Sunday, March 17, 2024

Reading: (Twin pack) (1) The Dot (2) Ish

Another set of "twin" books - both stories are linked though similar yet different. 


From "the dot" - it reminds us the feedback we give matters... but it definitely does though may not always. On the other hand, it depends who gives the feedback. For the young ones, the significant ones those whom they spend most time with, not just parents, but also their teachers. The acknowledgement, the criticism from any of these significant ones matters a lot to them. It frames their mental models of things, even their own self-worth.

Through this heartwarming story, the teacher's creative response sent an encouraging push towards developing greater confidence because her acknowledgement changes his negative self-perception. 

The positive push encourages him to hone his skills and perspective, and creativity! More importantly, he learnt (through his teacher) and applied (his experience) to others who needed that magically tweak to their perspective. 

In "Ish", it illustrates how, a small discouraging remark or criticism could be detrimental, and even destroy. However, it also reminds one not to be too tunnel vision and think it's the end! Look around... while most people may not appreciate or agree...  look out for the one (among many) who may share the same view and appreciate what one does. Well, if you think what's seemingly of no value is appreciated by someone, would you want to give up? 

... food for thought.... 



Sunday, January 28, 2024

Margaret Heffernan: Why it's time to forget the pecking order at work

LINK to clip




Key Practical Takeaway: Social Capital takes time to build - it compounds over time, it builds trust and value. all these come with consistency in the way we demonstrate and exhibit our beliefs and values. 




TIM MINCHIN: 9 Life Lessons


Direct LINK

What I heard, What I think, and what I resonate with...






Saturday, September 30, 2023

A Paradigm Shift... (again? continues?)

"school (textbooks) as our world" to "the world as our school" is not new to us... vaguely, started when technology was introduced to schools, i.e. when the ICT Masterplan embarked its journey in Singapore schools, through ICT mp1, mp2, mp3.... hm... mp4(?) which I lost count... or perhaps it has seamlessly transited from one to another with a lesser and lesser distinctive difference... and today, we are talking about PDLP, SLS framework.

My world... as a teenager comes from the textbook, from the teachers (and probably sometimes, the television and the radio). They shaped my world view. I am grateful, as the years passed, with technology, mankind has become more aware of the world, As people become more affluent - we touched base with the world through technology, through travel. It progressed from "school (textbooks)" to "mode that connects us to the world" that shaped our world. 

Am also grateful that I had chosen the teaching profession, having the privilege to be the first to see, feel and contribute to the transition... bringing the world to our learners! The generations (since the birth of technology) no longer have their world view shaped by the books/ teachers, but through first hand personal experience. 

How do we leverage the "world as our school"? What are the affordances we can draw out from the "world"? What kind of "experience"? How do we leverage this "world" to become the environment that our learner interact to gain new knowledge/ skills and deepen their understanding.

The lowest level, probably is about awareness - the "world" broadens our horizon, our awareness so that we are no longer limited and work within our myopic version. That was mp1 attempted to achieve, still today, it is among what we do. This would never be outdated. But this is not enough. SAMR arrived, though it appeared differently in our context, but that was what we used as a guide, to gauge our progress... and today, it's about being immersive, being part of the environment and being able to interact with the environment, to learn through what the environment can provide - not just with technology, but virtually or blended. 

a slide shared by Dr Hang (see earlier post)

20230930《如何在 STEM 科目運用 See Think Wonder 思考法》

Attended the webinar on a Saturday morning - a critical skill in the current landscape, that distinguishes one - through one's ability to think and extend. Dr Hang Kim Hoo (the founding principal of NUS Maths and Science School) has articulated how powerful this skill could be! and he illustrated with several very relatable examples and bringing in his own experience - that made it so easy for one to just follow his think-aloud - he was actually role modelling how we could do this "see-think-wonder", which he emphasises the questions to ask - how wide and broad, or how refined and specialised they could be. 

This approach could benefit each individual at differing degrees - also depends on how far and how comfortable one is ready to wonder out of their expert area (or comfort zone). 

Below are 2 example that I attempt to put together after the session, using some of the pointers he shared, and some thoughts I had: 

Example (1) ChatGPT: 

Through his illustration, what I gathered is, depending on how ready we are (in terms of curiosity) and the extent we frame our parameter to wonder - that would determine the types of questions we ask. In other words, the kind of questions we ask would be a reflection of the "pre-requisites" that we have. Hence, we will need to work hard enough to venture beyond and have the courage to ask and tread into unfamiliar grounds - this in turn could encourage greater curiosity that pushes us further.


Example (2) Pre-Fabrication 

I like this example and think it demonstrates how powerful a trigger (i.e. image, scenario) could be, when well selected. In this example, it demonstrates how wide the scope questions can go... treading into several subject disciplines, creating opportunities to promote deep discussions or research.

Tapping on what Dr Hang has shared, I extended and made some linkages as shown (in green). Have also came up with some thoughts (in purple).


Though Dr Hang organised the following points as potential benefits, I feel that the first 2 bullet points are the 'enablers' to develop's one's ability to see-think-wonder - it is a continual effort, self-driven, the urge and willingness to practise. Whereas, the next 2 posts are the outcomes that we would be able to demonstrate when we have "internalise" these practices. 




Wednesday, September 13, 2023

[Exhibition] Now is not the time

Visited the exhibition on 11 September - Teachers' Day.

My first 'participation' in this commemoration of LKY's 100th anniversary. The secondary intent was really to find out what are some of the AR features/ installations that it mentioned in the website. Have learnt something useful - for both intentions :)

Had a good break and some fun... that breaks the monotonous routine in this September, the one and only one day that has little link to work.

Direct LINK

Made with Padlet




Thursday, August 10, 2023

READING: I Wish You More... Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld

Like this book with only 13 pairs of beautifully drawn pictures that convey words that weigh tonnes into a simple warm touch to the heart. Sincere wishes for people we love... and wishing them the best... 

Have picked this book for my team this year. From the bottom of my heart, I truly wish... they have learnt that they have grown... over the times, through the ups and downs, the new tasks and challenges, and each accumulate to make their journey an even more a fruitful and enriching one. I hope these experiences would lift them up... more ups than downs... and each piece of experience is a treasure that they would value and could bring with them. I wish this book will bring more smiles to their faces. Smiles of confidence and fulfilment gained through their journey. 










 

Sunday, July 09, 2023

READING: Reflection - Beyond the Horizon... with the Cat & the Tortoise (Christoper Stokes)

It's about an adventure... that describes what many of us would have been through, in our life journey. I would probably unable to connect to it as much as I do today, if I had read this book many years back, with little written on my life journey yet, then. Some things resonates with me... as part of my personal experience. That also explains why this series of books appeals to me. 

2 characters - one that's curious and would like to see what's out there, but seeking company to go with. One that seems pretty happy with the status quo... "would like to stay at home" nevertheless, won't mind to go along with a bit of encouragement or something to 'lure' it out of the shell. That sounds familiar... haha... that's me????? (haha...)

Nevertheless, I took the courage to moved out of my shell - at least a brave move in my early 30s, when I felt I could possibly take a step to walk into an unknown world - it was indeed a test! I fully agree with the cat "... the most wonderful things happen during adventures... if only we were brave enough to take the first step" If not because of my Bhutan adventure, looking back... my life could be more monotonous, not just the narrative, but also my perspectives. 

I like what the cat has rightly described "Bravery comes in all sizes" when the tortoise thinks his small steps limits the magnitude. This sounds common, right? Sometimes, we are limited by what we thought we are or we could do, and as a result, we decided that we are not good enough to take the first step. "(Bravery) isn't the size of your stride that matters... but the size of your heart."

What lies beyond the Horizon? It's too foggy to see where we're going - This sounds familiar? Definitely, when we reach a point not knowing how to progress, especially after reaching a milestone and remain at a plateau for a while. Uncertainty. Doubt. Worry.... Now, who's the cat? Who's the tortoise? 

I saw myself being the tortoise, and I'm grateful to meet cats along my journey, that have been me the courage and confidence to move through my journey that enables me to play the cat role sometimes. 

The greatest encouragement that comes from the cat when we meet the fog... "That happens sometimes but if we wait long enough for it to lift, a bright new world will be revealed."

What's important, too: focus on the journey rather than the length of the road

Another important learning point is, one has to acknowledge that to move towards attaining goals, being an independent individual is not enough, but recognise that individuals are inter-dependent - to leverage the strengths of a community to work towards a common goal. Do not be afraid to ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness. It's when we acknowledge how we could leverage others to move forward.

  • "That tree is far too tall for me... can I climb on your back?"
  • "sometimes apples are out of reach, until we ask for help."
  • "I don't like asking for help... I'm usually not brave enough"
  • "But sometimes, asking for help is the bravest thing you can do"

The courage and brevity of the leader - the ability to see possibilities when one is confronted with uncertainties

  • "... you sounded very uncertain." 
  • "I am... but with an uncertain future... comes infinite possibilities"
"The bravest thing a tired mind can do... is walk up." - resilience, perseverance.

"The ability to talk does not make you wise... it's the ability to listen... " - need to read deeper into this.  While the ability to talk does not make one wise, but being able to articulate the helps one to clarify what's in the mind and try to make sense and linkages to what we know or heard. 

One lesson from the beaver: what happens tomorrow is determined by what we do today - that says we should not procrastinate. It's not just about procrastinating, but it's about getting the piece of work done properly. There were occasions when we thought a mediocre piece of work is fine, without paying attention to the details and its impact due to this medium effort. Sometimes it may not haunt us till one or two years later when we are confronted with the situation that could be avoid if we could have done more. A life lesson learnt - not just personal, but also saw how others suffer in their own Do not shortcut! Karma is real! 

"Give someone your time, is often the greatest gift you can give" - fully agree with this. Being attentive and listen when the heart. The one who speaks would be able to feel and sense it. It is the most sincere way to connect with someone. 

Sometimes, the progress may seem very slow, almost negligible and unnoticeable. But, be grateful and appreciate it is not a stand still. There is hope! - from the analogy - filling (the bucket) one drop at a time. 

"Even the mightiest trees can be broken down by the wind... but being broken doesn't mean it's the end." It's an important reminder to us 花无百日红, which we need to accept the fact that one may not remain at its prime all the time, but need to have the courage to admit and live through the downtimes, too. There's always some silver lining for a come back 柳暗花明又一村. 

Along the journey, when we encounter difficult situations, we tend to cling on to the safety net when it gives us a sense of security and comfort (in the story, when the tortoise caught hold of the branch that brought it through the danger to safety - "I feel much safer if I stayed here"). Nevertheless, we'll need to be mindful that sometimes this could be a barrier to us - "we should always let go things that are holding us back"

"... the only way to reach the horizon is by carrying on, even when we feel like giving up" - be focused, be determined, persevere

Something heartwarming...

  • "I'm glad I came with you." said the tortoise
  • "And I'm glad you came with me." replied the cat.

"... flying looks easier than climbing." said the cat. "only because you've never flown" replied the butterfly - this sounds familiar? It's similar to saying the grass is greener at the other side. Right?


 

READING: Reflection - Searching for Purpose...with Father Christmas & the Snowman (Christoper Stokes)

This is the 3rd book by the same author. 

The story brings us through the journey on how to see our purpose of life, in particular, through helping others. It's a simple story.

It focuses on the "how" - to learn our own's worth through looking inward and learn what we can do, from which, hence the value proposition that we could offer to others. Despite sometimes, we may lost an arm or leg, in exchange the impact this offer could make such a difference that could be intangible (e.g. happiness), which we might not have imagined. 

Like other stories (from the same author), the story begins with a character that's pretty lost - in this case, the snowman, who is also filled with wonder and fear, wondering the purpose of (its) life, and the fear of melting... focusing on something that one could not do anything... 

There are some comforting dialogue moments that make me ponder a while:
  • When the snowman commented "But ice and snow are cold... why do I feel so warm?" and Father Christmas' replied "Because you are special... because you were also made with love"
  • "Because it is easy to be kind... kind people are the best kind of people." said Christmas Father
  • "One candle alone may not be bright enough... but many small things together can make a big difference" explained Christmas Father on why the candle lights held by the carol singers could guide us through the storm.
  • "A dying candle is no cause for concern... so long as you have a spark do reignite the flame" 
  • "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle"
  • "One of the greatest joys in life is being able to lift others up, and share our happiness," replied the fairy when she offers to lift the snowman to the top of the Christmas tree.
  • "It is in the greyest skies that we can truly appreciate the beauty of the snowflake"
  • "I get just as much happiness from giving, as I do from receiving" said the Christmas Fairy
  • "Christmas should be about the time we spend... and not how much we spend" a wise comment from Father Christmas
  • It was quite heart warming when the snowman offers the reindeer his carrot nose and commented, "I don't have much to give... but Christmas has taught me that you don't have to be rich to be generous"

Some important sayings (lifted from the story) - wise words from "Father Christmas":
  1. Helping those in need is the most precious gift of all
  2. Sometimes even those who we love must leave us... because the love they once gave you, will never leave you
  3. Stop worrying about what is to come, and focus on what we have now
  4. Focus on what makes you happy, rather than what you fear
  5. Life is shorter than we'd like but it's what we do with the time we have, and not the amount of it that truly maters (i.e. when the snowman expressed the fear of melting.) 
  6. Being brave enough to try something new is the only way of knowing (i.e. when the snowman was encouraged to try the candy which it had never tasted before, and it discovered it like candy very much - no regrets for trying!) 
  7. We can't prevent change... but can learn to adapt to it
  8. A strong heart and a determined mind can make anything happen
  9. If we encourage ourselves not to give up, the toughest times have a way of leading us to the best moments
  10. It's usually once we've lost something, that we appreciate how important it was
  11. Spend your time doing something rather than wishing you were doing something
  12. One of the greatest joys in life, is found in the discovery of who we are
  13. Sometimes, even the wrong track can lead us to the right place (i.e. when the snowman wondered what if they board the wrong track)
  14. Good things often take time (when both board a slow train where they could admire what they see along the way)
  15. Being kind should be everyone's purpose
  16. Being hopeful is often the best way of finding clarity

"I think I am here to be kind... and I am here to be hopeful... and I am here to be happy."
"Your purpose is a gift"


Having read all three books by the same author, it's interesting to see how 2 characters could have just narrated some simple yet deep values of life - with one who's wise and one who wonders...

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

READING: The Girl, The Boy and the Box



Chanced upon these two books in Amazon. Pretty interesting. One of the books is "The Boy and The Box" while the other is "The Girl and The Box". The same authors (Leila Boukarim and Shameer Bismilla) and same illustrator (Barbara Moxhan). I wondered what's the difference between these two titles. 

One thing, I know, for sure, these books belong to the category with few words and beautiful illustrations. The rest, i.e. what the storyline is, would be for me to discover. 

The books go in a pair... but also, can be independent of each other. One interesting point is, the main character in each of the books meets each other at some points - and therefore presented a different perspective and set of emotions. Both of the same age, both in search of ... (something), their experiences are somehow quite the same, yet quite different. Haha... am I contradicting myself? Each has its own story to deliver, to tell, despite something remains constant - the voice... that authoritative voice that is most discouraging and commanding... and the box, that has an important place in both stories, somehow has the same role, that holds the.....

To fully enjoy the book and fully immersed in the mind of the 2 children, one has to put away the logical mind, the practicality... 

1st touch point: When the boy and the girl met. One was curious while the other just discovered the magical use of the box...


2nd touch point: where the girl now discovered what the box could do while the boy finds his lost joy from the box he almost forgot...

Though it seems it's fine to read any of the books first as them are seemingly independent of each other), it seems that the BIG PICTURE begins with "The Boy (and the Box)"... 

The stories bring us back to our long long ago childhood, that probably many of us would have forgotten what were our small child aspirations and curiosity. 

It's the youngest phase of the growing up when we smell the flower and with our minds filled with wonders, and the eagerness to explore and try, carefree because there is no record of worries or concerns in the young mind. Remember, we don't know something is dangerous or unwelcoming until we experience it ourselves. That's how we learn. Isn't it? It's like when we see fire, it's just fire and something that attracts us to go closer to it... until we feel the pain and from that point, we learn that it is dangerous when we get close to it. That's curiosity. 

Same for the boy, there are so many things that he would love to do - e.g. pausing to appreciate what's before his eyes for a moment... HOWEVER, the voice is always there to advise him, to make decisions for him. While he wishes to follow his heart, he feels the need to follow the voice because he believes that voice is right and things won't go wrong if he follows it. And I think, he does not want to disappoint this voice. He conformed. Each time, he needs to stomach his feeling into the box, that holds what he actually wishes to do. Yes, along the way, he expressed frustration. Why does he still choose to listen to the voice? Has he been trained to be obedient? OR is it the trust that this voice has developed within him, through past experiences. 

The voice is a metaphor. Who does it represent? To many of us, it's our parents or someone who can assert great influence on us... many a time, they are the ones who tell us what we can do, we should do, or we should try, even to change our decisions... and they are usually (sometimes?) the ones who swayed us from what we wanted to try, and usually very successfully - be it in a persuasive manner or sometimes commanding - if what we wish for is against what they wanted us to do. Have we ever regretted not following their advice? I don't know... but most of the time, we believe (and trust that) they come with good intentions. As we grow older, the voice could become peer pressure (sometimes) or even the environment that we are in or the situation that requires us to choose a different option (as a decision at that point of time).

So, what do our true self do? Like the boy, each of us have a box where we store our feelings, our emotions, fear, our reactions, and sometimes, our values (and what we value) and beliefs. While it seems like we are fully obedient to the voice, there's this struggle, to manage this box inside us. Some of us may not have noticed that box and thought that we have given up these things... but it is unconsciously or subconsciously there. That sounds like the items inside the boy's box. 

The darkest moment came when the boy faces the tunnel. It seems that there's not way to turn back. He mind was filled with fear and uncertainty, and hopes to seek advice or help from the voice. BUT, no help from the voice. At that juncture, he has no choice, but had to enter despite of all the fears that almost overwhelm him. I guess, at that point, he feels betrayed, being abandoned(?). OR is it because the voice feels that it's time for him to grow with lesser advice? This let go is scary - to someone who has been following and holding tightly to all the advice, with full trust.

The turning point is when the boy has reached the peak, that is, he has achieved what the voice wanted him to be. To reach the peak, he just has to follow the voice and leave the box behind so that he has all the might and means to ascend. When he reaches the top of the mountain, he voice believes that the status would bring him happiness, affirming him, "Well done!" "You should be happy".

What's significant is....He realised that... He was... empty... This is a realisation. 

To us, this realisation may come at different juncture of our lives. For some, it might be in our early life. For some, it might be the point when we reach the peak of our career. For some, it might not come at all. It also depends on the circumstances. For some, the voice may fade away over time. For some, the voice remains strong. For some, we live with the "voice" that already deep-seated in us (even when it's gone already).

Was the voice wrong? I don't know. But I would not dispute its intent. That sounds familiar? Parents want to provide a safety net to their children. Very often. They do not want their children to go by the long way. They want their children to succeed and with their affordable means, they lay the path for their children. They hope their children will find interest and grow to like to - and sometimes, it was about parents trying to fulfil their own lost childhood dreams/ desires through their children. Will this become a vicious cycle?

What do we do when we realised that we have forgotten our box? 

Will we, like the boy, willing to give up what he could see from the top of the mountain and roll back to find the box? Another decision to make? Listen to the Voice? OR We shall hear our OWN Voice? This time, it's our decision. We would be old and mature enough to weigh and decide when its a good time to find and reopen our box. 

Have I found my box? I think yes. Though a little bit late... I'm opening up slowly... sometimes still peeking to see some of things there... while some items have already made its way out. I guess, it comes with age and timing... and I think I've made some assessment... sometimes it comes as a risk... though actually it's the amount of courage that's needed to let it out of the box.... 


The story of the Girl and the Box... In a similar light, the girl seeks her dream - to reach the moon. (that's when we need to put our logical mind behind us). She follows the path that she believes will lead to the moon though it could be far. She believes it is possible as long as she is focused. She came across a tree. She perceived the moon was just on top of the tree. It's within reach. And she climbed. She did not give up  and saw the boy with his box. She was enlightened when the boy tells her, "It's anything I want it (i.e. the box) to be." That's unlimited possibilities. She made her own box, and that helps her to ascend. Then, it comes the VOICE, that warns her of the dangers of going up (the tree) further. It's dangerous! Though the girl feels that following the path is boring, she chose to abide by it because she understands the voice's intent - safety, which was explicitly articulated to her - "It's too dangerous... the path is straight and smooth". 

The box holds her excitement while she continues with her path. This sounds familiar to many of us? Along the journey, the girl puts more "things" into the box - including the little thing she wanted to plant but put on hold, the dirt that she gathered to remind herself that one day, she would get to build her own hill. The voice told her to move on when she stopped by to see the ants moving in the anthill. 

She was stopped (by the voice) from reaching the moon which she believes it was possible if she reaches the top of the tree or the top of the hill. Her plans were postponed because the voice wants her to continue (to chase her dream) via a straight and smooth path, which she knows it is seemingly much further and possibly derail her from her focus (i.e. the moon). She has her frustrations - when she retaliated by calling out to tell the moon that she will still come to visit it. More frustrations were added to the box. She tries to run away from the voice for a moment, giving up her focus, running the opposite way, hoping to escape from the voice... While the voice wants her to follow its way, we can see the motherly care and protection it wants for the girl. 

Through a small accident, the girl learns that there are alternative means to reach or get to the moon. It makes itself easier to reach in the pond... its reflection. Things need not necessary go into the box (as a storage space) but it could be on the box. There are alternatives to reach the goal. However, one must know how to handle it. If not well thought-through, things would just fall apart, together with despair! Life can become muddy (a metaphor used in the story). 

Next... how fast could one recover? How determined are we to reach our goals? While what helps to hold the dream may crash - just like, we might have chosen a way approach... it's important to think out of the box - ok, literary, in the story, the girl has no more box BUT she is determined to pick up the sticks (that make up the box) and build herself another one, the "box" may not take the form of the box... depending on what lies ahead, how do we make use of the resources we have? Like her reply to the boy "It's anything I want it to be"... and she continues her journey to the moon....

How about us? .....