Sunday, May 31, 2009
Do statistics mean anything?
There is a question about statistics in the 2008 Paper 1 and I didn't have much content about it until I read this article.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Listverse
Students always ask, "Where can I find concrete examples?" They are everywhere in your life, the things you read, discuss and experience but the key is not how much you know but how you apply them hence the significance and meaning of the concrete examples must be related to the question, showing explicitly the link.
One of the problems with the examples cited in the essays are insignificant or anecdotal so the task is to cite relevant and important examples. I came across a website that creates Top 10 lists of almost everything. Fed me, the info-addict, a lot of trivia. >_<"
Oh, with regards to the question, "How important are dreams?" Here is a list of Top 10 Amazing Facts about Dreams (literally)
One of the problems with the examples cited in the essays are insignificant or anecdotal so the task is to cite relevant and important examples. I came across a website that creates Top 10 lists of almost everything. Fed me, the info-addict, a lot of trivia. >_<"
Oh, with regards to the question, "How important are dreams?" Here is a list of Top 10 Amazing Facts about Dreams (literally)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Pro-life delusion
Was thinking about the 2008 Paper 1 question "Are we putting too much faith in statistics?" and came across this article about the rise of pro-lifers in USA, 'proven' by a poll.
All statistics have a caveat that they are not 100% accurate so one cannot fault the numbers when the 0.00001% of chance results did not turn out as predicted.
Are we over-trusting the charts? If yes, why so much trust? What can happen if we trust statistics too much?
All statistics have a caveat that they are not 100% accurate so one cannot fault the numbers when the 0.00001% of chance results did not turn out as predicted.
Are we over-trusting the charts? If yes, why so much trust? What can happen if we trust statistics too much?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Melted honey in a tube!
Ate charcoal-baked Taiwanese sweet potato which is heavenly! A golden melted honey delight :) Saw this fad diet purporting sweet potatoes as a carbo replacement, to eat as lunch 3 times a week to improve digestion. If i can get my hands on these Taiwanese tubers from the local wet markets, i don't mind eating them everyday. Even better than the Japanese purple sweet potatoes. Try these golden delights at Thomson Plaza, opposite kopitiam food court. $1.25 per 100g. A small one costs about $2
Monday, May 18, 2009
Afterthoughts on Proof
Watched a play, Proof, last Friday. Thanks to Arf for buying the tickets. The play is about mathematics and madness which personally, are two traits I possess. Although I teach language, I enjoy Mathematics immensely- the elegant display of proving theories and finding solutions. There are different means to the end but eventually, the problem will be solved and a sense of gratification engulfs me. YES!!! This play shows that even with proof, sometimes the end result is nothing. Futile efforts. And madness. I identified with the protagonist, Catherine but Wendy said I resemble Claire, the common sensical sister more. Yeah, maybe the organic shampoo part and the self-absorbed ramblings. The search for clarity and identity which Catherine seeks resonates with my goals. Maybe I should attempt Paper 5, just for self accomplishment. Heh
Moblogging
trying to moblog; mobile blogging. Smart phones are essential in my life. I am such a info-addict, need to seek knowledge and updates constantly that i dislike this umbilical cord-like connectedness to the Internet. However, if i continue to resent technology, i will fall behind and most likely be swept away by the tidal wave of globalisation. Oh, this phone doesn't allow me to edit the previous sentence unless i delete the current one so i am forced to express accurately. Even writing on paper has correction tape! Wonder if i will Twitter soon?
Responsibility
2 weeks to the end of Term 2 and the start of June holidays~~~~~
I can' believe how fast time flies this year. I guess teaching Year 3 makes a huge difference. Marking and consultation just take up so much time that I have not much time to finish reading my library books. Sorry, Lee Hwa! (school librarian)
Tried not to fall sick as much as possible in this flu season. However, my entire family caught the flu bug so I wasn't spared too. By Wednesday, I was barely surviving so I set MC work for Thursday so that students would be able to complete the syllabus.
Unfortunately, many students do not have the discipline to finish the work set. Sometimes I wonder why I am trying so hard when my efforts are unappreciated or even trampled. My performance bonus is dependent on the pass rate but what matters more is the students who are taking the examinations at the end of the year, not me. When students take MC frivolously, miss tests or important lessons, I felt a twinge of disappointment. Not only because their grades will suffer, this lack of responsibility will harm them in all aspects of life - work, family, friends, themselves.
Seeing how irresponsibility lead to regret, hurt or worst, death, sometimes I want to tell such people to wake up and face reality. But I can't because I neither have the strength nor they want to bear the 'burden' of responsibility. Follow AW's mantra, "I choose to do it", not "I have to do it". Seeing the task as a choice, not a duty, frees my mind and my spirit is willing and my body can complete it.
I aim to be responsible, not escape. May I have strength to create new possibilities and fulfil my responsibilities.
I can' believe how fast time flies this year. I guess teaching Year 3 makes a huge difference. Marking and consultation just take up so much time that I have not much time to finish reading my library books. Sorry, Lee Hwa! (school librarian)
Tried not to fall sick as much as possible in this flu season. However, my entire family caught the flu bug so I wasn't spared too. By Wednesday, I was barely surviving so I set MC work for Thursday so that students would be able to complete the syllabus.
Unfortunately, many students do not have the discipline to finish the work set. Sometimes I wonder why I am trying so hard when my efforts are unappreciated or even trampled. My performance bonus is dependent on the pass rate but what matters more is the students who are taking the examinations at the end of the year, not me. When students take MC frivolously, miss tests or important lessons, I felt a twinge of disappointment. Not only because their grades will suffer, this lack of responsibility will harm them in all aspects of life - work, family, friends, themselves.
Seeing how irresponsibility lead to regret, hurt or worst, death, sometimes I want to tell such people to wake up and face reality. But I can't because I neither have the strength nor they want to bear the 'burden' of responsibility. Follow AW's mantra, "I choose to do it", not "I have to do it". Seeing the task as a choice, not a duty, frees my mind and my spirit is willing and my body can complete it.
I aim to be responsible, not escape. May I have strength to create new possibilities and fulfil my responsibilities.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Don't be a blogger here
Are bloggers renegades? Read FP's post about the identity of bloggers and the NGO, Committee to Protect Journalists' list of 10 Worst Countries to be a BloggerCheck out the latest attacks on the press in various countries.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Five Diseases worse than Swine Flu
Swine flu has infected 1,500 people worldwide and killed around 30, almost all in Mexico. But it is far from the world's most serious disease outbreak. Here are five you probably won't see on the evening news.
1.Cholera
2.Spinal meningitis
3. AIDS
4. Ebola
5. Dengue Fever
To what extent are these diseases affecting your society? Is governmental aid the best way to prevent these diseases?
1.Cholera
2.Spinal meningitis
3. AIDS
4. Ebola
5. Dengue Fever
To what extent are these diseases affecting your society? Is governmental aid the best way to prevent these diseases?
Alternative lifestyle and hate tags
In light of the AWARE saga, all sexuality education workshops conducted by external vendors are suspended.
As GP tutors, we discuss controversial issues such as alternative lifestyle which everyone has their own convictions so our job is to present various POVs while trying to avoid questions about my personal view.
The rise of the 'pink dollar' and the much-debated repeal of Section 377A serve as case studies but not valid arguments. Bearing in mind that teachers do not promote such lifestyles and need to guide students accordingly, I fear that some students may misinterpret my words which explain the numerous hate tags I get.
MOE Press Release mentions:
'GP lessons are meant to promote critical thinking and discussion on contemporary issues. They (teachers) should adhere to social norms and values of our mainstream society."
As a teacher, I will not promote anything that might be deemed as negative or socially unacceptable. Hence, hopefully students will refrain from making biased judgments about me.
With regards to the discussion of human rights, I would like to emphasise the main idea - the degree of freedom is dependable on the society one lives in and one's beliefs. Taking risk is one's freedom but one needs to be accountable too. When you post hate tags, think about why you do that and what it reflects of you.
As GP tutors, we discuss controversial issues such as alternative lifestyle which everyone has their own convictions so our job is to present various POVs while trying to avoid questions about my personal view.
The rise of the 'pink dollar' and the much-debated repeal of Section 377A serve as case studies but not valid arguments. Bearing in mind that teachers do not promote such lifestyles and need to guide students accordingly, I fear that some students may misinterpret my words which explain the numerous hate tags I get.
MOE Press Release mentions:
'GP lessons are meant to promote critical thinking and discussion on contemporary issues. They (teachers) should adhere to social norms and values of our mainstream society."
As a teacher, I will not promote anything that might be deemed as negative or socially unacceptable. Hence, hopefully students will refrain from making biased judgments about me.
With regards to the discussion of human rights, I would like to emphasise the main idea - the degree of freedom is dependable on the society one lives in and one's beliefs. Taking risk is one's freedom but one needs to be accountable too. When you post hate tags, think about why you do that and what it reflects of you.
Exam Tips
Besides the usual practice, be careful, spot questions, do mind maps, I shared with a class some personal exam tips and most found them amusing - to the extent of being ludicrous. Do share with me your exam tips.
Tip 1. Use the same model of pen from Day 1. Buy in bulk.
Reason: To be familiar with the pen, feel how it rolls as you write. As my friend recollected, 2 of her pens ran out of ink by her 3rd last paper during O-levels.
Tip 2: Only use waterproof ink pens, eg. ball-point pens. Never use gel-based pens.
Reason: If water is accidentally spilled on the script, the ink will smudge. Markers, who are also humans, drink water so the probability of water spillage is extremely high.
Tip 3: Learn how to tie your script with a string.
Reason: If you tie too tightly, the paper will rip when you flip them so tie loosely and the knot is tight. If you try to tie a butterfly knot, the string provided is too short. So learn how to tie the string.
Tip 4: Write your FULL name and attempted Qns no. on every page of your script.
Reason: The string may break. To rearrange the answers in order. The marker don't know your nickname.
Tip 5: Stay awake and focused.
Reason: Every minute you doze off/ day dream/ look at your crush, is one minute wasted to think about or answer the question. A close friend even refused to go to the toilet during Chemistry examinations because he was afraid of not completing the paper. In the end, he sh*t in his pants and was ridiculed for the entire year (life). Seem embarrassing but this is a sacrifice that determined students make to get an 'A'. Crazy huh?
Tip 6: Exercise your hand
Reason: Especially for essay papers, one may need to write more than 10 pages in 90 minutes so your hand will get tired. Unless you are ambidextrous like my husband who can write with either hand, do some warm-up exercises before the paper. He learnt to write with both hands because his History paper was extremely tough. Again, crazy but logical strategies that the elites adopt to achieve their goals!
Tip 7: Visualise how you will react and feel when you are doing and completed the paper
Reason: Self-fulfilling prophecy. If you feel like a failure or imagine that the paper is going to kill you, you are more likely not to do well. When I study, I like to imagine whatever I am studying is going to come out in the examinations and I can score full marks. When the examiner reads my script, he will go, "Hmm... this person deserves an A!" hahaha... sounds so silly but I don't know why, the topics that I studied (spotted) usually are tested in the examinations. Maybe this makes me arrogant - not much major failures in my life or they may be failures but I don't see them in similar ways (denial?)
Tip 8: Always check your answers. (contributed by Vivian, my Uni mate)
Reason: Check for errors to minimise careless mistakes and reduce unnecessary loss of marks. My Math prodigy friends used to do their Math paper TWICE before the stipulated time is up. To quote these geniuses, "No room for error. Check, check, checkmate!"
Tip 9: Bring a jacket (contributed by Vivian, my Uni mate)
Reason: Especially when the examination hall is air-conditioned, it may get too cold which affects your concentration. If you need absolute silence to concentrate, bring ear plugs too.
Tip 10: Good time management and practise under timed conditions
Reason: Do not listen to music when you study. Music relaxes you but you may not perform well when no music is played. To get used to examination conditions (where there is no music, sitting alone), one should always practise examination papers in similar conditions (eg. limited time).
Ok, need to set Mid-year examination questions now!
Tip 1. Use the same model of pen from Day 1. Buy in bulk.
Reason: To be familiar with the pen, feel how it rolls as you write. As my friend recollected, 2 of her pens ran out of ink by her 3rd last paper during O-levels.
Tip 2: Only use waterproof ink pens, eg. ball-point pens. Never use gel-based pens.
Reason: If water is accidentally spilled on the script, the ink will smudge. Markers, who are also humans, drink water so the probability of water spillage is extremely high.
Tip 3: Learn how to tie your script with a string.
Reason: If you tie too tightly, the paper will rip when you flip them so tie loosely and the knot is tight. If you try to tie a butterfly knot, the string provided is too short. So learn how to tie the string.
Tip 4: Write your FULL name and attempted Qns no. on every page of your script.
Reason: The string may break. To rearrange the answers in order. The marker don't know your nickname.
Tip 5: Stay awake and focused.
Reason: Every minute you doze off/ day dream/ look at your crush, is one minute wasted to think about or answer the question. A close friend even refused to go to the toilet during Chemistry examinations because he was afraid of not completing the paper. In the end, he sh*t in his pants and was ridiculed for the entire year (life). Seem embarrassing but this is a sacrifice that determined students make to get an 'A'. Crazy huh?
Tip 6: Exercise your hand
Reason: Especially for essay papers, one may need to write more than 10 pages in 90 minutes so your hand will get tired. Unless you are ambidextrous like my husband who can write with either hand, do some warm-up exercises before the paper. He learnt to write with both hands because his History paper was extremely tough. Again, crazy but logical strategies that the elites adopt to achieve their goals!
Tip 7: Visualise how you will react and feel when you are doing and completed the paper
Reason: Self-fulfilling prophecy. If you feel like a failure or imagine that the paper is going to kill you, you are more likely not to do well. When I study, I like to imagine whatever I am studying is going to come out in the examinations and I can score full marks. When the examiner reads my script, he will go, "Hmm... this person deserves an A!" hahaha... sounds so silly but I don't know why, the topics that I studied (spotted) usually are tested in the examinations. Maybe this makes me arrogant - not much major failures in my life or they may be failures but I don't see them in similar ways (denial?)
Tip 8: Always check your answers. (contributed by Vivian, my Uni mate)
Reason: Check for errors to minimise careless mistakes and reduce unnecessary loss of marks. My Math prodigy friends used to do their Math paper TWICE before the stipulated time is up. To quote these geniuses, "No room for error. Check, check, checkmate!"
Tip 9: Bring a jacket (contributed by Vivian, my Uni mate)
Reason: Especially when the examination hall is air-conditioned, it may get too cold which affects your concentration. If you need absolute silence to concentrate, bring ear plugs too.
Tip 10: Good time management and practise under timed conditions
Reason: Do not listen to music when you study. Music relaxes you but you may not perform well when no music is played. To get used to examination conditions (where there is no music, sitting alone), one should always practise examination papers in similar conditions (eg. limited time).
Ok, need to set Mid-year examination questions now!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Vocabulary lists
Have you been doing the vocabulary lists? Please check the answers on the noticeboard and use these words in your essay and AQ writing.
Up-to-date, I have given
1. Types of people - useful for different point-of-views
2. Virtues and Vices - philosophical or character arguments
3. Media - for media-related arguments
4. War and Peace - for war and terror, governance style arguments
5. Debate and Disposition - very useful for essay and AQ writing
6. English Language - language awareness, especially punctuation and grammar
Upcoming lists
Logic - identifying flawed arguments, useful for AQ writing
Remember you are taking the examination so please be responsible for your own learning. What I can do is to help you prepare for it.
Hang in there~
Up-to-date, I have given
1. Types of people - useful for different point-of-views
2. Virtues and Vices - philosophical or character arguments
3. Media - for media-related arguments
4. War and Peace - for war and terror, governance style arguments
5. Debate and Disposition - very useful for essay and AQ writing
6. English Language - language awareness, especially punctuation and grammar
Upcoming lists
Logic - identifying flawed arguments, useful for AQ writing
Remember you are taking the examination so please be responsible for your own learning. What I can do is to help you prepare for it.
Hang in there~
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