Thursday, July 23, 2009

Circumstantial Quality

Another examination board has concluded and the moderators have spoken: the work produced is not up to par. What do we do about it?

Colleagues are not happy with marks' revision, for obvious reasons. These were our students whom we have taught, communicated with & assessed throughout the semester... and we have put in the work. Still, apparently there's much to be desired.

The question is: Can you do your best considering the time & the resources that you have? What if your best is not good enough? What if to become better is more de-motivating than being mediocre?

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Silencing the Voice of Dissent

Feeling conflicted (... and rather miserable) now. As creative as I may, I am unable to pen a cryptic message without some indication or implication to another party (animate or otherwise).

Oh well, let me just wallow in self-pity... I'm entitled to that much aren't I?

Friday, July 10, 2009

Not Getting It

Recently the Government announced that:
1- the teaching of Maths & Science in English will be scrapped, since the objectives were not met
2- SPM candidates can sit for a maximum of 10 subjects, as we don't to be an exam-orientated country

While I support the second announcement because it will relieve the stress on our students & will enable them to participate in character-building activities, I disagree with the the first announcement because the cycle is yet to be completed.

Imho at least 1 generation/cycle of students should undergo the teaching of Maths & Science in English before an assessment can be made, i.e. whether the objectives (of global competitiveness, employability, competency etc.) are met.

Death of an Entertainer

June 25th marked the passing of Micheal Jackson, the King of Pop.

MJ is many things to many people. I grew up listening to his music-"Billie Jean" & "The Girl is Mine" (the latter with Paul McCartney), then watching the video "Thriller" and getting scared beyond my wits, to "Will you be there" which I called "the Free Willy song" to the more mature "Black or White" and "Man in the Mirror" which gave me something to think about.

The world over had waited for MJ's comeback, which will be awesome, but sadly he is no more.

I don't know the man by any stretch of my imagination, but I would thank MJ for sharing his music. God knows the pressure he gets from the media and I suppose he had done his best in the circumstances, living under worldwide scrutiny.

Goodbye MJ, you will be missed.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Desperation

"Change is the only constant" it has been said.

Our organisation is undergoing change, as we speak. New appointments have come on board & growth will be thrust upon us. Now, I am one of those persons who will get any news last. In this respect, I will tend to remain blissfully ignorant of most things until someone tells me "....didn't you know?" usually peppered with an 'omg' here and there.

Hopefully when these changes take place, one particular job title of mine will be phased out. I'd be glad to give it up, even. Just let me teach & I'll be happy (...did that sound too unambitious?).

The reason that I went into education is to teach... and I have also discovered that I don't have penchant for anything administrative.