The Same School Gate

This is my school gate standing strong for more than 45 years. Driving through it always brings me some fresh memories about the many who have passed through it before...

• Some have achieved good academic results and are now pursuing higher studies both locally and abroad. Others have joined the job market with low or reasonable pay. Still others have got married and are blessed with many children.
• Some have become prominent political leaders and are serving their communities. Some are leaders of various social groups. Still others remain loyal followers and supporters forever.
  
• Some have joined the police forces or the military forces, serving the nation against enemies within and without. Others become law-abiding citizens. Still others become crooks and liars, cheating, robbing or looting others' properties and disrupting the peace and harmony of the people.
• Some have trained themselves to be teachers and are now active serving in schools and universities, molding and shaping the younger generation.
• Some are living strong and healthy in their old age, playing important roles in the society or have partially retired and rested. Others have left the world a long while ago.
• Some have attempted to have reunion where lots and lots of stories are told, where joy and laughter filled the hall and where tears flow like a broken dam. Yet there are also others who never stop grumbling on their misfortune and often ended up condemning all others.
  

The same school gate is still standing strong today, though many generations of people have passed through it. It will continue to serve many generations of people. But the sad fact is that not many realize that it is how you learn in the school that makes a different; it is not the school itself.

I stop my van and smile, I shrug and I sigh... with tears dwell in my eyes.

The same school gate still opens today...

Technorati Profile

When is the last time you had a dream

• My dream is to become a nurse. If I am a nurse, I can help my people in the village. People in the villages lack medical attention and even the clinic in my village does not have enough medicine for the people.
  
• My dream is to be a mountaineer. If I was a mountaineer, I could climb the highest mountains. It would be very peaceful and the scenery would be lovely. I would take other people to the top of the mountains so that they could enjoy the view.
  
• My dream is to be a fireman. If I was a fireman, I could drive a big red fire engine. I would put out fires and help to save peoples lives. I could rescue cats who had got stuck up in a tree.
  
• My dream is to be a footballer. If I was a footballer, I would play center forward for my team. I would score the most goals!
  
• My dream is to be a sailor. If I was a sailor, I could sail my boat across the sea. I could see new lands and meet new people. I would sing to make everybody happy!
  
• My dream is to create my own school. If I have my own school, I can share my visions of teaching.
  
• My dream is to be a botanist. If I am a botanist, I can share my knowledge about plants with people.
  
• My dream is to save the world. My dream is to save this world from all the negative energy that is going on today. I want to make a difference in peoples' lives and put a mark in their hearts.
  
• My dream is that there would be no guns so that people can’t shoot each other.
  
• My dream is for people to stop littering and polluting the world.
  
• My dream is that my mom’s surgery goes well. She has cancer.
  
• My dream is that no people say bad words to each other.
  
• My dream is that I can spend more time with my dad and mom.
  
• My dream is that people all over the world will be nice and helpful to each other.
  
• My dream is for everyone to have food and shelter.
  
• My dream is to be a scientist to create potions to heal sick people.
  
• My dream is to help animals that are sick and hurt.
  
• My dream is that the terrorists would stop.
  
• My dream is for stores to charge less for people that don’t get much money.
  
• My dream is to have a clean and healthy world.
  
• My dream is to end world hunger.
  

Life is a passing through. When is the last time you had a dream?
Dreams now and have your visions right.
Please don't slumber though your whole life.
Make an impact on yourself and someone’s life; make this world a better place for you and me.

Don't Waste My Time

Some of us find it difficult to initiate a conversation. They hesitate to open their mouths. They wait for others to speak up on topics that they know and have interest. Much time is wasted before a fruitful discussion can take place.

Some discussions are virtually lopsided. Some refuse to stop talking while others just don't want to open their mouths. Much time is wasted and the end results of the discussion are so little and unsatisfying.

I believe in sharing my views. I also believe in listening careful to what others can contribute. But I don't believe in wasting time.

Each day we are given ample opportunities to interact with the surrounding world. We must make full use of all opportunities to reason, to speak and to listen. Nature is full of knowledge and wisdom waiting for us to explore. There are so much for us to talk about and to share with one another.

We must think logically and creatively. We must be clear and precise in our speech. We must be certain and hold true to our words. We must talk only what is required to build others up. And we must always humbly listen to what others have to say.

Don't talk idly just to reduce tension but leave jobs undone. Don't backbite just to feel better while hurting others. Don't spread rumors just to smear other's images and to gain a better footing. Don't waste each other's time just because you are busy doing nothing.

Spend time efficiently and wisely. Make full use of each day for our own good and the good of others.

Happy is the man who waste no time to do good and to flee from evil.

Catching Students Smoking

Last Friday I had a brief encounter with some students after driving through the back gate of the school. Apparently this group of about twenty students were smoking together while waiting for their transports. About half of the road was occupied by them. While careful driving through, one of the students hit my van from behind.

I was quite mad but I decided to control my temper. Seeing from the rear-view mirror that some of them were sneering, seemingly consenting on the boy’s action, I decided to stop my van and confront them.

I stepped out of my van and looked around, trying to find the boy who hit my van. There was a boy who was puffing his cigarette with tilted head and he looked very haughty. All the others were busy hiding their cigarettes. Though I knew that proud student was my target, I decided to confront the other boys, wanting them to tell me the identity of the one who hit the back of my van. That boy looked more uneasy. Eventually he blurted out and told me that he was merely touching my van.

Holding my temper while seeing him puffing away, I commanded him to throw his cigarette away. He was reluctant. I spoke a second time. Slowly he put the cigarette on the clean and dry side of the road . I knew for sure that he was going to take it back when I had left the place. So I demanded him to step on it or kick it to the grass. He looked uneasy but at last he complied, after I had threatened to take discipline action against him.

That day, I thought I had successfully controlled a group of smoking students. But I am sure they will smoke again, but will try to stay away or hide their cigarettes away when they see my van from afar. I grinned to myself, knowing that I will have less eyesore in my school. Not bad for the beginning of a new school term. I had done a good deed that day.

Back To School

I'm back to school, yet again!

The beginning of the school term always make my mind wonders. For the past few years, I had a hard time understanding how this school with over three thousand students could operate when there was little promise of any upgrade of the school in sight. It is indeed marvelous when the school continues to produce high achievers both in academics and sports after all these years.

There they are, our students, walking together with their family members, relatives and friends; full of anxieties, aspirations, visions, and expectations.

I walk along the road and join the crowds, smiling and greeting everyone that I see or know, answering questions, and returning smiles. I always enjoy this moment.

As I reflect on my students, I couldn't help dwelling on the important task of their teachers. These are the lumps of clay that their teachers must mold into useful vessels.

Yet there are...

• Some who are so ignorant, not knowing what the future holds for them.
• Some who are so happy and carefree, and never do their works seriously.
  
• Some who are so restless and can never do a simple task given well.
• Some who are so quiet and unsociable, making it difficult to impart knowledge and skill.
• Some who just love to disrupt classes. They come to school with other motives and desires.
  
• Some who stay in school just to please their parents.

But there are...

• Some who are inquisitive and always ready with relevant questions.
• Some who are prepared and well-equipped for their lessons.
• Some who are tidy and neat in everything they do.
  
• Some who are well-disciplined and always complete their learning activities well.

So I wonder...

• What have I done as a teacher?
  
• How will I improve as a teacher?

I wonder... and I wonder.... and my mind continues to wonder... sigh!

A Little A Day

A little kindness, a little a day, the more we will share.
A little patience, a little today, the better we will fare.

This world is not ours to own, but ours to bear.
We must give our best, before we forget.

A little giving, a little a day, soon it will be a better day.
A little sharing, a little today, soon the world will know we care.

These talents are not ours to keep, but ours to share,

We will do our best, to make this world a better place.

A little love, a little a day, let's freely share.

A little joy, a little today, let's do it always.

This life is a passing through, and we must not delay.

We shall do our best, before we're laid to rest.

A little kindness, a little patience, a little giving, 

Will fill the world with tender loving care.

A little sharing, a little love, a little joy, 

Will honor God Who give His Son to share.

Please do it always... 

The world is yearning for your care.

Be A Good Teacher

Every man is gifted. Some are more gifted, therefore more is required of them. Others are less gifted, therefore they should be taught more. As teachers, we must never give up on any of our students.

Give Every Student An Equal Chance To Learn

We are not to decide among our students, who are teachable and who are not. Who are we to judge God's creations? I was never a bright student but I had and still have teachers who have decided not to give up on me. I am who I am because of my teachers.

Give Every Student The Correct Knowledge And Skills

Our students' future depend on us. We must teach them well so that they are well-equipped to face the rising challenges of the world. If we don't prepare them well, their future and the future of our country will be at stake.

Teach Every Student According To Their Abilities To Learn

Every student is blessed with different capabilities to learn. Some learn faster, others learn slower, still others have difficulties even to grasp the basic facts of life. Nevertheless, they are teachable and we must teach them according to their abilities to learn. We must make sure that every student makes some learning progress. We are accountable to the society if we fail to do this task well.

Motivate Every Student

Some students lack the desires to learn. Others show open rebellions to learn. But let us continue to encourage them. Past experiences have shown us that many of our ex-students came back to express their gratitude to their teachers; to them, they wouldn't have been successful in their life if not for their teachers.

Some Reflections

I never knew the joy of teaching until I saw the fruits of my labor. As I look back, I realize that I am learning far more from my students. They are so true, so sincere, so determined in their pursuits of excellence, so inquisitive and intelligent in their search of the truths, and so wonderfully nice and kind. So let us reach out to our students, let us love and cherish them; let us prepare them, guide them and lead them to the road of success.

Old Bicycles

In the villages, you will always see children and sometimes grow-ups using bicycles. In the cities today however, there are fewer bicycles.

That's my dream bike that I couldn't afford to have because of poor family background.

But my concern is the age-old bicycles of yesteryear.

Today, I have fond memories of them once again, partly because of my overweight. My main reasons I believe is its size, speed and power. LOL.

Riding a bicycle is fun and rewarding – doing so offers great mental and physical health benefits, cuts down on pollution, and provides cost savings.

I really miss it, now that I'm moving towards my 50.

The scars on my hands and legs remind me of my falls from bicycle. I think I seldom fall from motorbike. Maybe God put the scars there to bring me painful but sweet memories once in a while.

Do you own a bicycle? Try it and enjoy it. You won't regret.

Oh... show me where to get one of these age-old bicycles...Where is my superbike?

Best Teacher's List

The following list contains items that students have used to describe their best teachers :

1. Enthusiasm
   
• Students can feel the excitement.
• Students easily detect the teacher's love for job and subject.
2. Preparation
• Teacher knows the subject.
  
• Teacher plans and prepares lessons daily.
  
3. Punctuality
   
• Always arrives on time.
  
• Begins and ends class on time.
  
• Expects and encourages students to arrive on time.
  
4. Support and concern for students
   
• Lets students know that he/she cares about their success.
  
• Takes time with students.
  
• Allows for creativity.
  
• Is friendly and courteous.
  
• Is supportive and encouraging.
  
• Is smiling, caring and loving.
  
5. Consistency
   
• Does not miss class.
  
• Is consistent in attitude and dealings with students.
  
• Is always well prepared to teach class.
  
6. Politeness
   
• Treats students with respect.
  
• Does not condescend.
  
• Avoids embarrassing students in class.
  
7. Firmness and control
   
• Is firm in a kind manner.
  
• Avoids tangents in teaching.
  
8. Does not play favorites
   
9. Provides personal help
   
• Takes time to explain concept.
  
• Gives individual attention.
  
10. Accepts individual differences.
    
11. Employs an effective delivery
    
• Clarifies for understanding.
  
• Creates a sense of fun with the learning task.
  
• Eliminates bad, irritating and/or distracting habits.
  
12. Does not make students lose face
    
• Avoids criticizing students
  
13. Has high expectations of class members.
    
14. Is humble.
    
15. Is fair.
    
16. Uses variety.
    
• Uses a variety of learning activities.
  
• Experiments.
  
• Allows for spontaneity.
  
17. Has a sense of humor; is relaxed.
    
18. Use of engaged time
    
• Sets a good pace and provides for a change of pace.
  
• Avoids engaging students in "busy work".
  
19. Use of text
    
• Is not a slave to the text.
  
• Uses text as a road map.
  
20. Keeps within 1-2 days of the scheduled course outline.
    
21. Field trips and other activities
    
• Applies student experiences to classwork.
  
22. Does not always teach from a sitting or leaning position.
    
23. Interpersonal relationships with students
    
• Does not allow students to call him/her by first name.
  
• Does not try to win a popularity contest.
  
• Maintains a healthy teacher-student relationship.
  
• Respects students (remember that sometimes what you think is healthy,
  fun joking with students may be interpreted by them as disapproval and
  dislike.)
  
24. Does not allow one or two students to monopolize or dominate the class.
    
25. Keeps accurate records of
    
• Work completed.
  
• Attendance.
  
• Test results.
  
• Grades.
  

Additional Suggestions

1. Provide for activity changes – perhaps something not on the lesson plan; for example, scrabble, hangman, pictionary.
   
2. Be somewhat unpredictable – Students will not know what comes next. Keep students in some suspense.
   
3. Variety – In teaching, variety provides for renewed interest in the subject matter. Use variety in how you have students work together. Do not always pair the same ones together. Provide for a variety of learning activities. Some suggestions are:
   

Assignments Brainstorming Buzz sessions General discussion Panel discussion Problem-solving discussion Music Instructional games Questioning and quizzes Reports and talks Role playing Worksheets Demonstrations Dramas Storytelling General chalkboard use

Chalkboard illustrations Charts and maps Displays and mobiles Filmstrips Flannelboard Flashcards Motion pictures Opaque projections Overhead transparency projections Pictures, posters Tape recordings Video tape recordings Videodisk recordings Videotaping class presentations or activities Guest appearances Combined activities with another class.



4. Instant Involvement – Create a variety of instant involvement techniques that can be used to capture students attention for what will be presented.
   
5. Give eye-to-eye contact.
   
6. Change teaching style for variety.
   
7. Pace – A change of pace is refreshing and helps students re-enter the learning process.
   
8. Change of setting – At appropriate times it is stimulating and interesting to meet in a different location or setting for a specific learning task.

What do you think?

What Do You Think?

Have you ever wonder how soccer / football games get into our life?

Is This Possible?

What do you think? Is this the best solution?