Bullying (Hectic Role Takes A Toll)

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

            In an effort to curb ragging incidents in boarding schools, the government plans to install closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) in specific areas, according to the news report “Stop ragging in schools” (NST, Nov 7). Bullying cases normally take place in school hostels and wardens on duty are the first persons to refer to, or for some, to blame.

I was a warden for four years in two different schools and the experience was one of a kind. Hectic days at school and sleepless nights at the hostel were my definition of a teacher-cum-warden.

            Being the only male warden, I had no choice but to be on duty the whole academic year. As wardens, we work on weekends, public holidays and school holidays, especially during the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia period.

            In boarding schools, wardens carry their responsibilities as form teachers, disciplinary board members, advisers of clubs and coaches for co-academic competitions, to name a few. They are also examiners, invigilators, adjudicators and committee members for various programmes held at school, district and state levels.

            At the hostel, wardens carry their duty of care by constantly reminding students to obey hostel rules to avoid procedural action being taken against them as prevention is better than cure.

Wardens, too, need to be actively involved in students’ daily routine. Every time hostel occupants have their meals, wardens need to be present in the dining hall to ensure that everything goes well. Roll calls are taken in the morning before students leave for school, in the evening before they disperse for games and sports, and at night before they go to bed.            

            When students break the rules, wardens spend extra hours to deal with offenders. Sometimes, it takes days and weeks when it comes to handling serious offences. Besides, wardens are forced to respond to complaints from parents, teachers and the community regarding students’ attitude.

            Since hostel students are expected to be all-rounders – individuals with excellent academic performance, good leadership skills, active participation in sports, and exemplary manners - wardens need to carry out effective programs to meet the expectation. On weekdays and weekends, wardens have to check the dormitories and reports need to be compiled on a daily basis.   

I recommend that owing to the responsibilities and workload involved, a non-teacher be picked to fill the warden post.

            I handed in my resignation letter in April after my health condition deteriorated due to hypertension.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

10 November 2014

Discipline Starts from Young at Home

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

            Since a few months ago, the number of individuals trying to join the Islamic State (IS) has been increasing, and surprisingly, several arrested are professionals with good education backgrounds. Their obsession and perception of jihad, unfortunately, make them choose the wrong way.

In universities, ragging has been a common culture to welcome juniors. Just recently, as other schoolchildren were busy preparing for final exams, a Form Two student from the Mara Junior Science College in Balik Pulau was assaulted by eight senior students at the hostel.

The scenarios prove that outstanding academic performance does not make one a better thinker. They fail in their attitude.

Parenting consultant Dr William Sears said: “A child has to learn how to empathise, to be able to think through an action before doing it and to judge how the consequences of his action will affect himself and others.”

Like charity, morality and discipline begin at home. Parents need to start disciplining their offspring early. A stitch in time saves nine.

            To begin the process, parents need to focus on basic routines that will determine children’s habits in the future. For example, when it comes to potty training, experts agree that children are best trained from two to three years. 

            Parents also need to teach their children that cleanliness is next to godliness. It is important to practise good hygiene and to keep the environment clean. Frequent reminders may be necessary to make them understand that it is not okay to leave a place dirty or to throw rubbish in the wrong place.

            When children start schooling, parents may need to schedule their reading and playing time. Effective time management is important for young children, especially with the prevalence of online games. If parents fail to restrict game time, children are unlikely to resist the temptation. As a consequence, they will be glued to their gadgets all day long.

            In addition, parents need to supervise their kids as they spend their time on TV to avoid them going for an extra hour. With Korean dramas gaining popularity, teenagers should be prevented from getting addicted to downloading new series to the point of neglecting their studies.

            To ensure that children will not turn into Jekyll and Hyde, parents need to develop cooperative partnerships with teachers to keep their children’s discipline in check. Parents and school authorities need to put a mutual effort to reduce disciplinary problems among students.       

 To get children to follow simple rules does not mean creating less happy childhood memories. Someday, children will realise that the once tedious do’s and don’ts actually help them live a regret-free life.

            Courtesy of New Straits Times

8 November 2014

All Work And No Play Makes English A Dull Subject

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

            In the olden days, great teachers were the recipe for students’ achievements, as shown in a number of literary works.

Professor Higgins transformed flower girl, Eliza Doolitle into a duchess with an impeccable speech in the 1912 play Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. Miss Moore helped her ignorant students realise the value of life, education and respect in the 1972 short story The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara, while Miss Orville made the rambunctious Roger behave in another short story, Miss Awful , by Arthur Cavanaugh.

            It was challenging to make students learn then, and the job gets tougher now.

            To respond to Dr. Sankaran Ramanathan’s dilemma, “Why are we teaching English in Bahasa Malaysia?” (NST, Oct 21), it is actually a strategy used for economically disadvantaged learners in suburban and rural areas. These students feel de-motivated and insecure when their English teachers teach in English until familiar Malay words, or, in certain cases, dialects, are heard. This is also how we get students to participate, to turn the chalk-and-talk method into a sharing session.

         For, there is an inner voice in every student that whispers: Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me, and I learn. (Benjamin Franklin)

Nevertheless, English teachers should minimise the use of BM and choose the simplest English words when providing information or giving instructions. As students adapt with the now-familiar English words, teachers should try using a higher level of English vocabulary.

Nowadays, students’ competency in English takes educators in universities by surprise, and some lecturers may assume that pedagogies used by teachers in the students' alma mater are the reason behind their low scores in tests. The blame chain goes down to the students' previous teachers and parents. 

School is the students’ second home and they long for attention from teachers. It is important for teachers to forbid less and advise more. Harsh punishments will only result in negative consequences that put everyone under pressure.

Effective teachers maintain a cordial relationship with students as well as engage in a friendly conversation with them from time to time. In the process, teachers should identify problems and rectify the situation. Psychologist Thomas Gordon suggests teachers modify the learning environment to reduce student misbehavior and to overcome apathy among students. 

Truth be told, students yearn to learn in a joyful, safe and satisfying surrounding. They crave for a fun, stress-free and relaxing lesson.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Teachers may need to treat lessons like a playground - a place full with energy, excitement and passion - to cater for students’ needs, interests and preferences. 

Students yearn for fun learning.

Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore said: “Don’t limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.”  

Courtesy of New Straits Times

 31 October 2014

Breaking Down Racial Barriers (Lessons Learned from the Tale of the Rainbow)

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

            Racial issues have dominated public discussion for ages and we need to put an end to this journey that only brings misery and causes complexity to the country. The recent incident, involving Johor Gerakan member Tan Lai Soon, has forced him to face the music following his controversial speech that touched on racial sensitivity.

With a Chinese friend, Tan Wei Pern

It is time we set the country free from racial conflicts. We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now (Martin Luther King Jr). Hence, I suggest we learn the lessons from the tale of the rainbow.             

            In the story, each colour of the rainbow claims that it is the most superior among all. Red brings passion and is also the colour of blood. Orange is the colour of health. Yellow symbolises happiness. Green is a sign of life and the world is adorned with lush greenery. Blue provides peace and tranquility. Indigo is the colour of silence, while purple indicates power and royalty. 

Spending time with dear professor, Dr. Soo Ling Howard

All of them brag about their individual qualities and insist that their colour is the most prominent, without realizing that they appear most beautiful when they are united on the spectrum.

During the Dean's List Dinner with the Jessica Lynn Adrew

Attending INTEC's Awards Night with Chung Yin Hui

            Likewise, Malaysia’s population comprises many ethnic groups that are special in different ways. The people are like a myriad of colours that should stay united in spite of differences and uniqueness. The colourful cultural celebrations bring joy, laughter and prosperity to all.

Standing next to a cool lecturer, Mr. Keshminder Singh

Being in the multiracial workplace, neighbourhood and school, it has become a norm for us to convey good wishes to one another when somebody is tying the knot, welcoming a newborn, obtaining good results in exams or being promoted to a higher position. During birthdays and farewell parties, we prepare gifts and exchange greetings. When others fall ill or are fighting diseases, we pray for their speedy recovery. When they deal with bereavement or mishaps, we express our grief and sympathy with the hope that they are given strength and patience to face the ordeals. Our unity is so precious and to break it apart is just atrocious.

Cherishing the day with a Bruneian buddy, Nazri

A snap with the multi-talented Elaine Daly during the Frogway show

Over 40 years ago, when the May 13 tragedy took place, it was a traumatic experience for many. We cannot afford another one. Some may find it trivial but a racial joke may invite misinterpretation, while a racist statement may lead to speculations and disharmony. We need to end racism by hook or by crook.

Hanging out with Middle-East friends 

Waving goodbye to Korean companions 

The old stereotypes that were used to define the races - Malays are farmers, Chinese are tin miners and Indians are rubber tappers - are not practical any more. Nowadays, there is no such segregation.

            We have been together through thick and thin and we should realise that we complete each other, just like the colours of the rainbow that finally stretch across the sky to mark a happy ending. The colours inspire us to live in hope, peace and unity.

At A Glance: New Straits Times Saturday the 25th Edition

In her 1971 poem titled Paul Robeson Gwendolyn Brooks wrote: “We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond”.

               

Courtesy of New Straits Times

25 October 2014

Spending is Wise for Right Reasons

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

            I was intrigued by Lat's editorial cartoon (NST Oct 13), which depicted a group of people of various age, gender and race rushing for a grand sale. They were so excited until they came to a newsstand which featured a newspaper headline: "Malaysians Don’t Save Enough for Old Age". This simple sketch tells the story of spending and saving.

Malaysians love to spend. During festive seasons, hypermarkets and shopping complexes will be flooded with people afraid to miss out on the great discounts. 

It is a common, yet sorry sight to see children indulging in shopping sprees with their friends. This "worry-free life" will do them more harm than good.

Excessive shopping is not encouraged.

When people overspend, it only gives them a temporary satisfaction. It is not smart to work like a beaver yesterday, only to empty the wallet today, without having a slight thought for tomorrow. 

No religion gives the green light to spending an inordinate amount of money without a good reason. It is indeed an act of greed and ungratefulness that seduces human beings to keep craving for more. But to excessive spenders, the more shopping bags to take home, the merrier.

            There is no problem with shopping itself, but to immerse oneself in the activity is not okay. We need to set strict shopping rules to avoid buying more than we need. We may prepare a shopping list and compare prices before purchasing, for example. This is how we become wise consumers.   

Teenagers indulging in shopping sprees

            Everyone has reasons to save. Bachelors and bachelorettes may need to save for marriage. Elder children of poor families may need to support their younger siblings. Parents need to think about paying their children’s education fees and needs. And as the drawing suggests, everyone needs to save for old age.

In his 1920 article entitle "Success! It’s Up To You!" politician John Poole wrote: "The practice of saving money gives an upward tendency to life, improves a person’s outlook on life, and has a healthful reaction upon all his faculties.”

Saving is a necessity. A penny saved is a penny earned. Our forefathers used to keep their money under the pillows or mattresses. When we were little, we, too, saved our coins in piggy banks every day after school. Now, almost everyone has a savings account.

We need to save for old age

If we have extra money, we may want to consider helping the needy or orphans. In fact, it is an act of kindness and generosity to share with someone else. Our little contribution may quench their thirst and make their day.

            Before we spend on the unnecessary, let us spare a moment and think about 214 million people living in Sub-Saharan Africa who go to sleep hungry every night. And, for every 10 seconds, a child dies from illnesses exacerbated by poor nutrition.

Hungry children in Africa

            Save money. Save ourselves. Save the world.

       Courtesy of New Straits Times

20 October 2014

Kudos to the First Batch of PT3!

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

            Kudos to all fifteen-year-olds for having accomplished their mission fulfilling all requirements for Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3), the new and improved public examination that marks its first year of implementation since PBS was introduced in 2012. Being the firsts to sit for the exam in history, some of them might have sleepless nights knowing that they dealt with the community’s expectation.  

            Not only the candidates, the pressure is also felt by the policy makers, parents and surely the teachers who have been working hard to help students score exceptionally well. With mixed reviews about the effectiveness of PT3 from educationists and academic researchers, I personally think that this revised version of Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) will eventually bring plenty of benefits on the students especially.

            PT3 candidates now need to prepare for Written and Oral tests (Listening and Speech) that are assessed separately for both Bahasa Melayu and English subjects.  Students will obtain two different grades for both subjects based on their competency and proficiency. This is beneficial for the students to help them improve their writing and communication skills. 

             Nowadays, it has become a standard procedure for selected schools, colleges and universities to interview applicants to qualify them for admission. They cannot depend solely on their examination results to continue their education or to get a scholarship. Indeed, it is a privilege for these future graduates to be equally fluent in Bahasa Malaysia and English especially when they compete for jobs later.

            As for History and Geography subjects, the assessments will be only on coursework without final papers, unlike PMR. This is good as students will be trained to work on researches and assignments as that is what they will face when they pursue their diploma or degree later. The experience of completing a project will help them broaden their perspectives about a topic. They will begin to open their mind as they find answers and solutions to a problem. They could also polish their social skills when they conduct case studies individually or cooperatively, if they work in groups. This is a good step in making our education system less exam-oriented and students are given a chance to enjoy learning as a meaningful process.   

            Hopefully, this great effort by Ministry of Education and National Board of Examinations will produce more potential individuals that can lead our country in the future.

17 October 2014

2015 Budget (People's Budget is Future-Centric)

            Winston Churchill once said: “To improve is to change so to be perfect is to have 
changed often.” Changes are daring moves that help us make a difference. If plans are smooth sailing, it’s a beautiful present. If they happen otherwise, it’s a useful lesson.

Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

            The 2015 Budget tabled by the prime minister on Friday and the gist of the speech has since been the talk of town. Many jump for joy and tick off their wish list while some look down in the mouth for the announcements do not meet their expectation. Truth be told, it is hardly possible to satisfy everyone.

            It is undeniable that various aspects have been vastly covered in the budget. Themed the "People’s Economy", the budget considers the wellbeing of people from all walks of life. From schoolchildren, working adults and retirees, to Orang Asli and the handicapped, all have been guaranteed benefits. The government ensures that no one will turn into green-eyed monsters for being made less important or left behind.

            All women have every reason to smile following the approval of 2.26 billion allocated to uplift their role. 

            The mainstreaming of technical and vocational education is another relevant decision, given that the demand for workers with technical and vocational qualifications will be higher by 2020. It is healthy competition for applicants who fight for a place in technical and vocational training (TEVT) programmes. 

            For decades, parents did everything they could to make their children doctors, lawyers, and engineers, without taking a second glance at other options. Now, it’s time for parents to get out of the box and realise that the grass is now greener on the other side. Those with technical skills will be highly sought after. 

            The allocation of 26.7 billion should be wisely spent to beef up national security to prevent another intrusion in Sabah and to avoid incidents like the hack of automated teller machines (ATM) and the bomb blast in Bukit Bintang, from recurring.  

            I feel the 2015 Budget is not only people-centric, but also future-centric. The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), the incentives for electric vehicles and the focus on the role of youth as future leaders, who will maintain the country’s pristine glory, are forward-looking.

          The amount of 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) for qualified individuals has increased while the civil servants and government pensioners are to receive a bonus in January.

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

            To quote Maya Angelou: “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”

            And if we find our basket of goods full with lemons one day, just make lemonade.

Courtesy to New Straits Times,

13 October 2014