In my last appraisal, I received a comment that my teaching is very student-centered; which was encouraging. Of course there are various other comments I need to improve on, and despite having said that 'wonderful' comment I still don't quite like our HoD. heheheee...
In spite of all the surroundings, I've met several amazing colleagues, I have wonderful students, I am passionate about my job, I love the road my life is taking on, and well, is the calm sea an indication to a looming storm? Let's hope not.
Been there done that, puts me in a slightly better position to provide, and guide my students with what needed to be taken care off. I am very careful not to spoon feed them, nor decide anything for them, but in some sense they had someone to refer to, unlike my younger days I had to do a little struggle on my own in terms of choices especially for my university education. I have lots of interests and was easily swayed and had no one to really explain what I wanted to know. I was thankful nevertheless Allah has given me lots of tips somehow, and this is where I am today.
I enjoy giving students the freedom to choose for themselves. The last project we initiated, I financed them to kick start a small scale business, and all the decision making was done by them. From time to time, they'll come up with reports and seek for my opinion (I kan their investor..hehehe) and well, I'm just proud that their 'business' has flourished. You see, this sort of support is what I meant.
The system I grew up in school did not provide 'official' platform to nurture articulate verbal communication. There were lots of 'unofficial' means of course, eg if you're a debator, prefect, president/chairperson/secretary of so-and-so persatuan/kelab/badan because you will have a chance to stand out in the crowd. What if you were never given the chance? Being a true blood
Marian, I'll still say the 'products' of my alma mater are still a pride.
<--spoken like a true Marian (read:agak kerek) hehee..
Classroom is the best medium to experiment with different approaches with the students. My priority would of course be to spark their interest for the language. Lots of them can write very well, but in terms of spoken language, there are lots of rooms for improvement. Their confidence level need a BIG boost! hhmmm...I always feel teachers have to dig in deep into the meaning of education and to educate.
I try to come up with creative teaching materials but I often have to stick to the syllabus which is
sometimes a restraint. I want to do more reading in class since the new stock of books have arrived and can be used for the lesson. I'm pretty excited with the new stock of books. The students just simply don't read enough. I did plan to make use of the Internet, and I'm still browsing on for suitable blogs to be introduced. I want students to have guts, be critical, expressive and open to discussion. To be aware and find their feet. I do sound like I have high hopes for my students but I am not in any ways demanding. I know what's possible and achieveable. I know the heights they're able to reach for. I try to instill that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. I had great schooling years and I hope my students will have it too. Masa study kita study (and I'm one strict&fussy teacher at that) then masa main kita main. I guess after several months, the students I teach have adapted to my style and they've not let me down... so far.
Of course, kids being kids would need a little 'spanking' now and then but that's normal, rite? I am very particular about punctuality and time management and I remember one time I scolded a student for being late to my class, and the day after when I asked them to pass up their files; he inserted a flower in it and a sorry note. Cute ay.
I can go on and on for hours about the various issues revolving around education. Wait. Tak payah education on a whole, what's in the sch itself can keep my brain working around the clock. heheeeee... I just hope the passion doesn't die and I'll be able to be in a position to do more in the future. Majulah Pendidikan untuk Negara.
=) 
