A thank you note for all the good and bad comments I really aprreciate it.

"Traditional teaching vs. Modern teaching methods"

21 Comments - Show Original Post Collapse comments

GRaXie Paradise said...

Kath!!! i really like ur post!! everything is about teachers. easy for me to understand how the current issues about education!!!

August 21, 2009 12:39 PM

Genghis said..

Hello Katherina,

I also hope to become a teacher in the future. While searching for some methods in teaching, i happened to drop by your site...
I'm enlightened to your idea. It is not that necessary to totally change the methods of teaching.

TNX...

September 3, 2009 3:29 AM

gilbert said...

thank you on your educational profile that I been used as my reference in my study in education course.

December 7, 2009 11:09 PM

jakeerali said...

hi, thank you so much, as a part of my studies, your post helps more in my research about the teachers and clear all doubts in exceptional way. thank you, hope more from u, have a good time

December 9, 2009 12:48 AM

Rohan Dhanraj said...

:-) Gud Stuff!

March 14, 2010 10:55 PM

jais said...

gud article

April 10, 2010 11:38 PM

kelly's page said...

hi kath,
I like your article...as a future educator a have a dough on what way of teaching I'm going to use in my student,as I read this,it gave a idea on how and what way i well use..

July 23, 2010 7:28 AM

Ashwin said...

Just a small note.. ironically this article is about teaching and everyone here wants to become a teacher. However the grammar, spelling and structure used is very poor. So i suggest setting a better example.

August 5, 2010 6:50 PM

slgrif22 said..

Good information!..I am currently working on my Masters in Special Ed. and my topic is Constructivism vs. Traditionalism in the Special Education Setting and I have to find surveys to administer to teachers and students surrounding constructivist teaching. If you know of any surveys related to this topic I would greatly appreciate the help. I seen how knowledgeable you were pertaining to this topic and hope that you may know of information surrounding these teaching practices.
Thanks,
Shannon

September 25, 2010 9:45 PM

shreeya said...

Kath you are really a nice guy. as in my point of view in future teachers would be replaced by rabots. And one robot will be teaching one or two students not more than that.

Kath i would like to do friendship with you. If you are insterested please respond

January 14, 2011 5:28 AM

malou said...

The ideas are very educational. I learned a lot.

June 27, 2011 11:28 PM

readers said...

I think your post is very useful for me, but would you show me some of the references about the traditional teaching... thanks

October 21, 2011 10:43 PM

iresha said...

It's really valuble, I saw this while i was searching net to gather information for my research in Dip TESL.So thanks a lot for doing such work for all of us.

November 24, 2011 7:59 PM

My work for taylors(LAW AWARENESS WEEK)

Sunday December 15, 2011

Learning about legal rights

By KATHERINA MARIE
educate@thestar.com.my

IN a bid to raise awareness on people’s rights under the law, Taylor’s Law School organised the Law Awareness Week in collaboration with the Malaysian Bar last month.

The event, themed “Taking Rights Serious-ly”, was aimed at helping people with no legal background to know their rights and understand the laws that affect them.

The event was also aimed at encouraging the public to come forward and air their concerns on legal matters that they were facing, especially those living in the surrounding communities who did not have the funds to engage lawyers.

The event kicked off with a public forum featuring Malaysian Bar vice-president Christopher Leong, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) senior professor of law and legal adviser Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi and Association of Women Lawyers secretary Goh Siu Lin.

Leong officiated at the ceremony.

Distinguished speakers: (From left): Taylor’s University law lecturer Justina Chen, Leong, Goh and Dr Shad Saleem.

Dr Shad Saleem spoke on “The Right to Counsel in Malaysia” while Leong spoke on “The Right to a Fair Trial”. Goh’s speech on “Women’s Rights” received wide applause from the students.

Also present were Taylor’s University (Taylor’s) vice-chancellor and president Prof Datuk Dr Hassan Said, Taylor’s Law School dean Harmahinder Singh as well as lecturers and students of the school.

“The students are able to put into practice what they have learnt in the classroom and at the same time learn about responsibility through community service and outreach,” said Prof Hassan.

The event also raised awareness on the institution’s Legal Aid Centre, which provides pro-bono legal advice to the public.

Besides providing free legal advice to clients, it also contributes to students’ clinical legal education.

The Legal Aid Centre, which has been operating since March, is open to the public every Wednesday and Friday, and students take turns to be on duty with a lecturer to guide them on the cases that come in.

The centre has handled over 20 cases so far, mostly related to tenancy and landlord agreements, family law, employment matters and many more.

Law student Lena Chua said, “Even though I have not had a chance to handle a case, I am confident that this is where I belong. This is what I want to do. Studying law helps me to know my rights and also helps me to educate the public on their rights”.

Student Jack Lee said the experience gained was invaluable. “Having to deal with cases at the centre will help us improve our communication skills and handle clients in the future,” he said.

An international student from Sudan, Habiba Mukhtar Abubaker said the event enabled her to meet people from the legal fraternity.

“I got to hear their thoughts on issues concerning human rights which has provided me an insight to the issues involving indigenous people,” she said.

http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2012/1/15/education/10060550&sec=education

My writing

Sunday December 11, 2011

Reaching for their dreams

By KATHERINA MARIE
educate@thestar.com.my

FROM the time she was a young child, Nor Atiqah Hamid would sit with her mother, poring over interior design magazines as she looked for ideas to spruce up their house.

Her mother Datin Rohaya Wahab is interested in the latest trends and designs for interior decoration and she was glad when her daughter decided to pursue a Diploma in Interior Design.

Nor Atiqah, 20, was one of 133 Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) graduates who received their scrolls at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur recently.

“My mother helped cultivate my interest in interior design and she was very supportive throughout my course,” she said.

Proud graduates: The best student award recipients holding up their certificates at the ceremony.

Alice Sia Lee Peng, who graduated with a diploma in music, attributed Josh Groban’s hit You Raise Me Up as her “lifesaver” that helped her through the tough times while studying.

“Each time I felt down and missed home, the song would encourage me to strive even harder because of my family back in Sibu,” she said.

Fellow graduate Yee Jun Liang, who has started work at an advertising and multimedia company, said the knowledge gained at MIA has prepared him well for the workplace.

Meanwhile, Jessica Edward, who graduated in graphic design, said she has started her own clothing line and is conducting business through social networking sites.

“I plan to open my own business and have my own brand one day,” she said.

Other award recipients who were recognised for their outstanding achievements were Chai Wan Ni, Pan Kien Siong, Michelle Cheong, Lee Yi Tian, Seah Ei Wen and Ong Boon Koon.

Chan Yun Kang who received the best student award for graduating with a CGPA of 3.83 furthered his studies in Birmingham City University in the United Kingdom.

“We are fortunate to witness the graduation of these students who have worked hard for their success today,” said National Visual Arts Gallery director-general Datuk Mohd Yusof Ahmad, who presented the awards to the graduates.

“Graduation fills students with a sense of great pride. Graduates must be well prepared for the challenges,” he added.

The institution’s board of directors chairman Dr Yoon Pooi Kong, general affairs director Khoo Ee Ping and respective head of departments, also attended the event.

“MIA is a niche institution for the arts and creative fields,” said Dr Yoon.

“MIA was also audited under the Malaysia Quality Evaluation System (MyQuest) and was one of 20 institutions which attained five stars out of the 210 audited,” he added.

http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2011/12/11/education/9910331&sec=education

Covering an event and writing it for my cousin

Sunday December 18, 2011

Heritage through art

By KATHERINA MARIE
educate@thestar.com.my

TANJONG Plc celebrated the nation’s rich cultural history through its annual Tanjong Heritage Art Competition for the 11th year running recently.

Students from higher learning institutions in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang participated in exploring and interpreting the diverse legacy of Malaysia through their artwork.

The company’s chairman Datuk Robert Cheim said, “It’s a pleasure that after a decade, the competition is growing strong showing our commitment to the preservation of our nation’s treasured past which showcase our heritage.”

“Our heritage is an irreplaceable source of inspiration and it is vital to pass this appreciation on to future generations,” he added.

Ahmad Hisyamuddin showing off his winning artwork.

The competition was divided into five categories — namely oil and acrylic; charcoal, pencil and ink; water colour; print-making and mixed media.

It attracted a total of 1,168 entries from 17 institutions.

Only 20 pieces of artwork were shortlisted to win prizes. The first, second and third prize winners received cash prizes of RM 3,000, RM 2,000 and RM 1,000 respectively.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam student Ahmad Hisyammuddin Abdullah stole the show, winning first prize in both the oil and acrylic and mixed media categories.

He also received the consolation prize in the charcoal category.

Ahmad Hisyammuddin took home a total of RM 6,300 for his art, which told a story of his childhood in his hometown of Marang, Terengganu. His paintings depicted a tale of his parents selling traditional cakes to support the family as well as his own hardship of being the youngest of 10 siblings..

The budding artist said, “I cherish my heritage and I wanted to portray the importance of this treasure that I grew up with.”

“I really miss it, and that is why my drawing is about my dad, who is also a handicraft man. He is my biggest inspiration and also the reason of my success today,” he added.

Equator Academy of Art, Penang student Gayahthri Asokan who won first place in the print-making category said, “Art is something that makes me feel beyond everything. It shows us what we can’t see and what we wish to see from a different perspective.”

“I draw to show something out of the ordinary,” she added.

Meanwhile, Alfa College student Lee Kar Yun took home the first prize in the water colour category. The other proud winners were Diu Su Thao, Sik Ming Hong, Syafiqah Rosli, Suhaila Suhaimi, Mohd Khiruddin, Chong Soon Leong, Soon Mei Ling, Tan Yan Yao, Khor Ah Chin, Teoh Yi Ming, Wan Hanisah Wan Mat, Allyson Koay, Tan Kar Men, Loh Jia Yee, Jonathan Abel, Saw Siao Hoon, Tan Fwu Long and Soon Mei Ling.

http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2011/12/18/education/10043521&sec=education

my first article

Sunday December 11, 2011

Commercial collagen

By KATHERINA MARIE
educate@thestar.com.my

STEAMED with chili and garlic, the tilapia fish makes for a delicious meal, but a Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) researcher has discovered that the spiny-finned freshwater fish is a rich source of collagen.

The discovery offers consumers a halal alternative for the important protein, which is traditionally obtained from pigs and cows.

The collagen was discovered by UPM Faculty of Food and Science Technology lecturer and researcher Prof Dr Jamilah Bakar.

She then introduced it to biotech company Bionic Lifesciences, which included the ingredient in its bird’s nest product.

The improved final product was displayed at the Biomalaysia 2011 Conference and Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur recently. Bionic Lifesciences director Prof Mohd Saleh Yahya and UPM deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Mohd Saleh Jaafar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to seal the collaboration between the company and varsity to commercialise the product.

Prof Mohd Saleh said UPM’s objective for the collaboration is to enhance research and development for the biotechnological processes.

“This collaboration will help to provide technical assistance and knowledge and will be beneficial for UPM students to further their research on collagen,” he said.

Prof Jamilah shared that she had spent 12 years on the research.

“I actually started my research with gelatine which is used in almost all the food products and from there, I discovered that gelatine is obtained from collagen by hydrolysis,” she said.

“Collagen is used widely in the food industry as a food supplement in capsule, beverage and tablet forms.

Students and visitors looking at the raw collagen sample and the range of products it could be used for at the signing ceremony.

“Society is starting to realise the importance of collagen in maintaining skin health, improving immunity, activating muscles and treating joint pain,” she said.

She added that prior to this, collagen had to be imported from China and Korea as there was no local source.

“We are the first in the region to produce halal aquatic collagen.

“The cosmetics industry can use it for its anti-ageing properties and include it into facemasks, hair products, nail products, creams and even directly into beverages because it is halal,” she added.

http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?sec=ed&file=/2011/12/11/education/9966464

The feelings of falling and failing

I realise one thing today,that this 3 words with different meaning can ctually relate to each other in a wierd way. Anybody almost everybody have this feelings in them, which sometimes that feelings is really hard to figure out.
These words strike my head when i was sending a fowarded msg and got a reply that made me wonder. Falling can be a fall in life that causes failing...falling can also be falling, or having feelings for some1...the reason this word sounds almost similiar because there is something we dont see or dont wish too, that can direct us to something.
The feeling of not sure will only happen wen you allow yourself to fail and take that fall as a lesson. By putting that feeling of failing and not allowing yourself to fall again. I actually realise that feeling is the best feeling that one can have which can be complicated. The failing feeling is a falling feeling that will give you a goog feeling.

Goal Quotes

A goal without a plan is just a wish. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

In the absence of clearly-defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved by it.

- Robert Heinlein

We are what and where we are because we have first imagined it.

– Donald Curtis

You must have long term goals to keep you from being frustrated by short term failures.

- Charles C. Noble

In life, as in football, you won't go far unless you know where the goalposts are.

- Arnold H. Glasgow

Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land amongst the stars.

- Les Brown

If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.

- Lawrence J. Peter

If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up.

- J.M. Power

How am I going to live today in order to create the tomorrow I'm committed to

- Anthony Robbins

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

- C.S Lewis

Making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.

– from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped

– Anthony Robbins

Nothing happens unless first a dream

– Carl Sandburg

I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.

- Jimmy Dean

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

- Winston Churchill