I can not believe that this will be my last post in this blog. I have to say that I am quiet disappointed because I started to fall in love in this whole writing fantasies. For the past 4 months, I have written 10 posts. Mostly they are all about what we have learnt so far for this course EDU 3217.
To be honest, I am not a diary person. I don’t like to write things that have already happened in the past. So when I was assigned to blog, I found it very tiring and boring. First, it was simply because I don’t like to write. Second, as I said earlier, I don’t like to write things in the past. However, things have changed when I wrote the second post about the cultural dance. After the second post, my perspective towards this whole blogging story has changed. I suddenly realized that blogging helps me to relax my mind and feeling. I know it sounds ridiculous but this blogging thing is like a shoulder for me to cry on. I can simply write what I wanted to say and nobody can stop me from doing that. This is my blog and of course I have the right to speak up my mind. Above all, it is just my opinion that I wanted to share to all. For those who have commented on my posts, I really appreciate your kindness for spending your time to read and comment. It is such an honour to receive all the comments.
This whole blogging assignment has given me so much fun and opportunity to explore what I have in mind, sharpen my writing skills and release my tension and pressure as students. I can’t believe that I started to like blogging. I mean it does not have to be specific but we can simply write on anything. I think I am going to create my own blog for my personal use after this. Sharing is caring. This experience has opened up my eyes to express what I have in mind and I think it is good to share with others. Sayonara to Nothing But Literature.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Simulated Teaching
I have done my simulated teaching with our tutor, Mr. Harold last week. It is a pleasure to say that I have finally done it. It was not an easy task actually but I have tried my best so I think there is no need to be sad about.
Being the second person to present was really a pressure to me. I must say that there is no privilege for the earliest presenter because we do not know the criteria that the evaluator wants. It is hard to know what is exactly that we should do and how to do it. As for me, I took it as a challenge. I chose the play The Ring Doesn’t Fit by Tan Kee Aun for my simulated teaching because I think it is simple yet interesting. For the set induction, I cannot think of anything except a wedding ceremony. I know it is very simple and common but I really could not think of any interesting idea at that moment. Thank God my roommate gave me an idea which I found it very interesting. She suggested showing a funny wedding ceremony can be really attractive for the students. I spent the whole night searching the funniest video on wedding ceremony on you tube. She was right. Most of my friends liked my set induction and they found it interesting and attractive.
For pre-reading and while reading activity, I decided to do plot. I spent the whole weekend thinking on how to set the questions for plot. Lastly, I got the idea. I took a few lines from each scene and asked the students to state the events in each scene. Then, based on the events I asked them to draw a graphic organizer with the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution. At first, I thought the students would not be able to do it but I was totally wrong. They were actively engaged in the activity and there were able to produce a good graphic organizer with good explanation. Therefore, the moral of the story is, as teachers, we cannot underestimate student’s ability because they can be more efficient that what we thought.
After presentation, Mr. Harold commented on my activity. He said the activity was effective but not attractive. After listening to his comments, I know that he wants us to be more creative and that we must know how to attract student’s attention. It is an advantage for the other presenters because they can still improve their lesson but as for me I accept what is given to me. I have done my best and there is nothing to regret.
Compared to the previous simulated teaching with out tutor Mr. Yasin in last semester, I must say that most of us have improved in terms of their set induction, pre reading and while reading. I have to say that this simulated task is really effective for us to learn all the skills to be good teachers before we go to school. Practice makes perfect! The more teaching practice we make, the better teacher we will become.
Being the second person to present was really a pressure to me. I must say that there is no privilege for the earliest presenter because we do not know the criteria that the evaluator wants. It is hard to know what is exactly that we should do and how to do it. As for me, I took it as a challenge. I chose the play The Ring Doesn’t Fit by Tan Kee Aun for my simulated teaching because I think it is simple yet interesting. For the set induction, I cannot think of anything except a wedding ceremony. I know it is very simple and common but I really could not think of any interesting idea at that moment. Thank God my roommate gave me an idea which I found it very interesting. She suggested showing a funny wedding ceremony can be really attractive for the students. I spent the whole night searching the funniest video on wedding ceremony on you tube. She was right. Most of my friends liked my set induction and they found it interesting and attractive.
For pre-reading and while reading activity, I decided to do plot. I spent the whole weekend thinking on how to set the questions for plot. Lastly, I got the idea. I took a few lines from each scene and asked the students to state the events in each scene. Then, based on the events I asked them to draw a graphic organizer with the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution. At first, I thought the students would not be able to do it but I was totally wrong. They were actively engaged in the activity and there were able to produce a good graphic organizer with good explanation. Therefore, the moral of the story is, as teachers, we cannot underestimate student’s ability because they can be more efficient that what we thought.
After presentation, Mr. Harold commented on my activity. He said the activity was effective but not attractive. After listening to his comments, I know that he wants us to be more creative and that we must know how to attract student’s attention. It is an advantage for the other presenters because they can still improve their lesson but as for me I accept what is given to me. I have done my best and there is nothing to regret.
Compared to the previous simulated teaching with out tutor Mr. Yasin in last semester, I must say that most of us have improved in terms of their set induction, pre reading and while reading. I have to say that this simulated task is really effective for us to learn all the skills to be good teachers before we go to school. Practice makes perfect! The more teaching practice we make, the better teacher we will become.
Bravo Mr. Kee !!!
I got the chance to meet the famous Malaysian writer, Mr Kee Tuan Chye on Monday, 30th March 2009. The meeting was short but the impact on us is huge. I have to say that the 2-hour meeting slot has really opened my eyes to see the world differently. Kee Tuan Chye is famous for his bravery in his writings. I could see his courage and determination on his eyes while delivering his speech. He talked about his life, experience and the most unforgettable part; he talked about politics in Malaysia.
First of all, I would like to state my view on politics. I am not a follower of any party in Malaysia but I do care on what is happening around us. To be précised, let just say that I am just an observer who cares about my beloved country. I will only support the truth and of course I will object things that are wrong without bias to any party.
Obviously, Kee Tuan Chye is against the government. Well, we live in democracy so, everyone has the right to speak up their mind. I believe he must have his own reasons and that we should respect his opinion. Maybe, he knows things that we as ignorant students don’t know about. So, we cannot simply blame him for what he believes. To be surprised, I must say that I agree to almost all the things he said except the religion part.
Despite politics, he talked about his latest play, The Swordfish, And Then the Concubine. We were surprised when we were told that the play has been revised and there are a lot of changes happen in the play. We asked a few questions regarding the play and it is amazing to hear the answers from the writer directly.
I bought his book “March 8 The Day Malaysia Woke Up” and that was the best Rm30 I have ever spent. We took pictures together and shared opinion as father and daughter. Although we come from different races, I do feel that we are all Malaysians. This one-in-a-lifetime meeting experience with him has really given me an opportunity to expose myself to the real world outside. It is time to think as an adult and act as civilized citizens.
First of all, I would like to state my view on politics. I am not a follower of any party in Malaysia but I do care on what is happening around us. To be précised, let just say that I am just an observer who cares about my beloved country. I will only support the truth and of course I will object things that are wrong without bias to any party.
Obviously, Kee Tuan Chye is against the government. Well, we live in democracy so, everyone has the right to speak up their mind. I believe he must have his own reasons and that we should respect his opinion. Maybe, he knows things that we as ignorant students don’t know about. So, we cannot simply blame him for what he believes. To be surprised, I must say that I agree to almost all the things he said except the religion part.
Despite politics, he talked about his latest play, The Swordfish, And Then the Concubine. We were surprised when we were told that the play has been revised and there are a lot of changes happen in the play. We asked a few questions regarding the play and it is amazing to hear the answers from the writer directly.
I bought his book “March 8 The Day Malaysia Woke Up” and that was the best Rm30 I have ever spent. We took pictures together and shared opinion as father and daughter. Although we come from different races, I do feel that we are all Malaysians. This one-in-a-lifetime meeting experience with him has really given me an opportunity to expose myself to the real world outside. It is time to think as an adult and act as civilized citizens.
Movies to watch
For the past three months, we were assigned to watch a few movies regarding of our course for this EDU 3217. At first, I wondered why Dr. Edwin asked us to watch these movies. Instead of watching movies, I think it is better to have a lecture. However, I started to realize the reasons why he asks us to watch the movies.
The first movie was Elizabeth – The Golden Age. Obviously this movie is about the first queen of England, Queen Elizabeth. In this movie, we could see how the queen handles her country and faces all the circumstances that somehow challenge her patience. I have to say that I really admire with her courage and determination to save her country. It gives me an inspiration of how women who are powerless in a society can be the centre of power.
There were a few movies that we were assigned to watch. The movies were Oedipus Rex, Macbeth and A Street Car Named Desire. This whole watching movie experience has enlightened me to understand more about the plays. I have to say that I was not interested to read Oedipus at first because I simply could not understand the language use in the play. It is actually hard for me to keep my eyes open while I was struggling to finish reading the play. However, I started to develop my interest towards this play after I have watched the movie. Suddenly, all the curiosity and confusion are faded away. I have a clear view about the play and I am more aware on what is happening in the play.
Watching all the movies has given me a new experience. I can develop my understanding towards the play as it gives me a clear view on what actually happens in the play itself.
The first movie was Elizabeth – The Golden Age. Obviously this movie is about the first queen of England, Queen Elizabeth. In this movie, we could see how the queen handles her country and faces all the circumstances that somehow challenge her patience. I have to say that I really admire with her courage and determination to save her country. It gives me an inspiration of how women who are powerless in a society can be the centre of power.
There were a few movies that we were assigned to watch. The movies were Oedipus Rex, Macbeth and A Street Car Named Desire. This whole watching movie experience has enlightened me to understand more about the plays. I have to say that I was not interested to read Oedipus at first because I simply could not understand the language use in the play. It is actually hard for me to keep my eyes open while I was struggling to finish reading the play. However, I started to develop my interest towards this play after I have watched the movie. Suddenly, all the curiosity and confusion are faded away. I have a clear view about the play and I am more aware on what is happening in the play.
Watching all the movies has given me a new experience. I can develop my understanding towards the play as it gives me a clear view on what actually happens in the play itself.
Lear the King – the truth will prevail
The play, King Lear is just another magnificent piece of writing written by the famous playwright, William Shakespeare. As usual, Shakespeare instils a lot of tragic scene in most of his plays. However, I found this play is unique if compared to his other plays. Although he still uses a lot of tragic and dramatic scene, I have to say that this play has its own authentic values that I could not find in any other Shakespeare’s plays.
How foolish Lear is. How could he as the king, put his throne for a silly game that he created himself. Asking the daughters to tell him how much they love him. It is such an immature action shown by the king, who suppose to be wise and rationale. The saddest part is, he actually believes what the two evil daughters said to him. Cordelia, who refuses to play the game, has become the victim of his father’s blindness. Lear misjudges Cordelia and disowns her.
Later, he regrets and suffers for the rest of his life.
What happens to Lear is actually a common thing that can happen to anybody. As human we tend to believe things that we can see and hear. We don’t put a lot effort to find the truth behind it. Do not judge the book by its cover. It is easy to say than practice. How many of us can actually do that? We be likely to believe what is written or spoken rather than thinking whether it is true or not. For example, we always have the perception of what is reported in a newspaper is true. The question is how true the news is. We believe because that is the only thing we can see. We don’t bother whether it is true or not.
The moral of the story is we don’t simply believe in what people say. It is our responsibility to search for the truth. Yes, the truth will prevail someday but it does not mean anything when it is too late to talk about the truth.
How foolish Lear is. How could he as the king, put his throne for a silly game that he created himself. Asking the daughters to tell him how much they love him. It is such an immature action shown by the king, who suppose to be wise and rationale. The saddest part is, he actually believes what the two evil daughters said to him. Cordelia, who refuses to play the game, has become the victim of his father’s blindness. Lear misjudges Cordelia and disowns her.
Later, he regrets and suffers for the rest of his life.What happens to Lear is actually a common thing that can happen to anybody. As human we tend to believe things that we can see and hear. We don’t put a lot effort to find the truth behind it. Do not judge the book by its cover. It is easy to say than practice. How many of us can actually do that? We be likely to believe what is written or spoken rather than thinking whether it is true or not. For example, we always have the perception of what is reported in a newspaper is true. The question is how true the news is. We believe because that is the only thing we can see. We don’t bother whether it is true or not.
The moral of the story is we don’t simply believe in what people say. It is our responsibility to search for the truth. Yes, the truth will prevail someday but it does not mean anything when it is too late to talk about the truth.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
FATE; A FAILURE ESCAPE
Salute to Sophocles for being able to produce such a dramatic play, Oedipus Rex. At first, I found this play boring and the language use is quite hard to understand. However, my perception towards this play change when I found out that what happen to Oedipus was actually fated and nothing he could do to change it.
Have you ever imagined yourself killed your own father and later got married with your own mother and have child? People will say that you are the most evil human on earth. Well, that is what happen to Oedipus and surprisingly, we don’t hate him for what he had done. In fact, we as readers feel empathy towards him for the fate that he could not avoid. Well done to Sophocles because he managed to get the sympathy from the readers towards Oedipus with his genius brain in his beautiful language.
What is fated to us can never be faded away. This is what I learn from this tragic play and it really helps me to understand more about life, love and fate. As human being, there is no way for us to avoid fate. We can only make plans but God will be the one who decides everything. In Islamic point of view, we have to believe in “qada’ and qadar”. It means that we have to accept the God’s plans because He knows better than anyone else. We must accept it with an open heart and believe that what is fated to us is actually the best thing that could happen in our life.
What happen to Oedipus is actually happening to all of us but not that extreme and tragic. Fate is something that out of our control. No matter how hard we try to avoid it, it will still come to us and there is no other way to run away. The best thing that we can do is learn to accept it and find the truth meaning in it.
Have you ever imagined yourself killed your own father and later got married with your own mother and have child? People will say that you are the most evil human on earth. Well, that is what happen to Oedipus and surprisingly, we don’t hate him for what he had done. In fact, we as readers feel empathy towards him for the fate that he could not avoid. Well done to Sophocles because he managed to get the sympathy from the readers towards Oedipus with his genius brain in his beautiful language.
What is fated to us can never be faded away. This is what I learn from this tragic play and it really helps me to understand more about life, love and fate. As human being, there is no way for us to avoid fate. We can only make plans but God will be the one who decides everything. In Islamic point of view, we have to believe in “qada’ and qadar”. It means that we have to accept the God’s plans because He knows better than anyone else. We must accept it with an open heart and believe that what is fated to us is actually the best thing that could happen in our life.
What happen to Oedipus is actually happening to all of us but not that extreme and tragic. Fate is something that out of our control. No matter how hard we try to avoid it, it will still come to us and there is no other way to run away. The best thing that we can do is learn to accept it and find the truth meaning in it.
“Romeo and Juliet”, “Greatest Love” and “Wau”??
We have heard a few famous playwrights such as William Shakespeare, Bernard Shaw and Sophocles whom their works have been recognised and rewarded from all over the world.. Their works have been studied and analyzed over the decades yet people still amaze with it. In fact, they still talk about how the tragic plays such as Romeo and Juliet and Oedipus Rex could be produced. I must say that these two plays are my favourite and I am really impressed by the beauty of the language use and also the unexpected story line.
I have never imagined myself writing a play. To be honest, I cannot even write a good short story. So, when I found out that we will have to write a play as a part of the assignment, my body was shivering – a usual expression I used to describe how bad I am. Fortunately, it needs to be done in a group. Thank God I don’t have to face this misery alone. At last, I formed a group with my group members Bruno and Amir.
After a lot of thinking and argument, we come out with a play entitled Greatest Love. This play is about a poor boy Karim who insists the football shoes so much that his mother could not afford to buy it. At last, the mother dies and he feels regret due to his bad actions towards his mother. I know it sounds cliché and boring but at that time, we could not think of any interesting story line. As expected, the play received a lot of negatives comments.
When I read the comments, I know we should come out with something interesting and the most important thing; it must contain values and messages. Suddenly, I got an idea for our new play and this time, we really put a lot of effort on it. The play is very nostalgic but full of messages. We proudly present “Wau” as our play and I really hope it will not be rejected.
Writing a play has given me chance to explore my writing skills and also to test my talent. At first, it was tough and challenging but we can improve ourselves from the mistakes and learn to be better. At least, I have tried hard and given my best and that makes me proud of myself.
I have never imagined myself writing a play. To be honest, I cannot even write a good short story. So, when I found out that we will have to write a play as a part of the assignment, my body was shivering – a usual expression I used to describe how bad I am. Fortunately, it needs to be done in a group. Thank God I don’t have to face this misery alone. At last, I formed a group with my group members Bruno and Amir.
After a lot of thinking and argument, we come out with a play entitled Greatest Love. This play is about a poor boy Karim who insists the football shoes so much that his mother could not afford to buy it. At last, the mother dies and he feels regret due to his bad actions towards his mother. I know it sounds cliché and boring but at that time, we could not think of any interesting story line. As expected, the play received a lot of negatives comments.
When I read the comments, I know we should come out with something interesting and the most important thing; it must contain values and messages. Suddenly, I got an idea for our new play and this time, we really put a lot of effort on it. The play is very nostalgic but full of messages. We proudly present “Wau” as our play and I really hope it will not be rejected.
Writing a play has given me chance to explore my writing skills and also to test my talent. At first, it was tough and challenging but we can improve ourselves from the mistakes and learn to be better. At least, I have tried hard and given my best and that makes me proud of myself.
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