Fun with literature. And some poetry.

We learned about parody and limericks today. Towards the end of the lesson, we were asked to sit in groups and create our own versions of limericks. The activity was fun and entertaining. I believe that this kind of group work activity is a very interesting way of engaging students' interest, as well as lowering their self esteem. We took quite some time to decide on the suitable words to put in. But finally this is the outcome;

There was once a boy from Toy,
He always hoped to be someone's toy,
So he put on his shortest skirt,
And started to flirt,
That naughty boy from Troy.

Luckily the stems of the limerick was given. So that made the whole thinking process much easier. And we were asked to present the limerick to the whole class. I feel that ours was a little bit funny, and that served the purpose (limericks are meant to be comical and fun). I enjoyed this activity very much. But as Dr. Ed had mentioned in class, this kind of activities need to be done with the better students first. Learn from the difficulties, or limitations faced by those students, then only it can be done with students of lower English proficiency.

Of week 12

We might not have any tutorial sessions today if everyone has completed presenting their position paper. But today is just a short session, and we were dismissed early. And I have finished writing my research paper! Brag on, they said. But I'm glad that I managed to get things settled before the holidays, and as other assignments comes along, this was such a relief. At least I can have some time for myself during the holidays. :)

Thwarted!

It was depressing because we ended up not having class today! I was one of those who came late to class today because we are involved in a research. I feel that I am generous enough to let my free time be used to help her out. Alas, due to her lack of time management skill, she let us off late and we decided to wait for everyone until everyone had been interviewed so that we can enter the class as a group. Too bad, on our way there, a classmate called and said that Dr. Ed has left the class. it was so depressing because I looked forward for his class each week. I believe that it was so unfortunate and it was not our fault. We asked her to settle this matter for us. I just hope that we will have a fine Thursday next week.

I spent the night before to read Orwell's essay entitled Shooting an Elephant. It was a very interesting essay, yet I don't like the gory scene. It was cruel and brutal. I was really putting myself into the situation and I just can't imagine if I really see an elephant being killed right in front of my eyes! What he should probably do is just to leave the animal alone. I am still looking forward to discuss about this essay in class, for I reckon that there might be a deeper meaning about the killing of the elephant. (Can't think of any though! Sigh).

Random thoughts

I am working on my very own research paper when suddenly I feel like writing something here. Internet has been a very helpful resource for extra reference to write the paper. I hope that I will manage to send my final draft to Dr. Nooreen before we need to submit the papers in week 13. Working on this research paper is not easy. (Sigh. I always feel that I'm never good in writing). I feel that at times, it's difficult to put what I have in mind into words. At the beginning stage when I first started writing the analysis, I felt less confident.

But gradually, I come to realize that it is not that difficult. Writing could be fun when you know what to write about, and with a little help from helpful references (internet, book, lecturers, and dear friends) I can tell you that I'm getting more excited to get this paper completed. Can't wait. :)

The Gardener

Dr. Edwin asked us to think about a metaphor to describe ourselves as teachers. I said that I am a gardener. I simply love the picture of a gardener who will try as much as he can to grow the plant and gradually nurture them. I believe that teachers play the role of a nurturer , not only in formal education but perhaps beyond that. It was a great opportunity to get to talk about these things, since teaching practice is just a heartbeat away. :)

P.S: I hope that Nalini will be a great ATM Machine one day! Smiles

The Road Home

I simply love this movie. It is a Chinese movie but then I enjoyed the beautiful plot and settings in the movie. The only problem while watching was the audio, but luckily the subtitles were perfect! I feel that this story highlights the importance of a teacher in a cummunity. What I was able to see was the fact that teachers (whether they are good teachers or the opposite) will be remembered even until they are no longer alive. The scene which captured my attention the most was when the ex-students took turns to carry the coffin. This had not only shown how devoted they were towards the teacher, but beyond that, the wife and the son had no idea on how much the teacher had influenced the students. The situation was unexpected and this shows that a teacher could be more than just a teacher, literally.

Mandela

August has been a hectic month. Since the 51st Independence Day is just around the corner, I feel like saying something about how grateful I am to be a Malaysian (minus the political issues and bad public transportation services), and especially to live in Malaysia in the present days. Life is not difficult as compared to the earlier years. I have read Nelson Mandela's Autobiography entitled The Long Walk to Freedom. The title itself has a gist of what the autobiography entails. Most of it is his story on how he dealt with colonial power. During class, we discussed quite a lot of issues regarding this text, i.e. hegemony, apartheid and a few others.

I remembered reading the history textbook in my high school years, yet the information about our very own leaders who fought for the country's independence is very little. I believe that there are also autobiographies of our leaders out there, but it would be more interesting if we have the chance to at least read one significant part of their journey, just like Mandela's. Maybe students need more illustration of their struggles and sufferings, so that they can better understand what nationhood is.

I admire Mandela's courage and I personally feel that he is a great leader of his time.

Almost there.

Yay! Finally the presentation of my position paper is over. Which basically means that I have to start working on my research paper now. Dr. Nooreen gave some comments on how to improve the way I write the research paper. I'm going to write the complete paper and submit the draft again. What I've given to Dr. Nooreen was only the outline of the important points in the paper. I haven't thought of how to put the points in complete sentences. Will try as much as I can to work on it. With a lot more assignments coming along the way, I am learning that procrastination is bad. I don't want this to happen to me. He he.

google searched

The Poet

I was glad that we had the chance to meet Kim Trusty, a Canadian-Jamaican, and absolutely wonderful poet. I love the way that she conducted the lesson, the way she gave feedback and comments to our presentations. I was thrilled on the way she managed to gage our attention and she seemed so confident. There's a lot more to learn to be a good presenter I reckon. Our class were combined with Cohort 4, and they were fun people too. I can't help laughing when the representatives of each group presented their poems. Some were exceptionally hilarious, but the way I see it, we can be considered potential poets now. :) I googled for Kim Trusty and apparently there are a quite a few Kim Trustys. Above is the picture of her book, with her image as the cover. Even added her in MySpace. He he. But what's more important is that I've learned a lot. And intrigued by her passion.

The starting point

I've submitted the outline of my research paper to Dr. Nooreen. Basically I'm going to work on two of my favorite novels; The Alchemist and Tuesdays with Morrie. Waiting for comments from Dr. Nooreen. Will get started as soon as I get the draft approved.

The thesis statement:
The conflict between fate and will is clearly described through the portrayal of characters, symbolisms and motifs in the novel The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho and Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.

Andy Warhol

I can't think of a better title for this post. I've read the quotes from Andy Warhol's diaries, but it did not make any sense at all, not until we viewed a clipping about Andy Warhol and his works. Alas, the audio system in the lecture room was not that good. We anticipated an interesting movie, yet it was a documentary I guess. Well, we had a difficult time trying to attend to the voice and at the same time, view the pictures displayed. I was able to recall that some of Warhol's works are influenced by his religious beliefs. But what captured my attention the most was his Pop Art paintings.

Marilyn Monroe (Pop Art) - Andy Warhol
google search

This is one of his many significant works, and as I surfed the net for more information about this painting, I found out that those who owns Apple Notebooks will be able to create their own Pop Art Paintings, (most people used their own faces) since there is a software that enables users to make their version of Pop Art. But sure enough, the outcome will never look as good/ original as Warhol's.

Inspiring, Inspired.

My friends and I went to see Dr. Nooreen for the first meeting with supervisor. We get to know the expected format of our research papers. Dr. Nooreen had gave to us some samples as guidelines to prepare our own. I found out that every one has their own interest on what to write about. I have not decided on what to write about for the research paper.

But I'm glad that I manage to complete my position paper. I decided to change the story for the position paper, and I am absolutely happy that I made that decision. At least I am clear of what I want to write, and the Grimm Brothers' works had always been close to my heart. Part of learning is making mistakes along the way, they say.

I'm still thinking the possible issues to be discussed for my research paper.

Of engaging THE brain

So it's already the third week of lectures. We need to submit our 1st draft of the position paper. Trying to think of a thesis statement took a lot of time. But I managed to come out with one, finally. We discussed about the thesis statements with Mr. Omid in class. For some reason a lot of people decided to choose the same short story, A Great Injustice. I just hope that I'll be able to write a good position paper (obviously it'll only be possible after a lot of revisions). I feel that this subject could be very interesting, of course, apart from not having final exams at the end of the semester, it would be the time to learn how to write academically and critically. The samples of position paper will be good references to write the position paper.
I hope I'll enjoy the writing process.

Tales and Pictures

I enjoyed reading Ovid's Daedalus and Icarus tale. I believe that the story among the great tales ever exist. But reading the tale made no sense to me, not until I found out that there is a painting which is related to the tale. I googled for the painting and I found out that there are a few versions of the painting. The painting is inspired by Ovid's writing and I personally feel that the painting tells about the most important part of the tale, which is the Fall of Icarus.

Landscape with the Fall of Icarus; c. 1558; Oil on Canvas; Royal Museum of the Arts, Brussels

This painting tells us that our lives is only one tiny part of the whole world. As described in the painting, the shepherd paid no attention to Icarus drowning in the sea. Although Icarus means a lot to Deadalus as the father, he means nothing to the shepherd. Life does not stop for anyone. More interestingly, Ovid's writing had also influenced W.H Auden's poem, Musee Des Beaux Arts, which tells readers about the scence where Icarus fell from the sky.

Just a short one.

So another new semester has started. Time seems to fly so fast, and I am in my final year already.

Realizing how difficult it seems to keep up with the last blog I have, I wish for a better luck this time. So here I am, starting anew. This would probably be the place where I can share my thoughts and ideas with those who cares to read. *smiles*