Education, Motivation & Classroom Management

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Saturday, September 09, 2006

Learner Motivation

Here is an article that may interest you...

This is an international review on learner motivation. Very good information for educators out there!!


To download the article click here: Learner Motivation

posted by Ong Tiam Chye at 11:54 AM | 0 comments

Motivational Tool - "Kiasu" Syndrome?

Using the "kiasu" Syndrome to motivate our students?

It is noticed that some of my students with this kiasu syndrome are motivated to do well and always striving their best to outshine the rest. I realise that this is a very powerful push factor for the student. Student will be self-driven to perform and they are often self-motivated.

Although I have not done any former studies on it, but it is certainly interesting to note that this "kiasu" spirit is especially stronger and can be sensed in student who has high GPA and in female students. Though I have no concrete data to support, but certainly sounds like a good research area for a masters programme!! My guess is that those in prestigous schools do have a lot more of such cases.

Singaporean are known to be kiasu, everything we fight for number 1. Is it our environment that we live in cultivates this kiasu spirit? I believe so. There is a lot of positive outcome that we can see from a kiasu driven student, however the flip side of it, is self-centeredness and selfishness. Which is a no-no for me...

Well can we use it as a motivational tool? And how do we use it? Guess we can debate and discuss on this.. anyone?

posted by Ong Tiam Chye at 11:00 AM | 0 comments

Friday, September 08, 2006

Educate Our Young - Gangs - "Kua Si Mi?!!" ("What are You Looking At?!!")

The content below is an extract from the National Crime Prevention Council. Gangfights can be easily triggered and in alot of time it could lead to serious injuries or even death. As an educator we may want to share some of these real incidents to our students to warn them of the consequences...

Gangfile

Probably nothing. But they could add up to trouble. Gang trouble.

Many young people join gangs because they're lonely and they think it'll be great to have a group of friends to hang out with. But while it seems fun and exciting to prowl around the streets and clubs in a big group, things can easily get out of hand.

A staring incident turns into a vicious, bloody fight and the next thing you know, you've been arrested. People have been seriously injured and even killed in these fights.

Gang fights and attacks have erupted over something as trivial as not liking someone's looks.

Take the case of Desmond; to him the attack on Chee Hong was just another Saturday night fight. But the death of Chee Hong shows how easily matters can escalate beyond control.

**The images in this video may cause some discomfort to some viewers.**

posted by Ong Tiam Chye at 10:19 AM | 0 comments

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Motivation Challenge - "Fail? So What?"

Exams is round the corner.. but I can't help but feel that some of our students are not really taking it seriously. Many still owe assignments and a number of them missed the class test. Being a teacher with extra TLC (Tender Loving Care), I would arrange for those who missed their test to retake. Hopefully by showing them extra care and concern, they would turn up and perhaps help them score some course work marks.. some of the student are appreaciative. However, a handful of them is simply "bo-chiap". "Fail? So What?".. "Just fail me lor.." was their reply. I sometimes find it hard to talk senses into these group of students, I would lose my cool and raise my voice on them. Well, I guess that when you have experienced failures for a few times, you tends to get used to it, therefore ..."so what is so big deal if I flunk again, is there any different?" is this the reason for such a behaviour?

Hmm.. Need to explore why the behaviour and what would be response would best suit these group of students?

posted by Ong Tiam Chye at 6:39 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Communication Skills - the 4 Powerful Secrets that Win People Over

Below is an article which is quite interesting...

Communication Skills - the 4 Powerful Secrets that Win People Over

Having a conversation seems very natural to some people, but to others it is a struggle every time. There is no need to feel frustrated or upset every time you are faced with a situation where you must be involved with a conversation.

Conversation is essential and important to every day life. If you avoid conversation with others they may see you as stuck up. Thinking you do not value what they have to say or think they are not worth your time. You can gain a horrible social image if you avoid conversation.

There are four great tips that can help you to overcome whatever may be bothering you about conversation.

Tip#1 How to answer rude or inappropriate questions.

Some people are very bad at the art of conversation and may say something off beat. They may ask an extremely personal question or just make a comment that is not appropriate.

To handle this situation you should politely give a short answer or reply without drawing attention to the situation and then move on. Change the subject or if the person just piped up with this, go back to the original conversation.

Tip#2 What to do when you run out of things to talk about.

If you are constantly watching others and paying attention to what they are talking about you shouldn’t run out of things to say. If you do find the conversation running out then try to find something common to talk about.

This will bring everyone back into the conversation and allow it to pick up again. Some good conversation topics are current events or something about the place you are at.

Tip#3 How to kick up a conversation.

Sometimes for lack of better things to talk about a conversation can get boring. If people are not interested in what is being talked about they will stop talking or leave. You do not want to end up with silence or awkward good byes.

So if you feel the conversation is dragging try to bring up something different than what you have been talking about. This is a good time to state an interesting fact you know or to share a hobby. Pet peeves are another good thing that will liven up the conversation.

Tip #4 How to deal with a topic you know nothing about.

Sometimes you will find that the people you are having a conversation with bring up a topic you know nothing about. In this case you have the opportunity to use your listening skills.

You should take interest in learning about this topic by asking questions. This shows you are interested in the other person and you care about what they have to say.

These tips cover four main situations that crop up in conversation and cause anxiety. Knowing how to handle them can make you feel more at ease with the idea of having a conversation and improve your overall communication skills.


About the Author:
Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently produced a very popular free report that reveals how to crush procrastination and sustain lasting motivation. Apply now because it is available for a limited time only at: motivation techniques

posted by Ong Tiam Chye at 3:14 PM | 0 comments