When Dr Edwin introduced us with the devil’s dictionary, I was so surprised. I never expected there is such thing in this world that we called devil’s dictionary..
Usually the interpretation of the words will be look or analyze from different perspective and differ from others perceives the word but still make sense. Again, it is a creative piece of writing. When I read some of the words that had been interpret by some of the authors, what I concluded from their written is there are very significant to mankind.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Implementation of using Limerick in ESL classroom..
When I went home and read again on the activity on Limerick that we had done, made me think why not I applied the lesson in my class perhaps during my teaching practices.
Other than having fun I think when we use Limerick in the class, we can use it to teach vocabulary as well as grammar instead of having drills and drills for students to memorize certain words. Of course this will more interesting for students and will reduce students anxiety on learning vocabulary. Indirectly, it will help students to memorize better and use in their daily life.
On the other hand, I think we can use it to develop students’ creativity in class. This is because in order to complete the Limerick, students have to generate ideas. I believe that students nowadays are more creative. Thus, we can observe how far creative of our students by reading their own writing on limerick. Therefore, we can use their creativity in literature’s activities such as dramatise.
Other than having fun I think when we use Limerick in the class, we can use it to teach vocabulary as well as grammar instead of having drills and drills for students to memorize certain words. Of course this will more interesting for students and will reduce students anxiety on learning vocabulary. Indirectly, it will help students to memorize better and use in their daily life.
On the other hand, I think we can use it to develop students’ creativity in class. This is because in order to complete the Limerick, students have to generate ideas. I believe that students nowadays are more creative. Thus, we can observe how far creative of our students by reading their own writing on limerick. Therefore, we can use their creativity in literature’s activities such as dramatise.
Limerick vs “Pantun”
think one of the most fun activities during our class with Dr. Edwin is when we learn about limerick. What is limerick? Limerick is a five-line poem written with one couplet and one triplet. If a couplet is a two-line poem rhymed poem, then a triplet would be a three-line rhymed poem. The rhyme pattern is a a b b a with lines 1, 2 and 5 containing 3 beats and rhyming, and lines 3 and 4 having two beats and rhyming. They often contain hyperbole, onomatopoeia, idioms, puns and other figurative devices. Some people say that the limerick was invented by soldiers returning from France to the Irish town of Limerick in the 1700’s.
For some extent, I feel that the rules in writing the limerick are just same as Malay’s heritage which is “Pantun”. In “Pantun”, it also has certain pattern to be followed. If is a “Pantun 4 Kerat” the patern is a b a b. Moreover, limerick is like a stem poem.
On that day, Dr Edwin asked us to create a limerick and presented it as a group. There are two types of limerick which is template A and Template B. These are the templates that we had to complete them. My group had decided to present our limerick using the template A.
Template A
There once was a _________________ from _______________.
All the while s/he hoped _______________________________.
So s/he _____________________________________________.
And _______________________________________________.
That _________________________from _________________.
Template B
I once met a ___________ from ______________________.
Every day s/he ____________________________________.
But whenever s/he _________________________________.
The _____________________________________________.
That strange ____________________from______________.
Below is my group’s discussion on limerick.
There once was a lecturer from Serdang.
All the while she hoped she was in Pulau Redang.
So she went there.
And had an affair.
That stern lecturer from Serdang.
I enjoyed the activity because of course we are doing something different on that day not as usual where we are restricted to analyze and reading a text. Some more I am happy when reading some of the limericks that my course mates presented because some of them were funny. Overall, I hoped that in the future there will be more such an activity like this because instead of having fun in the class indirectly it will develop students’ creativity. Hehe…
For some extent, I feel that the rules in writing the limerick are just same as Malay’s heritage which is “Pantun”. In “Pantun”, it also has certain pattern to be followed. If is a “Pantun 4 Kerat” the patern is a b a b. Moreover, limerick is like a stem poem.
On that day, Dr Edwin asked us to create a limerick and presented it as a group. There are two types of limerick which is template A and Template B. These are the templates that we had to complete them. My group had decided to present our limerick using the template A.
Template A
There once was a _________________ from _______________.
All the while s/he hoped _______________________________.
So s/he _____________________________________________.
And _______________________________________________.
That _________________________from _________________.
Template B
I once met a ___________ from ______________________.
Every day s/he ____________________________________.
But whenever s/he _________________________________.
The _____________________________________________.
That strange ____________________from______________.
Below is my group’s discussion on limerick.
There once was a lecturer from Serdang.
All the while she hoped she was in Pulau Redang.
So she went there.
And had an affair.
That stern lecturer from Serdang.
I enjoyed the activity because of course we are doing something different on that day not as usual where we are restricted to analyze and reading a text. Some more I am happy when reading some of the limericks that my course mates presented because some of them were funny. Overall, I hoped that in the future there will be more such an activity like this because instead of having fun in the class indirectly it will develop students’ creativity. Hehe…
An Inspiring Speech
Last week, on 9th October 2008, during the class, we had discussed on speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. The speech is entitled “I Have a Dream”. It was delivered on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C on August 28, 1963. The speech was actually about to banish discrimination among Negro.
If we noticed from his speech, he used a lot of binary words. This gave the speech so meaningful. In order if we want to look closely his speech, we have to enable his choices of words. I admit that his speech was so unique because the element of binary words that he used in his speech. However, in the beginning of the lesson, when Dr. Edwin told us the way he delivered the speech during that time was so inspiring people. I wondering what made he said so..His words when describing regarding the way Martin Luther delivered his speech made me excited want to watch the video on his speech.
Luckily, even though at first we had problem to download the video but then one of my course mate, Irawaty had able to download it. Wow, that is the first word came out from my mouth when I watched the video. I agreed with Dr. Edwin the speech was so inspiring. I amazed with crowd. Every place and road was full with people. This proves that Martin Luther King can inspire people with his words. Sadly, I knew from the internet that he died because assassinated.
If we noticed from his speech, he used a lot of binary words. This gave the speech so meaningful. In order if we want to look closely his speech, we have to enable his choices of words. I admit that his speech was so unique because the element of binary words that he used in his speech. However, in the beginning of the lesson, when Dr. Edwin told us the way he delivered the speech during that time was so inspiring people. I wondering what made he said so..His words when describing regarding the way Martin Luther delivered his speech made me excited want to watch the video on his speech.
Luckily, even though at first we had problem to download the video but then one of my course mate, Irawaty had able to download it. Wow, that is the first word came out from my mouth when I watched the video. I agreed with Dr. Edwin the speech was so inspiring. I amazed with crowd. Every place and road was full with people. This proves that Martin Luther King can inspire people with his words. Sadly, I knew from the internet that he died because assassinated.
Why research paper??
Early in the beginning of the semester, when Dr. Edwin assigned us to a research paper, I felt so surprised. I felt that the assignment was so tough..
However, when I think about it again especially during I’m doing my paper, I realized he has he own purpose. One reason that I can think is probably he want expose us and gave us opportunity to practice on that so that if some of us want to further studies in Master or PHD, they do not have so much problem when they are require to a research or perhaps a thesis because Dr. Edwin has taught us on how to do it. At that time, I’m sure we will gratefully thank to him..hehe.
However, when I think about it again especially during I’m doing my paper, I realized he has he own purpose. One reason that I can think is probably he want expose us and gave us opportunity to practice on that so that if some of us want to further studies in Master or PHD, they do not have so much problem when they are require to a research or perhaps a thesis because Dr. Edwin has taught us on how to do it. At that time, I’m sure we will gratefully thank to him..hehe.
I’m stuck…
On 8th October 2008, was the second time I met my supervisor…this time around I met her because I want to discuss about my topic. I planned I want to change my topic. The reason I want to change my topic because during the holiday, I tried to start doing my paper but in the middle I’m stuck…I felt that if I analyze based on the conflict that each of the main character of the stories faced it will more easy for me to generate ideas. Besides, I can get more points to elaborate because I can discuss the internal and the external conflict of each character..
I’m so lucky because Pn Ju gave approved my new topic. Furthermore, she gave me some ideas on how I can explain further my research..
I just have a few days before I have to submit my first draft of my research paper to her..Again, time is precious but I do not feel stressed because actually I had started half way of my paper based on my new topic. So, I have just to continue on that..
I’m so lucky because Pn Ju gave approved my new topic. Furthermore, she gave me some ideas on how I can explain further my research..
I just have a few days before I have to submit my first draft of my research paper to her..Again, time is precious but I do not feel stressed because actually I had started half way of my paper based on my new topic. So, I have just to continue on that..
Time is precious…
I just submitted my 1st draft of research paper to my supervisor, Pn Juridah Rashid. I just had an opportunity to meet her in week 8th because she was too busy with her theatre’s class.
After taking so long time to think about the topic that I’m going to analyze, finally I came out with an idea. I’m going to analyze the issue of dilemma in three short stories namely Paul’s Case by Willa Cather, Boys and Girls by Alice Munro and Hills like White Elephant by Ernest Hemingway.
The reason I chose those short stories because I felt that I comfortable with the stories and I think I can have many points to elaborate based on the stories. I hope my supervisor will accept my outline so that I can find sources and start doing because I’m afraid I don’t have enough time to do it…
After taking so long time to think about the topic that I’m going to analyze, finally I came out with an idea. I’m going to analyze the issue of dilemma in three short stories namely Paul’s Case by Willa Cather, Boys and Girls by Alice Munro and Hills like White Elephant by Ernest Hemingway.
The reason I chose those short stories because I felt that I comfortable with the stories and I think I can have many points to elaborate based on the stories. I hope my supervisor will accept my outline so that I can find sources and start doing because I’m afraid I don’t have enough time to do it…
Monday, October 13, 2008
8 minutes presentation…
Finally on 27th August 2008, I had chance to present my position paper..I just volunteer myself to present because I do not want to wait anymore. I felt very relieved and happy after the presentation although I do not know how many marks I got formy presentation..
Of course I felt nervous during the presentation. Probably I felt nervous because I knew I will evaluate on that day and I worried if the way I presented on that day do not fulfill the criteria of the marks and more important I presented in front of the person that I not so close enough which is Mr Omid.
Overall, I presented quite okay on that day and I satisfied with my own presentation…Yeah..it’s over!!hehe.
Of course I felt nervous during the presentation. Probably I felt nervous because I knew I will evaluate on that day and I worried if the way I presented on that day do not fulfill the criteria of the marks and more important I presented in front of the person that I not so close enough which is Mr Omid.
Overall, I presented quite okay on that day and I satisfied with my own presentation…Yeah..it’s over!!hehe.
Me and Poetry…
On the 21st August ago, we don’t have clad with Dr. Edwin. However, he had invited a guest to give her speech on her experienced in Poetry. She is a poet and a half Canadian half Jamaican. But I cannot remember her name..huhu.
She really made me a little bit fallen loves in Poetry even though before this I admit compare to novel, short stories, drama and play that I learnt in literature I do not have passion in poetry at all. However, the way she managed the activities on that day had open my eyes to see poetry in different perspective.
The three questions (“What do we know?”, “What do we think we know?” and “What do we want to know?”) are helping us to think more in depth than just analyzing the surface of the poem. She is giving us a poem entitled “Lulu” by Charles Causley and at first we were required to read aloud the poem, read it silently and then read it aloud again.
Then, it comes to the challenging part of the activities but still interesting to me. We are asked to write the poem from the perspective of Lulu, Mother or the narrator by our own or perhaps later on we can combine the ides with our ten group members. After that we had to point a person from our group to present and recite the poem.
Seriously I would like to thank Dr Edwin because brings such an inspiring person like her to give a speech. She had made me think again my perception towards poetry…
She really made me a little bit fallen loves in Poetry even though before this I admit compare to novel, short stories, drama and play that I learnt in literature I do not have passion in poetry at all. However, the way she managed the activities on that day had open my eyes to see poetry in different perspective.
The three questions (“What do we know?”, “What do we think we know?” and “What do we want to know?”) are helping us to think more in depth than just analyzing the surface of the poem. She is giving us a poem entitled “Lulu” by Charles Causley and at first we were required to read aloud the poem, read it silently and then read it aloud again.
Then, it comes to the challenging part of the activities but still interesting to me. We are asked to write the poem from the perspective of Lulu, Mother or the narrator by our own or perhaps later on we can combine the ides with our ten group members. After that we had to point a person from our group to present and recite the poem.
Seriously I would like to thank Dr Edwin because brings such an inspiring person like her to give a speech. She had made me think again my perception towards poetry…
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Moral of The Story..
My position paper is based on short story entitle A Great Injustice by Heah Chwee Sian. Basically, the story is about Ah Nya, the main character had getting pregnant out of wedlock. In the end of the story, she did an abortion.
I believed that she did the abortion because of the cruel treatments and society’s pressure that she got from the society. As a result, based on the situation, I came out with a thesis statement. My thesis statement is the cruel treatments and all society’s pressures are the reason for Ah Nya’s abortion. The cruel treatments that she received are not in term of physically but rather on emotions and mental.
Actually, what I want to highlight here is after I examined the story based on my thesis statement, I learnt something from my stand. Our behavior usually is controlled and decided by us, but that is not the always the case. As we saw in Ah Nya’s action in this story, she actually made the abortion because she felt pressures the way people around her treat her. Her action was greatly influenced by the views of her society. She forced to abort the baby although she knew that it is wrong to do that. It is not always easy to refuse such thing; Ah Nya had to make the abortion. By analyzing the pro’s and contras she made the decision, basing it on knowledge and commonsense, actually is not a bad thing. Maybe, if the baby growing up in such society, the child will be shun from the society.
In this short story, made me think that our decision and choices are based on what we think as much as what others think. It is not always your choice and it is not always what you want to do. Some actions people do are subconsciously inputted by society. I believe that society pressures everybody all the time, this is unavoidable and even necessary still, I believe that society must only provide advices instead of provoking and causing actions.
Education…
In the previous lesson, (29th August 2008), after we finished read a text on Kafka, which is basically a diary about his education, Mr. Edwin had asked us what education mean for us. As for me, education is a process of civilization. This is because from the education, the knowledge that we gain we can use them to develop our won, society and next our own country.
Besides, education for me supposed to be will make someone become a better person in term of intellectual, spirit and emotion. However, I do agree with Mr. Edwin’s opinion that an education is a process of learning. If we said that an education enable ones to gain knowledge, actually it is not consider an education. An education is when ones using the knowledge that what they had learnt.
We can get education from formal or informal education. A formal education is a structure education for instance, the education that we get from school or university. Meanwhile for informal education is an unstructured education for example, the education that we learn from our parents an experience.
When he asked us to list three sources of our education, for the first one I put experiences as my main source of education followed by school and lastly family. I put experiences as my first source of education because for me sometimes when someone gives their advices we will take for granted till we come to the certain situation when we realize that the advices that they gave are true and useful actually. So, from that we will take as a lesson in the future. Therefore, form the situation it proves that sometimes our own experiences are the main sources of education in our life.
Monday, August 11, 2008
The fall of Icarus…
After I had read the tales entitle “Daedalus and Icarus”, I felt that Daedalus is a caring father. He shows his affection to his son very clearly through his actions and his words to his son. Some of his actions that prove his loves to his so when he himself test the wings first before he gave the wings to his son. He wanted to make sure that the wing is safe to be used by his son, Icarus. Besides, he makes sure that he will fly close to his son to keep his eyes on his son. In addition, he keeps warned Icarus not to fly near the sun. He cried when his son died. He named the land after Icarus to remind himself with his son and the memories with Icarus will everlasting.
Meanwhile, Icarus from my opinion is disobedient son. He never pays attention to his father’s advice. If he listened to his father’s advice, not to fly near the son, he will not fall. Therefore, I think he downfall is due to his foolishness and disobedient to his father.
I did not felt sympathy with Icarus’ character but I felt that way to Daedalus. He had did his role as a father very well but because of his son’s mistakes not himself, he suffered and solely sad of losing his son.
Meanwhile, Icarus from my opinion is disobedient son. He never pays attention to his father’s advice. If he listened to his father’s advice, not to fly near the son, he will not fall. Therefore, I think he downfall is due to his foolishness and disobedient to his father.
I did not felt sympathy with Icarus’ character but I felt that way to Daedalus. He had did his role as a father very well but because of his son’s mistakes not himself, he suffered and solely sad of losing his son.
Teaching Tales in ESL Class?
During the EDU 3234 class, we had learnt some tales from different cultures. The tales that we had learnt are The Mahabharata which is the religious text by Hindus and The Son of The Turtle-Spirit which is Chinese tales.
Personally, I really enjoy reading both texts. Both texts really captured my interest to read till the end even though The Mahabharata text is considered as a long text. From the texts, now I think for some reasons I think I had better known about other cultures, in this context, Chinese and Indian cultures.
The texts trigger me with the idea to apply as such tales in ESL classroom. Form my opinion; there are some advantages if we apply in ESL classroom especially during literature lesson. Teaching literature doesn’t mean we have to use poems, novels or short stories only. Tales, myths and legends can also be taught in the class as long the content are relevant, related and match to students’ needs, levels and follow the general syllabus in general curriculum.
What are the advantages? First and foremost, as we know one of the top reason why literature is implemented is to inculcate moral values in students. The Mahabharata text for example, according to the Cultural Model, will enable the students to understand and appreciate culture, values, and ideologies different from their own in time and space and perceived tradition of thought and feeling and artistic form within the heritage that of such cultures endows. Hence, students will respect others cultures and customs.
Next, tales such The Son of The Turtle-Spirit which relates to Chinese tales actually encourage the Personal Growth Model. By using the text, teacher had selecting text which students can respond because Chinese students have already the background knowledge of the text and they can share with their friends. Besides, the text enable the class participate imaginatively by promoting the kind of conditions for learning in the classroom which will make the reading of literature a memorable, individual and collective experience.
However, teachers have to bear in mind that some texts will longer compared both texts that I had mentioned before. Therefore, they have to modify and adapt the texts according their students’ level of proficiency and needs.
Personally, I really enjoy reading both texts. Both texts really captured my interest to read till the end even though The Mahabharata text is considered as a long text. From the texts, now I think for some reasons I think I had better known about other cultures, in this context, Chinese and Indian cultures.
The texts trigger me with the idea to apply as such tales in ESL classroom. Form my opinion; there are some advantages if we apply in ESL classroom especially during literature lesson. Teaching literature doesn’t mean we have to use poems, novels or short stories only. Tales, myths and legends can also be taught in the class as long the content are relevant, related and match to students’ needs, levels and follow the general syllabus in general curriculum.
What are the advantages? First and foremost, as we know one of the top reason why literature is implemented is to inculcate moral values in students. The Mahabharata text for example, according to the Cultural Model, will enable the students to understand and appreciate culture, values, and ideologies different from their own in time and space and perceived tradition of thought and feeling and artistic form within the heritage that of such cultures endows. Hence, students will respect others cultures and customs.
Next, tales such The Son of The Turtle-Spirit which relates to Chinese tales actually encourage the Personal Growth Model. By using the text, teacher had selecting text which students can respond because Chinese students have already the background knowledge of the text and they can share with their friends. Besides, the text enable the class participate imaginatively by promoting the kind of conditions for learning in the classroom which will make the reading of literature a memorable, individual and collective experience.
However, teachers have to bear in mind that some texts will longer compared both texts that I had mentioned before. Therefore, they have to modify and adapt the texts according their students’ level of proficiency and needs.
Monday, July 28, 2008
First Draft of Position Paper
As we had been told before, this time around for our tutorial this week we have to hand –in our first draft for position paper. During my way to the session, I kept wondering what Mr. Omid will ask us to do today. The questions that come to my mind are “are we going to learn another story” or “are we going to read another story and keep practice doing a thesis statement and supporting points? . Whatever it is, I hope it will not so bored as last tutorial.
Well, as for this week the activity that we had done was not so bad. Mr. Omid had asked each person in my class to write down the thesis statement that we had think and wrote down on the whiteboard. Besides, we had to explain to the class the points that can support our stands. He then will give the comments regarding on our thesis statements and supporting points. If he thought that our theses quite vague, he somehow or rather will gave his ideas on that or asked us to think another possible ideas.
Unfortunately, the class was finished before my turn arrived. However, thank God Mr. Omid did not quickly went out from the class after the class so I had chance to met him for a short minute to ask regarding my thesis statement and idea.
Personally, for this week activity was really useful to me because it helps and guides me on improving my skill to write my position paper. On the other hand, this activity teaches me how to learn from others’ mistakes and not repeat the same mistakes that my friends did while I’m preparing my position paper later.
????
The second session of tutorial was so bored …Beginning the class we got a sample position paper. I think the reason he gave us the sample was as guidance and perhaps we got ideas how the position should be.
He gave a few minutes for us to read and look for all the supporting points in the sample and later on we discussed as whole class. Actually I’m quite disappointed with the activity. I’m pretty sure not only me felt that the activity was so bored and for some reason it was not so meaningful but also most of the class felt the same feeling with me. I think the activity can be more meaningful if he take some time for us to read the sample and discussed about it like he had did and spend some time to read a new story from the book and assign us to keep practicing on doing thesis statement and supporting points thus we can learn better not just spend the two and half hours on the sample paper only!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
A Friday Evening with Mr. Omid…
Last Friday (11th July 2008) was our first tutorial for the subject EDU 3234. As Dr. Edwin mentioned earlier, during tutorial Mr. Omid will be our tutor. As for today, we continue the tutorial by discussing on how to make a good thesis statement.
Mr. Omid had given us a handout that consists of three sheets. The handout provides a lot of examples on how to make the good thesis statements. The handout is really good because it provides the examples of bad thesis which in my opinion that is good because we can take as a lesson and at the same time the handout shows which are the good theses suppose to be from the bad thesis.
Actually, when he explained the first two pages of the handout, I’m still quite blurring about that. This is because, I noticed some of the examples of good theses are short and some are long. I keep wondering is it a good thesis statement must be long and what criteria actually to judge a good thesis?
My questions on that had been answered on the next pages. Now, I know whether the sentence of our thesis is long or short it does not necessary. The most important is a good thesis statement must answer of those questions “how” and “why”.
I think my understanding on how to do a thesis statement is became clearer when we do discussion group. In the group we are required to come out with a thesis statement of the story, Ovid Metamorphosis, “Pyramus and Thisbe”
At first, my group members had difficult to generate ideas to make a thesis based on the story. Most of our ideas, we think it is a theme but not considered as a thesis statement. So, we decided to combine all the themes to come out with a thesis which answered the question “how it happens” and “why it happens”.
Mr. Omid called some groups to write down their theses on the white board. I felt so happy because our thesis statement is the most accurate so far. However, we had to improve on some of the words that we used in the sentence.
We will continue discuss about that and learn on how to find the points to support our stand in the following session.
Position Paper?? Research Paper?? What’s that??
Thursday, 10th July 2008 – today is our first class with Dr. Edwin for this semester. As usual, first class we will be introduced and explained by the lecturer about the course that we are going to learn throughout this semester.
Oh My God! After he explained about all the assignments that we are going to submit during this course, I felt like want to faint! All the assignments are really tough!!. We have to do two projects papers! One is Position Paper and another is a Research Paper. The worst thing is we have to do individually!! Huhu..
As for today, Dr. Edwin explained briefly first about the Position Paper. For the position Paper, we have to develop a thesis statement and find various points to support our stand. Thesis Statement?? Huh.. It sounds so scary and definitely difficult! I keep wondering how to make a good thesis statement so that I can find many strong points as I could to make a good Position Paper. I’m so worried about that.
Next, he explained about the Research paper. Another disaster for me..huhu. This paper is more though than the first one. For this project, my class had been divided into 8 groups. Each group will has a supervisor. As for me, my supervisor is Pn. Juridah Rashid. Ermmm..nothing I can say about her. I hope I can meet her always to discuss my project paper.
However, I felt quite ease when Dr. Edwin kindly wants to give an A’s Position Paper from our senior. At least, I hope from my senior’s paper I can get general idea about that. One more thing, I hope with the help of the tutor that I’m going to meet during the tutorial class will improve my understanding on the assignments.
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