DON'T QUIT

"When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but do not quit.
Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you can never tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things go wrong that you must not quit."

-Unknown

Learning to walk again...

6 hours after I published my last blog post, something catastrophic happened. I fell down and I heard this sharp thudding sound and I couldn't move a single inch of my left leg. I was rushed to the ER and based on the xrays, the doctor relayed the devastating news that I broke my patela and I need to go for an operation. I totally whacked my left knee and the doctor had to bolt in an iron rod and screws to keep the bones intact.

Ironically, I didn't cry when the sharp pain was clinging to my knee when it happened. I guess I was too shocked to feel the pain, trying to comprehend what had happened to me. I was even awake when the doctor did the operation, I was composed when it happened. I could even guide my student, Shafiq with his PowerPoint presentation on my 2nd day at the hospital. (Btw, congrats for being one of the JSLC members!) However, I finally broke down in tears on the 4th night stay at the hospital - four hours after the operation. It was the most excruciating pain ever. I felt so helpless and I kept asking for painkillers, trying to numb the pain. My arms are now blue-black due to the massive injections. In a nutshell, I was a wreck.

Gradually, I started to reflect on my adversity and try to see how I was emotionally and physically affected by it. Then I started to open my eyes and my mind to my surroundings. I started to talk to other patients, the nurses, the doctors and from there, I was subconciously healed. I realised I was not alone, people were trying to help me and there were other patients who were experiencing ever graver situations that I was. I realised that I was too sucked into the vortex of my own melancholy that I forgot to see the flipside of this turbulous phase.

Trying to walk again would take at least 4 months, said the doctor. Even right now, I am struggling with my steps, even the simplest task of peeing is taking a toll on my life. I still need to go through series of physiotheraphy and trips to see the othopedict specialist from time to time. I still can't bend my left knee but I am still alive. Alhamdulillah.

It is such a humbling moment, I know it might take me longer than usual to walk or to get up to my feet but I am determined to do it, even if I have to fumble along the process. I know God will only test those who could endure such test, it might take me some time to realise the blessing behind this hardship but I am doing my best to pick my self together. I will go through this, stronger than before.

To all my parents, colleagues, friends and students, thank you for being there during this turbulous phase.

Johor Student Leaders Congress (JSL) Candidates

Congratulations to all the candidates for the Johor Student Leaders Congress (JSL). Out of 80 students from all over Johor, 31 students have been shortlisted to vy for the distinguished spot of JSL.

1. Ahmad Fadhil B. Abd Majid -SMK Mohd Khalid JB
2. Diyanah Husna Bt. Kamarudin-SMKA JB
3. Hafiz Rahim b. Mohamed Ansari-Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar JB
4. Nurul Atiqah Bt. Mohd Zan-Sekolah Tun Fatimah JB
5. Tan Chien Yin-SMK IJ Convent JB
6. Sebastian Goh Qing-Wei-SMK Sultan Ismail JB
7. Kothai a/p Vejayan-SIGS JB
8. Lavanya a/p Vejayan-SMK Dato Bentara Dalam Segamat
9. Mohd Shafiq B. Mohamad Azhar-SMK Tasek Utara JB
10. Ahmad Haziq B. Azmi-SMKA Segamat
11. Peter Vinod Pereira-Sekolah Tinggi Batu Pahat
12. Mohammad Ridzuan B. Zainal Abiden-SMK Skudai
13. Mohanakrishna a/l Pathmanathan- Sekolah Tinggi Kluang
14. Thanendren a/l Kanalingam-Sekolah Tinggi Segamat
15. Nurul Aina Bt. Aman-SMKA Segamat
16. Qistina Bt. Mohamad Helmi-SMK Sultan Ismail JB
17. Kamarul Baharin B. Kamal-SMK Bandar Baru Uda JB
18. Illiyin Bt. Md Kasim-SMK IJ Convent JB
19. Zolfazreen B. Zolhasni-SMK Bandar Tenggara 2 Kulaijaya
20. Shimarani a/p Rengasamy-SMK Gelang Patah
21. Nurul Nabilah Bt. Azahari-SMK Gelang Patah
22. R. Savind Kumar a/l Rathakrishna-SMK Dato Penggawa Timur Pasir Gudang
23. Ahmad Wajih B. Mohamad Nasir-SMS Sultan Iskandar Mersing
24. Sofiya Bt. Imran-SMK Temenggong Ibrahim Batu Pahat
25. Nurul Ain Bt. Harolanuar-SMS Sultan Iskandar Mersing
26. Norafiqah Asilah Bt. Rusli-SMK Aminuddin Baki JB
27. Hariz Haikal B. Nasuha-Sekolah Tinggi Muar
28. Lim Wei Der-Sekolah Tinggi Muar
29. Muhammad Shafiq B. Nasaruddin-SMS Muar
30. Eniza Fasiha Bt. Ellias-SMS Muar
31. Nur Sara Adriana Bt. Rosman-SIGS JB

The interview would be carried out from 12th July - 13th July 2010 at IRDA Office, Danga Bay, Johor Bahru. The candidates will go through 3 stages of interview, impromptu speech, individual presentation and group discussion. The panel interviewers would expect the candidates to be able to deliver their thoughts immaculately. Kudos to all the candidates who made it this far and I wish you all the best!

Coming Off Hiatus

I'm back! I know that I've been neglecting this blog for quite a while. Although there are so many things happening lately, I guess I didn't have much time to blog since I tend to immortalise my thoughts on my trusty Facebook and Twitter for quick updates. By the way, these kept me busy for the past one month...

• marking Form 4 midyear exam papers.
• tutoring the YPJ classes at EC.
• extra classes for my Form 5 class.
• Johor Internationalisation Programme.
• working with JPNJ on the establishment of the Johor Student Leaders Congress (need to jot down a different entry on that)
• planning an official excursion to SMANSA Batam, Indonesia.
• my two superactive sons!

By the way, I am taking part in the National Level Educational Blogging competition organised by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, in conjuction with their 2010 ICT Day. I've submitted My Lit Project and I'm vying for the scintillating Ipad, tee hee. Ah well, just trying my luck. Hope for the best!

19th MELTA International Conference 2010: A Photo Essay

The opening ceremony was officiated by HRH Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Patron of MELTA. HRH gave a thought-provoking speech on the evolving learning paradigms of ELT. It was interesting to bump into some famous bloggers such as RockyBru and Nuraina Samad (I was too shy to say hello) who  graced the ceremony as well. Power to the bloggers :)

The esteemed Dr. Hyacinth Gaudart conducted an engaging workshop 'Learning Is Fun!'. I bought her book 'Lively Language Learning' and it is worth every cent. A must have for every teacher!

Dr. Sultan Al-Sharief  from UQU, Makkah, Saudia Arabia presented his paper on CALL Authoring Software. Definitely gained a few pointers on how to integrate CALL in ELT.

Presenting my paper "Utilising Web 2.0. technologies in teaching the new KBSM English Literature Component".

Alhamdulillah, the presentation turned out smoothly and I also received good feedbacks from the audience.

  Noor Azliza Zainal Abidin from Wawasan Open University gave an exciting demonstration on ways to integrate games in learning. It was indeed awe-inspiring and fueled my enthusiasm to explore the realm of interactive games in order to sustain my students' interest in learning.

I presented MY LIT PROJECT, my school-based action research for the Creative Teacher Showcase. I integrated the use of Web 2.0 tools in enhancing the teaching of the new cycle of the English Literature Component.

The displays. I've used Blogspot, Youtube, Flickr, Hot Potatoes, Zymic, Slideshare and Macromedia Dreamweaver & Firework to develop this e-learning project.

Alhamdulillah, I won 1st prize in the Creative Teacher Showcase. The success was even sweeter when the Sultanah Johor herself, HRH Raja Zarith Sofiah was there to give away the prizes. She was indeed pleased when she knew I'm from Johor and her words of encouragement are definitely the cure to all the difficulties I had to face (it's a looooong story)  in order to attend this conference. It was definitely worth it!

Attending this conference was the best investment I've ever made. I've gained new knowledge, sharpened my oratory skills, networked with optimistic language practitioners and rejuvenated my passion for learning & teaching.

19th MELTA International Conference

I'll be attending the 19th MELTA International Conference in KL from 7-8th June 2010. The two day conference would be held at The Royale Chulan and I'll be presenting my paper, Utilising Web 2.0. Technologies in Teaching the New KBSM English Literature Component. In my paper, I hope to share my findings and experience on the use of Web 2.0. technologies in teaching the English Lit Component so far. To me, attending this seminar would be a good platform to learn and exchange ideas on essential issues relating to ELT in Malaysia and in other countries as well.

According to the schedule, I'll be presenting on the second day at 8.35 a.m. Oh my, talk about being the early bird! Oh well, hope everything will turn out well sans technical glitch.  Later on at 11.30 a.m. onwards, I'll be participating in the Teacher Showcase Event. It is a special conference event that provides English Language Education practitioners with an opportunity to showcase best practices and teaching materials that have been effectively used within one or more contexts/ classroom/ teaching-learning situations.In this context, I will be presenting and sharing MY LIT PROJECT with the conference participants. This is the 2nd time I'm taking part and to be honest, I am participating because I believe that as a teacher, we need to share our ideas with our colleagues and students and who knows, it might be resourceful to others as well. By the way, I've uploaded two video presentations on Latiff Mohidin's In The Midst Of Hardship and Bibsy Soenharjo's He Had Such Quiet Eyes. It's a Project Based Learning activity that I've conducted with my Form 4SN1 recently and they definitely enjoy the session very much. Do check it out!

District Level Teacher's Day Celebration 2010

District Level Teacher's Day celebration at SMK Taman Sutera, Johor Bahru

 

 

Vibrant performance from the talented primary school students.

 

Waiting for my turn to receive my awards. I am the recipient of the Innovative Teacher Award as well as Active Teacher Award.

I received my awards from YB Tn. Hj. Md. Jais B. Sarday, Chairman of the State Youth and Sports Committee

Counting my blessings for having the opportunity to be where I am now.

Don't stop learning, keep on teaching, love what you do :)

Batam, Brunei and Beyond

SMANSA & SMKTU

The principal a.k.a Kepala Sekolah SMANSA, Ibu Dra. Lely Suriani

Two days ago, my school was visited by the Sekolah Menengah Atas Negeri 1 Batam delegate from Indonesia. Widely known as SMANSA, the school is one of top schools in Indonesia that boasts on its integration of IT in education. As the Coordinator of the Internationalisation Programme, I was given the task to set up the committee members and organise programmes for our visitors from the neighbouring country. Alhamdulillah, despite some technical glitches, everything seemed to turn out well, thanks to wonderful colleagues who helped out. The visitors were given a briefing on the HeadCount system by the principal, Hajah Zainab Bt. Ali. Then, they were shown some multimedia presentations by the ICT Unit and  the school 's Broadcasting Team. The team is headed by Form 2 students who represented Johor in the 2010 KWN Training Camp recently. I guess we left a lasting impression on our Indonesian guests as another batch of SMANSA teachers will be visiting our school next Monday! We plan to visit Batam hopefully by the end of this year and learn more about the school management and the Indonesian education system.

 Today, I attended the Brunei International Excursion meeting organised by PPDJB at Sekolah Angkatan Tentera, JB. Two of my students were selected to go to Brunei for one week and live as sojourners with their adopted families. The excursion is scheduled from 1st August to 7th August this year. Wow, imagine that! They are indeed lucky as they are given the opportunity to experience all that at such tender age. On that note, PPDJB will also organise a training camp (5-7 June) at SIGS for all the 56 students. Have fun and hope you will share your experience with all your teachers and friends!

I've arrived in school just in time to conduct the KMK Workshop with my fellow colleagues. KMK stands for Kumpulan Meningkat Mutu Kerja where it aims to enhance the quality of services that translates to Total Customers Satisfaction. Hence, creativity and innovative ideas are inculculated to overcome any adversities faced either by teachers or students. We were fortunate that our former colleague, Mr.  Norazam Abdullah, now the newly appointed PPD Counsellor (Congrats Azam!) briefed us on KMK last Saturday. Guided by his explanations and examples, I've assisted the teachers in constructing their proposals and managing their teams. I was glad that the teachers were attentive and responsive (despite the ad-hoc announcement) and I could say they did a brilliant job. Well done everyone!

Explaining the KMK framework

The Language Department is planning to build a Vocabulary Enrichment Blog :)

Murphy's Teaching Laws

• A teacher is a multi-tasking superhero/heroine who gets the least pay.
• Disaster will occur when visitors are in the room.
•  The most ill-behaved student in all of a teacher's classes is always one of the bright ones he can't flunk.
• A subject interesting to the teacher will bore students.
• You will be given the most tasks when you least expected it.
• The time a teacher takes in explaining is inversely proportional to the information retained by students.
• A meeting's length will be directly proportional to the boredom the speaker produces.
• Students who are doing better are credited with working harder. If children start to do poorly, the teacher will be blamed.
• The problem child will be a PTA/PIBG member's daughter/son.
• When the teacher is late, he will meet the principal on the way to the class.
• New students come from schools that do not teach anything.
• Good students move away.
• You will receive a letter for a one week course when you have meticulously planned a family trip to (fill in the blank with exotic location).
• Teachers who boast doing the most work in school usually work the least.
• Students forgot to bring their books on the day you are being observed by the school inspectorate.
• Clocks will run more quickly during free time.
• On a test day, at least 15% of the class will be absent.

Adapted from Murphy Laws Site

Weekly Updates

Event #1: Teacher's Day Celebration
Date          : 17th May 2010.
Venue       : Dewan Sri Tasek, SMK Tasek Utara, Johor Bahru, Johor.
Organiser  : MPPU, Prefect Board and KEBIRU SMKTU.

Of all the day, I had to be stuck in a massive traffic jam on Teacher's Day! Due to a minor accident and road construction near Rustica BBU,  I arrived just in time to belt out 'Kami Guru Malaysia', just my luck! By the way, I was nominated by my school to receive 'Active Teacher Award', an award that would be given during the Johor Bahru's Teacher's Day celebration. I think the main objective is to acknowledge those who prolifically contribute to the district level education programmes & activities. Ah well, I've handed in my form to my PK1 and I'll just hope for the best. When I checked my pigeon hole that morning, I was surprised when I read a fax from SK Tampoi Utama, asking me to fill in the profile for 'Innovative Teacher Award', in conjuction with the District Level Teacher's Day Celebration. And get this, I had to send it on the same day! Yikes! In between the manic frenzy of T-Day celebration, I had to slip out to the office to fax the form.  Frankly,  I was a bit disappointed that I couldn't stay until the end of the T-Day's celebration as I had to rush to Pontian at 1 p.m. for Event #2. 

Event #2: Mesyuarat Peningkatan Akademik Bahasa Inggeris Negeri Johor.
Date         : 17-19th May 2010.
Venue      : Hotel Pontian, Pontian, Johor.
Organiser : YPJ and JPNJ.

I joined 71 other English Language teachers around Johor to build modules based on authentic materials. We were lucky as we were guided by experienced facilitators such as Mr. Ismail Juned, GC from SIGS, Pn. Sallina Hussain, Principal of SDARY & Chairperson of the JB English Language Panel, Pn. Vasanthi, GC from SMK Tun Habab and Mr. Zainal, GC from Segamat (sorry Zainal, I forgot the name of your school).
Although we had to endure sessions from 8 a.m. to 10.30 p.m., I can vouch for the other participants that we gained  a lot of experience via the item building session and the intriguing pedagogical approaches that we could apply in our daily lessons. Meeting new friends and rekindling bonds with old friends were the highlight of the sessions as well. I'll share with all this blog readers the materials we've constructed when time permits. Do watch this space!
,

Event #3: PMR Talk & Writing Workshop
Date         : 20th May 2010.
Venue      : Language Lab, SMK Tasek Utara 2, Johor Bahru, Johor.
Organiser : English Language Panel, SMKTU 2.

The next day, I went to the neighbouring school to share my knowledge and experience with the Form Three students on PMR Answering Techniques. Since there are 6 classes altogether, I've conducted two sessions that stretched up to 4 hours. I've also conducted Writing Workshop with the students and alhamdulillah, everything turns out well. Thank you Rasheeda for your warm hospitality and patience. I was pleasantly surprised to know that Rasheeda is one of my blog readers and she was the one who nominated my name to the English Panel for this talk. I am honestly flattered and I do hope we'll keep in touch  yeah :)

Event #4: LDP- Talk on Blogging & My Lit Project

Date         : 22th May 2010.
Venue      : Computer Lab 2, SMK Tasek Utara , Johor Bahru, Johor.
Organiser : SMKTU.

Tomorrow, I'll be sharing my latest Action Research, My Lit Project with my fellow colleagues. Then, I'll conduct a workshop on Blogging and demonstrate how blogging can greatly maximise the learning experience. I know some might have qualms on blogging as they might think it's a bit time consuming but honestly, I perceive blogging as a powerful tool to ignite the creative sparks and illuminate the manifold possibilities of learning paradigms.

Have a nice weekend!