buloh puts it: “A better life for me is having a car that can be transformed into a radio.
Yeoh (second from left), Jamaludin, Wong and Ee Hong listening to students of SMK Damansara Utama as they explain their concept of “A better life”.
“Not only will I then have a radio to listen to, the car folds neatly into my pocket as well. Parking will no longer be a problem!”
After an encouraging submission of 800 entries for the video clip category last year, this part of the contest has been retained for students who want to try their skills at this genre.
Teams will shoot a three-minute clip based on their perception of what makes a better life for them. While the team with the best video presentation will receive iPods, participation in the category is optional.
Qualification for the merit and the grand prize awards depends solely on the mini magazine category.
Great prizes
While the students came with noble ideas, it was undeniable that a major motivation factor for participating in the competition were the attractive prizes offered.
Sathappan Somasundaram, 12, from SK Sri Hartamas, said that a trip to Cambodia made the competition all the more enticing.
“I really hope to win a trip to Siem Reap so I can see the Angkor Wat, which is one of the wonders of the world,” he said, adding that he would like to learn about the history and culture of Cambodia.
His classmate, Puteri Alisa Alishsal said that the iPods offered for the video-clip category was a good incentive for students to participate in that additional category.
“I also think the competition makes learning English a lot of fun because we get to carry out activities we don’t normally do in class.
“Not only are we learning something new, but are in the running for exciting prizes too!”
New ideas, anyone?
For the second consecutive year, Taylor’s University College is sponsoring the awesome grand prize of pre-university scholarships totalling RM100,000.
Five lucky students can choose to enrol in any one of the following programmes — South Australian Matriculation (SAM), International Canadian Pre-University (ICPU) or Cambridge A-Levels (CAL) — offered by Taylor’s Pre-U studies.
Taylor’s Institutional Marketing vice-president Loy Teik Inn said that it had always been a practice for Taylor’s University College to give scholarships as a means of recognising achievements.
“A competition like this requires a different set of skills.
“Winning a contest like Mag Inc is an accomplishment of a different kind.”
He added that when a scholarship was offered as one of the prizes, it would usually heighten the level of competition among students.
Taylor’s School of Communications dean Josephine Tan is optimistic that the contest would receive an even better response this year.
“The contest theme is an avenue for students to showcase their creativity.
“Since it focuses on aspects that can improve their lives through even the simplest of changes, students would find ample room for expressing their ideas.
“These young minds have many interesting and innovative ideas which we may not have even thought about,” added Tan.
Gracious support
Present to officially launch Mag Inc 2010 was Education Ministry sports director Ee Hong.
In her speech, Ee thanked corporate companies like The Star and Pizza Hut who generously lent their expertise to nation-building efforts.
“Formulate your thoughts and express your observations in ways that can help make this country better as we work towards values and morals that are relevant to our social order and, ultimately, One Malaysia,” she advised students.
QSR Brands Bhd managing director Jamaludin Md Ali said: ”I feel that the theme this year is a good platform for students to express their creativity, as it gives them a wider scope to delve into.
“Students can produce their magazine about almost anything, from issues about economics to their personal life.”
He added that competitions like Mag Inc also made learning English more interesting.
“It is a good avenue for students to brush up on their English language skills.
“It makes the learning process a fun and interactive one.”
Jamaludin said that he was appreciative of the strong support shown by the Education Ministry over the past years.
“I am very grateful for the interest generated by the ministry.
“What we are doing I believe, is just a small contribution to the bigger picture.”
He added that he looked forward to the finals in September, where six shortlisted teams will present their mini magazines to a panel of judges.
Pizza Hut will be spending more than RM1.4mil on Star-NiE pullouts, workshops, incentives and prizes for the contest this year.
Also present at the contest launch was The Star’s managing editor David Yeoh and QSR Brands Bhd (KFC/Pizza Hut Division) director Wong Sooi Kheong.
The Mag Inc 2010 contest workshops are currently running throughout Peninsular Malaysia.
Online registration for schools will open on April 1, and contest templates will be available on April 7 (with reprints on April 28).
The contest is limited to schools and is open to primary (Years Four to Six), Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary teams.
Students share a ‘better life’ from Star Online march 9 2010
Tuesday March 9, 2010
Students share a ‘better life’
PETALING JAYA: An end to child abuse. Less time spent on social media. More time for personal interaction.
These were among the suggestions from students who were asked on what they thought would contribute to a better world.
Twelve students, who were given 10 minutes to depict their version of “A Better Life”, highlighted these elements in a mock magazine at The Star-NiE-Pizza Hut’s Mag Inc launch yesterday.
The contest this year invites students to share their views on how their lives would be better through a three-page mini magazine. A “better life” could be in areas such as relationships, environment, education, social work and health.
Holistic development: (From left) Ee, Jamaludin and Yeoh launching The Star-NiE -Pizza Hut contest at the Pizza Hut Kota Damansara outlet Monday.
Students have to work in teams of four or five under the supervision of an English teacher for the competition, comprising three categories – Primary Four to Six, lower secondary and upper secondary.
For their efforts, winners in the upper secondary category will walk away with pre-university scholarships worth a total of RM100,000 from Taylor’s University College. The winning teams in each category will also be feted to a four-day, three-night stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with flight tickets sponsored by AirAsia; while the runners-up will enjoy a trip to Resorts World Genting and receive Pizza Hut vouchers.
Students submitting entries under the video clip category will have the chance to walk away with gadgets like iPods in addition to Pizza Hut vouchers worth RM100.
Education Ministry sports division director Ee Hong said the Mag Inc contest could help spur students to think critically as they would need to learn how to put together a mini magazine.
“Sports and co-curricular activities are important to students’ holistic development,” she said when launching Mag Inc 2010 at the Pizza Hut Kota Damansara outlet here yesterday.
Star Publications (M) Bhd managing editor David Yeoh said the newspaper was pleased to find that its hard work over the past 12 years had made a lasting impression on the local school community.
“This would not have been possible without the support of Pizza Hut, our partner in NiE, as well as the Education Ministry,” he said.
Managing director Jamaludin Md Ali of QSR Brands Bhd, which operates Pizza Hut, said the contest was part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility programme in the education sector.
“Pizza Hut is committed to spending more than RM1.4mil on newspaper pullouts, workshops, incentives and prizes on the contest this year.”
The first contest workshop will be held in Tafe College, Seremban, on Wednesday and subsequently in Stamford College, Malacca, the following day.
See StarEducation for the full report on Sunday.
Students share a ‘better life’
PETALING JAYA: An end to child abuse. Less time spent on social media. More time for personal interaction.
These were among the suggestions from students who were asked on what they thought would contribute to a better world.
Twelve students, who were given 10 minutes to depict their version of “A Better Life”, highlighted these elements in a mock magazine at The Star-NiE-Pizza Hut’s Mag Inc launch yesterday.
The contest this year invites students to share their views on how their lives would be better through a three-page mini magazine. A “better life” could be in areas such as relationships, environment, education, social work and health.
Holistic development: (From left) Ee, Jamaludin and Yeoh launching The Star-NiE -Pizza Hut contest at the Pizza Hut Kota Damansara outlet Monday.
Students have to work in teams of four or five under the supervision of an English teacher for the competition, comprising three categories – Primary Four to Six, lower secondary and upper secondary.
For their efforts, winners in the upper secondary category will walk away with pre-university scholarships worth a total of RM100,000 from Taylor’s University College. The winning teams in each category will also be feted to a four-day, three-night stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with flight tickets sponsored by AirAsia; while the runners-up will enjoy a trip to Resorts World Genting and receive Pizza Hut vouchers.
Students submitting entries under the video clip category will have the chance to walk away with gadgets like iPods in addition to Pizza Hut vouchers worth RM100.
Education Ministry sports division director Ee Hong said the Mag Inc contest could help spur students to think critically as they would need to learn how to put together a mini magazine.
“Sports and co-curricular activities are important to students’ holistic development,” she said when launching Mag Inc 2010 at the Pizza Hut Kota Damansara outlet here yesterday.
Star Publications (M) Bhd managing editor David Yeoh said the newspaper was pleased to find that its hard work over the past 12 years had made a lasting impression on the local school community.
“This would not have been possible without the support of Pizza Hut, our partner in NiE, as well as the Education Ministry,” he said.
Managing director Jamaludin Md Ali of QSR Brands Bhd, which operates Pizza Hut, said the contest was part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility programme in the education sector.
“Pizza Hut is committed to spending more than RM1.4mil on newspaper pullouts, workshops, incentives and prizes on the contest this year.”
The first contest workshop will be held in Tafe College, Seremban, on Wednesday and subsequently in Stamford College, Malacca, the following day.
See StarEducation for the full report on Sunday.
Being preseverance... dont give up..
Sunday May 9, 2010
Don’t give up
PERSEVERANCE can be defined as the art of trying again until you get what you are aiming for, despite a series of failures — a common attribute in successful people.
As such, WynKids Research and Development dean Yvonne Lim thinks that good parenting involves preparing children to face obstacles by helping them develop perseverance skills.
“Whether a situation requires physical endurance or emotional maturity, the ability to ‘go on’ ensures success,” she says.
“This why perseverance is one important value we focus on in our six-month programmes, where we motivate children through activities and games.”
WynKids is a learning institute which provides holistic programmes for children between the ages of seven and 17, with the aim of encouraging each participant’s full potential.
According to Lim, one way parents can help model and encourage perseverance in their children is by providing encouragement.
“Positive and honest feedback goes a long way in helping your child see situations realistically.
“By doing so, your child can have the confidence to continue moving forward,” she says.
For instance, if a task appears overwhelming to a child, parents can help show support by giving reassurance that he or she is going in the right direction.
Additionally, by teaching children how to break large tasks into small and achievable goals, children will find it easier to stick to finishing the said task.
“For example, if your child is learning swimming, celebrate each step; from learning to float to doing proper leg movements,” says Lim.
“That way, your child won’t be overwhelmed with the pressure of having to achieve something large all at once, but feels that things can be done step by step.”
Lim also advises parents to stress the importance of completing a task, even if the results are less than stellar.
“Instead of looking at something as a failure, credit your child for his resilience in pulling through rather than giving up,” she says.
There are two intakes per year for WynKids programmes, and registration for the June session is currently open.
A promotional fee and a free one- or three-day camp will be offered for a limited period, depending on the participant’s age.
For further information, log on to
www.wynkids.com or call 03-6142 8133 or 016-368 8861.
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Don’t give up
PERSEVERANCE can be defined as the art of trying again until you get what you are aiming for, despite a series of failures — a common attribute in successful people.
As such, WynKids Research and Development dean Yvonne Lim thinks that good parenting involves preparing children to face obstacles by helping them develop perseverance skills.
“Whether a situation requires physical endurance or emotional maturity, the ability to ‘go on’ ensures success,” she says.
“This why perseverance is one important value we focus on in our six-month programmes, where we motivate children through activities and games.”
WynKids is a learning institute which provides holistic programmes for children between the ages of seven and 17, with the aim of encouraging each participant’s full potential.
According to Lim, one way parents can help model and encourage perseverance in their children is by providing encouragement.
“Positive and honest feedback goes a long way in helping your child see situations realistically.
“By doing so, your child can have the confidence to continue moving forward,” she says.
For instance, if a task appears overwhelming to a child, parents can help show support by giving reassurance that he or she is going in the right direction.
Additionally, by teaching children how to break large tasks into small and achievable goals, children will find it easier to stick to finishing the said task.
“For example, if your child is learning swimming, celebrate each step; from learning to float to doing proper leg movements,” says Lim.
“That way, your child won’t be overwhelmed with the pressure of having to achieve something large all at once, but feels that things can be done step by step.”
Lim also advises parents to stress the importance of completing a task, even if the results are less than stellar.
“Instead of looking at something as a failure, credit your child for his resilience in pulling through rather than giving up,” she says.
There are two intakes per year for WynKids programmes, and registration for the June session is currently open.
A promotional fee and a free one- or three-day camp will be offered for a limited period, depending on the participant’s age.
For further information, log on to
www.wynkids.com or call 03-6142 8133 or 016-368 8861.
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Surely a better life for students....
Sunday May 9, 2010 THE STAR
Edited from Star Online.. A possible future.. COURTING CHANGES
By Dr THEVA NITHY
The technology and resources are already available for electronic readers to transform our education landscape.
Picture this — Malaysian students walking into school compounds with light bags that require just one finger to carry. As they walk in, the day’s and week’s lessons, complete with lesson plans, notes, web links, assignments and problems for collaborative actions, are instantly downloaded into a gadget that looks suspiciously like an old-fashioned slate, but with an LED screen.
Is this a plausible scene, or is it a ridiculous notion?
An electronic reader is a computer in the form of a book, and has the potential to be immensely beneficial in the classroom. — AP File photo
Let me pose the following questions:
· Why destroy the earth and the environment with the unsustainable action of destroying trees to print books, all to create books that will be outdated the day they are sent for printing and obsolete when published?
· Why pay more to have books that can only be used in one way, when ER (Electronic Readers) could cheaply replace books, provide means for innovative classroom pedagogies, and could be updated continuously for almost forever?
· Why have books when ERs could be the catalyst for the development of broadband access for every school — hence transforming Malaysian education?
· Why force our children to carry heavy bags that damage their bodies when all they need is a lightweight ER?
The ER, a simple technological innovation, has the potential to completely transform Malaysian education, and only requires professional and political will to happen – with perhaps a dash of forward thinking and real concern for learners and educators.
It requires the Education Ministry to completely change their approach, and for our printing and publishing companies to retool themselves to offer a new service.
It also requires perhaps the Engineering and Computer Science experts at our universities and industries to build Malaysian-made ERs that are cheap, adaptable and most of all, completely sustainable.
An ER is simply a computer in the form of a book, with minimal capabilities except to read and write on and with web browsing capabilities. It has a local area connection, has plug and play upgradable components and best of all, it could easily be manufactured locally.
So, why does this amazing device not exist in Malaysian schools?
Long-term gain
In terms of purely financial commitments, the ER is much cheaper than textbooks. We believe that local technology could, albeit with some difficulty, create an ER for RM500 or so.
Keep in mind that the device is usable for at least five to 10 years, and updates to content and syllabus could be done hourly if necessary.
For comparison’s sake, what is the financial cost of 15 years worth of obsolete, un-updatable textbooks, from primary school right up to university?
Sure, it will involve a huge expenditure of capital to start-up, but we have the talent and the resources.
With the billions we are spending on weapons, food subsidies and textbooks, this would be an easy buy if we were to just divert funds from “needless” programmes to this crucial one!
With the ER, even exercise books could be done away with, as assignments could be completed on the device and sent directly to the teacher when logged on to the school network.
Realise that the important event that we want to transpire is to get everyone to have access to learning.
Reading from a textbook is just a different experience than reading from an ER. The important thing is the text, not the medium.
The introduction of ERs into every school in Malaysia, rural schools included, will spur the growth of broadband and access to truly cater to all Malaysians, especially to those who need it the most in rural schools.
We know that there will be detractors who will say that staring at a computer screen for long periods will cause eye-strain and related problems — but that is expected with any new technology.
Before ERs, everyone said that the textbooks strained students’ eyes because the texts were too small and students were reading for too long with bad lighting.
ERs are backlit, have almost zero glare due to the latest LED technology, text size can be customised and can feature animated movies to demonstrate dangerous experiments and create new learning experiences.
We also must point out that the application of this technology is not completely new — we are all already using ERs in one form or another in the likes of PDAs, mobile phones, paging devices and so on.
Why not evolve to the next stage where it can be used to enhance not just our social lives and comfort levels, but our education systems as well?
In spite of the proven track record of the role of technology and its capability to greatly enhance teaching practices, many traditional educators are not convinced simply because it really is difficult to access technology in our schools – and this certainly is a case of seeing is believing.
With easy access, implementation and operationalising of ERs in classrooms, learners, teachers, parents and stakeholders will start thinking and incorporating technology into teaching and learning in a whole new way.
We are confident that authors, publishing companies and other parties with financial interests and political clout will raise a huge stink should this materialise.
As such, we need the support of someone with the highest levels of power and with focused attention to our nation and our national interests.
Conducted properly, this would aid tremendously in the development of the New Economic Model and achieve buy-in by Malaysians for the eight Strategic Reform Initiatives.
Stakeholders would clearly see that our future talent is being placed on the right track and that the powers that be are in touch with global educational developments, objectives and expected outcomes.
Dr Theva is a senior lecturer at The School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Through this fortnightly column and through the ENGAGE Programme – Education for Sustainable Global Futures – USM has started, he and his colleagues hope to help transform the Malaysian schooling and higher education systems. He can be contacted through
theva@usm.my.
Edited from Star Online.. A possible future.. COURTING CHANGES
By Dr THEVA NITHY
The technology and resources are already available for electronic readers to transform our education landscape.
Picture this — Malaysian students walking into school compounds with light bags that require just one finger to carry. As they walk in, the day’s and week’s lessons, complete with lesson plans, notes, web links, assignments and problems for collaborative actions, are instantly downloaded into a gadget that looks suspiciously like an old-fashioned slate, but with an LED screen.
Is this a plausible scene, or is it a ridiculous notion?
An electronic reader is a computer in the form of a book, and has the potential to be immensely beneficial in the classroom. — AP File photo
Let me pose the following questions:
· Why destroy the earth and the environment with the unsustainable action of destroying trees to print books, all to create books that will be outdated the day they are sent for printing and obsolete when published?
· Why pay more to have books that can only be used in one way, when ER (Electronic Readers) could cheaply replace books, provide means for innovative classroom pedagogies, and could be updated continuously for almost forever?
· Why have books when ERs could be the catalyst for the development of broadband access for every school — hence transforming Malaysian education?
· Why force our children to carry heavy bags that damage their bodies when all they need is a lightweight ER?
The ER, a simple technological innovation, has the potential to completely transform Malaysian education, and only requires professional and political will to happen – with perhaps a dash of forward thinking and real concern for learners and educators.
It requires the Education Ministry to completely change their approach, and for our printing and publishing companies to retool themselves to offer a new service.
It also requires perhaps the Engineering and Computer Science experts at our universities and industries to build Malaysian-made ERs that are cheap, adaptable and most of all, completely sustainable.
An ER is simply a computer in the form of a book, with minimal capabilities except to read and write on and with web browsing capabilities. It has a local area connection, has plug and play upgradable components and best of all, it could easily be manufactured locally.
So, why does this amazing device not exist in Malaysian schools?
Long-term gain
In terms of purely financial commitments, the ER is much cheaper than textbooks. We believe that local technology could, albeit with some difficulty, create an ER for RM500 or so.
Keep in mind that the device is usable for at least five to 10 years, and updates to content and syllabus could be done hourly if necessary.
For comparison’s sake, what is the financial cost of 15 years worth of obsolete, un-updatable textbooks, from primary school right up to university?
Sure, it will involve a huge expenditure of capital to start-up, but we have the talent and the resources.
With the billions we are spending on weapons, food subsidies and textbooks, this would be an easy buy if we were to just divert funds from “needless” programmes to this crucial one!
With the ER, even exercise books could be done away with, as assignments could be completed on the device and sent directly to the teacher when logged on to the school network.
Realise that the important event that we want to transpire is to get everyone to have access to learning.
Reading from a textbook is just a different experience than reading from an ER. The important thing is the text, not the medium.
The introduction of ERs into every school in Malaysia, rural schools included, will spur the growth of broadband and access to truly cater to all Malaysians, especially to those who need it the most in rural schools.
We know that there will be detractors who will say that staring at a computer screen for long periods will cause eye-strain and related problems — but that is expected with any new technology.
Before ERs, everyone said that the textbooks strained students’ eyes because the texts were too small and students were reading for too long with bad lighting.
ERs are backlit, have almost zero glare due to the latest LED technology, text size can be customised and can feature animated movies to demonstrate dangerous experiments and create new learning experiences.
We also must point out that the application of this technology is not completely new — we are all already using ERs in one form or another in the likes of PDAs, mobile phones, paging devices and so on.
Why not evolve to the next stage where it can be used to enhance not just our social lives and comfort levels, but our education systems as well?
In spite of the proven track record of the role of technology and its capability to greatly enhance teaching practices, many traditional educators are not convinced simply because it really is difficult to access technology in our schools – and this certainly is a case of seeing is believing.
With easy access, implementation and operationalising of ERs in classrooms, learners, teachers, parents and stakeholders will start thinking and incorporating technology into teaching and learning in a whole new way.
We are confident that authors, publishing companies and other parties with financial interests and political clout will raise a huge stink should this materialise.
As such, we need the support of someone with the highest levels of power and with focused attention to our nation and our national interests.
Conducted properly, this would aid tremendously in the development of the New Economic Model and achieve buy-in by Malaysians for the eight Strategic Reform Initiatives.
Stakeholders would clearly see that our future talent is being placed on the right track and that the powers that be are in touch with global educational developments, objectives and expected outcomes.
Dr Theva is a senior lecturer at The School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Through this fortnightly column and through the ENGAGE Programme – Education for Sustainable Global Futures – USM has started, he and his colleagues hope to help transform the Malaysian schooling and higher education systems. He can be contacted through
theva@usm.my.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
trial exam - sample paper
sample trial exam for SPM, PMR , UPSR can be found in this website
http://www.malaysiaexampaper.com/bi.html
http://www.malaysiaexampaper.com/bi.html
http://www.malaysiaexampaper.com/bi.html
http://www.malaysiaexampaper.com/bi.html
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
2010 International Essay Contest for Young People Organized by The Goi Peace Foundation and UNESCO
2010 International Essay Contest for Young People
Organized by The Goi Peace Foundation and UNESCO
The United Nations has designated 2001-2010 as the “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the WORLD” and 2005-2014 as the “United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.” Additionally, 2010 celebrates the International Year of Youth as well as the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures. Young people are encouraged to participate in these global initiatives and play a leading role in promoting peace and understanding among all cultures.
Theme:
“My Role in Creating a Peaceful World”.
What is your vision of a peaceful and harmonious world? What can you and the young people of the world do to realize that vision.
Guidelines:
1. Age categories : a) Children (ages up to 14)
b) Youth (ages 15-25)
2. Essays must be 800 words or less in English or German; or 1600 characters or less in Japanese, typed or printed.
3. Essays must have a cover page indicating
a) category (Children or Youth)
b) essay title
c) your name
d) mailing address
e) phone number
f) e-mail address
g) nationality
h) age as of June 30,2010-05-05 sex
i) school name
j) word count
(Entries missing any of the above information will not be considered)
4. Essays must be original and unpublished and written by ONE person.
Copyright of the essays entered will be assigned to the organizers.
Deadline : June 28, 2010
Prizes : 1st prize : US1,000.00 and will be invited to the award ceremony in Tokyo, Japan.
2nd Prize : US 500;
3rd Prize : Certificate and gift
Honourable Mention : Certificate and gift
Please send your entries to :
International Essay Contest c/o The Goi Peace Foundation
1-4-5 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093 Japan
E-mail : essay@goipeace.or.jp
*If you have any questions, please refer to : Pn Norlida Bt Abu Bakar or
surf this website : http://www.goipeace.or.jp/english/activities/programs/1001.html
Organized by The Goi Peace Foundation and UNESCO
The United Nations has designated 2001-2010 as the “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the WORLD” and 2005-2014 as the “United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.” Additionally, 2010 celebrates the International Year of Youth as well as the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures. Young people are encouraged to participate in these global initiatives and play a leading role in promoting peace and understanding among all cultures.
Theme:
“My Role in Creating a Peaceful World”.
What is your vision of a peaceful and harmonious world? What can you and the young people of the world do to realize that vision.
Guidelines:
1. Age categories : a) Children (ages up to 14)
b) Youth (ages 15-25)
2. Essays must be 800 words or less in English or German; or 1600 characters or less in Japanese, typed or printed.
3. Essays must have a cover page indicating
a) category (Children or Youth)
b) essay title
c) your name
d) mailing address
e) phone number
f) e-mail address
g) nationality
h) age as of June 30,2010-05-05 sex
i) school name
j) word count
(Entries missing any of the above information will not be considered)
4. Essays must be original and unpublished and written by ONE person.
Copyright of the essays entered will be assigned to the organizers.
Deadline : June 28, 2010
Prizes : 1st prize : US1,000.00 and will be invited to the award ceremony in Tokyo, Japan.
2nd Prize : US 500;
3rd Prize : Certificate and gift
Honourable Mention : Certificate and gift
Please send your entries to :
International Essay Contest c/o The Goi Peace Foundation
1-4-5 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093 Japan
E-mail : essay@goipeace.or.jp
*If you have any questions, please refer to : Pn Norlida Bt Abu Bakar or
surf this website : http://www.goipeace.or.jp/english/activities/programs/1001.html
Saturday, May 1, 2010
SAMPLE JOURNAL PROMPTS - answer these questions when you write your journal
MORE JOURNAL PROMPTS.
* Do you think there is too much fighting on t.v. Why or why not?
* Do you think it is necessary to have alcohol at a party in order to have a good time?
* Does it bother you to be around someone who has bad manners?
* Should there be a dress code in places such as school, restaurants, and places of business? Why or why not?
* Should animals be used for medical research?
* Should the Canadian Government financially support Olympic teams?
* Should people be prohibited from smoking in certain places?
* Families are important because...
* Would you like to be famous? Why or why not? What would you like to be famous for?
* Who or what has had a strong influence in your life?
* Where would you prefer to be right now--mountains, desert, beach--and why?
* Should you have to do chores around the house? Why or why not?
* Should you be required to wear a bike helmet? Why or why not?
* Should skateboards be allowed on sidewalks?
* Where do you think we should go on our class fieldtrip this year? Why?
* Should you have to take tests in school?
* Should cellphones be allowed in school?
* Can television (or videogames) influence your behaviour? How?
* Should schools be year-round?
* Should junk food be banned from schools?
* Should students be required to learn a second language?
* Do you think there is too much fighting on t.v. Why or why not?
* Do you think it is necessary to have alcohol at a party in order to have a good time?
* Does it bother you to be around someone who has bad manners?
* Should there be a dress code in places such as school, restaurants, and places of business? Why or why not?
* Should animals be used for medical research?
* Should the Canadian Government financially support Olympic teams?
* Should people be prohibited from smoking in certain places?
* Families are important because...
* Would you like to be famous? Why or why not? What would you like to be famous for?
* Who or what has had a strong influence in your life?
* Where would you prefer to be right now--mountains, desert, beach--and why?
* Should you have to do chores around the house? Why or why not?
* Should you be required to wear a bike helmet? Why or why not?
* Should skateboards be allowed on sidewalks?
* Where do you think we should go on our class fieldtrip this year? Why?
* Should you have to take tests in school?
* Should cellphones be allowed in school?
* Can television (or videogames) influence your behaviour? How?
* Should schools be year-round?
* Should junk food be banned from schools?
* Should students be required to learn a second language?
JOURNAL WRITING - ONE WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH
Journal Writing
Easier - You don't have to be a great writer, perfect speller, or creative thinker to keep a personal journal. Journal writing means that you regularly write down your thoughts and experiences.
Harder - A journal is a continued series of writings made by a person in response to their life experiences and events. Diaries contain a description of daily events. A journal may include those descriptions, but it also contains reflections on what took place and expresses emotions and understandings about them. It doesn't matter what you call your writing, either a diary or journal, as long as you see the distinction between these two ways of writing.
Decorate a Journal Cover. First start with selecting your journal; it could be a spiral-bound notebook, a blank book available at book and stationary stores, or you could make your own journal using plain white filler pages bound together (fasteners, yarn, staples) with construction paper covers. Then decorate your cover by drawing pictures, using a graphics software program on the computer, or cutting and pasting pictures from old magazines to make your own unique journal cover.
SAMPLE JOURNAL PROMPTS...
Writing Prompts/Journal Topics
What is...
* What is something you dislike about yourself?
* What is something you do well?
* What is your favourite room in your home and why?
* What is a good neighbour?
* What is the worst thing parents can do to their children?
* What is your favourite time of day?
* What is your idea of a dull evening?
* What is the best way to treat meddlesome people?
* What is something you are optimistic about?
* What is something you are pessimistic about?
* What is your most indispensable possession and why?
* What is the meaning of "He laughs best who laughs last"?
* What is your favourite song and why?
* What is the best birthday present you ever received?
* What is the best birthday present you could receive?
* What is something that makes you feel sad?
* What is your favourite book and why?
* What is something that really bugs you?
* What is something that really makes you angry?
* What is the best advice you ever received?
* What is your favourite holiday? What makes this holiday special?
* What is your favourite day of the week?
* What is your favourite month? Why?
What if...
* What would happen if you could fly whenever you wanted? When would you use this ability?
* What would happen if there were no television? Why would this be good? bad?
* What would happen if everyone lived in space? What type of houses would they live in? What type of clothing would they wear? What type of food would they eat? How would they travel?
* What if cows gave root beer instead of milk?
* What if all the streets were rivers? What would be different?
* What would happen if people never co-operated? Why do you think it is important to co-operate?
* What would happen if it really did rain cats and dogs?
* What would happen if animals could talk? What are some of the questions you would like to ask animals?
* What would happen if you could become invisible whenever you wanted to? What are some of the things you could do that you cannot do now?
* What would happen if everyone wore the same clothes?
* What would happen if you threw a piece of trash on the ground? What if everyone did?
* What if you could walk up walls and across ceilings?
* What would happen if you loved your neighbour as yourself? What if everyone did?
* What would happen if you grew taller than trees? How would this change your life?
* What would happen if children ruled the world?
* What would happen if there were no cars, buses, trains, boats, or planes? How would this change your life?
* What if everyone lived under water? Where would people live? What games would children play? What would school be like?
* What would happen if you found gold in your backyard?
* What would you do if a bully bothered you on your way home?
* What would you do if you did very poorly of a test?
* What would you do if a friend borrows things from you but never returns them?
* What would you do if You were the teacher and everyone forgot his homework?
* What would you do if you were in the middle of the lake and your boat began to leak?
* What would you do if Your friend had a broken leg? How would you cheer him up?
* What would you do if you saw little bugs in your salad?
* What would you do if you woke up in another country and no one could understand you?
* What would you do if you ordered an ice cream cone and you forgot to bring money?
* What would you do if someone got in front of you when you were in line at the movies?
* What would you do if your jelly sandwich fell upside down on the floor?
* What would you do if only one hot dog is left and neither you nor your friend have had one?
* What would you do if two of your best friends went to the movies without inviting you?
* What would you do if the surprise party was for you but you weren't surprised?
* What would you do if you got a present you didn't like?
* What would you do if you were at home and your homework was at school?
* What would you do if you dropped the cookie jar and it broke?
* What would you do if you were invited to two parties on the same day?
* What would you do if you promised to feed your pet and you didn't?
* What would you do if someone said you did something wrong and you didn't?
* What would you do if your new shoes felt fine in the store but now they are hurting?
* What would you do if someone told you a joke that you don't think is funny?
* What would you do if an hour before the party you remember you don't have a gift?
* What would you do if a friend comes to your house and his/her mom doesn't know he's/she's there?
* What would you do if you had four math problems marked wrong that were right?
* What would you do if you found in the street?
* What would you do if you found a magic wand?
* What would you do if you wanted to be friends with someone who spoke no English?
* What would you say if someone told you it was all right to steal from a large department store?
* What would you do if you saw a friend cheating--report it, confront the friend, nothing--and why?
* If you could have been someone in history, who would you have been?
* If you could only take 3 people with you on a trip around the world, who would you take and why?
* If you could give any gift in the world, what would you give and to whom?
* If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
* If you received any sum of money as a gift, what would you do with it?
* If you could do whatever you wanted to right now, what would you do?
* If you were principal of this school, what would you do?
* If you were a mouse in your house in the evening, what would you see your family doing?
* If you were five years older you would...
* If you were lost in the woods and it got dark, what would you do?
* If it were your job to decide what shows can be on t.v., how would you choose?
* If there were no rules, what do you think would happen?
* If you owned a store, what would you do to discourage people from stealing from you?
* If you could participate in an Olympic event, which one would you choose and why?
* If you could break the Guiness Book of Records it would be for?
* If you had to describe yourself as a colour, which would you choose?
* If your friend told you of a secret plan to run away from home, what would you do and why?
What do you think...
* What do you think of 3D movies?
* What do you think someone your age can do to help reduce the amount of pollution in our environment?
* What do you think the world needs now?
* What do you think your friends say to each other when you're not around?
* What do you think about the amount of violence on T.V.?
* What do you think about people polluting the environment?
* What do you think about having set rules for people to follow?
* What do you think about people who are inconsiderate of others?
* What do you think should be done to keep people who are under the influence of alcohol off the road?
* What do you think the world will be like when you are a grown up?
* What do you think about ghosts?
* What do you think of someone who has bad manners?
* What do you think about people who take advantage of others?
* What do you think about when you can't fall asleep?
* What do you think courage means?
* What do you think makes a good friend?
* What do you think makes a happy family?
* What pollutants do you think do the most damage and why?
* What things do you think are beautiful?
* What do you think about students having to wear school uniforms?
What...misc.
* What do you like most about yourself?
* What do you like to do in your free time?
* What kind of animal would you like to be and why?
* What kind of trophy would you like to win?
* What TV or movie star would you like to invite to your birthday party?
* What does "Clothes make the person" mean to you?
* What does "Have your cake and eat it too" mean to you?
* What does "The early bird gets the worm" mean to you?
* What do we mean when we say, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence"?
* What does "You can't take it with you" mean?
* What do we mean when we say, "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar"?
* What do we mean when we say, "Hitch your wagon to a star"?
* What does "still waters run deep" mean to you?
* What does "There are two sides to every coin" mean to you?
* What does Canada mean to you?
* What are you afraid of? Why?
* What are junk foods?
* What are some nutritious foods that you like?
* What are some rules you have to follow at home?
* What are some examples of prejudice?
* What is more important to you, appearance or personality?
* What is most important to you in a friend--loyalty, generosity, honesty--why?
* What is something that makes you melancholy?
* What makes your best friend your best friend?
* What makes you feel safe?
* What makes you laugh?
* What would you invent to make life better?
* What would you do to entertain your family without spending any money?
* What effects does watching violence have on people?
* What effects do cigarette and alcohol advertising have on young people?
* What kind of t.v. commercial would you like to make? Describe it.
* What kind of pet would you most like to have--monkey, snake, goat--why?
* What kind of program do you enjoy most on TV--detective shows, comedies, game shows--and why?
* What advice would you give a new student?
* What advice would you give to someone who stole something but now feels guilty?
* What things are better than going to school? Why?
* What talents do you have?
* What three words would describe you right now?
* What four things are most important in your life?
* What colour makes you think of happiness?
* What has been the most fun activity at school so far?
* What quality do you like about yourself--creativity, personality, appearance--why?
* What eccentric behaviour in a friend disturbs you the most?
* What parts of nature do you like best?
* What do you do for exercise?
* What is the most ludicrous outfit you can think of?
* What is the funniest dinner you've ever had with your family?
How...
* How do you feel when it's your birthday? Why?
* How do you feel on the first day of winter? Why?
* How would you feel if you were going to be on a show? Why?
* How do you feel when you do something wrong?
* How do you feel when you do something that is very good?
* How do you feel when you play a trick on someone?
* How would you feel if a new child moved into your neighbourhood?
* How do you think the new child would feel?
* How do you feel when you have had a fight with your best friend?
* How do you think your friend felt?
* How do you feel when you are in bed with the lights out?
* How do you feel when you want something very badly and you cannot have it? Why is this so important to have?
* How do you feel on a warm sunny day?
* How do you feel when you stay with a babysitter?
* How do you feel when you're leaving home on vacation?
* How do you feel when you sleep at someone's house?
* How do you feel during a thunderstorm?
* How do you feel on the first day of school?
* How do you feel when your parents are upset with you? Why do they become upset with you?
* How do you feel on Thanksgiving? What are you thankful for?
* How do feel on (any holiday)?
* How do you feel when something scares you? What do you do when this happens?
* How would you feel if someone told you that you were his or her best friend?
* How do you feel about your appearance?
* How would you change the world to make it better?
* How do you think eating junk food affects you?
* How do you have the most fun--alone, with a large group, with a few friends--and why?
* Explain how to play your favorite game.
* How would you describe your house to someone who has never visited there before?
I wish...
* I wish I had a million... Then I would...
* I wish I had one... because
* I wish I could be like.... This person is special because....
* I wish to be a ________ when I grow up. Then I will....
* I wish there were a law that said..... This would be a good law because....
* I wish I could forget the time I ..... because....
* I wish trees could..... because....
* I wish I could see...... because.....
* I wish I could learn..... because.....
* I wish I didn't have to eat...... I don't like this food because.....
* I wish everyone would learn to ..... Then everyone would.....
* I wish I never......
* I wish I had one more chance to..... Then I would.....
* I wish there was an electric......
* I wish I had enough money to......
* I wish everyone loved......
* I wish all children would......
* I wish everyone had.....
* I wish I could touch......
* I wish animals could...... If they could, then.....
* I wish I looked like.... because......
* I wish there were no more.....
* I wish I didn't have to.....
* I wish I could go to.....
* I wish there really was..... If there really was, then.....
* I wish I could hear......
* I wish I could give......
* If all my wishes came true, I would......
When...
* When you are angry, how do you look?
* When are you happiest?
* When have you felt lonely?
* When do you feel proud?
* When was the last time you cried and why?
* When a friend was in an embarrassing situation, what did you do?
* When it might hurt their feelings, how do you feel about telling your friends the truth?
* When might it be bad to be honest?
* When someone picks on someone else, how do you feel? What do you do?
* Once, when you were very frightened, what happened?
* Once, when you were embarrassed, what happened?
* Once, when your feelings were hurt, what happened?
* Describe a time when you felt vengeful.
* When you have a problem who do you talk to? Why?
Easier - You don't have to be a great writer, perfect speller, or creative thinker to keep a personal journal. Journal writing means that you regularly write down your thoughts and experiences.
Harder - A journal is a continued series of writings made by a person in response to their life experiences and events. Diaries contain a description of daily events. A journal may include those descriptions, but it also contains reflections on what took place and expresses emotions and understandings about them. It doesn't matter what you call your writing, either a diary or journal, as long as you see the distinction between these two ways of writing.
Decorate a Journal Cover. First start with selecting your journal; it could be a spiral-bound notebook, a blank book available at book and stationary stores, or you could make your own journal using plain white filler pages bound together (fasteners, yarn, staples) with construction paper covers. Then decorate your cover by drawing pictures, using a graphics software program on the computer, or cutting and pasting pictures from old magazines to make your own unique journal cover.
SAMPLE JOURNAL PROMPTS...
Writing Prompts/Journal Topics
What is...
* What is something you dislike about yourself?
* What is something you do well?
* What is your favourite room in your home and why?
* What is a good neighbour?
* What is the worst thing parents can do to their children?
* What is your favourite time of day?
* What is your idea of a dull evening?
* What is the best way to treat meddlesome people?
* What is something you are optimistic about?
* What is something you are pessimistic about?
* What is your most indispensable possession and why?
* What is the meaning of "He laughs best who laughs last"?
* What is your favourite song and why?
* What is the best birthday present you ever received?
* What is the best birthday present you could receive?
* What is something that makes you feel sad?
* What is your favourite book and why?
* What is something that really bugs you?
* What is something that really makes you angry?
* What is the best advice you ever received?
* What is your favourite holiday? What makes this holiday special?
* What is your favourite day of the week?
* What is your favourite month? Why?
What if...
* What would happen if you could fly whenever you wanted? When would you use this ability?
* What would happen if there were no television? Why would this be good? bad?
* What would happen if everyone lived in space? What type of houses would they live in? What type of clothing would they wear? What type of food would they eat? How would they travel?
* What if cows gave root beer instead of milk?
* What if all the streets were rivers? What would be different?
* What would happen if people never co-operated? Why do you think it is important to co-operate?
* What would happen if it really did rain cats and dogs?
* What would happen if animals could talk? What are some of the questions you would like to ask animals?
* What would happen if you could become invisible whenever you wanted to? What are some of the things you could do that you cannot do now?
* What would happen if everyone wore the same clothes?
* What would happen if you threw a piece of trash on the ground? What if everyone did?
* What if you could walk up walls and across ceilings?
* What would happen if you loved your neighbour as yourself? What if everyone did?
* What would happen if you grew taller than trees? How would this change your life?
* What would happen if children ruled the world?
* What would happen if there were no cars, buses, trains, boats, or planes? How would this change your life?
* What if everyone lived under water? Where would people live? What games would children play? What would school be like?
* What would happen if you found gold in your backyard?
* What would you do if a bully bothered you on your way home?
* What would you do if you did very poorly of a test?
* What would you do if a friend borrows things from you but never returns them?
* What would you do if You were the teacher and everyone forgot his homework?
* What would you do if you were in the middle of the lake and your boat began to leak?
* What would you do if Your friend had a broken leg? How would you cheer him up?
* What would you do if you saw little bugs in your salad?
* What would you do if you woke up in another country and no one could understand you?
* What would you do if you ordered an ice cream cone and you forgot to bring money?
* What would you do if someone got in front of you when you were in line at the movies?
* What would you do if your jelly sandwich fell upside down on the floor?
* What would you do if only one hot dog is left and neither you nor your friend have had one?
* What would you do if two of your best friends went to the movies without inviting you?
* What would you do if the surprise party was for you but you weren't surprised?
* What would you do if you got a present you didn't like?
* What would you do if you were at home and your homework was at school?
* What would you do if you dropped the cookie jar and it broke?
* What would you do if you were invited to two parties on the same day?
* What would you do if you promised to feed your pet and you didn't?
* What would you do if someone said you did something wrong and you didn't?
* What would you do if your new shoes felt fine in the store but now they are hurting?
* What would you do if someone told you a joke that you don't think is funny?
* What would you do if an hour before the party you remember you don't have a gift?
* What would you do if a friend comes to your house and his/her mom doesn't know he's/she's there?
* What would you do if you had four math problems marked wrong that were right?
* What would you do if you found in the street?
* What would you do if you found a magic wand?
* What would you do if you wanted to be friends with someone who spoke no English?
* What would you say if someone told you it was all right to steal from a large department store?
* What would you do if you saw a friend cheating--report it, confront the friend, nothing--and why?
* If you could have been someone in history, who would you have been?
* If you could only take 3 people with you on a trip around the world, who would you take and why?
* If you could give any gift in the world, what would you give and to whom?
* If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
* If you received any sum of money as a gift, what would you do with it?
* If you could do whatever you wanted to right now, what would you do?
* If you were principal of this school, what would you do?
* If you were a mouse in your house in the evening, what would you see your family doing?
* If you were five years older you would...
* If you were lost in the woods and it got dark, what would you do?
* If it were your job to decide what shows can be on t.v., how would you choose?
* If there were no rules, what do you think would happen?
* If you owned a store, what would you do to discourage people from stealing from you?
* If you could participate in an Olympic event, which one would you choose and why?
* If you could break the Guiness Book of Records it would be for?
* If you had to describe yourself as a colour, which would you choose?
* If your friend told you of a secret plan to run away from home, what would you do and why?
What do you think...
* What do you think of 3D movies?
* What do you think someone your age can do to help reduce the amount of pollution in our environment?
* What do you think the world needs now?
* What do you think your friends say to each other when you're not around?
* What do you think about the amount of violence on T.V.?
* What do you think about people polluting the environment?
* What do you think about having set rules for people to follow?
* What do you think about people who are inconsiderate of others?
* What do you think should be done to keep people who are under the influence of alcohol off the road?
* What do you think the world will be like when you are a grown up?
* What do you think about ghosts?
* What do you think of someone who has bad manners?
* What do you think about people who take advantage of others?
* What do you think about when you can't fall asleep?
* What do you think courage means?
* What do you think makes a good friend?
* What do you think makes a happy family?
* What pollutants do you think do the most damage and why?
* What things do you think are beautiful?
* What do you think about students having to wear school uniforms?
What...misc.
* What do you like most about yourself?
* What do you like to do in your free time?
* What kind of animal would you like to be and why?
* What kind of trophy would you like to win?
* What TV or movie star would you like to invite to your birthday party?
* What does "Clothes make the person" mean to you?
* What does "Have your cake and eat it too" mean to you?
* What does "The early bird gets the worm" mean to you?
* What do we mean when we say, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence"?
* What does "You can't take it with you" mean?
* What do we mean when we say, "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar"?
* What do we mean when we say, "Hitch your wagon to a star"?
* What does "still waters run deep" mean to you?
* What does "There are two sides to every coin" mean to you?
* What does Canada mean to you?
* What are you afraid of? Why?
* What are junk foods?
* What are some nutritious foods that you like?
* What are some rules you have to follow at home?
* What are some examples of prejudice?
* What is more important to you, appearance or personality?
* What is most important to you in a friend--loyalty, generosity, honesty--why?
* What is something that makes you melancholy?
* What makes your best friend your best friend?
* What makes you feel safe?
* What makes you laugh?
* What would you invent to make life better?
* What would you do to entertain your family without spending any money?
* What effects does watching violence have on people?
* What effects do cigarette and alcohol advertising have on young people?
* What kind of t.v. commercial would you like to make? Describe it.
* What kind of pet would you most like to have--monkey, snake, goat--why?
* What kind of program do you enjoy most on TV--detective shows, comedies, game shows--and why?
* What advice would you give a new student?
* What advice would you give to someone who stole something but now feels guilty?
* What things are better than going to school? Why?
* What talents do you have?
* What three words would describe you right now?
* What four things are most important in your life?
* What colour makes you think of happiness?
* What has been the most fun activity at school so far?
* What quality do you like about yourself--creativity, personality, appearance--why?
* What eccentric behaviour in a friend disturbs you the most?
* What parts of nature do you like best?
* What do you do for exercise?
* What is the most ludicrous outfit you can think of?
* What is the funniest dinner you've ever had with your family?
How...
* How do you feel when it's your birthday? Why?
* How do you feel on the first day of winter? Why?
* How would you feel if you were going to be on a show? Why?
* How do you feel when you do something wrong?
* How do you feel when you do something that is very good?
* How do you feel when you play a trick on someone?
* How would you feel if a new child moved into your neighbourhood?
* How do you think the new child would feel?
* How do you feel when you have had a fight with your best friend?
* How do you think your friend felt?
* How do you feel when you are in bed with the lights out?
* How do you feel when you want something very badly and you cannot have it? Why is this so important to have?
* How do you feel on a warm sunny day?
* How do you feel when you stay with a babysitter?
* How do you feel when you're leaving home on vacation?
* How do you feel when you sleep at someone's house?
* How do you feel during a thunderstorm?
* How do you feel on the first day of school?
* How do you feel when your parents are upset with you? Why do they become upset with you?
* How do you feel on Thanksgiving? What are you thankful for?
* How do feel on (any holiday)?
* How do you feel when something scares you? What do you do when this happens?
* How would you feel if someone told you that you were his or her best friend?
* How do you feel about your appearance?
* How would you change the world to make it better?
* How do you think eating junk food affects you?
* How do you have the most fun--alone, with a large group, with a few friends--and why?
* Explain how to play your favorite game.
* How would you describe your house to someone who has never visited there before?
I wish...
* I wish I had a million... Then I would...
* I wish I had one... because
* I wish I could be like.... This person is special because....
* I wish to be a ________ when I grow up. Then I will....
* I wish there were a law that said..... This would be a good law because....
* I wish I could forget the time I ..... because....
* I wish trees could..... because....
* I wish I could see...... because.....
* I wish I could learn..... because.....
* I wish I didn't have to eat...... I don't like this food because.....
* I wish everyone would learn to ..... Then everyone would.....
* I wish I never......
* I wish I had one more chance to..... Then I would.....
* I wish there was an electric......
* I wish I had enough money to......
* I wish everyone loved......
* I wish all children would......
* I wish everyone had.....
* I wish I could touch......
* I wish animals could...... If they could, then.....
* I wish I looked like.... because......
* I wish there were no more.....
* I wish I didn't have to.....
* I wish I could go to.....
* I wish there really was..... If there really was, then.....
* I wish I could hear......
* I wish I could give......
* If all my wishes came true, I would......
When...
* When you are angry, how do you look?
* When are you happiest?
* When have you felt lonely?
* When do you feel proud?
* When was the last time you cried and why?
* When a friend was in an embarrassing situation, what did you do?
* When it might hurt their feelings, how do you feel about telling your friends the truth?
* When might it be bad to be honest?
* When someone picks on someone else, how do you feel? What do you do?
* Once, when you were very frightened, what happened?
* Once, when you were embarrassed, what happened?
* Once, when your feelings were hurt, what happened?
* Describe a time when you felt vengeful.
* When you have a problem who do you talk to? Why?
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