MR. WOON says......

EDUCATION

2011-08-19T11:18:00.003+08:00

A group of us was asked by an educationalist on what we understood by the term 'education'. What is education to you personally? Don't quote what the experts say. Each of us was asked to say something about education. We made a few statements. Some were profound, others were familiar.

Our statements about education:
'Education is a life long process, it involves the whole person'
'Education is acquiring new knowledge and skills'
'Education is about change'
'It is not about passing exams, nor is it about getting good scores. It is empowering students to make wise choices in life'
'Education in our schools is all about completing the textbooks, teaching the basic skills of reading, writing and arithmatic (3R's)'

Interesting statements.

Education is indeed a life long process. We do not stop learning. If you choose to stop learning, you have decided to stop living. You become like a 'dead man' walking. That's why I am still attending a course on how to educate others at 56 years old. You choose and you decide whether you want to learn.

Next, education enables you to acquire new knowledge and skills. With new knowledge and the ability to perform new tasks, you become better as a person in school, at home or at your workplace.

-to be continued

smk tsk 3kp1 2010

2010-08-21T10:49:00.002+08:00

Hi. Students of 3kp1 went to the access room'. They were very happy. Someone said - thwey were crazy. wHY?
Because they have never used the internet in school. Now, they enjoy logging on. They wished they could use the internet everyday.
But- use it for purpose???? Read facebook? Play Games? View photos? Listen to music? View the whole world? Good.
Sorry - no time for them to do that.
Why? They asked. Too much studying and teaching. They are tired and bored. So, please -let them use the internet everyday. Yeah. Good idea?????
So many questions but so few answers.
Respond.....

Students and teachers

2009-11-17T07:29:00.003+08:00

"Students come to school to torture teachers".

What a true statement.

What a sad one.

First, let me define 'torture'. To torture means to make someone suffer or to cause pain to another person. To suffer means to experience some difficulties or problems.

In school, students do make teachers suffer. When they break the chairs, windows and doors in their classrooms, the teachers are held responsible. The principal has to get them fixed. New chairs are needed. Broken windows replaced. Carpenters are paid to change the doors. Teachers suffer.

Students come to school for various reasons except to learn. They refuse to complete their homework, refuse to study and are always busy talking to one another. It is a torture to teachers. It takes a lot of anger to get them do what they should do.

Teachers are ever willing to teach and impart knowledge to them. It takes time in any learning process. But they want a short cut in getting As. They choose not to work for As. They want the 'secret recipe' to instant perfect score. Give each teacher a magic wand, then.

There are students who treat their schools as motels or hotels. They come to sleep. Teachers tell them off. They get irritated and aggressive. It is as though they have every right to sleep in class. Some daring teachers challenge them while others turn away from such students.

Tough times for teachers. Should teachers attend karate class or any lessons on self-defence?

What say you......

RIVER IN GUILIN.

2009-11-12T15:30:00.002+08:00

A 400 years old tree. Yongshaou, Guilin

2009-11-12T14:37:00.002+08:00

LI RIVER, GUILIN, CHINA

2009-11-12T14:27:00.002+08:00

GUILIN, CHINA- LI RIVER

2009-11-12T13:33:00.002+08:00

GUILIN, CHINA

2009-11-12T13:29:00.002+08:00

GULIN, CHINA- November

2009-11-12T13:04:00.007+08:00

School Holidays

2009-11-04T09:14:00.003+08:00

School holidays. What do students do during school holidays? Years ago, students went fishing, swimming in the river and they played till the sun set. Today, they work in malls, play 'Counter Strike', 'War Craft' and other games. A vast difference. Times and cicrumstances have changed.
However, one thing has not changed. Students like holidays. They enjoy the freedom to do what they like. The basic human need- to be free.
Let me suggest to students who are reading my blog. One important activity you should carry out is : Reading. Get a book, read it, finish it no matter how difficult it is to do so. That requires determination, discipline and dedication. Three 3 D's.

You will never regret.

Try it.

PMR, SPM students

2009-10-03T15:16:00.002+08:00

Hi. All the best to all my students who will sit for PMR and SPM.

Work hard. Stop playing computer games.

Go through your notes. Stop day-dreaming.

Answer the past exam. questions. Stop watching T.V.

Read your Revision books. Stop wasting your time.

Try very hard. Stop worrying.

Be serious. Stop playing around.

You will do well. Then, you can enjoy your holidays.

Exam Fever

2009-09-14T10:04:00.002+08:00

Exam fever not H1N1. Every student suffers from it. Now, the PMR, SPM and STPM students are feverish. However, some are still sleeping in class. Are you?

Look at the bright side. Exams make you study. They discipline you and that is good. Good because with discipline you get to do what you should do as a student and that is STUDY.

Study is boring. That is a common complaint. Yes, it is. I agree. But I think study is hard work so it becomes boring or it is labelled as boring. Students just give up and turn to their TV or internet to save them.

Hard work requires discipline. Discipline makes you do the hard work that needs to be done.

So, just do it. Go study. Think of the holidays after exams. Hooray.

FACEBOOK

2009-08-15T10:18:00.003+08:00

Hi, everyone.
I've signed up as a member of Facebook.
Check it out...my name in the Facebook is Ks woon.
See you at Facebook.

Answer my student's question

2009-07-23T12:54:00.002+08:00

My student asked me, " Sir, why come to school? I can't get anything out of it. I'm wasting my time here. I can't understand all the lessons. My dad makes me come. If not for him, I would have stopped coming to school?"

You wish to give up? Read on....

2009-06-27T09:13:00.001+08:00

LIFE GOES ON

See the enthusiasm, confidence and tenacity on his face? Can we ever be distressed, impatient or complaining for frivolous reasons after witnessing this?

Miracle Man Walks Again Monday, July 9, 2007
He survived against all the odds; now Peng Shu Lin has astounded doctors by learning to walk again.

When his body was cut in two by a lorry in 1995, it was little short of a medical miracle that he lived. It took a team of more than 20 doctors to save his life. Skin was grafted from his head to seal his torso? But the legless Mr Peng was left only 78cm ( 2ft 6in ) tall.

Bedridden for years, doctors in China had little hope that he would ever be able to live anything like a normal life again. But recently, he began exercising his arms, building up the strength to carry out everyday chores such as washing his face and brushing his teeth.

Doctors at the China Rehabilitation Research Centre in Beijing found out about Mr Peng's plight late last year and devised a plan to get him up walking again. They came up with an ingenious way to allow him to walk on his own, creating a sophisticated egg cup-like casing to hold his body with two bionic legs attached to it.

He has been taking his first steps around the centre with the aid of his specially adapted legs and a resized walking frame. Mr Peng, who has to learn how to walk again, is said to be delighted with the device. What Self Confidence!

Please don't keep this mail in cold storage... nor deleting it... but circulate it...

Highest Position

2009-06-25T10:13:00.001+08:00

Do you know who holds the highest position in the world?

President Barack Obama?

Nope.

Pope Benedict?

Nope.

The Dalai Lama?

Nope.

Do you want to see WHO that person is ?

Babu Sassi, a fearless young man from southern India,

is the cult hero of Dubai's army of construction workers.

Known as the "Indian on the top of the world",

Babu is the crane operator at the world's tallest building, the 819-meter Burj Dubai.

His office, the cramped crane cab perched on top of the Burj, is also his home.

It takes too long to come down to the ground each day to make it worthwhile -

although, when the building is completed, its elevators will be the world's fastest.

Stories about his daily dalliance with death are discussed in revered terms by Dubai's workers.

Some say he has been up there for more than a year,

others whisper that he's paid 30,000 dirhams ($8,168) a month

compared with the average wage of 800 dirhams a month.

But everyone agrees, he's worth it -

because nobody else would have the courage to do the job!

Interesting----a forwarded mail

2009-04-30T22:02:00.003+08:00

A long time ago, there was an Emperor who told his horseman that if he could ride on his horse and cover as much land area as he likes, then the Emperor would give him the area of land he has covered. Sure enough, the horseman quickly jumped onto his horse and rode as fast as possible to cover as much land area as he could. He kept on riding and riding, whipping the horse to go as fast as possible. When he was hungry or tired, he did not stop because he wanted to cover as much area as possible.
Came to a point when he had covered a substantial area and he was exhausted and was dying. Then he asked himself, "Why did I push myself so hard to cover so much land area? Now I am dying and I only need a very small area to bury myself."
The above story is similar with the journey of our Life. We push very hard everyday to make more money, to gain power and recognition. We neglect our health , time with our family and to appreciate the surrounding beauty and the hobbies we love.
One day when we look back , we will realize that we don't really need that much , but then we cannot turn back time for what we have missed.
Life is not about making money, acquiring power or recognition . Life is definitely not about work! Work is only necessary to keep us living so as to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life. Life is a balance of Work and Play , Family and Personal time . You have to decide how you want to balance your Life. Define your priorities, realize what you are able to compromise but always let some of your decisions be based on your instincts. Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of Life, the whole aim of human existence.
So, take it easy, do what you want to do and appreciate nature. Life is fragile , Life is short. Do not take Life for granted. Live a balanced lifestyle and enjoy Life!

TAKE YOUR TIME TO READ THIS:-a forwarded email

2009-04-11T09:47:00.003+08:00

Two Choices

What would you do?.....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one.. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended.. After extolling the school and its

dedicated staff, he offered a question:

'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.

Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued... 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball... Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.

Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the

plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.

As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.

Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!

Run to first!'

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.

He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

B y the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!

Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

AND NOW A LITTLE FOOT NOTE TO THIS STORY:

We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate.

The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.

If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference.

We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the 'natural order of things.'

So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:

Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?

A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.

May your day, be a Shay Day.

Mistake or maladjustment- a forwarded mail

2009-04-07T12:31:00.002+08:00

..
What they actually mean

If a barber makes a mistake,
It's a

If a driver makes a mistake,
It is a
New path

If a engineer makes a mistake,
It is a

If parents makes a mistake,
It is a

If a politician makes a mistake,
It is a

If a scientist makes a mistake,
It is a

If a tailor makes a mistake,
It is a

If a teacher makes a mistake ,
It is a

If our boss makes a mistake,
It is a
New idea

If an employee makes a mistake,
It is a
'Mistake' No argument, please!

To encourage YOU

2009-04-07T12:25:00.001+08:00

When someone tells you that you can't do something...

Look around...

Consider all options...

Then GO for it!

Use all the things God gave you!

Be creative!

In the end, you will succeed and prove them wrong!

Always remember

' Nothing is impossible ' 'Have A Nice Day'

VIQ - very important question

2009-03-26T08:20:00.007+08:00

Hi. Students have asked me this VIQ: "Sir, why study those subjects that are irrelevant to us. When we go out to work, we are not going to make use of the knowledge we have got from our studies. Why study Geography, History or Science when they are not going to help us in our work? Why, Sir?"

A good question. I hope I can give a good answer.

First, are the subjects or topics you study in school irrelevant? Yes, some but not all. When you study, you are training your mind to think. Now, that is important. You cannot think deeper without studying those subjects. They make you think and exercise your brain. By asking this VIQ, you are thinking and that's education.

Second, studying those subjects provide some basic knowledge for you to continue your studies at college or university level. They are like building blocks that are at the bottom layer. Without this proper and strong foundation, you will have difficulties building up your knowledge in future.

Third, studying is a form of discipline. You need to sit down and concentrate on your books for a period of time. The more you do it, the more discipline you become. That is to your advantage. You will be able to meet other challenges and be an overcomer.

See, studying in schooll is good for you.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

2009-03-12T12:42:00.002+08:00

Hi, students of TSK.
Make good use of your school holidays. Remember what I told you in class.... you are to finish reading the novel, "The Prisoner of Zenda". And read my blog. Haha.
Do something useful during this holiday. Will you?

English songs in class

2009-03-05T12:41:00.002+08:00

"Sir, let us listen to English songs," asked my students.
This is a common request from my students. Music videos seem to attract their attention. They are wide awake when I play the videos. Nothing seems to wake them up except those videos.

I ask myself these questions: Are they learning English by watching the videos and listening to the songs? Are they reading the lyrics correctly? Do they understand them?

I guess I have to try for a period of time before I get the answers. Or perhaps I cannot get them.

So, students, what say you. Let's hear from you.

SMOKING

2009-02-20T08:53:00.004+08:00

My late grandfather smoked and he lived up to 92. So, is smoking bad for him? Well, my answer is - he was fortunate. He did not suffer any cancer. Let us not deny or ignore the fact that lung cancer is usually caused by smoking.

I asked my students: Why smoke? What do you get out of smoking? The common answer is that smoking helps one to distress. True? Is that the only way to distress?

What about going for a jog or have a 'teh tarik' chit-chat with friends?

Choose the way you want to live. You have the power to choose.

Why smoke? To show off? To be accepted by your peers? Think for yourself.

I don't smoke. Do you?

BETTER ENGLISH EXAM. RESULT

2009-01-17T23:50:00.003+08:00

A question that many students ask: How to improve my English?
Let me answer this question from my experience and observation.
First, you must READ. Students who read a lot, be it BM or English materials, do well not only in languages but in other subjects as well. The more you read the better you become in expressing yourselves. In exam., your well expressed answers merit high scores. Now, the greatest challenge is getting the interest in reading. To put it simply: No interest leads to no reading, then it leads to no high scores. You choose! There is no easy way.
I say 'read' means read story books, newspapers, magazines besides your textbooks.Not just read once a while. Read every day. Read till you complete a story book or a novel. To complete a novel takes a great deal of your will power. Too bad, many of us have too much " won't " power. We won't read or we won't want to complete reading a novel.
Second, use the language. My Vietnamese friends could not speak a word of BM. After working in our local factories for a short span of time, they can now talk to me in BM. Why? They use the BM language after they have heard it spoken. You have to use English in writing and conversation. There are problems but you can seek every opportunity to use the language. One cannot learn a language by not using it.
Lastly, memorise not just some English words but certain sentences or paragraphs, This comes helpful when you write your compositions.

The key is work hard. Learning is hard work so you need to work hard. There is no other way except to work and work. No pain, no gain. The easiest is not to do anything and stay where you are right now. Is that what you want?

----Thanks for your comments, Misha---

Are you .....?

2009-01-10T21:26:00.003+08:00

This morning I climbed Gunung Lambak. A good and beautiful place for exercise, indeed. Every Kluang folk should climb that hill at least once. If not, he or she is not considered a Kluang guy. Haha.

Even my former student who came back from further studies in USA went up the hill this morning. What a true Kluang chap. I guess he missed G. Lambak while he was in the States. When we met each other, I could not recognise him. But he could. He asked,"Are you teaching in STAB?" A short while later, I could recall who he was.

Students can recognise their teachers even though they have left school for a very long time. So, dear students, say,"Hi" to your teachers when you are back in Kluang. It is a pleasure to be greeted by former students at anytime of the day and at anywhere.

Hi, 〤j!Aw3n〤
Thank you for writing.

NEW SCHOOL FOR THIS NEW YEAR-2009

2009-01-07T09:25:00.004+08:00

Hi, all. I'm no longer in STAB Kluang. After 22 years in that school, I decided to change school and move on and out of the old into a new environment.

What a drastic change! I need a breath of fresh air. I need to see new faces be they adults or students. I need to start afresh teaching in a new school with new facilities.

So, here I am. SMK T.Kluang- my new school.

Hi, students. Read my blog and give your comments.

Do I miss my former school? Yes, I do. But then, I need to move on. So, goodbye to all my students and friends in STAB.

A song for you...relax.

2008-11-07T10:40:00.001+08:00

Jokes

2008-11-07T10:16:00.001+08:00

Jokes for you…1.

The Prime Minister likes to jog in the afternoon. Every afternoon he goes jogging without fail.

One day, he was asked why.

His answer- because I’m ‘pm’.

2.
A man couldn’t fall asleep because his neigbours were celebrating someone’s birthday. It was too noisy for him. So, he decided to read a book. But he couldn’t concentrate. He got up, walked to his neighbours’ house and knocked at the door.

A young man opened the door and asked what he wanted. He complained, “ I can’t read.”

The young man replied, “ Oh, no! I can read when I was 4 years old”.

A TOUCHING STORY.....from my emailbox

2008-08-21T07:29:00.001+08:00

Subject: Fwd: Fw: CONTENTMENT

Worth reading no matter how many times!!

Have you ever, at any one time, had the feeling that life is bad, real bad, and you wish you were in another situation?

You find life make things difficult for you, work sucks, life sucks,
everything seems to go wrong...

Read the following story... it may change your views about life:
After a conversation with one of my friends, he told me despite taking 2
jobs, he brings back barely above 1K per month, he is happy as he is.

I wonder how he can be as happy as he is considering he has to skimp his
life with the low pay to support a pair of old parents, in-laws, a wife, 2
daughters and the many bills of a household.

He explained that it was through one incident that he saw in India that
happened a few years ago when he was really feeling low and touring India
after a major setback.

He said that right in front of his very eyes he saw an Indian mother chop
off her child's right hand with a chopper. The helplessness in the
mother's eyes, the scream of pain from the innocent 4-year-old child
haunted him until today.

You may ask why did the mother do so; had the child been naughty, had the
child's hand been infected?? No, it was done for two simple words- - -TO
BEG!

The desperate mother deliberately caused the child to be handicapped so
that the child could go out to the streets to beg.

Taken aback by the scene, he dropped a piece of bread he was eating
half-way. And almost instantly, a flock 5 or 6 children swamped towards
this small piece of bread which was covered with sand, robbing bits from
one another. The natural reaction of hunger.

Stricken by the happenings, he instructed his guide to drive him to the
nearest bakery. He arrived at two bakeries and bought every single loaf of
bread he found in the bakeries. The owner was dumbfounded but willingly
sold everything. He spent less than $100 to obtain about 400 loaves of
bread (this is less than $0.25 per loaf) and spent another $100 to get
daily necessities.

Off he went in the truck full of bread into the streets. As he distributed
the bread and necessities to the children (mostly handicapped) and a few
adults, he received cheers and bows from these unfortunate. For the first
time in his life he wondered how people can give up their dignity for a
loaf of bread which cost less than $0.25.

He began to tell himself how fortunate he is. How fortunate he is to be
able to have a complete body, have a job! , have a family, have the chance
to complain what food is nice and what isn't nice, have the chance to be
clothed, have the many things that these people in front of him are
deprived of...

Now I begin to think and feel it, too! Was my life really that bad?
Perhaps... no, I should not feel bad at all... What about you? Maybe the
next time you think you are, think about the child who lost one hand to
beg on the streets.

"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, it is the
realization of how much you already have."

When the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.

It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's
also true that! we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past, you can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

Hari Terbuka 2008

2008-07-06T11:36:00.001+08:00

Hari Terbuka

The Day has arrived. It is a fine, refreshing morning.

Students are nervous. They are fearful of their parents. They are afraid that their parents will know about their wrongdoing or misconduct in school. Most of them are upset with their results. Their parents will be even more upset and perhaps furious.

On the other hand, parents are keen to meet their children’s teachers. They are very eager to know how their children fare or get along in class. Parents are always concern for them. Nevertheless, do they give a thought for their parents? Of course it is not late for students to change for the better.

The teachers are ready to meet both the parents and students. They understand the anxiety of the students and their parents’ interest. Some teachers are confounded by the parents’ questions. Others give a standard answer. What more can teachers tell them? Tell them that their children will turn out all right? Tell them that the cause of their negative attitude towards their study?

For me, Hari Terbuka is a time when teachers can have a glimpse into a student’s home. It is indeed a window for me to look at a student’s relationship with his or her parents. This relationship is vital to the student’s attitude in school. Parents have a great influence upon their children’s behaviour. Sad to say, I see more and more students becoming increasingly indifferent in their studies. Their respect for authorities especially teachers has diminished immensely. Is this happening in their homes where they no longer respect their parents? You tell me, please……..

2008-06-14T11:12:00.002+08:00

Story 5 :Of students and teachers

Free Hair cut - no thank you

Student: What! Why! Why do you cut my hair??? My! Hair! Oh, no! My lovely hair.

Teacher: Your hair is too long. So, you need a hair cut. A free hair cut. Keep it short, dear.

Student: NO! It’s not long. It’s a fashion. Don’t you like it. If you don’t, that’s your problem.

Teacher: What fashion? This is a school. Not Kluang Shopping Mall. No need to show off. Don’t tell me about fashion.

Student: But my hair is short. You cut it and make it shorter. It's very ugly. I look like a crazy boy. It’s your doing.

Teacher: Your hair is untidy. Keep it tidy.

Student: No, you are wrong. Today, young people's hair is like that. My father’s hair is neat and tidy. But he is 51 years old. I’m 15. So, my hairstyle is different and my hair is not untidy.

Teacher: This is your view. You are a student. There are rules and regulations in our school. Follow the rules. “No play-play”.

Student: I don’t “play-play”, Sir. I spent a lot of money to have such a modern hairstyle. Now, you destroy my hairstyle. You must pay me. You damage my self-image. I’m so embarrassed now. No girls want to talk to me. They laugh at me, instead. I’m so pitiful and shameful.

Teacher: Oh, I see. Well, keep your hair neat and tidy.

OSAT 4- A monologue

2008-05-28T11:40:00.003+08:00

STORY 4- OSAT (of students and teachers)

A student’s voice:

I’m Kee Meng. I’m 15. I study in a national secondary school.

In the morning, I am in school. School is boring. I just can’t understand what the teachers are teaching. As I can’t understand them, I always feel sleepy. I put my head on the desk. Close my eyes. Relax . Then, I am fast asleep. It is so fast and so easy to fall a sleep. A few teachers will poke me asking me to get up to learn. I ignore them. However, some will scold me for being rude. Am I?

When I get up, I have nothing else to do except talk to my friends who sit around me . I talk to them even while the teachers are teaching. They don’t seem to mind. Have they given up hope on me? They carry on teaching and I continue my conversation. I don’t care . They don't bother.

After school, I work in a motorcycle workshop. That is when I am fully awake. I become alive. Nothing is boring here. The smell of oil, the sound of rumbling engine and the sight of engine parts make my day. These will I not miss. I can miss school but not the workshop.

Why go to school then? My teachers ask me. Well, my parents force me. What am I to do?

STORY 3- of students and teachers (OSAT)

2008-05-20T09:06:00.002+08:00

STORY 3:

A story I heard….
Many years ago, there was a Form 5 male student who tried drugs. Eventually, he became a drug addict and left school. He worked in order to feed his habit. No matter how much he earned, he always did not have enough of money to buy the drugs that he needed. So, he had to borrow, beg and steal. He borrowed from friends, brothers, sisters, uncles and relatives. He begged his parents for money and more money. He stole money and stole anything that could be sold. What a sad and tragic way of living one’s life.
What was more tragic was his girlfriend who helped him. He needed money. He asked from her. She was then a student. She was not working. How could she help him? He told her to be a prostitute. She obeyed him willingly. Had she thought of the consequences?
He ruined his own life. He destroyed his girlfriend’s life. He broke his parents’ heart.
What about her? Her dreams and hopes- had she any? And what about her parents?
He is one of the many, many young men and women who have chosen the way of drugs and destruction.

STORY 2- OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

2008-05-13T12:40:00.000+08:00

STORY 2- Of students and teachers

No teachers punish students without a reason. Students who talk while their teacher is talking, students who refuse to complete their work and students who misbehave are usually punished. They are disciplined so that hopefully they turn over a new leaf. A teacher who fails to discipline, fails to educate the school children. Very often a teacher, who disciplines, does it out of a sincere heart and always wants the students to obey his instructions.
However, teachers do make mistakes. We may make a wrong judgment and students may be punished wrongly. If you as a student is wrongly punished, then I advise you to forgive your teacher. You have every right to be angry at your teacher. Be angry but not for too long. Express it verbally and let it go. Otherwise, you will feel bitter towards your teacher for a very long time. That’s not good for you. Be free of bitterness and move on.
Now let me finish my story.
A student refused to do his work in class. The teacher went near him. He told him to start doing the exercise. Still he refused. Then, the teacher pinched him. He turned, faced towards the teacher and punched him at his face. It happened very fast. The teacher was not prepared for such a punch. He was taken by sheer surprise. Before he could respond, the student ran out of the classroom.
How could students do such a thing? What should teachers / educators do?

2 MORE YEARS!!!

2008-05-13T09:11:00.004+08:00

Hi, all.
Good news or not so good news? Teachers are allowed to continue teaching for another two years after their retirement age of 56.
Good news for me! I will see my students around for another two years.
On the other hand, it's not so good news. I have to deal with students who are bored, who can't read and write, who sleep in class and many others. They are indeed a great challenge to us teachers who need creative ways of teaching them.

What say you.....?

STORY 1 - OF STUDENTS & TEACHERS

2008-05-12T08:12:00.002+08:00

A few years ago Form 5 students had to pay about RM 100 for their SPM examination. Teachers had to get their students to pay up by February. Some students were prompt, while the others dragged their feet. Perhaps, they could not pay such a huge sum given only a month’s notice. Or perhaps they were just indifferent. Whatever the reasons were, those teachers responsible for the collection were under pressure to fulfill their uphill task. If anyone of the students could not pay on time, his teacher would be in trouble.
I know of one teacher who was kind enough to pay for a student. He was poor. He just could not pay. So, my colleague took out her own money to pay for him. At the same time, the student was asked to apply for financial aid. He did. He recevied it. But he kept it for himself. He spent it. He chose not to pay back the teacher who helped him. He ignored her.
What do you have to say about that student/ that teacher? Please comment.
See you 'at the next story'. Have a good day.
Your teacher, Mr. Woon.

Another FINAL FAREWELL

2008-04-28T23:36:00.002+08:00

ANOTHER FINAL FAREWELL... TO MY NEIGHBOUR
He died of a heart attack. He went for a run and found out he was not feeling well after a a short run. He stopped and rested. Two of his friends accompanied him. He did not want to continue so they walked back. Then, he collapsed and did not get up. So sudden, so swift was death that came upon him.

Each time I passed by his house, I missed seeing him. He always said Hi to me, without fail. He was very friendly. All the neighbours here miss him. How not to miss him when he was such a helpful, cheerful guy.

He was looking forward to his retirement next year. He was teaching in STK. So sad. He just did not have the chance to enjoy his "freedom" . The freedom of not working and yet being paid --getting his pension.

I write this down because I miss him. No more "Hi" from a friend and a neighbour. No more seeing him on his motorbike. He is no more around. Gone.

Update

2008-04-14T22:17:00.002+08:00

Hi. I have not written for a long time. Many of my students read my blog, but they did not leave a comment. Why? Any reasons. Am I too serious? Anyway, please write something. I always look forward to hearing from you.
Bye.

DEATH - A FINAL FAREWELL

2008-02-25T22:38:00.002+08:00

I just came back from a wake- a memorial service. A young boy was killed in an accident. He is my colleague's son - the only son. I felt sad for him. As a parent myself, I know that the pain of losing a child is too much to bear. How could such accident happen? Why? Questions without answers. Life without a loved one beside you, will never be the same. Cherish your loved ones.

CHINESE NEW YEAR / LUNAR NEW YEAR '08

2008-02-09T11:39:00.000+08:00

Hi, everyone. Happy Lunar New Year. Another new year to start off with. Many new days but old ways.Let's think of new ways of improving ourselves.Then this year will be more interesting and enjoyable. We can expect better new days and not think too much of those good old days.YES- better ways and better days, not good old days. Of course, the past can teach us many things. Let the good old days help us to make our new days better.

What did you do during CNY 2008? Say something.

As for me, I brought my nephews to Gunung Lambak. They are from JB and Klang, ages range from 18 to 24. We climbed up to the summit and enjoyed the bird's view of a part of Kluang. Any idea - the height of G. Lambak? We all felt good when we succeeded in climbing to the top.

Everyone feels good when one has done something well. Keep on doing good and useful things, then we will keep on feeling good.

Bye. I am always glad to read your comments.

Good to be back

2008-02-01T22:41:00.000+08:00

Hi, everyone.
I'm back. My last post was in October 07. That was 4 months ago. Those were busy months and some lazy weeks. Writing a post takes time and needs discipline.
I am always busy during October and November. Are you ? If you are a student, you will be busy studying and sitting for examinations during those months. Well, I am busy marking your examination papers.
Then, come December. In Dec.2007, I flew to Miri. Guess where this town is? Go and find out. Post your answer in my blog.
From Miri, I flew to Mulu National Park. I visited 4 huge caves. Never in my life have I seen such huge, dark and yet beautiful caves. It was indeed an awesome sight as I stood in the midst of each cave. Each of the caves is different. You can see them in the website of Mulu National Park.
If you have the chance to travel, go for it. It makes your life interesting. You gain new experience and learn more about others and yourself. But, remember that if you know English, you can travel anywhere and anytime.
Please leave youir comments.
Thank you.

Holidays ...what do you do?

2007-10-15T10:37:00.000+08:00

Holidays. I like holidays. It's mainly because I don't have to work. It is a time for me to read, watch a DVD and relax.
Students need to read besides reading their text books. Read novels, newspapers, etc.Holidays is a good time to do that. But , I know, students are NOT reading. It shows in their school work, especially in their compositions.
You are not wasting your time when you read. The benefits are enormous.Believe me.
Of course, you need the discipline, determination and a strong desire.

THANK YOU

2007-10-12T10:42:00.000+08:00

Hi, everyone. I am glad you take the time to read my blog. Please give your comments. I would like to improve my blog.
What do students want from their teachers?
Is there anyone who wants to answer my question?

Photos for you

2007-10-07T00:25:00.001+08:00

Good-bye, my students.
God bless you.

More photos......

2007-10-07T00:16:00.000+08:00

Smile.....
Look here.....
Wait....
Ready ?

Farewell lunch 2007

2007-10-06T23:57:00.000+08:00

Everyone is happy.

Photos----- Farewell lunch 2007

2007-10-06T23:43:00.000+08:00

Students from Form 5P3 and 5P5

Form 5 Chinese students' farewell lunch-2007

2007-10-06T23:28:00.000+08:00

Hi, Form 5 students of 2007.
It was an enjoyable time. I was glad to be there at Cin Cin restaurant where the farewell was held.
The Form 5 students were busy taking photos with their friends and teachers. It was as if it was their last day in Kluang. I took some photos, too.
The lunch was delicious. It was not important to the students. They just enjoyed being together before their SPM exam. After that, who knows where each one of them will be.
The performance was interesting. STAB students have talents. I like their dance.
Students should thank Mr. Ngan for organizing the farewell. Without him, there will not be any farewell lunch for you and me.
Take a good look at some photos that I posted above ..............................
Your Sir,
Mr. Woon
6 Oct 2007

Club activities

2007-09-29T23:46:00.000+08:00

Hi, students from STAB and others.

I went to school this afternoon. I was there to make sure that the students cleaned up and cleared up after their club activity was over.
There were only 7 students who helped to clear up. What happened to the other students. "Mana boleh!"

How could other students leave the place without helping?
Students, be responsible.Please.

Your teacher,
Mr. Woon

STUDENTS OF FORM 3S1-2007

2007-09-20T23:44:00.000+08:00

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THESE STUDENTS IN FORM 3S1?
Smart ?

Shy? Clever? Noisy? Active?
Give your comments.

Students in Form 3T7...2007

2007-09-20T23:33:00.000+08:00

Students of Form 3T7... They are sitting for an examination. Some girls are too shy to look at the camera. Come on, girls!!! LOOK UP.Show who you are.

I think the boys are shy, too. Come on, boys.

Photos of my students...3T7

2007-09-20T23:11:00.001+08:00

Look at these students. They are serious. They will score many As in their PMR. I pray(berdoa) they do will do well.

Speechless.

2007-09-19T00:17:00.000+08:00

God's creation....it's beautiful

walk, walk,walk and walk

2007-09-19T00:13:00.001+08:00

Up, up and up. Don't give UP

So beautiful#

2007-09-19T00:04:00.000+08:00

Do you like the scenery?
These photos were taken when we were approaching the summit.

Taking a rest.

2007-09-18T23:59:00.001+08:00

We were tired and cold.It was tough going up. But we made it.YES!

Magnificent view

2007-09-18T23:48:00.000+08:00

One more magnificent view at Mt. Kinabalu.
Ask your dad to bring you there.

2007-09-18T23:46:00.000+08:00

SOLID ROCK.

SPM>>>STPM

2007-09-18T23:23:00.000+08:00

I hope you will score all As in your SPM.... & STPM.....
*** eat well, sleep well and study hard **** Get to the top- get top score!!!

GOING UP MT. KINABALU

2007-09-18T23:19:00.001+08:00

The air was cold as we climbed towards the summit. What a breathtaking view. You can go there, too .

PMR.....

2007-09-18T22:55:00.000+08:00

I hope you will do well in your PMR
...climb to the top... get the top results...study very hard......

Choices.....

2007-09-18T22:22:00.000+08:00

Talking about choices.... What do students want? Good SPM results like what Jared has said. Or just to finish Form 5, then say bye-bye to Kluang and go to work in Singapore. There is so much more in life than just good results and work. Of course, getting good results is very important. Getting a good job is important, too. Most important is.... to choose what you want and work for it. It is satisfying to be able to get something that you have work hard for. So, make your choice- choose wisely.

Look....3T5

2007-09-18T19:09:00.001+08:00

Look at them.
..students of Tingkatan 3T5.
They all look so smart.

When you step into the classroom, you will see some guys sleeping....it is like a hotel.

What to do with them???????
Give me an answer. Help !!!

Climbing Mount Kinabalu

2007-09-18T15:26:00.000+08:00

What a wonderful feeling... up at the top of the highest mountain of Asia Tenggara(South East Asia). That is Mount Kinabalu. It was in March 2006.

WELCOME , AGAIN.

2007-09-14T13:01:00.000+08:00

More students will be reading this blog. I thank those who gave their comments. Please write something. You learn more as you leave your comments behind. You are forced to THINK... so, think & write.

Shikuan and Chinsien.... you are right... All the STAB students are smart. Well, they can be smart, if they want to. THEY CAN CHOOSE TO BE SMART. Make your choice. That's the beauty of life.... we have a choice. We can choose what we want. If you don't want to choose, you have made a choice: you choose not to do anything.

To be continued....

WELCOME... nice to meet you

2007-09-10T22:08:00.000+08:00

Hello.
If you know Mr Woon from STAB, then you must read on.
If you don't know Mr. Woon, then let me introduce him (that is me!).
-------------------------------
I'm teaching in a secondary school in a town called Kluang. It is quite a busy town. It is located in the centre of Johor.
There are about 2000 boys and girls in my school. Some are smart, some are not so smart, some are playful and a few are studious. I know that there are four groups of students: students who make things happen, students who break things, students who wait for things to happen and students who don't know what is happening.
I have taught for 20 years in STAB... an acronym for the name of my school. I like teaching Mathematics and English. I like students who are eager to learn, who want to learn , who are interested to improve themselves. I have never refused a student who wants to learn.
What kind of a student are you?

Thank you for reading. Please give your comments.