Teaching challenge for fresh grads

By K.M. LEW
   
     ARE you a fresh graduate who wants an opportunity to make an impact in a child’s life? You may be able to do so once the Teach For Malaysia programme is introduced.
     The programme was announced under the 10th Malaysia Plan tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in June.
     Similar to the Teach for America initiative, the programme will attempt to attract the best and brightest Malaysian graduates to teach for two years at underperforming or rural schools.

Marto says social entrepreneurs who want to start the programme in their respective countries can get help.

     A group of local social entrepreneurs, who declined to be named, said the Teach for Malaysia vision is “for all children in Malaysia to have the opportunity to attain an excellent education”.
     “We are enlisting Malaysia’s most outstanding youth in our mission to end education inequity.
     “Teach For Malaysia participants would serve for a minimum of two years in challenging schools and commit to transforming the educational outcomes of less privileged school children through significantly improving their achievements and aspirations,” they said.
     Eventually the programme’s alumni would form an influential network of leaders, committed in their pursuit of expanding educational opportunities from within and outside the (education) sector.
     Currently in the early stages of development, Teach For Malaysia aims to place its first cohort in challenging classrooms at the start of the school term in 2012.
     On what is meant by challenging schools, the group declined to reveal further details until the programme is launched.
     Malaysia will be the first Asean country and 16th in the world to have such a programme once it kicks off.
     Teach First chief executive officer and founder Brett Wigdortz said a Teach programme is already in 15 other countries including India, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom (UK).
     “Teach First is a charity organisation that recruits exceptional graduates from all disciplines who want to make an impact in school classrooms in challenging circumstances and who have a desire to address the inequalities in education in the long term.
     “We do not work alone as our success is a result of the quality of our partnerships with a range of organisations, including schools, teaching unions, universities and businesses,” he said.

Wigdortz says the programme needs exceptional graduates from all disciplines who want to make an impact

     The Teach First website states that it “harnesses the energy, enthusiasm and drive of exceptional graduates to provide leadership, motivation and, above all, inspirational teaching in schools in challenging circumstances across England”.
     Since its foundation in 2002, Teach First has placed over 2,520 teachers in such schools.
     “Many children are not getting the opportunities for education.
     “In one London school I visited, the teacher said he was providing a baby-sitting service while another felt his job was to keep his students out of prison until they were 16,” Wigdortz said when sharing his experiences about Teach First and Teach For All in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week.
     “But not everyone makes good teachers, so graduates who are interested in this programme have to undergo a rigorous selection process before they are placed and supported in a school environment with challenging circumstances.
     “Teach First is now the third largest recruiter in the UK and there were 7,000 applications for 800 spots this year,” he said.
     The Teach First website states that of these, over 90% stay for a minimum of two years, over 50% stay longer and 67% of those placed since 2003 remain actively engaged with addressing educational disadvantage through Teach First’s ambassador community.
     Teach For All growth strategy and development managing director for Middle East and Asia Reem Marto said it assists social entrepreneurs around the world who are inspired by the Teach For America and Teach First model and want to adapt it in their own countries.
     “The programme would be tailored to suit each country,” she added.

Rove Beetle

By M.K. Lim,

     The Rove beetle that is increasingly common in Malaysia. Their bodies contain the toxin paederin (hence Paederous dermatitis) that causes burns on human skin whenever they are crushed. Interestingly the beetles were used to burn off warts in the past. It starts off with some erythema/redness and then with patches of ulceration where the beetle has been crushed.

Rove beetle

     The rove beetles are surprisingly small and very easy to miss. Normally they fly into your house via the windows as they are attracted to light at night. They can fly up apartment blocks and are common if you live near a hill or jungle.

     The Rove Beetle is less than 1 cm long. The body is dark orange and the tip of the abdomen, the upper abdomen and the head are black. The upper middle iridescent greenish region of the abdomen are the hard wings (elytra). A pair of transparent wings are neatly folded and hidden under the hard wings. During daytime, the beetle will be seen crawling around swiftly with hidden wings resembling ants. When disturbed it raises the abdomen in a threatening gesture like a scorpion and can fly away. It can also run on water swiftly.
 
      The beetle has been observed in the paddy fields (since 1919), school fields - within the grass etc. It is carnivorous and eats smaller insects. Thus it plays an important role as a biological control of ‘paddy pests’. During heavy rains/ floods, the beetle may migrate to drier areas.

Rove Beetle's wounds

     The haemolymph in the beetle’s entire body (except the wings) contains the most poisonous animal contact toxin in the world called ‘pederin’ (C24 H43 O9 N) named in 1953. It is 12 times more poisonous than cobra venom ! Dried and stored rove beetle for 8 years still retained it’s toxicity ! Contact collision with the beetle while travelling or sleeping, crushing it on the body or smearing with soiled fingers can cause conjunctivitis and severe dermatitis known as dermatitis linearis, paederus (rove beetle /staphylinidae) dermatitis, whiplash dermatitis etc. In September 2002 an epidemic of dermatitis linearis caused by rove beetles affected thousands of high rise flat dwellers and dormitory students in Penang, Malaysia.

     Since the beetle is attracted to lights at night, switch off or minimise the lighting and close doors/ windows during the beetle epidemic. Use fine mosquito netting, aerosol insect spray, glue traps etc. Do not sit near lights, do not smash the beetle on the body, just blow it away ! If there is contact with the beetle, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water. Those who suffer severe skin reactions should seek medical attention.

SPM and STPM to go on as scheduled despite floods

By K.M. LEW

KUALA LUMPUR: The SPM and STPM examinations will go on as scheduled even though some states have been hit by floods, said Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
     All state education directors were monitoring the situation and an immediate announcement would be made if there was any change in the dates, he said.

Understand Bloom's Taxanomy Today!

By K.M. LEW 

Benjamin Bloom created this taxonomy for categorizing level of abstraction of questions
that commonly occur in educational settings. The taxonomy provides a useful structure in
which to categorize test questions, since professors will characteristically ask questions
within particular levels, and if you can determine the levels of questions that will appear
on your exams, you will be able to study using appropriate strategies.

As teachers we tend to ask questions in the "knowledge" catagory 80% to 90% of the
time. These questions are not bad, but using them all the time is. Try to utilize higher
order level of questions. These questions require much more "brain power" and a more
extensive and elaborate answer. Below are the six question categories as defined by
Bloom.

KNOWLEDGE
o remembering;
o memorizing;
o recognizing;
o recalling identification and
o recall of information

 - Who, what, when, where, how ...?

 - Describe

COMPREHENSION
o interpreting;
o translating from one medium to another;
o describing in one's own words;
o organization and selection of facts and ideas

 - Retell...

APPLICATION
o problem solving;
o applying information to produce some result;
o use of facts, rules and principles
 - How is...an example of...?

 - How is...related to...?

 - Why is...significant?

ANALYSIS
o subdividing something to show how it is put together;
o finding the underlying structure of a communication;
o identifying motives;
o separation of a whole into component parts

 - What are the parts or features of...?

 - Classify...according to...

 - Outline/diagram...

 - How does...compare/contrast with...?

 - What evidence can you list for...?

SYNTHESIS
o creating a unique, original product that may be in verbal form or may be a physical object;
o combination of ideas to form a new whole
 - What would you predict/infer from...?
 - What ideas can you add to...?
 - How would you create/design a new...?
 - What might happen if you combined...?
 - What solutions would you suggest for...?
 

EVALUATION
o making value decisions about issues;
o resolving controversies or differences of opinion;
o development of opinions, judgements or decisions
 - Do you agree...?
 - What do you think about...?
 - What is the most important...?
 - Place the following in order of priority...
 - How would you decide about...?
 - What criteria would you use to assess...?

Chasing Dreams : The L-Bird Interview

By M.K. Lim

Albert "L-Bird" Chuah

     Many would believe that dancing is a talent that certain people possessed. However, only those who have indulged themselves into this industry know that dancing is not based on pure talent alone. All dancers need to practice hard, be creative and optimistic at the same time to be successful. To those who danced in a crew, being able to work in a team is also very important. Equally, being a dance instructor requires even more skills as a dance instructor not only need to have talents and hard work in dancing, but also passion and patience in teaching. 

     An individual had to really practice hard, make researches and be creative at the same time. A dancer would have to brush up his skills from time to time. There are many genres of dance to learn and one would need to learn different types of dance to know which genre he belonged to. The interviewee Albert Chuah also known as L-Bird is a part time dance instructor. He had been teaching dance as a part time job as he would like to make dance as a hobby and favourable past time instead of work which could be tiring. Being able to work a full time job and to teach dance lessons is a very hectic job yet he managed to do it. Regardless of having a busy work lifestyle, he would still find time to teach his students as dancing is his interest and passion. This determination is not something everyone can do yet Albert clearly proved he is capable of doing so as he has been working both jobs for more than a year.

Penang State Street Dance Competition

     Albert grew up in a family where he is the only one who had a passion in dancing. He started dancing ever since from a very young age as he stated that he started dancing the very moment he could stand. The one reason that motivated him to dance was his idol who is the infamous King of Pop, Micheal Jackson. Albert’s very first competition was in a supermarket when he is at the age of 12 and he won first prize. He never had the thought to make dancing as a permanent career as he has always wanted to keep dancing as a hobby alone. However, at a certain time where he was jobless, he went to apply for a job as a dance instructor and after 3 months of proving his skills he got his very first job in the dance industry as a dance instructor.

      Albert does not have any education background in dancing as all this while he has been learning how to dance by himself. Not to mention at that young age, he does not have the financial securities to actually attend classes for dancing. Back then dancing classes were very limited and expensive. However, starting from last year which is 2008, he had started to take dancing lessons from instructors in Kuala Lumpur.

Asia Dance Explosion

Moving Force

      As a highlight of his career as a dancer, Albert has his very own dance crew called Moving Force. This crew consists of 9 members. Albert recruits members who are passionate and are willing to learn to dance. He does not only see a dancer on talents alone, but also on attitude and willingness to learn. Certainly, his crew has been competing in a lot of different competitions. They have competed in local and international competitions. Local competitions are Gurney Hip Hop Dance Competition, Gurney Street Dance Competition 2008 and I-Dance Competition 2008 and international competitions like Asia Dance Explosion 2008, Asia Dance Explosion 2009 and 6^th National Ballroom Dance Championship. They have certainly won many awards such as Winner in Asia Dance Explosion 2009 and 1^st Runner-up in Bukit Jambul Dance Mania Competition. 

     As many have recognized their talent in dancing, they were also invited to perform in big events such as HoChiak Charity and Fun Dinner, Penang International Dragon Boat Festival and the most recent performance will be the 30 hours Famine, Bukit Jalil. However, Albert would never want his crew to over perform as he would not want his members to end up being a performer without passion. He would want his members to be able to dance together, to learn and guide each other and never forget to have fun while dancing. Dancing would not be fun anymore if they would have to face the stress of having to perform too much.

Moving Force members [male]

       Being an old timer, Albert is no doubt recognized in the dance industry. He was also invited to be one of the judges in many different competitions. Albert is able to see young talents growing in his own hometown. He felt that the young talent nowadays is very lucky as right now, they have more exposure to different types of dance and they have many sources to find videos about dance such as youtube and mtv. Back in his days, even youtube has yet to exist. Thus, Albert is indeed glad that the dance industry is growing in Penang. Though it may not be as advanced as Kuala Lumpur or the United States but at least it is growing and there are many young talents who are beginning to involve themselves in the dance industry. Albert even has experience in teaching younger children. However, he has to admit that he does not possess the skill and patience to teach children. However, he is willing to teach anyone regardless of age as long as that individual is passionate and willing to learn. Albert also stated that he learned the most from his students. Whenever his student utters a question, he managed to get a deeper understanding of that question.

Moving Force members [female]

      Albert believes that he have yet to be called a successful dancer because he still have many things to learn. He believes that dancing is something for dancers to enjoy. As long as a dancer does not dance for fame but for his interest and passion, he would be successful. He said that he like a quote he heard which is “You dance not to impress but to express”. He strongly agrees that when you dance with passion and a strong feeling, you would be able to connect with the audience and thus that is a very great performance because if otherwise, this dance would be merely a dancer with different kinds of steps.

      Albert has been thinking himself should he consider dance as a permanent career. He had always believed that he should not take dance as a permanent career and recently he had just justified his own feelings. Perhaps it is because of the way he was brought up, or maybe just because of how he thinks he would still prefer to keep dancing as interest alone. Even if he were to take dance as a permanent career, now would not be the time. He has only see his future in the dance industry with his crew. He would not want to have any fame just by himself alone. In fact, it is his dream to be able to build a place where all dancers get to hang out and dance at the same time. It would be a place for all dancers to gather, meet up, exchange information, to get to know each other better and the most important thing is a place where the dancers will be able to get knowledge if they would want to excel themselves in the dance industry.

SEGi College Penang

By K.M. LEW

     SEGi College Penang offers a wide range of diploma, degree, post graduate and professional courses in the fields of business, accounting, marketing, human resource, early childhood education, mass communication, information technology, computing, hotel management and tourism. It currently occupies a seven storey city campus building located at the heart of Georgetown, the capital of the island state.

     Air-conditioned classrooms, a well-stocked library, networked computer laboratories with the latest Window Vista software and multimedia facilities, wireless and internet access, sea view cafeteria and auditorium will be provided for all the students.

     With its unique location, it enables student to an easy access to public transportation, banks, post-office, eating places, shopping complexes and other amenities.

      Furthermore, SEGi College Penang offers a unique learning experience to its students with its signature dedication from lecturers and staff. The Penang campus ensures that the students are given personal attention, in-depth coverage of the syllabus and
hands-on approach to learning.

     For further information, log on to www.segi.edu.my or contact 604-2622193.

Creative Writing Competition - In the mind of suicide bomber

Second Place : By M.K. Lim

     It was a rainy day, but the water spilling on the ground was neither colourless nor odourless. Thick red fluids with a smell that could take your appetite away was thickening, sipping into Mother Earth. The only thing left to be done was mourn. Days of smiles and laughter were too long gone that no one can remember how to even fake a smile. All that was left were fear, anxiety, hunger and pain. It was the time of war.

     War can never really be over. Even when it ends in reality, the image runs wild alive in memories. People who lived in a war zone are different from those who grew up in peace. The survival instinct are much sensitive. Similarly vengeance lurks everywhere. When one loses his family, friends and everything around him, one loses his existence. When existence are erased, what else is there to look forward to? If it is going to end, might as well end it with a purpose.

     With a purpose of vengeance, one are more than willing to implant dynamites as organs to repay the damages that was once done. As mentioned, if life has to end, better end it with a sign of warning, threat and power than to end it annonymusly.

     Pain and hatred are lovers.They come together in every way. When one hates too much, the pain is unbearable. Why bear the pain so bad, when it is just one click and a loud bang to end it all? BOOM!! Goodbye hatred. Goodbye pain. Goodbye pitiful soulless life.

     No one to share your life with. In the midst of a crowd, all that comes into mind was images of those long gone. Blood path everywhere. All that was left standing no longer have watery eyes but eyes of lost and loneliness. If love cannot drive a person crazy, loneliness can. Imagine being trapped in an island, with no animals or human, Your best friend would be a soccerball. Trapped in a life, the old lady cleaning your room could be your next lover. So, loneliness drives out ones most crazy intentions.Even if it means the end of everything, wouldn't it be better? At least this ending does not carry loneliness with.

     All that feelings and thought are just too much for a 5' 2" inch man to bear. It's a no wonder he ended up exploded in a subway, not physically, but mentally. All that was too much for anyone to bear, This ending, may not br a happily ever after. However, a big BOOM and splash and crash served all the purpose. Vengeance is sweet, Pain, hatred and loneliness no longer lingers and a message and warning was sent, delivered. A click and it ended happily ever after with a BANG.

Creative Writing Competition - In the mind of suicide bomber

First Place : By K.M. LEW

  Suicide bomber intended to cause a huge spread of damage or kill another, in which the attacker expected to die at the end of the process.

     Kamikaze is one type of the suicide bomber. Their tactics is actually a ritual act of self-sacrifice by the state military forces. These suicide attacks, carried out by Japanese kamikaze bombers, were used as a military tactic aimed at causing material damage in the war.

     The kamikaze best shown in the attack on pearl harbor back in 1940’s. In these attacks, airplanes were used as flying bombs. Planes often laden with explosives, bombs, torpedoes and full fuel tanks. And these pilots were prepared to die in the suicide attacks. But what it is really in their mind?

     These suicide bombers aren’t psychos or abnormal beings; sacrificing their life just like that. Instead, they  thought that, a person die is better than the whole nation, which mean they will do more than putting of their people at stake. Those pilots, for example, if their sacrifice can save their nation, people by winning the war, there is no doubt for them to have a second thought on it.

     Though these suicide attacking are inhuman but, back in the olden days, to conquer another, they have to sacrifice everything in order to achieve victory.

     Japanese armed forces were indoctrinated with the following five-point oath. Few of it, which includes, a soldier must make loyalty his obligation, propriety his way of life and have high esteem military valour. They were all well-trained to fulfil the 5 oaths. Because of these oaths, kamikaze will always be the most effective and most harmful attacks for them as their people are ready to sacrifice. When the planes were out of bombs, final resort of attacking ways is to crash the whole plane to their enemies most important database.

     What about just a normal suicide bomber? Are they psychologically abnormal? There must be something which motivates them to do so.

     Some did it just to revenge. When people came to an extend which they really give up everything and totally do not put hope in life. They might actually seek revenge to the frustrator and end their life along with them. In a way, they can end their life and also can seek revenge.

     You can roughly know what is the thinking of the suicide bomber if you understand their situation and put yourselves in their shoes.

Scholarship in Singapore

By M.K. Lim

 
Singapore Scholarship 
Singapore has been known to have many scholarships for students from the ASEAN countries. Talented and academically gifted students are able to continue their studies in Singapore to develop their potential and equip them with skills that will enable them to confidently step into the new millennium.

The ASEAN Scholarships lead to the award of the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education ‘Advanced’ (GCE ‘A’) Level (or equivalent) certificates. Outstanding students who perform well in the GCE ‘A’ Level (or equivalent) Examination may apply for the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarships offered by the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University or Singapore Management University.

There are a few qualification needed for a student to apply for the scholarship

1. Citizens of ASEAN countries (except Singapore).
2. Have an outstanding academic record, a good command of English and meet the entry requirements for NTU, NUS and SMU.
3. Completed Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) or completed General Certificate of Education Advanced Level with a pass in English and 3 other 'A' level subjects or completed UEC examinations

 How to Apply :
 Get the Singapore Scholarship application form from 

  Singapore High Commision
  Consular Section, 209 Jalan Tun Razak
  50400 Kuala Lumpur.
  Tel: 03-2161 6277 

          or 

   download a soft copy from website www.mfa.gov.sg/scp

Applicants will be required to submit a typed written essay of about 300 - 500 words.Applications must be endorsed and submitted by

  Public Service Department Training Division
  Parcel C, Block C1, Aras 5,
  Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
  62510, Putrajaya. Tel: 03-8885 3387

Further information, click on website: www.mfa.gov.sg/scp  
         or 

  write to :


  The Singapore Scholarship
  Technical Cooperation Directorate
  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tanglin
  Singapore 248163
  Tel: (65) 6379 8000 Fax: (65) 6479 3357
  
  Email: mfa_scp@mfa.gov.sg

Leo Bookstore

By M.K. Lim


Georgetown, PENANG : A bargain bookstore has just opened in Penang Island last month.

     This bookstore that focused on selling high quality second handed books and bargain books.

     In this bookstore, owning books are made affordable.

     Despite being in Penang for only approximately three months, the bookstore has been widely known.

     This is mainly because Leo Bookstore does not only offer affordable bargain books but also old high quality books that are not longer published.

     Name a book and the owner help you own them.

     Book lovers will find haven in this bookstore.

     "I love reading but sometimes I felt a little obliged to buy certain books as they are so expensive but now my problem is solved," commented a happy 16 year old Chuah Teng Hock while purchasing four storybooks home.

     The owner of Leo Bookstore said "I am doing this not only for the money but also for the interest because I like reading myself and I know how hard it is sometimes when you cannot find books that are already no longer publishing."

     Book lovers who are staying in Penang Island can easily find this bookstore on the First floor of Island Plaza.

The details of the bookstore are as follows :


Address :
Lot 1-25, First Floor, Island Plaza,
118 Jalan Tanjong Tokong, 10470 Penang.

Tel : 04-899 8911
Fax : 04-890 8912
Email : leobookstore@gmail.com

Operation hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Saturday : 11.00am - 9.00pm
Sunday : 12.00pm - 7.00pm

Creative Writing Competition - In a rapist mind

Second Place : By K.M. LEW

     Every year, there will always be a column for rape cases in the newspapers. Victims will always have a hard time baring with the consequences. But, what is it in a rapist mind?

     Anger in a rapist can drove him to commit crime. A mind full with anger can actually make a person to think more pessimistic towards things around him. And he might just displace his aggression on someone else instead of the frustrator itself. It is sad to see that when they put all their frustration on an innocent victim who know nothing about it.

     Furthermore, it is about power and control. Someone might feels that there is little control in other areas of his life and thus, there is a need for him to seek for the power to control over something. Rape, can actually gives him the power to control over the victim. For example, the rapist has the right and control whether to let the girl go or do anything he wanted towards the victim. The sense that, he decide what to do and when to do. No one is there to control and judge him for his acts. And this can actually reduce the stress and depression had in the rapist.

     In addition, the rapist is a sadist, which they enjoy and gain pleasure by inflicting pain or watching pain inflicted on others. They enjoy seeing the pain in the victim; and love to see them begging for help. The rapist will never care about what and how the victim feels. They are like, dehumanizing them.

     Besides, what makes them to commit the rape might also due to the past experiences or hostile childhood experience. For example, the rapist might have a bad childhood experience such as been abused when he was young, or being sexually harassed can also lead to hostile attitude when he grow up. 

     Last but not least, the hatred towards women. Hostile childhood and past experiences can also lead to  the hatred towards women. Sometimes, man rape not because the need for sexual pleasure but just the prejudice he had on women. When a man had this kind of hatred towards women, and thus, they might actually have a certain attitudes and behavior towards women. It is not surprise that they can displace their aggression on those women whom they hated.

     You can never know what goes inside the mind of a rapist and when a rapist would commit the crime.