5 Tips for teachers to STAY ENERGETIC at school despite being as BUSY AS A BEE!

The tight teaching schedule and additional activities at school make teachers tired and less energetic especially on the days when the teaching schedule means back to back classes. It's really hard to gather energy.

This time, here are 5 Tips for teachers to STAY ENERGETIC despite being as BUSY AS BEE for teacher!:

1. Eat

EAT either breakfast or lunch. No matter how busy the teacher is, EATING should not be forgotten. If you do not EAT, how can there be energy for the class later? There are days when the teaching schedule is tight, you need to plan your EAT time! Imagine if you do not have time to eat your breakfast, then the class continues until break time and then break time suddenly there is ad hoc work, when is the time to for you to EAT? So do not forget to EAT.

2. Choose nutritious foods

When you eat, choose foods that are nutritious and balanced in the content of carbohydrates, protein and so on. Eat vegetables and fruits to stay energized.

3. Drink water

This is another important point that teachers sometimes forget. Don’t forget to drink water instead of iced lemon tea or iced milo full of sugar. Especially when tired, these sweet drinks are very tempting. If students can bring a bottle of water to class, the teacher can also do the same to stay HYDRATED.

4. Exercise at least 3 times a week

Do not forget to exercise to get a healthy and energetic body. Even if you are tired after teaching, try to find time to exercise for a while. Or, during teaching time, include physical activities while teaching maths or language. By doing this, you can achieve your teaching objectives and your exercise activities!

5. Plan a variety of classroom activities

To make sure the teacher has time to 'breathe' and take a break while teaching, diversify activities in the classroom. You do not have to keep talking or moving from the beginning to the end of the class. You can save energy for another class by having discussion activities between students, group activities or give short exercises.

PS: take a lot of deep breath please!

5 Tips to control anger and to avoid becoming FIERCE LIKE A LION in the classroom because of students' behaviour

Sometimes the personality of a teacher in the classroom is not the same as outside of the classroom. A teacher who is sweet, beautiful or handsome and gentle can suddenly turn fierce like a LION in the classroom if something is triggered by the students' behavior. There are many behaviours that can trigger a teacher's anger, for example students playing around while the teacher is teaching, not paying attention during a lecture, not getting involved in the activity provided and not doing the exercises given.

Teachers - you can be angry and fierce, but let it be in the right way and deal it with the best way possible.

Here are 5 Tips to control anger and to avoid becoming fierce like a lion in the classroom because of students' behaviour:

1. Imagine the situation in the classroom when planning a lesson.

As we plan what to do in class, we can also imagine what might happen in class. Who can make us angry? What can make us angry? What is going to happen in the class when I do this activity? When we have imagined, we can be ready to face the situation if it really happens. We can start to figure out the way out of the problem beforehand.

2. Personal problems, try to keep them outside of the classroom.

When you are entering the classroom, all personal problems should be kept outside of the classroom. Only bring your colourful cheerful teacher personality in and let go of all the worries and problems unrelated to the teaching and learning. Family problems, love problems, let them all go before entering. Focus on teaching and learning in the classroom. It's easy to say, but even if it's difficult, you still have to be a professional.

3. Do not be easily hurt or easily offended.

This tip is easy to write but not easy to do. Once our heart is scratched, no one can control the reaction. However, when entering the classroom we have to take it lightly on small matters so that we can be less easily offended. Maybe you just have to forgive the little things and as usual, just focus on students' learning.

4. Do not make everyone bear the consequences when only one student triggers the anger.

In the classroom, there must be students who will make us feel hurt and angry. Give kind advice. Act towards the right person and do not let the innocents be punished for no reasons. One bad apple spoils the lot. 

5. Take a deep breath and rationalise!

This is the easiest thing to do. If you feel angry, take a deep breath and calm down. Rationalise by asking Is it worth the energy to get angry? Or is there another way? May the anger will subside when you breathe deeply!

ps: Anger is a normal human being feeling, but it can be controlled!

5 tips to teach how to answer MATHEMATICS PROBLEM SOLVING QUESTIONS for weaker students

Students are often scared by Mathhematics Problem Solving Questions when asked either during the examination or in the classroom. For weaker students, the problem-solving questions become more complicated if they cannot understand the questions properly. So here are 5 Tips to teach the students on how to answer mathematics problem solving questions:

1. Reset student mindset: YOU CAN DO IT!

The most important thing is to make sure that the students are not afraid when confronted with problem-solving questions. So our job is to try to reset their minds to see that this type of question can be resolved. There is an answer. Although the question may be confusing and not straight forward, there is a way to solve it. We don't just have to direct, tell or speak to them, but we need to make them feel that the question can be solved. For example, frequently introduce problem-solving questions at the beginning of the lesson and do not wait to introduce them only after the end of the lesson.

2. Read quickly the first time and underline any value or numbers you see

Once the mind is set correctly, now we can focus on the question. Teach students to read the questions quickly from start to finish. When students see numbers or mathematical operations involved in a question sentence, they need to mark or underline them in order to prepare themselves to understand the question. It looks simple, but very helpful!

3. Read and understand the questions

After reading fast, you can read again to understand the question. This time read to find clues one by one. Take your time. If necessary, while reading, sketch, write a short note to understand what steps to take to get answers.

4. DO IT!

This is most important. DO! TRY! This is usually what the weaker students do not do. They decided to leave the question and do nothing. Force yourself to try to DO it and put aside whether what you did was right or wrong. The most important thing to DO and TRY. DO IT!

5. DO NOT GIVE UP

Even if it is wrong and students do not understand, do not give up on them. Encourage students by providing positive feedback even when the answer is wrong. Do not just cross "X" the wrong answer. See and value their efforts!

PS: do you still remember the time you first encounter problem solving question during primary school?

5 tips to connect learning activities with the environment ... magnificently!

The connection between classroom learning activities and the everyday environment is often overlooked. By focusing on finishing the syllabus, we sometimes forget to connect learning activities with the environment. These connections are important for students to see clearly the application of their learning to their daily lives. 

So here are 5 Tips for connecting learning activities with the environment ... magnificently!:

1. Give examples drawn from the environment when you teach your students

Try as frequently as you can to connect the lessons with the environment. Try to give the example by using the  environment so that students can see other perspectives. For example: A tree is not just a tree, a tree can be a way of learning how to make a sentence, a tree can be a way of studying photosynthesis, a tree can be an understanding of illegal logging and a tree can be a theatre background!

2. Always use simple teaching aids

Good and effective teaching aids can enhance students' understanding. The closer the teaching aids to the student’s life, the better. It's easier for students to connect with their environment. Let them see that the knowledge that they have learned is useful and is connected to the environment. No knowledge is learned in vain.

3. Always give students time to think and ask connection questions

When we explain something, try to open up the students’ minds with open ended questions that make them think and relate to the environment. What are some other uses for umbrellas? How can you count to 10 if you don't use your fingers? What objects in this class have the shape of a triangle?

4. Always give students time to say their thoughts and appreciate their views

After you ask the students to think, you should give them some time to think and allow them time to talk too. Whether by talking to friends or to you. There is no need to worry about the noise that the class make as long as the discussion is on the right track. Give them space to express their opinions and views. Appreciate their ideas. Avoid judging their ideas and increase their openness by providing guidance and support.

5. Occasionally use the surrounding area for learning activities

For better, deeper and lasting learning, take the students out of the classroom. Have classes in the field, in the hall, outside the area. Just be sure to plan the class and prioritise safety, security and get the right permission. By having the class outside of the normal classroom, it can give students the idea that learning can happens anywhere and in any environment. They will never forget these learning experiences. 

PS: How do you train yourself to be open and accept people’s ideas?

5 Powerful and effective online teaching tips

With the closure of the school due to the Covid-19 Pandemic outbreak, online teaching has become one of the options for teachers to keep their students learning while they are at home. Here are 5 tips to make teaching online more powerful and effective:

1. Design teaching and learning with appropriate and relevant objectives

Before you want to teach online, plan ahead. What to learn? How many topics do you want to cover? How many students have access? Which teaching aids to use? Referencing materials? and so on. When we have a plan, it is easy for us to convey that lesson later.

2. Learning is social, not just listening to lectures

Reflecting on face to face education in schools, students will not be able to focus as long as teachers are just talking and explaining. Include discussion elements, movement elements and appropriate activities. Similar to the classroom situation, we can still create activities where students can write, type, respond orally, move, record video and so on.

3. Not too long and divide it into small groups

If online classes are planned, make sure they are not too long. Not all learning requires long talks. 15 minutes is enough to guide and then the class will continue with self-study. It is also possible to divide students into groups so that it is easy to respond when needed. Keep in mind, however, that classroom instruction does not have to be exhausted. Teachers can provide appropriate activities for students to continue learning.

4. Teacher's voice, teacher's face and teacher's instructions

If you want to teach something new like to show how math works or to show you how to draw an elephant, it's best to have your own video. No sophisticated video is required. Just 3 to 5 minutes can explain what students want to do. Teacher's voice, teacher's face and teacher's instruction will make learning closer to the students because they know their teacher!

5. Managing the expectations of teachers, students and parents

The most important thing to remember is the management of expectations or expectations placed when teaching online. This is something new. New things require a lot of experimentation. Don't put expectations that are too high or unrealistic on anyone. The important thing is to try and make changes as needed!

PS: Did you join my webinar? If you missed it, you can watch it here:

JOIN ME!!!

Active Learning, Reflection and Modelling (ARM) in TECOF 2019

On 6 June 2019, I was invited to share my experience and knowledge regarding the pedagogy and teaching and learning of mathematics. I chose to present the topic of "Using ARM theory for practical learning". The programme was part of the Teachers' Conference 2019 (TECOF Mathematics 2019) held from 6 to 7 July 2019 at Premiera Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. There were about 14 other speakers from various backgrounds speaking at the conference.

It's been a while since I gave a presentation in a teaching and learning conference. So, I was looking forward to this one. Even though I was a bit nervous about the experience, I was glad that a few events had taken place a few weeks before the day which helped me polish my presentation skills.

In the presentation, I tried my best to explain about ARM, and get the participants to experience as closely as they can: active learning, reflection and modelling. I was glad that the participants were very participative and cool. They played the games I prepared for active learning; they reflected on their own experience and followed the instructions I modelled to them. Hopefully, the teachers who participated in the conference will be able to use some of the ARM approaches for practical learning and furthermore will be able to come out with much more fantastic and creative pedagogy.

I left the venue with so much more confidence and very thankful to the experiences I had in Kampung Kenang and Kasoa!

Ps: teaching is just exciting!

Come and join me!

Everyone is invited to join my session next week at Unitar International University. The details are as in the advertisement below. 

I will focus the session on the ARM. Want to know what is ARM, then come and join lah okay! aha

ARM-ing your students: building the engagement muscles!

PS: there will always be a way out... you just need to keep search for it!

Role play with my students

Role play is another fun activity to do with your students. This week, in my Foundations of Education class, we were discussing the topic of Educational Reforms and School Improvement. The discussion started from a big picture f educational reformation where we discussed the issue globally. We mainly looked at the educational reforms that have happened in the US and also in Korea.

Then we came back to the educational reforms in Malaysia and the issue of school improvement. I asked my students to share with me some issues that they have experienced during their schooling time and to consider how the issue could be resolved. Instead of asking them to a usual presentation, we changed the style of presentation by doing a short sketch or role play!

The students were given around 20 minutes to work in a small group. They discussed the issue that they wanted to present and then discussed how they could act it out. Not only the issue, but the way to resolve the issue, had to be a part of their sketch as well. Do you think role play can help students with the ability to exercise their critical thinking? I do. This is because when they were in the particular character thet they acted out, they will try to understand the situation and also felt what the character feels and experienced what they character experience. They will try to relate those. It will encourage them to think differently. I believe that this is what the activity can lead the students to. aha...

Some of the issues raised in the students' role play were teachers' professionalism, bullying and bureaucracy. They were having fun doing it. It was fun for me to see their role play as well. I believe that they learned the skills and experience needed for this topic. Something for them to experience and take back from the learning experience. Learning, I believe, takes place in different ways for different people and I hope that this activity will help my students now and in their future.  

PS: never too late to save some money! Let's start saving to travel the world! haha...

the singing students

One thing that I really like about teaching my students in a university is that there is capacity for me to introduce complicated activities. I'm not saying that I can't do complicated activities with school students but sometimes it requires a lot of time for them to come out with the right outcomes.

On Wednesday, in my Foundations of Education class, what I did with my students was to discuss the topic of equality in education. We were discussing issues of race, religion and gender biases reflected through equality in education. I shared a lot of my experiences of teaching in Kampung Kenang and some experiences that I had in Ghana.

At the end of the discussion, I asked my students to create a song in 20 minutes and perform the song, working together in a small group. What they needed to do was to create lyrics that promote equality in education. They could either create their own song or use a recent popular song and change the lyrics to fit the theme.

20 minutes sounds short for them to work together and hit the outcomes but the students managed to do it! It was hard for them in the beginning to find the words and sentences that fit the theme. However, when they had decided what song to use, then I could see their ideas flow like a river!

It was a good activity to train them become confident and creative teacher as well as to

 make them work together to achieve the outcome. They thought critically about what to say and how to make the lyrics suit the song as well. It was great to see all of them being very cool and easily doing the activity. Great fun! Some of them even rap the lyrics! aha

Some lyrics goes like:

"today we learn about equality...and inequality opportunities"

"...cause my future is in my hands, can't you see?"

PS: the continuation of the Unistar event I went to a few nights before... I saw a lot of my students there... So, I fitted this activity in my class...aha...

A jar of your first impressions

This week I got the idea to get my students to be brave and write their own understanding and definitions of certain terms in the class. I have used this activity throughout all my classes.

It was a simple activity yet powerful to get students to discuss their understanding. You just need an empty jar! Yes, the empty biscuits jar! What I did was in the first few minutes after I introduced the topic to my students, instead of going ahead with explanations I got them to write their first definition and understanding that comes across their mind. For example, in the Foundations of Education class, we discussed on the topic of equal opportunities in education. I passed them a small paper each and then got them to write down what is their first impression about the topic.

To make it fun, they could be anonymous or use a secret name to tag their paper. After they finished writing what they understand, then they fold the paper and put it in in the empty jar I provided. Now, the jar is not empty anymore - we filled it with thoughts!

What we did after that was to read a few definitions out loud. It was done by the students who I chose to draw a paper from the jar. We discussed what we feel about each of the paper read. I then, started my lecture and then stopped to continue the activity. We kept repeating this activity throughout the class until we finished (it depends on the number of the students, if there are too many maybe it is not necessary to finish all).

It was good to see the students discussing their own understandings and what their friends had written in their understandings. I believe it made them think and be aware of other people's views of this world!

PS: always try to relate things around you with teaching and learning, then you will not run out with ideas...aha...

comment critically please!

Last week in my Research Methodology classes, my students and I discussed on the topic data collections - the methods that can be used to carry out social science research. We discussed the effectiveness of some of the methods to be used like questionnaires, surveys and interviews. We also talked about how methods support the methodology of the research, for example methods to use to do quantitative research or qualitative research.

At the end of the discussion and lecture, I decided to get my students to work in a small group. Instead of just discussing the points, we tried to construct some interview questions and questionnaires (5 each to be precised). I got my students to think about one issue with some demographic data that they proposed. Then they started to think of the relevant questions to ask through interview and questionnaire.

It was actually their first time to think about drafting the questions. So, I reminded them to be critical when thinking about the questions, the sequence of the questions and the issue that they will investigate. I wanted to see some thinking behind the questions, rather than just seeing random questions without any thinking behind them. Then, I asked them to write their findings in a poster format.

After all the groups finished the task, instead of making them do presentations, I asked them to paste the poster all around the walls in the classroom. Then, I provided them with small colourful cards. I asked them to go around and write their critical opinion of tehir friends' work. I modelled to them how to do it (to comment critically) and then got them to do the same. Some students, at the beginning only made simple comment pasted on the cards, just writing something like: nice, good job and great.

Then I shared with them that critical thinking needs exercise. In the same way that we need to practice to be good at playing football, or practice swimming or dancing to be good at it, so it is with critical thinking. It needs a lot of practice too. After that I could see some changes in their peer evaluation. They included reasons and suggest they way to improve behind the feedback that they gave. They became more focused and objective. They read thoroughly. They talked with each other. They discussed. It was busy! It was full! It was amazing learning experience!

PS: I need a new phone! Anyone interested to donate? haha

The Key Word Game

This is another activity that I have been doing in my class this week - The Key Word Game. I think you will be familiar with the game later when I describe how the game works.

First of all, I wrote the key words that the students have been learning during the classes on small cards. For example in Curriculum Development = curriculum, school, teacher, etc.; Foundations of Education = theory, education, syllabus, etc.; Research Methods = methodology, experiment, explore, etc.

Then, one students need to act out or draw clues to get the other friends to guess the words right. The rules are:

• The student cannot speak and can only act out 
• The drawing must not involved letters

It was fun activity to start the class. The good thing is, it also got the students to be familiar with the key words that they have learnt before. They should know the context of the key words and not just do a random guess. It was quite busy and noisy when we did the activity because everyone was trying to guess the answer correctly!

PS: the more you push, the more tense you get?

3 Stars and 1 Wish

I was introduced to the 3 stars and 1 wish activity during my B.Ed time. We learnt that giving peers feedback is one of the way to get students to involved in their own learning. Today, in my Curriculum Development class, I introduced the activity to my students.

The number of students in this class is small. There are only 13 of them. So, it is always easy for me to prepare materials for learning to them. Not much to prepare! I made some small cards with 3 stars and 1 wish and distributed them to my students.

In today's class, the students needed to present their understanding of curriculum approaches form an article. There were 3 groups presenting, meaning that each person will get 2 cards. Each person will be able to comment to another 2 more groups. Each of them needed to focus on the presentation and find 3 positive things to feedback as the STARS and then 1 target for improvement as a WISH.

The activity sounds easy to do, however, if you rarely compliment other people, it can be a bit difficult to write the 3 stars. Peer feedback is a great way to practice feedback as feedback can make us better!

PS: Decision has been made!

Colourful Ball

In my Research Methodology classes, my students needed to do an annotation of journal article for their first assignment. The assignment asked them to work in a small group, find a research journal article that they like and then annotate it. Instead of merely describing what they read, they needed to be critical by discussing the research journal article from the point of its aim, research question, methodology an methods, data collection, literature review and findings.


I received feedback from them saying it was a bit difficult to be critical and to critique the journal academically. However, I found that during the presentation, a lot of them managed to explain what they had found really clearly and also showed their critical thinking by giving their own evaluation and analysis.

Today, in the class I asked them to share their experience of doing the assignment with the whole class. Instead of them sharing by talking in front of the class, I played a game with them. I used a colourful ball. Each colour represents the following action:

• GREEN - Just share your experience
• YELLOW - Pass the ball to a friend next to you and he/she will share his/her experience
• ORANGE - Come to the front and write your experience
• BLUE - Use only 1 word to describe your experience
• RED - Sing your experience
• WHITE - Give me back the ball

After everyone clears with the rules, then I started to throw the ball. The one who catch the ball or pick up the ball while closing their eyes need to check what colour will the thumb touches. Then they need to share their experience. Luckily, I got a bunch of cool students so some of them were catching the ball, share their opinion and even sing it out loud!

I think the students enjoyed the activity based on their laughter during the activity. I just wanted them to share their experience in a different way and get the idea that even though the assignment might be difficult to do, it was actually worth it. They experienced thinking about a research journal article critically and gained new skill of critiquing the article. I believe they will find these useful in the future.

PS: Walking up to level 11 from level 2 when the lift was broken. Appreciate the lift! haha

The washing line in Curriculum Development Classroom

In the Curriculum Development class today, we discussed the topic of curriculum workers. The discussion about the role of leaders in schools and education departments, teachers and role of students. We tried to relate the experiences that we have had during our schooling time. I provided guidance for my students to try to bring them to the point where they can reflect specifically on their learning experiences in classroom and on their experiences of school culture. This activity made them aware that they have been involved in education so much that sometimes they forget.

After a certain amount of lecturing and discussing the topic, I then led my students to think about effective leaders in schools. An effective leader in school can bring the school to the next level by developing the curriculum given to them as well as innovating the curriculum to meet the needs of the students.


What I did with them was to give the 7 traits of an effective curriculum leader as below:

INTELLIGENT, EXPERIENCED, ASSERTIVE, ARTICULATE, INNOVATIVE, DYNAMIC and CHARISMATIC

Then I gave the students a task. They needed to discuss and arrange the traits according to the most important to the least important. Instead of doing it by writing on paper, or on the white board, I asked them to used a washing line. I prepared the rope and clips so that they could hang and arrange their opinion easily, visually and kinaesthetically.

Using this method made it easy for them to change and rearrange the traits. After the first round of discussion, they were allowed to change the arrangement and at the end come out with top 3 traits. It was enjoyable experience for me to see them working together and for them too I hope!

PS: Our glass classroom made us feel like we were inside an aquarium; ready for people to come and see.

ASSESSMENT BINGO

This week I used the game BINGO to play with my students. After discussing exams and their experience of taking them throughout the years, in primary to secondary school, I decided to create a learning experience using the BINGO game. Do you know how to play BINGO?

So normally we play BINGO using number from 1 to 25. We then fill the numbers inside a 5x5 table. After that, we take turns to choose a number and highlight them. We get a point once we manage to highlight 5 numbers ina row, column or diagonal line in the table. Once we get 5 highlighted rows, column or line then we will shout BINGO and win!

We changed the game a little bit in the class. We used the 5x5 table and filled it with 25 exams that we have taken or exam tools that we have experienced. I also played the game with the students. The decision of what exams to put in the table needed to be done individually to make the game interesting. You might write down exams that are not written on your friend's table. You know what we found? We took a lot of exams and assessments throughout our schooling time. Definitely more than 25! It was a bit hard in the beginning but later on we found out that we have taken so many exams.

After everyone was ready with their table, we started to play EXAMINATION BINGO! It was fun to do. The most interesting part was when your friend said some exams that you forgot to write down. It brought back memories. Or, sometimes some of your friends said an exam that you have never heard of before. They needed to explain it before we could accept it. It was good fun to do with the class.

You should try it out with your students too!

PS: no matter what, keep moving forward...no other choice anyway....haha

Assessment!

I have stopped writing for a few months now. This week I decided to write again to celebrate the new task that I have given to my students. Yes, I am now working as a part time lecturer in Unitar International University.

My earlier plan was to stay in the UK until my PhD started but then I have received a job offer through a phone call right before I went to the UK. Too precious to say no, I decided to just give it a try and flew back to Malaysia 2 weeks ago.

In my Assessment for ducation class, I get my students to begin reflective writing on a blog. I have asked them to create their own blog and update the blog at least once a week on topic pertaining to assessment in their lives. They can discuss a news ite on assessment that they watched on TV, or on a radio show that they listened to while driving to the university, or their previous experience of assessment such as when they took their SPM. It should be great to read their views about assessment and at the same time good for their thinking skills to be able to consider, argue and discuss the issues about assessment.

I have found that we face assessment everyday. Sometimes we limit ourselves by thinking that assessment is only related to examinations. Actually assessment is a topic that goes beyond examinations. We assess almost everything around us. Whether it is done formally or informally. Do you agree with my statement? aha

Teachers do assessment very often in the classroom. Sometimes we assess our students by individual, small group or whole class scale. Sometimes we assess them according to the learning outcomes that we plan.

Assessment! Let's keep talking about it for this semester!

PS: tough weeks but no pain no gain...haha...

Quiz and Group Work about the VLE!

A few days ago, my colleague, Azima and I handled a short class (15 to 20 minutes, circuit training based). We decided to make use of the short time to focus on an introduction to the apps available to students in the Frog VLE.

I have decided to share the activity here hoping that you will get some ideas, to change it or make it better for the use of your own class. You know what, I believe you will make it even better.

We started the class with the usual introduction. We got the students to recall their knowledge of the Frog VLE. Then, together, we went to step by step showing them how to log in to the virt
ual learning environment. Sorry that we do not have time to get the kids to do it straight away on a computer, but sometimes recalling it in a fun way can have some positive impact on the students.

Next, we showed the apps and the default arrangements. Then, we get them to memorise it in one minute. We prepared (Juin and Racheal helped with thi
s) 'Quick Launch' by using mahjong paper and make apps cards. The students, again, in one minute had to arrange the cards correctly. It was amazing to see the kids working together. Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that these kids were from 3 different schools. They were having their annual event where they get together at the end of year - good example that maybe other schools can follow.

Then after we had checked their group work, we moved on to the next activity which was a quiz. The questions were quite simple. However, the way we wanted the kids to answer was very interesting. We prepared a flag with the answer: A, B, C and D. Then we read the question to them. In group, they needed to discuss the answer silently so that the other groups cannot hear each other answer. When all the groups were ready with their answer, they put up their answers at the same time. It was good activity to encourage the students to collaborate and develop teamwork. It was fun!

Great time we had!

PS: If being passionate about your dreams can be interpreted as having your own personal agenda

...stones can turn into a bowl of steamy rice...

I get asked questions on topic resources for teaching and learning quite regularly. I think it is a MUST question every time I am invited for a talk or meeting with the new teachers.

As a teacher, I think we need to have a bigger view of resources. Yes, we can always wait for the school to approve a budget to buy spe
cific resources for teaching and learning, but we can also make use of the things around us. I think it is really important to look at things around you as possible teaching and learning tools. Sometimes, simple things like chairs, tables, pens, pencils, post-it-notes, stones, dried leaves can become meaningful items to be used in the classroom. They are more real, authentic, concrete and have a stronger connection with the children.

When I was in school, I loved to observe children and see how they play and talk to their friends. Their imaginations sometimes can turn flowers into a beautiful gold necklace, stones can turn into a bowl of steamy rice and chairs can turn to a soldier's camp! That's what teachers need to do as well. Let the imagination goes wild and be creative. Look at the things around you in a way that they can be your teaching and learning tools in the classroom. Try to relate to your surroundings and then no more worries about the resources that you need. I'm not saying that you should not buy materials that you really need to teach in a classroom, but I am suggesting that you also maximise the opportunities around you without spending pennies! Necessity is the mother of invention!

It is the same with technology in school. I believe that technology can be used in a way that it is applicable to your school's needs. Limited resources can become a headache when introducing technology in a class but don't limit your thinking and what you can do. You know what? Sometimes even when you ave 100 computers available to you, and networks happen to work properly, you will struggle to use it if you do't put thought into it. You can do a lot with a little. One computer can transform a classroom or even a whole village! I believe you know more than I do and I believe that you can make it better than I do :)

Last say, make use of stuff around you! Be creative! Be innovative! Be the factor of change in you school! Yay!

PS: I am in the mood for writing!...ahahahaha...