ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (Consider Suggestions by Famous Education Pioneers)

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
makes life a wonderful journey.

            The great concern shown by the National Institute of Public Administration Institute over our students' poor level of English proficiency, “Poor English level a poser” (NST Letters, March 27), should make schools, parents and especially English language teachers reflect on their efforts in helping children master the language, both for academic purposes and for them to be prepared for the working world.

            English teachers are still facing problems activating and developing language skills in learners. Some students are motivated to learn the language, but their passion and perseverance are seasonal and only for short-term goals – achieving excellent grades to make everyone proud, or to meet requirements for university admission. Others perceive English as a difficult, unimportant and uninteresting subject to learn, and to love.

            Teachers need to integrate old and new pedagogies to engage students, regardless of the level of proficiency. The use of information and communication technologies as well as collaborative teaching are recent strategies that may be effective, but let us also consider suggestions by renowned pioneers in education including John Dewey, Friedrich Froebel, Johann Pestalozzi, Maria Montessori and Jean Piaget, who proposed various teaching methods to help teachers cope with learners with different personalities and learning styles.

            Froebel agreed that the inclusion of songs, stories, games and gifts are suitable for children experiencing early childhood and elementary education, and with necessary and creative amendments in lesson plans, these teaching ideas are likely to attract teenage learners to learn English too. Students can learn about pronunciation and enunciation through songs; stories help learners develop their curiosity and become critical thinkers; language games make it possible for them to learn and play at the same time while extrinsic rewards like gifts serve as icing on the cake.

             Piaget thought that it was important for learners to interact with the environment and he also encouraged teachers to provide concrete materials that children can touch, manipulate and use during lessons. This direct and informal style of teaching is suitable for weak learners who have problems understanding grammar, memorising vocabulary and appreciating literature.

            Besides, learners should be allowed to express their thoughts during sharing sessions, as suggested by Dewey, as this will arouse their interest and increase attention span. 

            Since parents are mutually accountable in helping schoolchildren become proficient in English, they should play their roles by conducting a spontaneous learning, as proposed by Montessori. In this homely yet conducive-for-learning environment, children will learn using didactic materials while parents act as facilitators.

            Children are gifted with multiple intelligences, and it is our responsibility to discover and develop their individual learning styles. Some may be able to sit back and listen, but others may need to move to learn.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

6 April 2015

Cherishing the Sweet Moments of Childhood

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
makes life a wonderful journey. 

            Some believe that what goes around comes around. This mantra makes them behave, think twice before making decisions, have an inclination to help others in need and to reflect on their mistakes. Others prefer to live carefree lives while believing that "they are who they are" and a change in attitude – be it good or bad – means hypocrisy. Such individuals are likely to create problems in relationships, making it almost impossible for camaraderie to last long because of the lack of tolerance, empathy and concern. In other words, they are selfish, egoistic, unwise, immature and insensitive.

            Not only will they make their friends, colleagues, neighbours, clients and bosses unhappy with their unfavourable personality, chances are, they will also cause their parents misery. These children fail to appreciate and value the unconditional love of their parents, resulting in them becoming ungrateful and disrespectful. 

            Materialism may be a leading factor to this phenomenon. When money controls the lives of people desperate for wealth, power and influence, every decision will be made for personal gain and satisfaction. These children think that their determination, motivation and continuous efforts are sole contributions to their success, forgetting the bittersweet days they had with their parents who helped make their dreams come true. Little did these children know that the support, sacrifice, prayers and blessings of their parents, which they find trivial, have made them believe in themselves again even after the unbearable tests and challenges they had to deal with along the way.

            It is frightening that our mindset and perception can make us practise an unhealthy lifestyle. Some people prioritise their wants over their needs, while being obsessed with temporary satisfaction in life. They think that they will lead happier lives if they stop caring for their parents, who, in the eyes, heart and mind of these unthankful children, are burdens.

            Children who think that they do not need parents are those who fail to feel the beauty of human connection and the serenity it brings to a torn heart.  

            If only these children were able to recollect their cherished moments with their parents when they were little, I believe they would not resort to making this unthinkable decision of neglecting the ones who loved them the most.

            As John Steinbeck highlighted in his 1952 novel East of Eden, human lives were governed by timshel - a Hebrew term that means the power of choosing between good and evil, and right and wrong. We all have the ability to decide, whether to indulge in the forbidden fruit with consequences, or resist the temptation while believing that the grass is actually greener on the other side, where a happy and heavenly life awaits us.

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

5 April 2015

FARE HIKES

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey.

            The eagerness of transport operators to implement the new fares has put many commuters under pressure as they need to face new rates that they believe are too high. It is important for us to note that when it comes to making decisions that will affect the whole country, it is best if we weigh their pros and cons and ensure that every aspect is taken into consideration. Above all, the decision must be justified, relevant, unbiased, wise and mature.

            The aphorism “Customers are always right” may not work that well in this situation when transport operators argue that they have the right to adjust ticket prices. Thus, I suggest we go back to being true Malaysians who are considerate, caring, rational and optimistic. Some may not realise it, but these are the attitudes and attributes that have been keeping us together as a multicultural and multiracial family despite the trials and tribulations that test us along the way.

            Considering the rising cost of living and new changes in our economic planning, many are still trying to adapt and re-plan their finances, especially those with families to support as well as the ones struggling to eke out a living. The price hike may add to their burden, and more people will suffer in silence. As we aim to become a developed country in the near future, we need to ensure all members of society are free from oppression, inequality and discrimination.

            The heated argument of the fare hike may put us in a “lose-lose situation”, which makes everyone’s life harder and complicated. Taxi and bus drivers may, ironically, not be able to enjoy the profits despite the price hike as there may be a drop in the number of customers, as they protest to show their objection. Some customers may resort to driving their personal vehicles to work, but will have to suffer traffic jams in the morning that leads to stress, which is unhealthy to their well-being and work performance. Worse, some customers may gradually stop taking public transportation because of insufficient money, leaving them in a dilemma.     

            Nevertheless, if it is still necessary for transport operators to revise their fares, a slight increase should not be a problem to regular customers of public transportation. Consumers, at least, can take their time adapting to the new prices rather than being flabbergasted with the drastic increase.

            There is a solution for every situation. However, this issue will not be settled if we fail to find effective ways to solve it. Instead of being at loggerheads, we need to put our heads together and reach a consensus that can mutually benefit both parties. 

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

29 March 2015

Cyberspace Can Be A Dangerous Place!

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey.

         I read the letter “Stranger danger” in the New Sunday Times recently with interest, and agree that parents must pay extra attention to their children, especially with the advent of the Internet and mobile apps.

In the previous century, computer-literate children made their families and friends proud and some even called them geniuses. However, feelings may not be the same when it comes to millennials who are young Internet experts. Parents may be worried that their children could be misusing the Internet and putting themselves at risk of becoming crime victims or suffering other undesired consequences.

            Many teenagers make friends with strangers online because they think having positive thoughts about others makes them optimists, while having suspicions makes them pessimists. That may sound fine, but they forget to think before they leap. These naïve youngsters have yet to realise that trust is not something they can build in the twinkling of an eye. 

             Trapped in a fantasy world, they find themselves falling in love at the first sight of a stranger’s profile picture while imagining a happily-ever-after ending and ignoring the possibility that their feelings might get them into trouble. Young girls, especially those who are experiencing romance for the first time, are often unaware that they could become the victims of sexual predators. They could be sexually assaulted or harassed, or worse, murdered.

There have been cases where people were conned by manipulative individuals whose objective is to make easy money. These culprits usually target working men and women who are lonely and desperate for companionship.

As for children, their exposure to issues on the Internet may bring them danger. They are not mature enough to understand and think rationally about what they see online, thus making them jump to conclusions. Some issues require critical thinking and some articles lack validity and reliability. It is feared that children will believe the wrong information, or worse, apply what they read on the Internet in real life. 

This explains why some children spend their free time discussing serious and sensitive issues such as politics, sex, race, religion and extremism. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations of these issues may result in risky actions and unwise decisions, like the 14-year-old teenager who was suspected of trying to join Islamic State last month.

Cyberspace is not a safe playground for our kids. They may go astray and get all of us in trouble, if they explore this borderless world without parental supervision.

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

22 March 2015

NURTURING TALENT (Give Introverted Students a Chance to Shine)

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
makes life a wonderful journey.

          Every year, students are made busy not only with their studies, but also with activities held at school, district, state and national levels. This is the time when teachers select candidates to represent the school in competitions. With co-curricular activities being as important as academic performance, active students may be viewed positively, as it encourages healthy competition and goal setting. But there lies an unhealthy trend beneath this annual phenomenon.

Based on the old criteria - strong academic results, clean disciplinary record and impressive co-curricular achievements - the same group of students are selected to join various competitions, and they are usually the ones who hold leadership positions. The fact that some teachers focus only on extrovert students and leave the introverts behind is disappointing, as the latter misses the chance to develop leadership skills.

          

         Every student should be given an opportunity to shine. Unfortunately, many schools set their goals wrong when they focus on winning, resulting in students with obvious potential being chosen.

      

          This practice may lead to a number of implications.

         When schools fail to identify students’ abilities and talent, it is unfair to both students and parents. Students who are left out will be denied equal opportunities to prove their undiscovered skills and talent, while parents, who believe that the school will help their children become individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically balanced, may question the school’s ability to achieve this goal.

When teachers focus on a limited number of students to participate in all competitions, it may give these students a chance to stand out and make their school proud, but not all students can balance between studies and co-curricular activities. 

             

            It is also feared that when other students are paid less attention, they will start feeling unimportant and useless, with some of them developing an inferiority complex, while others cause disciplinary problems as they begin to understand that to receive attention is to show something others are not capable of doing. 

   

        It is the school’s responsibility to produce good quality students, but this objective will not be fully achieved if only a small percentage is allowed to be involved in activities and competitions.

To ensure that every student receives equal treatment and opportunity, I suggest teachers start recognising new talent who may even shine brighter than the sought-after students.

           

Courtesy of New Straits Times

18 March 2015

Worker Burnout

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey.

            Everyone deserves to enjoy a meaningful work experience, but unfortunately, many end up being stressed and even regretting choosing a certain career, leading to a love-hate relationship with their jobs.  

            I have come across people who blame those who fail to endure work pressure. Insensitive questions and hurtful remarks include, “Nobody forced you into the profession so why are you making a big fuss now?”  or “It is your fault for choosing the career in the first place, so stop crying over spilt milk”.

I believe that it is not right for us to treat our colleagues or friends who grouse over their heavy workloads in such a manner.  These burn out employees, who have too much on their plate, do not deserve our discouraging and demotivating reactions.   

            Showing less capability in coping with work pressure does not lessen one’s ability in one's profession. Thus, it is not a recommended option for employees to bid farewell to their profession and start with a new one, just because they mismanage their job stress. They should, instead, learn from experience and develop their skills and specialties, without losing their passion in the profession.

For a better work experience, employees need to ditch wrong attitudes and poor work behaviour. Procrastination, for instance, is a habit caused by lack of work ethics and professionalism. 

As for employers, they need to realise that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Hence, it is essential for them to set reasonable and achievable expectations, while believing that consistency and dedication will lead to victory, eventually.

Employers should avoid making employees bite off more than they can chew, as the latter may suffer from depression and mental problems. While trying to satisfy customers and hit the target set by their bosses, these employees may kill themselves gradually, silently and subconsciously. 

            Like children, adults need their own playtime to rejuvenate. Life is not always about making money. 

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

15 March 2015

All Students Will Shine with the Right Motivation

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey. 

            I refer to the letter by Dr Vishalache Balakrishnan, “Leave no student behind” (NST, March 6), and would like to express my opinion regarding the matter.

            In the letter, Dr Vishalache agreed that we should not merely focus on high achievers, but also the ones who did not do well in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). However, from what I read on newspapers and watched on television, everyone was in the limelight. Students who scored excellent grades were complimented for their outstanding achievements, while humble achievers, including those who needed to deal with disasters, illnesses and disabilities, were also congratulated despite their satisfactory results. In addition, there were also reports on Orang Asli as well as financially-challenged students who could have dropped out but ended up making their family and society proud, even though they scored only a few As. 

            According to the writer, “there is no brouhaha over who got straight As” in New Zealand, which is a contradictory situation in Malaysia as, for decades, it has been a cultural phenomenon for the latter to report on excellent achievers. I feel that there is nothing wrong with that. It is our own and unique way of appreciating high achievers, even while we motivate future SPM candidates to excel in the examinations, too. As our young read stories about students who need to deal with trials and tribulations in life, especially those with special needs, in newspapers and on social media, it will teach them to be grateful and help them believe that where there is a will, there is a way.

             American author Mark Twain once said: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started”. Motivation is essential for learners as it is the first step to short- and long-term success. Without motivation, students will fail to see the importance of education and the roles it plays in their lives. 

             I suggest that SPM achievers, including those who do not score all As but impress their families and schools with remarkable improvement, should be given the opportunity to carry out sharing sessions, preferably at their respective schools, districts or states, on their experience to help spur others to excel. It is also recommended that these motivated students be invited for radio or television interviews to discuss their bittersweet journey in achieving their goals.

            However, students should also be encouraged to develop their intrinsic motivation and they should not be put under extrinsic pressure that focuses on competition as well as parental and society’s expectations. 

           I have a friend who recently shared a story of a female student who struggled with cancer while preparing for the SPM examination last year. Despite her serious health problems, her parents still set high expectations, pushing her to being an all-rounder. Although she scored 7As, she was scolded by her parents for not meeting their unreasonable expectations. 

            Teenagers, no matter how rebellious or problematic they are, will shine if they are motivated in the right way. Otherwise, the two SPM candidates of Henry Gurney School would not have scored 8As, as reported recently. And that is because we should not leave no student behind in their quest to better themselves. 

Courtesy of New Straits Times

9 March 2015