This was un-planned, but because I chanced upon the clip when randomly browsing through the clips in Facebook (however, it disappeared when I returned from its pause).
It was made so easy to understand and quite easy to remember 😃 - the explanation is like an animated clip which one can follow and visualise. Well done, the creator!
Also, just learned it is: 国家级非物质文化遗产代表性项目名录 LINK
Module 1
Part 1: Myths & Facts about Counselling
Another set of "twin" books - both stories are linked though similar yet different.
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....
"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.
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.
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
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.
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.
The courage and brevity of the leader - the ability to see possibilities when one is confronted with uncertainties
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...
"... 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?
