One Malaysia in the Classroom

In Malaysia, we celebrate our Independence Day on August 31 annually. And this year marks the 52 anniversary of our sovereignty. Since the celebration is just around the corner, it is appropriate for me to touch on this issue through a perspective of a teacher. One of the differences that really caught my attention this year is the theme/ motto of the celebration itself- ‘One Malaysia’.
One Malaysia is a concept brought up by our very own Prime Minister, Y.B. Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak . Living in a multiracial country like Malaysia is vital to ensure that there is unity among the people. It is time for us to focus on the similarities and accept the differences of each race. It is time for us to come together as one nation and one voice.
As for me, I’m fortunate because this concept is not something strange to me. In fact, it has been something that really close to my heart. I am a mixed race (Indian, Chinese and Siamese) yet I was brought up in a small Malay’s village. Then, I was posted to East Malaysia in a town where I have met friends from different ethnicity, they are Ibanese, Melanau and Bidayuh. Therefore, I have this privilege to understand the cultures of each race in Malaysia.
So when I meet up with any new individuals, their races are not something that significant to me. We are all the same, we are Malaysian. Likewise, as a teacher we shouldn’t categorize or label our students according to their background or family status. Every student should have the same image in our mind and deserve the same attention. That’s why in school we practice uniformity among the students.
On the whole, with this spirit of One Malaysia let us start to treat our students equally and avoid discrimination in the classroom. Let it also be One Malaysia in the Classroom. Happy Independence Day & Selamat Menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan ke-52.

Friendship in Teaching

Generally, I believe that teachers are supposed to have a strong bonding with each other. I still remember in my early years of teaching I was blessed with a lot of good friends and colleagues that helped in my personal development. Some of the mentoring and counseling from the senior teachers has laid the crucial foundation to my teaching style today. I will always treasure the discussion and advices that I have often received from them.

The friendship and cheerful moments I have with my colleagues have really lightened up my days. The badminton games that we have every weekend really help me to reduce the stress I have in the classroom. One of the wonderful moments that I love is hanging out with my colleagues for lunch. Our lunch time is always filled with laughter and teasing

The friendship amongst the non-academic staff in my school (SMK Dalat) has also made teaching here a pleasant job. I am blessed with lab assistants that always help me to prepare functioning scientific apparatus(sometimes in short noticed). The computer technician that always helps me to troubleshoot my electronic or computer equipment is a great help to me. For the clerical and documentation work, I am indebted to my school’s clerks and general workers.

In brief, all teachers need help to become better teachers. That includes me, you, and everyone. Where do teachers go and how do we find help? For me the answer is through “friendship in teaching”

Patience in Teaching

Last week, I wrote about delay gratification and being patient as the key to cope with such delay. But I always believe that as a teacher, patience is the most important element in teaching.
Educators are challenged with so many circumstances where our patience is tested. Teaching itself is a task that requires us to be patient. In the classroom, a teacher must undergo a process of explaining to students with different level and pace. As a sports coach we need to train our students with various stages of practical skills. Teaching is like nurturing a plant. It needs time and space to grow. So, it is an accepted fact that every teacher should be persevere in educating.
Furthermore, as teachers it is important that we understand that patient and respect are the keys in touching the heart of our students. If we are persistence in teaching, our students can feel it. This means that we should not give up easily when we face difficulties in explaining a concept or any lesson in class. What we should do is try a different approach, change the way of explaining or maybe use some interesting teaching aids. The key is to try, try and try again until our students get it.
Of course, as a teacher there will be a time when we lose our temper and reacts with anger. Yet, we need to remind ourselves that we are a living example to our students. How we react and handle certain situation will be observed by our students. I feel that it is necessary that we (educators) illustrate patient behavior in whatever circumstances.
Perhaps some teachers may disagree with me and maybe it is easier said than done. But I believe if we keep on encouraging and reminding each other there is nothing that can’t be done. As for me, the keywords are “Teaching is a patient process and requires a patient teacher”

Delay Gratification

Last Monday I was awarded as the excellent teacher of the month. In my school, there is this monthly recognition for the most outstanding teacher and student. To be honest, I have been longing for this award since my first year in this school. Yet, as time passed by, I had stopped thinking about it. So this reward came as  a surprise to me and when I have not expected it.
Then I realize there are some valuable lessons I've learned throughout this process that I would like to share in this blog entry. In the two years at this school, I personally thought that my efforts have gone unnoticed. There are times when I feel discouraged and upset when I didn’t receive any appreciation for my works.
This circumstance had taught me a lot about being patient. Delay gratification serves as an opportunity for us to learn more about patience. Today we are so used to immediate gratification and we can hardly wait for anything in our life. We tend to feel frustrated when some acknowledgement is delayed. Then we lose our commitment and passion in teaching. We are no more the dedicated teacher we used to be. For me, impatient is the serial killer for all the good and potential teachers.
Yes, we may feel frustrated and sad when we don’t receive enough credit for all the hard works and efforts (I had experienced it too). But, if we understand that sometimes God delays gratification and appreciation to prepare us for something better ahead, then we will never lose heart in everything we do.
So, keep on being patient and believe that if we continue to serve sincerely and give our best, someday the appreciation and promotion will come. Let us not just hoping for acknowledgement but let us focus on the satisfaction we get when we change the lives of our students.

Far away from home

As a teacher in Malaysia, sometimes we are required to serve in different states that are far from our home. And one of the most feared was the East Malaysia postings. This is because, it is far away from Peninsular Malaysia and there are possibilities to be posted to a rural and remote area.

My first posting was in Dalat, Sarawak (East Malaysia). Honestly, when I received my first posting letter, I had mixed feelings about it. Serving far away from hometown, meeting people with different languages and cultures are some of the questions that kept on playing on my mind. Yet, I believe God composes the symphony of life. He seems to know what is best for us. My stayed at Sarawak had revealed a lot of new lessons and help me grow as a teacher. I was blessed to be in a small town like Dalat where teachers are highly respected by the communities and the relationship among teachers are so close. This scenario really helps a lot in developing my character as a teacher.

In fact, teaching in a school far away from town means that I have bigger responsibilities in moulding and shaping the students. With limited facilities and no private tuition classes, the students depend 100% on the teaching in the classroom. Knowing that my students depend totally on me, this prompted me to deliver my best in the classroom. A part from that, what I really enjoy is the fellowship and companionship I have with my students. Being in a small village means that everywhere I go I’ll meet up with my students and the greetings I received from them really make up my day.

Of course, I have this longing to serve at my hometown, close to home and in a place where I am more familiar. Yet, a small and peaceful village by the river like Dalat is a good training ground to prepare me for the challenges ahead. So, even though I am far away from home, it is worth it.