word of wisdom from my brain

I realize and learn….it is not about you are the best. Because everyone is the best in their own way. Everyone is the winner in their own way. They dealt with what they need to deal with, so they are winners!  So, all you got to do to survive in this world is be the best version of yourself. I don’t like competition.so be the best based on my own standards is the best way to live peacefully :) 


p/s: somehow, surroundings judgement still affect you, but take it as learning experience, not as a standard to be compared to. 

Week 5, Day 33 : 4th October 2018

I am utterly grateful with class 1-7 today. I was excited to start my drama project and lesson with the students, but when I arrived, I saw on their table they had my last week's flag project! the white and red stripes. oh, they remembered! I was glad I brought sweets in my pocket. I could reward them for participating. Everyone participated well! Everyone was able to produce the Malaysian hats and at last, I got to take pictures with them! I was so thankful to God for sending the technology teacher to always observe and control my class. I am also thankful for the students' enthusiast. I postponed my drama project as I could see their eagerness to complete the Malaysian hats. I hope in the future, they will enjoy my drama project.

Then, on that day,Grade 2 and 3 were having examination and ended at 12 pm. After that, they could go home. Iwant to ask the teachers why next time. Then, the teachers went out for an excursion. We went to the contryside, had lunch (vegetable and rice), then we did "suspension adventure rope course". It was crazy and increadible!!!! I was scared of heights. Ifelt like crying, at the same time, I just kept walking and pray that I will be safe. Walking on it felt like exercise as I had to balance and pull myself up.  I think I enjoyed balancing myself but I seriously did not like the heights. When I did the flying fox, I almost gave up. I went back and felt like I want to take off my clip. But in the end, the instructor pushed me and I did not look to the front. The other female Korean teachers were not making any sounds. I could not help myself but scream!! haha. This is going to be one and last time.

But I realise doing this, I was able to share how scared I was with other teachers. Ryan and Kim songsannim explained how to walk and handle the gears and the female nurse and teachers just kept motivating each other. I learned that to be in a good relationship with your colleagues, I think this kind of activity is needed to bond ourselves in other ways, because we may not be able to bond due to different subject or different working area, but, through this activity, we could connect with one another through feelings, and from here, we would see the other side of the person that maybe, we could have a better conversation with that person, better yet, better friendship. 

This makes me reflect on how teachers in Korea talked to each other.It is in their culture to always greet each other by bowing their head a little and said anyohasayo, and when they said goodbye, they would say anyohegesayo (i am sorry if i am spelling it wrong) and also choshimhassayo(take care) or kapshida (let's go). so, this nature of being polite makes the environment is always in a polite situation. it is beautiful and calm working culture indeed. 

I was glad to have a great conversation with an English teacher, who is very much interested in observing culture and places. We shared the same interest, hence we discussed about education system, world culture, documentaries and movies. It was fun and I am looking forward for future conversation with her.

I also saw the principal was choosing who he would like to pour drinks to. The eldest would pour drink to the young ones and the young ones would bow and said thank you, kamsahamnida. this is like saying that the elder is giving blessings to the young ones, hence, creating a respectful environment. everyone is doing something in return. pouring, bowing. it is very good. 

WEEK 4&5, DAY 23 - 32 : Monday, 24th September 2018 - Wednesday, 3rd October 2018

These 2 weeks have been interesting experiences as I started teaching. I am teaching multicultural classes,  but I also focus on teaching the students English vocabulary. Being in Boys’ School has its own challenges.  Some students were hyperactive and not interested in the lesson. However, I believe,as a teacher, it is my job  to face the challenge and find a way to educate the students. These 2 weeks, I had been introducing Malaysian flag,  colours, shapes, comparing it with Malaysian flag and then the students create a Malaysian flag hat. The objective  of this lesson is to make the students pay attention to the details of the flag by making a hat and remember the  importance and meanings of the shapes and colours. I also taught Malay vocabulary such as Harimau and Jalur  Gemilang as well as English vocabulary such as anthem, earth, sky, star, moon, states, crescent, stripes, shapes  and colours. Most of the students participated well as they were able to answer my questions when I wanted to  test their memory after I taught them. They were also able to create a hat. Some did not pay attention but I tried  to ask whether they are alright and try to encourage them to continue with their activity. Next class was grade 2. Same lesson, however, few boys at the back were not attentive. However, being older boys,  about 4 students are able to get it done. Then I had to make sure the class is clean after the lesson. Eventhough it  was not a 100% happy lesson, I made myself brave and I said goodbye to them and hope to see them again. They  looked very positive. I realised this is the importance of always being positive as a teacher.  At least, in the next  class, they remember our positive goodbye. Hopefully, it will be a better and positive start and lesson next time.  The next day, I tried to give them a reward when they finished making their craft. They were enthusiastic about the  reward. Maybe, this will work better for next activities if they competed them well. As for my project,on 28th and  29th, I was not able to meet my multicultural club students as there was no multicultural club session. I would only  able to meet them the next Monday, 1st October. On Monday, I was teaching 2-8 and 2-4. The students in 2-8 were a bit hard to control, hence, I taught them a fun  way to clap. So that, when I need their attention and it works! When I said clap, they did it. That’s good. Next class  2-4, they don’t need it much but I do the clap as well. Students were paying attention throughout the class and  most were determine in doing their craft and paid attention to the lesson. I was very happy with my lesson as it  went smoothly. However, I was not happy with the after school programme as only 4 students attended the session. Hence, I was  only able to carry out my project with only 4 students. They learned about various types of expressions and  Malaysian clothing. They also recite the drama script. They are good. I hope more will come next time and be  more serious. However, I am worried about the participants in my project plan. I am worried that the project plan was not carried out well. Hene,I decided to bring my project in class as it is related to malaysain culture and English as well. Today, I tried my project with grade 1-2. It was haywired. Why? First of all,it was an abrupt change, from a lesson to project. So, in my mind, I am thinking how to speed up my prject, at the same time, I need to teach step by step to help the students understand better. In the monerning, I came early to school to print and cut the papers but in the end, because I was so haywirde, I could not go through the process of the lesson step by step. So,when I was in class, I could not carry out the lesson systematically. It was here and  there. Students may not be able to see the continuation of it all. So, next class, I will do it step by tep. First, pre test, next vocabulary, next video, then, rearrange story, then moral values.maybe that’s it for today. Try next class…try try. I also realize these students need more help with viocabulary because they are grade 1. So, I must add the vocabs for the young graders. I entered second class for Tuesday, 1st graders. I was co-teaching with an English teacher. She was helpful as she explained when students could not understand my instructions. She also helped in correcting my Korean translation. Students paid attention and tried their best. After 3 weeks in Hong Cheon, I realize, teachers’ work ethic is really high. They would get to class on time and elave on time, modeling to the students to be punctual too whilst not taking their precious time. Students would also be back in class on time to start the class. Students are also determine in their stiry as they would onctinue going to stody at extra tuition acadmy out of school. Students also keep on nurturing their interest, for example, they play magic tricks or drawing or foot volleyball practice and keep on practicing during recess or after school programme. I also notice the working and documenting process is done efficiently. For example, the register is written only once at the front and students are marked only based on their absentise. Then, students does not have exercise books but they have handouts,givne by their teacher. The teacher would also carry out experiements in class by demonstaringt if the science experiments could be done fast. So, students get to learn more. I am also amaze at how responsible the students are in keeping the class and school corridor clean. Everyday, at the last period they ouwld have 10 minutes cleaning time. Then, on Friday, the students on duty would mop rooms and corridors. Patriotism is essential in korea, throughout education as well as around areas.graceful and good etiquette is also important as I notice Koreans are much quieter and always greet each other and have high value of seniors. My Korean mentor, Yenny is very helpful. She is not good English but she is determined to improve. My partener and I area also determine to learn Korean language, be it reading and orally. So, we always exchange information about language and culture. She teaches us how to say phrases and reading and I would help her with English words and explains Muslim and Malay culture, especially since I am wearing hijab. I am glad I am in the school wearing hijab,especially for students. I want the students to understand that the world is filled with various types of people, culture and religion. I want them to get used to it  and be aware and understand the existence of different culture and places and not be too shock to see different people and culture. Last fortnight, I went to Seould during Chuseok Holiday. I saw on television where family went back to their hometown, visiting families as well as visiting graves. Some went to Gongbeokgung palace or other famous places to celebrate by playing games and looking at the full lunar moon. It was very festive. On Tuesday, I went to I went to Gongbeokgung palace.itwas free to enter the palace that day. Many people were wearing handbook and taking pictures. Family came and enjoyed the day. Last weekend, my mentor, Yenny, brought me to Seoul for Hanbook and Korean experience. We visited Gongbokgeong Palace. Yenny had taken for us an English guide to explain about the history of the palace. The guide was informative as tehey shared about the decoration of the palace paintings, such as the sun and moon represent queens,and the number of claws on the dragon, the meaning of them, the function of fireplace under the palace which explains the floor heating in Korea and the importance of having clean floor, the function of each building, the king’s place, work place, meeting place, sleeping place, wives’ rooms and garden. Then, we stayed in a traditional house. I love it as I get to learn little details about the house like they used charcoal to make sure the air is clear and there were duck decorations where it explains to have a good wedding life. Then there was open rooftop with chairs.the staff explains that the alley beside the guest house was from KDrama “goblin”. The next day, we walked around Samchondong area, observing the traditional residential area. It was amazing.we went to the observatory and saw the Blue house where the president is and see the mountains. Then, we went to a traditional knot-making-craft. I crafted a dragonfly keychain knot. Then we ate Korean noodle and Korean vegetable. We also went to Namsan tower. It had an amazing view of Seoul city, mountains and Han river. We also saw buchechum dance there, and the dancers are elders but they were very professional. Then they dance using Hyangbal, a small clinking music instrument. It was very inspirational and graceful. It was beautiful experience.  It was amazing to learn about the history of another country as it shows the beauty of the country and how the country work hard to make it properoous.The architecture of the palace and the traditional house was majestic and increadible as how beautiful the designs were and how strong the wood and bricks are.

WEEK 3, DAY 20: Friday, 21st September 2018 Alia’s Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme

Today, we observed an art class for grade 3 students (15/16 years old). The teacher was teaching students how to draw a moving picture. The teacher showed videos of examples how picture moved. Then, the students started making storyboard and drew. They were creative and talented as they drew beautiful pictures. One student drew Alice in Wonderland, chasing the rabbit. One student drew princess. After the class, I asked the teacher whether will he teach students to use software to make moving animation. He said he will use Movie Maker to teach this. My partner and I were amazed how fast they learned to use creative software.

After that,  I had a multicultural class. I started to carry out my project plan, that is LEARNING ENGLISH THROUGH DRAMA. I gave a pre-test on vocabulary before they watched the video. Then, I showed a short folklore story on the ‘”Disobedient Frog”, a Korean folklore. Then, together with the students, we listed outthe characters and their characteristics. I was glad students were able to respond. Then, I showed 3 types of videos of Si Tanggang, a Malay folklore. Again, we listed the characters and characteristics. Then, students were given van diagram and they started to compare the characters. Mother Frog and Si Tanggang’s mother, the frog son with Si Tanggang. It was a pleasure to see students were able to compare the characters as they saw similarities and differences between the characters.

After that, we discussed about the setting of place in Si Tanggang. First is it happens in Malaysia. I showed the traditional Malay House. Then, we decided there is a ship.. We watched a short clip of Pirates of Carribean.

Then, we practiced facial expressions. Students showed the feeling of anger, sadness, happy, confused and surprise.

Overall, I am really glad I am able to start my project. I hope next week, I could start showing the Malay clothing and script.

Today, I am really happy I get to teach the students directly. Mr Kim was really helpful translating certain words. Some students were attentive. They were more attentive when I showed interesting videos. Overall, they could get distracted sometimes but they are kind and focus when needed. I hope I could handle the class again next week.

WEEK 3, DAY 19: Thursday, 20th September 2018 Alia’s Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme

It was 9 am. Students had English written test in 10 minutes and they are very focused memorising how to write in English to introduce themselves.

We observed 2 classes today. First is History lesson. The content of the lesson is very interesting. The topic was about French Revolution. The lesson was taught in Korean of course, but I recognised the year as the teacher mentioned “Marie Antoinette” and “Napoleon”. The teacher used pictures and informs the students thoroughly on French History. Most students paid attention,responded and understood the lesson.  I am amazed with the History syllabus as students’ as young as 15 years old (Korean age) are learning about Europe. When I asked the teachers, they said that history is taught based on years. So, for example in the year 1880, the syllabus explains about what happen in Korea, Europe, Asia during that year.

Then, we observed Music class. The teacher introduced students to various types of instruments using Youtube. The teacher chose interesting performance, such as performance by deaf musicians and autisme. Besides, the teacher also showed celesta, which is rarely known. Then, the students filled in a handout given on descriptions of instruments and which one they like. This has proven that types of videos that we show to students played a big part. They showed videos that teaches students to have big dreams. Moreover, the way they handled the lesson is by showing videos or experiment that could explain a lot, in other other words, short demonstaration but means a lot to the students.

WEEK 3, DAY 18: Wednesday, 19th September 2018 Alia’s Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme

I realised that students can play during play time in the morning, before school starts and during recess time. In the morning, there is also reading time at the library. Students are given choice to play or go to the library to read books.

Then I saw the homerorom teacher of 2-4, Miss Moon, has a roll call book or register. The Register only write name once and mark students who are absent. It is also being keyed in online.

We observed a Korean language lesson. Some students were a little sleepy as it was already afternoon. I saw the teachers being very patient in the class, not shouting at sutdents, even reprimand them in a way that does not make them sad. All the teacher asks them to do is stand up at the back for awhile until they are fully awake. Students even stand up and go to the back willingly.

A student told us that they received textbook from the government for free. Based on observation, teachers also received digital textbook and textbook. So, most teachers we observed will show the textbook on the television screen provided in each class.

WEEK 3, DAY 17: Tuesday, 18th September 2018 Alia’s Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme

The first class we observed is a History class. The books is very interesting as it contains history on old and royal government. The teacher used digital textbooks and show it to the students while explaining. Then,  the teacher showed a historical movie and everyone focused on the movie. Then, the teacher gives a handout where students have to complete in groups of 4. The students were competitive. I observed at the textbooks and they have cute cartoons.

Then, we entered social studies class, teaching Ethics. The teacher showed a video on previous warriors who had fought for Korean Independence.

Many classes are showing to the students videos of previous Korean history, instilling value of patriotism.

Then, during recess, a student came to our place and start drawing Malaysian Airlines and finished it. While other students were playing a similar game to “Batu Seremban”. 

After that, our mentor, yenny, brought us to Agriculture School. We were amazed with the school equipment eventhough it was just a short visit. There were huge green house filled with plants. Then, there were teacher and students handling the tractor. I was amazed how real-life-like the lesson was. 

Then, we arrived at the place where they collect eggs. Agriculture school really focused on real-life skills.