Thank You Very Much!

Teaching used to be a very well-respected profession. Unfortunately, teachers have become the verbal punching-bag on anything turned bad in this recent time-frame. As a teacher, I do feel the pain when hurtful remarks are made, commenting on how far can one trust a teacher's efficiency to teach and thus, trusted to shape the future generation. Sometimes, I do wonder whether I am in the right profession. Am I a competent teacher? Tell me.

I am saying this not because I am a teacher. I am doing it to celebrate my memories with my teachers. The people from the time when teaching and teachers were still respected. The people who had made me believe that turning dreams into reality might be difficult but with hopes and enough effort, they are certainly possible. Of course, I agree that not all teachers are able to be well-appreciated and remembered by his or her students but I still remember mine. My kindy teacher, Pn Sapiah - who opened the wonderful world of knowledge to me and of course, Pn Zubaidah, my Standard One teacher whose face I can still remember till this very day. Who would not remember Miss Chua- that strict(but elegant) English teacher whose sarcastic remarks can be hurtful at times but her ways had convinced me that English is just another language. With enough practice, anyone can master it. I still remember the late Cikgu Rahim, whose jokes made my classmates and I waited eagerly for his Alam dan Manusia lessons.

Aahh.....that pretty and classy Cikgu Radiah. Who would imagine that a 'budak kampung' like me can finally learn how to read musical notes and abled to play the recorder under her coaching? Of course, Puan Talha proved that being meticulous would be handy for life in the future and Pn Mariam had convinced that being trendy and fashionable does go hand-in-hand with being good in Maths. Those were the years.

I admit that my experience as a school student could be one of the reasons for me to pursue a career as a teacher. I admit that it is not an easy task but I have what others do not. Teachers have always been part of one's life and as a teacher, I am a part of this. Since learning is a life-long process, I will be forever young. I always believe that if one has the desire to learn, one can never grow old. Why? As I teach, I also become a student. Learning from my students as they learn from me. Young but wiser. Why not?

As a teacher, there is nothing grander than being celebrated on that one special day- Teacher's Day of course! That joyful feeling when you are wished times and times on this special occasion. The warmth and care shown by the students who really took the trouble to find gift(s) for teachers whom they feel, extra special. This is my tenth year of being a teacher and I can firmly say that I have memories( bitter, sweet and in between) that only teachers can treasure as keepsakes. I have experienced moments that only teachers know how to savour.

I was really touched by a memorable moment some time, last year. To be able to witness one of your students earning a decent life, was beyond explanation. To be acknowledged as 'Cikgu' by him is also another touching part. I know that I did not do much for this particular student but I felt happy. Dear students, thank you for everything. In between my annoying blabbering, high-pitched voice (and sometimes threats), I do care. I might not be important to you but all of you are, to me. In case I forget, thank you very much.

Thank you for the gifts too!

Life Is Just About Making Choices

Attending a workshop last Saturday had actually opened my eyes. I was 'awaken' that through teaching, I could actually do more than what I have been doing all this while. The speaker mentioned about the power of the mind. She said, "Thoughts are powerful. Think good about your students and they might change to be good." She managed to prove that her words were true by showing this video on water crystals.


Positive & Negative Energy Effects on Water Crystals - Funny video clips are a click away

"Research From Dr. Masaru Emoto, says that human thoughts are directed at water before it is frozen, images of the resulting water crystals will be beautiful or ugly depending upon whether the thoughts were positive or negative. Emoto claims this can be achieved through prayer, music or by attaching written words to a container of water. Since 1999 Emoto has published several volumes of a work titled, Messages from Water, which contains photographs of water crystals next to essays and "words of intent".

After watching the video, half of me was in guilt. Have I not think better thoughts that some of my students did not have the interest to be part of my lesson? What should I do now? Society has always put teachers to be responsible if the students do not turn out as expected. Is it fair to put the blame only on teachers when it is a well-known fact that teaching and learning go hand in hand. Will continuous finger-pointing help to tackle this matter?

As my mind wandered on what wonders can I do so my lessons would me more interesting so my students would be interested to be involved, the speaker reminded that teaching is not an easy task as teachers are dealing with human beings. It is not easy to go against all odds. Since thoughts are powerful, I guess I have to keep on telling myself that human beings might be emotional and unpredictable at times, but they are indeed convertible. So am I.

Things to Always Remember

Simple Plan - Welcome To My Life - The most popular videos are here

Do the lyrics relate to your situation at the moment? Nobody cares? No one understands? Having problems to maintain those strings of A's in the exam? Chill. I was once in your shoes. In fact, I am experiencing it from time to time. My way to ease my pain? I listen to songs.

It's funny how listening to songs can actually make you feel at ease. I resort to songs on many occassions. The choice is limitless. I would categorise myself as a universal listener. I can practically listen to any kind of song.

When I came across this song by Simple Plan, I realise how it is so related to my students. I understand that school life can be very demanding. Once a teenager, I understand how you feel annoyed when people start telling you that they know what is the best for your future, and parents do not make it easier. Don't falter. Remember, I am a MOTHER too. Borrowing my friend's words, she believes that everyone who entered your life, does it for a reason. They are here for specific purposes. I support the statement. That's why YOU are here. Each and everyone created by The Almighty is just like a piece of jigsaw puzzle. We complete each other. If my words just cannot convince you yet, please read the words in bold, cleverly written by Collin McCarty. In case you are feeling just like what the lyrics say, this chekgu always wants you to believe that :

• Your life can be just what you want it to be. If you feel suffocated, take a deep breath and eat chocolates! It works! (believe me)
• Count your blessings and not your troubles.Nothing wastes more energy than worrying. Life is too short to be spent on unnecessary worrying.
• Understand, have courage and be strong. You know that you are always at your BEST!
• Talk to your loved ones. Love between family members should be unconditional. Find things to do together so you can spend that much needed quality time. Share your life with them. Parents are not your enemies. They are only human and at times, they forget. They reprimand not because you are annoying. They do this because they want you to be on the right path of life. Mind you, teachers have the same intention too!
• Do not take things for granted. Always begrateful for what you have. Remember, a little love goes a long way and a lot of it...goes forever.
• Realise that it is never to late to change for the better.
• You have a bright future ahead of you. Go for it! From the bottom of my chekgu's heart, you'll make it through whatever comes along.

Victims of Technology or " They just can't be bothered?"

Yesterday, my students sat for their English essay paper. Since I was the one who set the questions, I had to do my rounds to make sure there were enough question papers (and hoping that there were no mistakes that I might have mislooked). As I was doing my rounds, I could not help but look at some of the students' answers. To my horror, quite a number did not know how to write an informal letter! Many did not even remember their own home address!Instantaneously, my knees went weak and I was suffocating. I decided to make my move before the school authorities had to call an ambulance.

On my way to the teachers' room, my mind was spinning. I was cracking my brain looking for logical deductions on why they could not produce a simple letter. The reason why I set the question to be letter-writing ( with extra words) is to help the weaker students and how wrong I was for assuming that it would be a bonus for the better half ! As usual, my boggled-mind produced verbal frustration. As I commented on the issue, one of the English teachers finally came out with the answer. She looked at me, with her cute smile and said, "Chekgu, they do not write letters now. They have e-mails." I was left speechless!

On my way home, the incident had sparked something. I was wondering whether to blame the technology or my teaching techniques. Is it fair to blame technology when nowadays, everyone wants everything to be done as fast as possible? Gone were the days where one would impatiently wait for that handwritten letters or more commonly referred as 'snail mails'. I still remembered my days in the Queen's land-the time I longingly waited for letters from those back home. Although they carried simple, daily happenings, deep down I knew those letters were written with love and care. You would only write to those who are dear to your heart.

During my younger years, letter writing was handled with care. Words were carefully chosen and even the type of paper and envelope used were taken into consideration. I used to refer to dictionaries to make sure that I used the most appropriate words when I was replying letters from home. Letters for my late Mak Long were specifically written using proper English for she spoke like the Queen of England herself! It was also very common to see that letters for someone special arrived with that sweet subtle smell with the address written using the best handwriting the sender could afford. Even the stamps used were well-cherished! In the present time frame, you can be certain that the arrival of Mr Postman means credit card bills and bank statements.

Unfortunately, the advancement of technology has unconsciously channel the art of letter writing to face extinction. This might be the reason why students find essay writing (be it in Malay, English or even Mandarin), to be a very daunting task. This matter is made worse when reading is no longer an exciting (and undoubtedly very beneficial) habit. Why should one read when there are computer games(like Playstation, X-Box and other easily-downloaded versions from the net-to name a few) to choose? Having SMS and MMS provided by various telecommunication companies do not help to ease the pain. Being so used of using 'short-cut' words, my students could not help from using the 'SMS lingo' when they are doing academic writing. As a true believer of "The words you use tell others what kind of person you are", I cannot tolerate this at all! So, please go back to proper reading and writing. As a chekgu, I believe that nothing can beat reading. One should never feel bored with reading. Read good novels(or other appropriate reading materials) and you will find writing to be a breeze.

Perhaps, we should go back to the old-fashioned letter writing. Go back to the time when one would take the effort to show that he or she cares for the loved ones simply by writing and sending letters. Perhaps, sending electronic cards should be banned after all. Spend some time to look for the best REAL cards to let all the precious people in your life know that you actually care. Real cards that they can keep and treasure. I know I do. I still keep all the Teacher's Day cards (and even wrapping papers) given by my students.

I know that it is ironic that I am now blogging - using what technology has provided. However, since I know many of my students are practically glued to their computers, I sincerely believe that I would get my message across. So, happy letter-writing and mind you, I am talking about the snail-mail!

It's me and this time it's not about cooking

Last Saturday (which happened to be Teacher's Day), I attended a workshop on e-learning held in school. As a person with limted IT knowledge, I found the workshop to be interesting. After the session, I had a chat with the teacher in charge of the workshop. He suggested that I start another blog but this time, it should focus on my reflection on my teaching so that it would benefit the students. I told him that I need time to think about it for I write when I feel like writing. Furthermore, I was being a bit skeptical whether the content would be interesting enough to catch the students' interest. What more for them to gain benefit just from reading!

Well, after much contemplation, here is my blog. Specially dedicated to my students. I just want them to know that my blog is here because I care. I might not say it out loud but deep down, from a humble chekgu's heart and soul, I DO CARE.