Friday, July 16, 2010

New Semester


The new semester has just started. My first class commenced on Sunday despite a bit of a problem with the timetable. Although there are a few clashes yet to be solved all the same the class have to resume. I teach 3 English for Business classes and 1 English 1 class this semester and am looking forward to those classes that I’ve promised to myself to give the best I could to help my beloved students improve their English.

Teaching to me is not only a career that I do to keep my body and soul together rather I take is as a vocation, something that I revere and defines me as an individual. The passion that I have for the noble profession is beyond description that I believe being one commands a great deal of respects though that’s not what I wish for. obviously The profession speaks for itself . Other professions are equally important yet I believe teaching is distinctive in its own way as to compare with its counterpart. Only those in the profession could tell them apart.

Blessed with the best job the world could offer I always make myself aware of the amanah God is testing me with and put myself together to strive for the very best to deliver it accordingly. For every heartbeat I devote to teaching I wish a big reward from the One up there. Handling my students is every bit the reminiscence of how during the good old days in my school years when my teachers had to do the same. I now could readily connect myself to their conscientious efforts in dealing with students of different characteristics albeit perhaps a totally different approach we subscribe, yet the objective is the same. To educate them or at least for some that think it is big a word, to show them ways, good ones of course for them to opt for what they think best fits them for their lives. I always tell my students regardless of anything that might hinder them from achieving their dreams that they have to believe in themselves and put their best foot forward to make them a reality.

One and half year of teaching has tremendously given me fascinating and thought-provoking insights into education though I believe I still leave a lot to be desired. Thus I will take whatever ways and means I could to better myself in that regard. Undoubtedly, I have a long way to go and I will keep going till I reach the ultimate satisfaction; students who are morally and academically commendable being produced who will be of great significance to the society and posses the same wish as I do or ever better. It’s no bed of roses but I’ll do my part to the best of my ability and keep my words to that. To all my students out there, Happy learning!!!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

UMK-PSU English Camp

3 weeks of hiatus and now I’m back again. Hats off s to those involved in the recently held International English camp collaborated with PSU for the hard work and dedication exuded throughout the 3 day program.

It was indeed a sheer success not only to UMK as a whole but also to the working committee who had slogged their guts out to make it a reality and delivered accordingly as planned. The preparation was a bit uncertain at the outset as we had encountered a bit of a problem with the procedures, but we, by the grace of God, managed to sail through all the same safe in the knowledge that this first ever international collaboration would go down the treat. I could see throughout the 3 day program that all participants took part in all the activities in great relish. Their participation was indeed commendable. It really met the objectives to help students to at least get them to speak a word or two since most of them were weak in their command of the language.

The programme indeed served as a platform for them to polish and improve themselves in a fun way different from the conventional methods of teaching that they undergo in classroom. I always believe that learning languages should be made fun and interesting so as to trigger the students’ interest in the language. All in all, the programme was a success and it’s been decided that this English camp will be done on a yearly basis to the benefit of both UMK and PSU’s students.