Negeri Sembilan's SPM Trial Examination Papers 2011

Hi there,
For those looking for SPM 1119 trial exams from other states, enclosed are the papers from Negeri Sembilan. Hope these will assist you in doing revision for the upcoming SPM examination :)

• Paper 1
• Paper 2

ICELT 2011: A Photo Essay

A 7-hour drive to Lumut was worth it. I carpooled with Kak Rahmah, Kak Fuzi & Kak Suzi, all GCs from Johor. Alhamdulillah, we managed to reach the venue albeit mild difficulties in finding the location. There were altogether 365 presentations and it was so hard to choose which session to attend as there were so many interesting papers presented during the parallel sessions. Some of the sessions ended at 7.30 p.m. ! I guess a conference of such magnitude would attract so many presenters and participants. The title itself forecasts the excitement that awaits in the teaching of English Language.

I presented a 30-minute paper presentation on the first day. I shared the findings of my classroom-based Action Research entitled '3-2-1 Action!: Digital Storytelling in ESL Classroom.' I carried out Digital Storytelling Project, a project-based learning where students produce the final products with facilitation from the teacher . I've prepared the Student Module to assist my 4 SN1 students in producing their videos as well as conducting Digital Storytelling Workshop with them. Well, it's about time we give the teacher the break and let the students do all the hard work :) My main objective in carrying out this AR is to promote engaging and meaningful student-centred learning via web-based tools. All the students' work are virtually accessable via the DSP's blog and DSP's Youtube Channel. I am so glad and flattered that a lot of participants expressed their interests in the project and would like to try Digital Storytelling with their students and their teacher trainees. To me, whether you like it or not, E-Learning will be the main approach in English Language Learning as more students are tech-savvy and demand a more interactive and personalised learning. 

To me, the perk of attending international conferences is to learn new technique, approach and oratory skills from world-reknown International speakers. I was mesmerised by Jan Blake's expertise in storytelling where she captured the attention of every single participant in the room. Prof Alan Maley imparted a very important asset that we, teachers tend to overlook, our voice. He introduced fun and engaging way to help teachers maximise the flexibility of our voice without having to shout or strain our vocal chords too much. My personal favourite is Paul Cookson. He is so oh talented and gifted! I shared his poems with my sons and they simply enjoyed them :) I had the chance to meet and talk to Adisa, a famous British poet that fuses rythms and beats in poetry. These two men really transform the conventional notion of poetry recitation. Who says poetry is passe? ;) Oh yes, who could forget the 2 Steves. They are hyperactive narrative maestros that demonstrated their love for lively and dramatic stories. Honestly, the conference managed to revive my passion towards injecting performing arts in my classroom teaching. Kudos Dr. Jaya and the committee members!

I've met a lot of passionate educators who I've networked and shared my views, rants and ideas on teaching. Phewww, I was reunited with Sim, my former coursemate after 10 years leaving the college. How time flies! She looks lovely and jovial as ever :) I had the chance to meet Darshini, a bubbly blogger from Kuantan who I've been corresponding with via my blog. Although we both are working with CDD on some projects, we never had the chance to meet one another. After chitchatting, we discovered that we have mutual friends, how cool is that :)  I met a group of Sabahan teachers that became my good friends during the conference. All of them forked out their own money and flew here just to attend the conference. Isn't that amazing? That's what I've been doing for the past 3 years, attending conferences sans financial support from others. Personally, some might call it crazy but to me, I enjoy learning new things and presenting helps me to sharpen my oratory skills too. I may not possess the vast experience like other presenters but I always believe that practice makes perfect.

Meeting Kak Rahmah, Kak Fuzi & Kak Suzi was a cherished moment as we shared our experiences and issues in school. Apparently, we faced similar predicament as it is challenging being a GC as some people in school might not understand why you have to go out most of the time.  This is one of the main issues that I am facing at the moment. As GC, we need to carry out official duties from the District Education Office, State Education Department and Ministry of Education too. I've been working closely with the aforementioned parties this year and that unfortunately means I have to be away from school frequently. Some assume it's like taking a holiday from school but the reality is we work and run here and there like headless chicken trying to accomplished official duties apart from the core business of teaching in school. Despite the challenges, I believe that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. I am thankful as my principal is understanding of my situation and she advises me to juggle my responsibilities wisely. Alhamdulillah, my husband has been so understanding and supportive of my situation and I count my blessing as I have good friends who have always been there for me when I need them.

ICELT 2011

I'm off to Lumut, Perak this weekend to attend the International Conference on English Language Teaching (ICELT) 2011. I'm representing JPNJ and the title of my paper is '3-2-1 Action! : Digital Storytelling in ESL Classroom' which is based on my Action Research with 4SN1 recently. It took me about 2 months to conduct it as it involves hands-on activity (workshop on Digital Storytelling, writing storyboard and editting videos) to my target group (my students) and the project-based learning coordination as well. Nonetheless, I am glad that my students really cherished the knowledge and experience gained during the project.

The students are also exposed to the integration of Web 2.0. media tools (YouTube, Picnik, Facebook, Blog) in conducting this project. They really work hard to come up with their digital stories. They even surprised themselves (me too!) when they come up with such creative and wonderful videos. I dare say some of them are way better than me and you know, that's practically fine with me :) It's all about tapping into the students' creativity and utilising their multiple intelligence in learning English Language more efficiently. I do hope that sharing the experience of teaching Digital Storytelling with the conference participants would help others to see the potential of Digital Storytelling in enhancing verbal proficiency, creativity, active learning and high-order thinking skills. I am looking forward to learning more from other presenters and networking with other participants from all over the world.

Terengganu's SPM Trial Examination Papers 2011

Hi there,

If you are looking for more SPM Trial Examination papers, I've enclosed the links to the papers set by the Terengganu Education Department, courtesy of this site. Click at the links below to download the exam papers. Sharing is caring!

• SPM Trial Exam Paper (1119/1)
• SPM Trial Exam Paper (1119/2)

The M Project: Being Malaysians

In conjunction with the Merdeka month celebration in my school, I've came up with the M Project where the main themes of the lessons revolved around patriotism & Independence Day. In this context, the main educational emphases are on Thinking Skills, ICT, Knowledge Acquisition and  Multiple Intelligences. There are so many ways the teachers can inculcate patriotism and raise awareness on ethnic harmony, national unity and tolerance. Rather than forcing them to embrace the 'I must be patriotic because I am a Malaysian or else, get out from this country' doctrine, I believe we should lead the students to form their own perspectives and reflections on their country via positive and constructive manners. Oh yeah, what best way than using multimedia and visual aids right? Here are some teaching aids that I've used to enhance the students' interest and patriotic fervour towards our beloved country, Malaysia.

a) Petronas' Merdeka Advertisements

Using television advertisement is a very effectual method of generating students' interests towards the topic. I always love the series of Petronas' Merdeka Advertisements as they act as catalysts during brainstorming session.  You could use various questioning techniques (open-ended, probing and leading) to evoke responses. It works well, especially with weak students as the visual aids  help them to come up with possible answers.

b) Project-based Learning

I always find project-based learning as the best way of boosting the students' interest and understanding towards a lesson as it generates active participation, collaboration skills, high thinking skills and indeed, a more meaningful lesson.  For the M Project, the students work in group and produce a pamphlet on the topic 'Being Malaysians'. The students did this within 2 days and they really put strong effort in producing these pamphlets. Way to go! For more information on project-based learning, do check out Intel Teach programme.

Students' works.

The students' works were assessed and awarded.

 c) Vlogging
 This is the latest fad among the teens and I believe it can be fully utilised to teach English as well. Afterall, what best way to connect with the students then using the latest Web 2.0. technologies? Vlog is coined from video + blog = vlog and it's uberly popular nowadays. I've came across a lot of vloggers such as Mat Lutfi, Maria Elena, Anwar Hadi, to name a few. What I like about vlogging is that it fuses the elements of role playing and digital storytelling which make the viewing more engaging and entertaining. This is in parallel with my latest Action Research where I focussed on Digital Storytelling. Maybe we should encourage more students to try this out in class. That would definitely excite the students yet help them to utilise technologies in improving their language proficiency.

 I've shown the vlogs below to my students and they helped the students to understand the concept of patriotism in a fun and meaningful way. Vlogging is a great learning alternative to enhance their confidence, vocabulary prowess and language competence.

2011's Johor SPM Trial Examination Paper 1

I hope it is not too late to wish the best of luck to all of the SPM candidates who are sitting for their trial examination. To those who are in Johor, I do hope you have given your best shot in answering the 1119 English Language papers just now. I was amazed at the number of visitors who were looking for examination tips and samples of examination items. Fret not, enclosed is the Paper 1 just to help you out. If time permits, I'll upload Paper 2 pretty soon. I do hope it will help any teacher or student in preparing for the upcoming SPM. Do check out this blog from time to time for more trial examination papers from other states. Check it out!

Johor SPM Trial Exam P1

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Selamat Hari Raya to all my Muslim friends, students and blog visitors. May you have a blessed Eid, Insya Allah. Enjoy the Raya song :)

Update: Latest changes in 2011's Johor SPM Trial Examination Schedule

To all teachers and SPM candidates in Johor, please take note of the changes. Surat Pindaan Jadual Percubaan SPM 2011

SBP's PMR & SPM Trial Examination Papers 2011

For teachers and students who are searching for English Language trial examination papers from other states, enclosed are this year's trial examination papers from Boarding School Unit or Sekolah Berasrama Penuh (SBP). You can download the papers by clicking the links below. I'll try to update this blog with more trial examination papers soon. Credit to MOZAC's Exam Hub site.

• PMR Trial Examination Papers
• SPM Trial Examination Papers 

Of Lesson Study and JSL Camp

Man, it's been awhile since I've updated this blog due to super hectic schedule. I am in the midst of marking frenzy (2nd monthly test and Form 5's Gerak Gempur) while stealing time to go Raya shopping, spruce up the abode and bake Raya cookies. Hats off to working mommies who can do all that effortlessly! Here are the updates:

#1-Lesson Study Observation, SMK St. Joseph, Johor Bahru

Right after the Curse Item Building Workshop, I was appointed by PPD JB to be one of the observers for English Language Lesson Study at SMK St. Joseph. The other two observers were Mr. Ismail Juned, GC from SIGS and Mdm. Ho, GC from SMK Sri Rahmat. I've met Ms. Ruzana, our DELO and she gave a briefing on the duties we need to carry out that day.  Despite the fact I've attended the Lesson Study Workshop organised by Majlis Guru Cemerlang (MGC) Johor Bahru, I believe that I've enhanced my understanding on Lesson Study better and gained more confidence in conducting the observation when I've listened to the explanation given by Pn. Rahmah Sayuti (Pakar Rujuk) and carried out the observation in a classroom. It was good meeting you again, Kak Rahmah! Datin Siti Haishah Abd. Rahman, PP of BPG at Ministry of Education was present as well, along with other officers. We were given the outline of the Lesson Plan which was drafted and planned by the English Language panel members of the school. While observing the teacher in the classroom (it was a Form 5's class), we jotted down the strengths of the lesson as well as suggestions in improving the lesson. Another criterion of Lesson Study is to have a discussion (post-teaching feedback) with the teacher and all the English Language panel members. The discussion primarily focuses on whether the Intended Learning Objectives were successfully achieved, the effectiveness of the methodology, class management skills and personal reflection on the lesson itself.

I felt the experience helped me to carry out Lesson Study more effectively in my own school. In fact, I've helped out the Form 6's teachers carried out their Lesson Study in their classrooms. I know what you're thinking, oh no, more workload! Honestly, I had qualms on it too at first. However, after going through the process, I think it's an effective way to foster collaborative learning and implement a continuous professional development in our career. As it is a collaborative effort, it's not about pinpointing an individual's shortcomings but more helping to find solutions in rectifying any issues pertaining to teaching. I've briefed my English Language panel members on Lesson Study and so far, the feedback is positive. I hope we can carry it out after Raya break. For more information on Lesson Study, please check this out.

#2- Johor Student Leaders 2nd Cohort Camp, Kem Tasek, JB

 This is the first phase of the selection for the Johor Student Leaders Council for this year. About 200 student leaders from all over Johor were short-listed and chosen to participate in the Johor Student Leaders Camp. The 3 day-camp (29-31st July) was packed with physical activities, talks, workshops, games and  teambuilding activities. The students had to endure all the rigorous tasks sans ample slumber. The JSLs (Qistina, Sarvind, Kothai, Syafiq, CY, Sebastian and Thanen (Junior Camp Commandent),  facilitated most of the activities during the camp. Miss Azura who was the Camp Commandent did an excellent job of supervising all of the student leaders. Compared to the 1st JSLC Camp, the students' physical endurance and intellectual prowess were way better and it's definitely tough to choose only 20 Johor Student Leaders for this year. I was there as the Camp Coordinator, assisting Pn. Rosliza Rosli, the head of the Internationalisation Unit at JPNJ. I gave a talk on International Relations and Diplomatic Skills on the last day. Apart from that, we carried out Impromptu Speech where student leaders need to come up with an impromptu speech within 30 seconds. It was enlightening to see them enthusiastically volunteer to give their views on the topics given. The second phase would be carried out next month where this time, the focus is on personality and verbal eloquence. Good luck to the candidates!