The lectures and tutorials have been a wonderful and great experience to me. I enjoyed every single lesson and I am sure that I am going to miss the lectures given by Dr. Edwin and the tutorials by Ms. Kasthoori. Credit to the both of them! I had learned and gained so much from both the lectures and tutorials.
In the lectures, we had managed to complete four plays together. Many times when I have certain difficulties and challenges in understanding the play, Dr. Edwin and Ms. Kasthoori will always be there to resolve them. With the explanations given by both Dr. Edwin and Ms. Kasthoori, I was able to have a deeper understanding of the plays. I can say that without the help of Dr. Edwin and Ms. Kasthoori, I probably will have difficulties understanding the intrinsic meaning of the plays.
Apart from that, we also had numerous movies watching session. I truly enjoyed watching all the movies. We have watched Elizabeth-the Golden Age, Hamlet, Oedipus, King Lear and Streetcar Named Desire. Watching all these movies had helped me to have a clearer understanding of the play. Besides, by watching these movies, I have learned to understand the language (classic English) spoken by the characters in the play. Actually, I really enjoyed listening to the language spoken in these movies especially for Elizabeth-the Golden Age and Hamlet. I find that the language spoken is absolutely rich and compact. Every single word counts and none of the words are spoken by the characters are redundant.
Last but not least, we also had simulated teaching for weeks during tutorials. I had learned not little from my course mates' simulated teaching. Apart from that, I have gained help and guidance from remarks and comments made by Ms. Kasthoori regarding our simulated teaching.
It truly has been a pleasurable learning experience in EDU 3217.
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Blogging experience
It has been months of pleasurable experience in blogging to me. Blogging is the best place for one to express his or her opinions and views. This is especially for those who are not so outspoken and shy. By blogging, it enables one to speak out what he or she desires to speak out in public but does not have the courage to do so.
As for me, blogging has made me sit down and think a lot. It has also made me reflect on what I have done and on what has happened in lectures and tutorials. By blogging, it has made me think of what I have learned so far in these 14 weeks. Through blogging, I have come to realize that I have learned and gained so much from both the lectures and tutorials.
Apart from that, blogging has also improved my writing. The more I blog, the more fluent my writing became. It has trained my mind in arranging and organizing the thoughts that were jumbled up and eventually to put my thoughts into paper.
The more I blog, the more I realize that I enjoyed blogging. It made me so eager to share my thoughts, views, opinions and also what I have learned. I would love to continue blogging in future.
As for me, blogging has made me sit down and think a lot. It has also made me reflect on what I have done and on what has happened in lectures and tutorials. By blogging, it has made me think of what I have learned so far in these 14 weeks. Through blogging, I have come to realize that I have learned and gained so much from both the lectures and tutorials.
Apart from that, blogging has also improved my writing. The more I blog, the more fluent my writing became. It has trained my mind in arranging and organizing the thoughts that were jumbled up and eventually to put my thoughts into paper.
The more I blog, the more I realize that I enjoyed blogging. It made me so eager to share my thoughts, views, opinions and also what I have learned. I would love to continue blogging in future.
Saturday, 4 April 2009
Question marks??
As I was preparing for my simulated teaching, I do have several questions playing in my head. Questions like, "What kind of activities should I prepare for my students?" and "Are my activities appropriate for my students?" occurs in my mind.
Well, I started off by asking myself and thinking how to solve these questions. When I ran out of ideas, I turned to other teaching resources to get some ideas of what activities to prepare. For example, I checked out the websites on teaching and learning online. There are a number of websites which have interesting activities which may help teachers in their preparation for their lesson.
Apart from the websites, I have also referred to several Form 4 and 5 literature workbooks to obtain some ideas on the kind of activities I should prepare for my simulated teaching. Besides that, by referring to these workbooks, it also enables me to check and see whether the activities that I have prepared are appropriate for my students or not.
To solve the questions that I have regarding simulated teaching, I did make the effort to ask other English teachers for some guidance on preparing activities. By doing so, I was able to know whether I was on the right track or not.
I admit that I have questions about simulated teaching and I am glad that eventually, I am able to solve these questions.
Well, I started off by asking myself and thinking how to solve these questions. When I ran out of ideas, I turned to other teaching resources to get some ideas of what activities to prepare. For example, I checked out the websites on teaching and learning online. There are a number of websites which have interesting activities which may help teachers in their preparation for their lesson.
Apart from the websites, I have also referred to several Form 4 and 5 literature workbooks to obtain some ideas on the kind of activities I should prepare for my simulated teaching. Besides that, by referring to these workbooks, it also enables me to check and see whether the activities that I have prepared are appropriate for my students or not.
To solve the questions that I have regarding simulated teaching, I did make the effort to ask other English teachers for some guidance on preparing activities. By doing so, I was able to know whether I was on the right track or not.
I admit that I have questions about simulated teaching and I am glad that eventually, I am able to solve these questions.
Friday, 3 April 2009
Deliver the similar lesson in different ways
If I would to deliver the similar lesson again, I will prepare a more interesting and thought-provoking set induction. This is because the set induction is not interesting and thought-provoking enough. As for me, an interesting will be able to capture the students' attention from the beginning of the lesson. A thought-provoking set induction will be able to lead the students to think in depth of what has been presented for set induction.
Besides, I will do more research for the preparation the activities. I will spend more time doing more research in order to get new ideas for my activities. By doing this, I will be able to design and create a more interesting and creative activities for my simulated teaching. Preparing interesting and creative activities are important as this will attract the students to attempt the activities with full interest and enthusiasm.
Therefore, if I would to deliver the similar lesson again, I will prepare a more interesting and thought-provoking set induction and also do more research in order to be able to come out with new, creative and interesting activities.
Besides, I will do more research for the preparation the activities. I will spend more time doing more research in order to get new ideas for my activities. By doing this, I will be able to design and create a more interesting and creative activities for my simulated teaching. Preparing interesting and creative activities are important as this will attract the students to attempt the activities with full interest and enthusiasm.
Therefore, if I would to deliver the similar lesson again, I will prepare a more interesting and thought-provoking set induction and also do more research in order to be able to come out with new, creative and interesting activities.
Thursday, 2 April 2009
I am not perfect, I am in the process of learning
I am only human, I am not perfect. I realized that there are many things that are needed to be improved in my simulated teaching.
First of all, I think that my set induction activity is not interesting enough. A set induction that is not interesting will not be able to capture the attention of the students. I realized this when I find that my students are not as responsive as I have expected. In future, I will find more resources to produce a more interesting set induction. I will probably try out some other alternatives such as using video clips, songs and etc. for set induction.
Next, I have to improve on my voice projection. As a future teacher, having a good voice projection is very crucial. In order to achieve a good voice projection, I have to practise speaking with the correct vocal technique (which I think it will help).
Besides, I was not fully prepared for the simulated teaching as well. I did not manage to practise teaching before i did my simulated teaching in class. In future, I have to train myself to be fully prepared so that the whole process of teaching will go smoothly as planned.
After my simulated teaching, I realized that I have so much that needs to be improved. Anyway, I am thankful that I have the opportunity to do my simulated teaching which actually trains me before I go out and do my practical training.
First of all, I think that my set induction activity is not interesting enough. A set induction that is not interesting will not be able to capture the attention of the students. I realized this when I find that my students are not as responsive as I have expected. In future, I will find more resources to produce a more interesting set induction. I will probably try out some other alternatives such as using video clips, songs and etc. for set induction.
Next, I have to improve on my voice projection. As a future teacher, having a good voice projection is very crucial. In order to achieve a good voice projection, I have to practise speaking with the correct vocal technique (which I think it will help).
Besides, I was not fully prepared for the simulated teaching as well. I did not manage to practise teaching before i did my simulated teaching in class. In future, I have to train myself to be fully prepared so that the whole process of teaching will go smoothly as planned.
After my simulated teaching, I realized that I have so much that needs to be improved. Anyway, I am thankful that I have the opportunity to do my simulated teaching which actually trains me before I go out and do my practical training.
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
My strengths in simulated teaching
There are a few points that are worth being applied in my future simulated teaching. First of all, I was able to connect with my students. To connect and interact with my students, I have used interactive language to communicate with them. Another point that is important when interacting with students is eye contact. In order to communicate with the students, eye contact is crucial as it has enabled me to capture the students' attention. If there is no eye contact, none of the students will even bother to look at me or listen to me. Therefore, having appropriate eye contact has enabled me to connect with the students well.
Besides, I gave clear instructions to the students every time before I set them to do a task. I know many students do not have the habit in reading instructions. Therefore, I have read the instructions aloud to them and also rephrased the instructions again to make sure that they really understood the task that they are required to do.
Everyone is born with their own unique strengths and I believe that I have more to learn from others and others are always welcome to learn from me as well.
Besides, I gave clear instructions to the students every time before I set them to do a task. I know many students do not have the habit in reading instructions. Therefore, I have read the instructions aloud to them and also rephrased the instructions again to make sure that they really understood the task that they are required to do.
Everyone is born with their own unique strengths and I believe that I have more to learn from others and others are always welcome to learn from me as well.
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Interpretation of the plays
For the four plays that we have done this semester, I have no problem with the interpretation of the plays. Whatever that were discussed in lectures and tutorials did not clash with my own interpretations of the plays.
Well, this is because all these while, I have not been exposed to plays as I am not that kind of person who read plays. Therefore, my mind is still new towards plays and I have not built up my own interpretation of what I read. I am still looking at things from one perspective. I have not tried exploring and looking at things from another point of view.
Besides, I am still learning how to read plays like King Lear which uses classic English. As I can hardly understand what was being said by the characters in the plays, it is definitely impossible for me to interpret the content of the play. I am still learning to read these plays and hopefully with the help of the footnotes, I will be able to learn, understand and enjoy reading plays with classic English.
Well, this is because all these while, I have not been exposed to plays as I am not that kind of person who read plays. Therefore, my mind is still new towards plays and I have not built up my own interpretation of what I read. I am still looking at things from one perspective. I have not tried exploring and looking at things from another point of view.
Besides, I am still learning how to read plays like King Lear which uses classic English. As I can hardly understand what was being said by the characters in the plays, it is definitely impossible for me to interpret the content of the play. I am still learning to read these plays and hopefully with the help of the footnotes, I will be able to learn, understand and enjoy reading plays with classic English.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Simulated Teaching
Days ago, I did my simulated teaching in the tutorial. I first started off with showing the students a picture of a king. I then asked the students to tell me what can they see in the picture and I have asked them to tell me what they think of characteristics that should a king should possess. The students responded to my questions and soon I lead them to the first activity which is the pre-reading activity.
For pre-reading, I distributed a worksheet with instructions and an extract in it. First, I gave instructions on what needs to be done as I read the extract aloud to them (The students are required to circle the characteristics of Oedipus). Right after they have completed their task, I discuss the answers with them. At the same time, I get the students to write the answers on the whiteboard. After discussing the answers with the students, I proceed with the second activity which is the while-reading activity.
For while-reading, I distributed a worksheet to the students. I then gave instructions on what needs to be done (The students are required to state the connotation of the characteristics that they have identified in the pre-reading activity). Immediately after they have completed, I discussed the answers with them. At the same time, I get the students to write the answers on the whiteboard. After discussing the answers with the students, I lead them to see the connection between the characteristics and its connotation. I conclude the activity by explaining to the students that these are the characteristics of Oedipus in the earlier scene of the play. I then proceed with the post-reading activity.
For post-reading, I distributed a worksheet to the students. I then gave instructions on what needs to be done. I instructed them to attempt the task as homework.
Well, the above is what I have done for simulated teaching this time round. I find that simulated teaching is so much different than how I was taught in schools last time. My school teachers do not give the students any activities on worksheets. All they do was to spoon feed us with all that they have. For example, my English teacher would just provide the entire summary of any literary text. This is pretty different from simulated teaching as teachers lead students to discover the meaning of the literary text through a set of interesting activities instead of providing the students with the entire summary of the literary text. Although most students would prefer that the teacher will provide them with the summary of the literary text, I think this would not help the students at all but instead spoiling them. In this way, students are not trained to use their mind to think. It is simply because everything is made easy for them that students do not need to put on their thinking cap. Well, I have experienced all these in schools and I personally think that this was not quite a pleasant experience as it has not turned me into a person who thinks deeply. All these are the result of being too pampered. Anyway, I am thankful that I have the opportunity to further my studies in the university and this place has made me a more reflective and deep person.
For pre-reading, I distributed a worksheet with instructions and an extract in it. First, I gave instructions on what needs to be done as I read the extract aloud to them (The students are required to circle the characteristics of Oedipus). Right after they have completed their task, I discuss the answers with them. At the same time, I get the students to write the answers on the whiteboard. After discussing the answers with the students, I proceed with the second activity which is the while-reading activity.
For while-reading, I distributed a worksheet to the students. I then gave instructions on what needs to be done (The students are required to state the connotation of the characteristics that they have identified in the pre-reading activity). Immediately after they have completed, I discussed the answers with them. At the same time, I get the students to write the answers on the whiteboard. After discussing the answers with the students, I lead them to see the connection between the characteristics and its connotation. I conclude the activity by explaining to the students that these are the characteristics of Oedipus in the earlier scene of the play. I then proceed with the post-reading activity.
For post-reading, I distributed a worksheet to the students. I then gave instructions on what needs to be done. I instructed them to attempt the task as homework.
Well, the above is what I have done for simulated teaching this time round. I find that simulated teaching is so much different than how I was taught in schools last time. My school teachers do not give the students any activities on worksheets. All they do was to spoon feed us with all that they have. For example, my English teacher would just provide the entire summary of any literary text. This is pretty different from simulated teaching as teachers lead students to discover the meaning of the literary text through a set of interesting activities instead of providing the students with the entire summary of the literary text. Although most students would prefer that the teacher will provide them with the summary of the literary text, I think this would not help the students at all but instead spoiling them. In this way, students are not trained to use their mind to think. It is simply because everything is made easy for them that students do not need to put on their thinking cap. Well, I have experienced all these in schools and I personally think that this was not quite a pleasant experience as it has not turned me into a person who thinks deeply. All these are the result of being too pampered. Anyway, I am thankful that I have the opportunity to further my studies in the university and this place has made me a more reflective and deep person.
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Experience of reading plays
List of plays to read for Teaching the Language of Drama:
As for King Lear, I find it pretty challenging to read and to comprehend what is in it. Perhaps it is the use of the classic English in this play that has made my reading of this play challenging. Well, maybe if I have the time, I will re-read the play again and perhaps, I will be able to comprehend and gain further insights of this play. Anyhow, this was a good experience of reading classic plays.
As for Streetcar Named Desire, I did not really have the time to read through the whole play. Anyhow, I find this play an interesting one too. It is not difficult to read. It is comprehensible, unlike reading plays like King Lear.
Last but not least, I would say that Swordfish, then the concubine is another interesting play to be read as well. The content of the play does reflect more or less the current political situation in our country. However, according to the playwright of this play, major changes have been made in this play. So, I really wonder how far has this play evolves. Anyway, I have no difficulties in reading this play and i believe many will not face any difficulties in reading this play too.
I had an enjoyable time reading all these plays. These plays had exposed me to the different use of language in the different era. For instance, reading King Lear has exposed me to the classical English and Streetcar Named Desire to the modern English. I will definitely read more plays in future.
- Oedipus the King by Sophocles
- King Lear by Shakespeare
- Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
- Swordfish, then the Concubine by Kee Thuan Chye
As for King Lear, I find it pretty challenging to read and to comprehend what is in it. Perhaps it is the use of the classic English in this play that has made my reading of this play challenging. Well, maybe if I have the time, I will re-read the play again and perhaps, I will be able to comprehend and gain further insights of this play. Anyhow, this was a good experience of reading classic plays.
As for Streetcar Named Desire, I did not really have the time to read through the whole play. Anyhow, I find this play an interesting one too. It is not difficult to read. It is comprehensible, unlike reading plays like King Lear.
Last but not least, I would say that Swordfish, then the concubine is another interesting play to be read as well. The content of the play does reflect more or less the current political situation in our country. However, according to the playwright of this play, major changes have been made in this play. So, I really wonder how far has this play evolves. Anyway, I have no difficulties in reading this play and i believe many will not face any difficulties in reading this play too.
I had an enjoyable time reading all these plays. These plays had exposed me to the different use of language in the different era. For instance, reading King Lear has exposed me to the classical English and Streetcar Named Desire to the modern English. I will definitely read more plays in future.
Friday, 27 March 2009
How my first impression towards DRAMA changes
I can still recall the moment just before the semester begins, I was there thinking how will I enjoy DRAMA classes in the coming semester. All these years of my life, my perception towards DRAMA is DRAMA = BORING+DIFFICULT TO COMPREHEND. I carry along that perception of DRAMA with me when i attend the first lecture weeks ago.
Well, at first I thought that I will not enjoy the lecture. However, I was proven wrong! The first lecture turned out to be an eye opener to me instead! My perception now towards DRAMA is DRAMA = INTERESTING and it is no longer DRAMA = BORING anymore. All thanks to my lecturer, Dr. Edwin who has share with us so much about DRAMA (including its history) even in the first lecture. I was very much exposed of my misconception towards DRAMA all these years. I was so much exposed too that how little I know about DRAMA.
Anyway, I'm glad that Dr. Edwin has opened up the doors for us (at least for me) into the world of DRAMA. Well, at least now my perception towards DRAMA has changed (to the better). I can say that my knowledge on DRAMA has increase as days go by and I really do enjoy reading the plays and always looking forward to the next lecture!
Well, at first I thought that I will not enjoy the lecture. However, I was proven wrong! The first lecture turned out to be an eye opener to me instead! My perception now towards DRAMA is DRAMA = INTERESTING and it is no longer DRAMA = BORING anymore. All thanks to my lecturer, Dr. Edwin who has share with us so much about DRAMA (including its history) even in the first lecture. I was very much exposed of my misconception towards DRAMA all these years. I was so much exposed too that how little I know about DRAMA.
Anyway, I'm glad that Dr. Edwin has opened up the doors for us (at least for me) into the world of DRAMA. Well, at least now my perception towards DRAMA has changed (to the better). I can say that my knowledge on DRAMA has increase as days go by and I really do enjoy reading the plays and always looking forward to the next lecture!
Monday, 16 March 2009
Trip to KLPAC (Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre)
Weeks ago, a group of my course mates and I had planned a trip to KLPAC (Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre) to watch a play. So, days after we planned, finally we managed to watch a play entitled The Love Life of Ophelia.
Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (exterior)
Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (interior)I was really impressed with the design of the building. It was indeed a performing arts centre as the design of the building itself was already so artistic. The design was simple yet unique. Anyway, that place is just so comfy that it makes me feel so welcomed.
We managed to meet the director of the play, Christopher Ling and moments before we went in the theatre, he briefs us on the play and also what we can do and what we cannot do when the play is still on. Too bad, this time we did not have the chance to speak to him. Well, maybe next time.
As for this trip to KLPAC, I am thankful that our lecturer, Dr. Edwin, has charged us all to watch at least a play to fulfill one of the requirements of this course. If it is not for the purpose of fulfilling the requirement of the course, I think many of us would not be bothered to go and watch a play in KLPAC. Therefore, I can say that I am glad to fulfill this requirement regardless of the price that I have to pay to gain this experience (that might be a life time experience). The reason why I say that this might be a life time experience is because I would not know whether i have the chance to go back there to watch another play or not some other times in future. Anyway, I am really glad that I have the opportunity to pay KLPAC a visit and also to watch a play at the same time.
As for the play, The Love Life of Ophelia, I did not expect that the play will be merely an exchanging of letters between Hamlet and Ophelia. I expected more. Anyway, I came to realize that it was my fault that i did not do a little survey on the play. In KLPAC's website, (http://www.klpac.com/Welcome.asp?c=whatsontheatreview&theatreID=280&theatrecatID=5) where it provides synopsis of the play and also a brief explanation of the play.
Although I do not understand the entire play, I still managed to get the whole idea of the play through discussing with my fellow course mates about the play immediately after watching the play when the play is still fresh to everyone. To me, this is the benefit of going in a group to watch a play because we watch the same play and I can always discuss with my course mated about the play that we have watched. It is so much easier to get the whole idea of the play when everyone has a bit of everything and when it is combined together, all of us will eventually get the whole lot out of it. This is what i treasure most in watching theatre with my course mates.
Last but not least, I told myself once i left KLPAC that I will definitely come back again some other times to watch more plays. Of course it would be a plus point if my fellow course mates would also love to come back to KLPAC again in future.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
The mystery of Teiresias' blinding
Teiresias
There are a few versions which speak about the blinding of Teiresias. Well, I have no idea in which I should believe. Anyway, I am going to share with you three different versions of the blinding of Teiresias here.
The first version:
Teiresias was believed to be blinded by the gods because he reveals their secret to mortal men.
The second version:
Teiresias was believed to be blinded by Athena when he was young because he saw her naked.
However, because Teiresias' mother is one of Athena's favourite attendants, she asked the goddess to restore his sight but fail to do so. So, Athena gives Teiresias a good hearing where he understands the sound of the birds. Athena also gave Teiresias a staff made of cornel-wood with the help of which he could walk like those who can see. Since Athena fail to restore Teiresias' sight, she gives him the power to utter oracles, to live a long life and after his death, to keep his understanding among the dead.
The third version:
Teiresias was believed to watch two snakes copulating and when he wounded the female snake, he was turned into a woman. He remained as a woman for seven years. However, later he saw the same snakes copulating and wounded the male snake, he was turned back into a man. There are believes which said that Zeus and Hera were arguing about whether the male or the female enjoys the pleasure of love more. They then get Teiresias to tell them based on his knowledge on both sides of love. Teiresias told them that
"Of ten parts a man enjoys one only, but a woman enjoys the full ten parts in her heart."
Upon listening to this, Hera blinded him and Zeus could not stop her from doing that. Therefore, Zeus gave Teiresias the power of a seer and a long life (life span of seven lives).
It is difficult to tell which one is true and which is not as these are merely believes and are not proven true in anyway.
Monday, 12 January 2009
Is theatre out of date?
In my opinion, I think theatre is never outdated. It's just that theatre is not widely exposed to the people that many people do not know much about theatre. It is a matter of exposure that determines whether people know about theatre or not. Take the example of a cinema. Why is cinema more popular than theatre? Or why do many people know about cinema rather than theatre? Well, this is because cinema is widely exposed and spread among the nations, whereas not many are being exposed to theatre. Many countries in the West are more exposed to theatre than we do here. That is why in the West, we can see that theatre is quite popular there and this prove that theatre is not something out of date yet. Therefore, I do think that theatre is not outdated but rather not well exposed to the people.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
How similar or different is cinema from theatre
a modern theatre
However, cinema can be different from theatre in a certain way too. The obvious difference of the cinema to theatre is that cinema does not perform live performances but theatre does. Cinema is also different in a way that it presents movies to people whereas theatre presents plays.
Although cinema and theatre are quite similar to each other, they are also in a way different too.
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