Updates
Hmmm, once again, I realised I haven't posted in a long long long time so here I am. I'm actually quite sianz of posting pictures cause I don't think blogspot has a good engine for photos. I think facebook is much better. =)
Anyway, I've been busy working. Its not that my work is very exciting, but I must say it is very tedious, and there are some aspects which I must say is both interesting and an eye-opener for me. Hmmm, I don't think I can discuss much here, but let's just say that the education system in Singapore is indeed dynamic and active. The only question I have will be more on in our pursuit of excellence, do we neglect other important things in the education? And speaking to Mr Cook the other day on what Oxbridge actually looks for in a candidate, which is intellectual curiosity, I think it is something that most Singaporean students appear to lack.
I know, most people will voice out and say, its not true! But let's face it, how many of us are willing to pick up a book (a serious one and not just fiction), and simply read it for the sake of finding out more and learning new things? Are we willing to venture out of our academic realms? Or if not, are we adventurous to try out new things in life (which are non-academic). I suppose the typical argument is that there's too little time, and that the education system is overly exam-oriented. Haiz, I agree with that, but I think time can be self-created. It appears to me that most people (or at least an average person), just studies for the sake of exams. If there's anything more than required, they will just switch off. And then, people complain of teachers being boring because they stick to the books. This is kind of amusing, but what exactly are teachers supposed to do? Change their way of expression, change their medium of teaching? Ha, I don't really believe in classroom teaching as well, but do the students give teachers the feeling that they will play their part and participate actively in the lesson, and not just use it as an opportunity to play and have fun?
Ok, and I guess this is my 'profession illness' coming in now. Yes, it is a game which teachers and students are playing. Hmmm, I haven't exactly bothered to think too much on it yet, but I think it is similar to either a game of chicken or a prisoners' dilemma. Hmmm, don't think JC students (and below) will ever understand that, but it is really all about signaling and commitment. I'm sure if they do the right stuff and signal correctly, teachers will be more than happy (I hope), to cater their lessons to their liking and let them have a chance of really exploring things. With regards to this, I personally think that I sort of screwed up my relief teaching last year and I should have used a different approach on some students. Oh well, everyone is learning. =)
Anyway, I'm happy with my Tripos grades. Ha, hopefully next year will be easier (but I doubt it simply because the lecturers don't look that promising), but I'm glad first year is over. It's sorta a big hurdle for me since I was doing 2 papers which I didn't like.
The week ahead is really busy again, especially for the weekends. I have to promote my school on Friday at VJ, promote my scholarship at HQ on Sat, and go for Kandy's party. Hmmm. Oh, and I haven't watch Harry Potter!!!!
Anyway, I've been busy working. Its not that my work is very exciting, but I must say it is very tedious, and there are some aspects which I must say is both interesting and an eye-opener for me. Hmmm, I don't think I can discuss much here, but let's just say that the education system in Singapore is indeed dynamic and active. The only question I have will be more on in our pursuit of excellence, do we neglect other important things in the education? And speaking to Mr Cook the other day on what Oxbridge actually looks for in a candidate, which is intellectual curiosity, I think it is something that most Singaporean students appear to lack.
I know, most people will voice out and say, its not true! But let's face it, how many of us are willing to pick up a book (a serious one and not just fiction), and simply read it for the sake of finding out more and learning new things? Are we willing to venture out of our academic realms? Or if not, are we adventurous to try out new things in life (which are non-academic). I suppose the typical argument is that there's too little time, and that the education system is overly exam-oriented. Haiz, I agree with that, but I think time can be self-created. It appears to me that most people (or at least an average person), just studies for the sake of exams. If there's anything more than required, they will just switch off. And then, people complain of teachers being boring because they stick to the books. This is kind of amusing, but what exactly are teachers supposed to do? Change their way of expression, change their medium of teaching? Ha, I don't really believe in classroom teaching as well, but do the students give teachers the feeling that they will play their part and participate actively in the lesson, and not just use it as an opportunity to play and have fun?
Ok, and I guess this is my 'profession illness' coming in now. Yes, it is a game which teachers and students are playing. Hmmm, I haven't exactly bothered to think too much on it yet, but I think it is similar to either a game of chicken or a prisoners' dilemma. Hmmm, don't think JC students (and below) will ever understand that, but it is really all about signaling and commitment. I'm sure if they do the right stuff and signal correctly, teachers will be more than happy (I hope), to cater their lessons to their liking and let them have a chance of really exploring things. With regards to this, I personally think that I sort of screwed up my relief teaching last year and I should have used a different approach on some students. Oh well, everyone is learning. =)
Anyway, I'm happy with my Tripos grades. Ha, hopefully next year will be easier (but I doubt it simply because the lecturers don't look that promising), but I'm glad first year is over. It's sorta a big hurdle for me since I was doing 2 papers which I didn't like.
The week ahead is really busy again, especially for the weekends. I have to promote my school on Friday at VJ, promote my scholarship at HQ on Sat, and go for Kandy's party. Hmmm. Oh, and I haven't watch Harry Potter!!!!
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