Learning : Less can mean more

Saw a news article about what and how our children are learning in school. Certain parts of the authors’ comments set me thinking about my own children’s learning journeys.

The article lamented that the knowledge and skills that children nowadays are learning have increased so much more in terms of bulk and complexity.  However, the process and conditions of learning have not been altered adequately to ensure a more relaxed childhood.  It proposes that the procedural process of memorizing the required knowledge can be done away with since they are now readily available at all times on the internet.

They also questioned whether everything that these children learn is ever useful or realistically needed in their lives.  Things learnt or used long ago are no longer applicable today.  Schools seemed eager to add on to the children’s burden quickly but are reluctant and slow to delete those that may be obsolete today.

While there is much benefit in acquiring more information and skills in school, it is equally important that these children are able to spend adequate time with their families where their parents can educate them on values, morals, and all facts of life.  Such information may well enable these children to understand and react effectively to life’s ups and downs.

These arguments set me thinking about our own children.  Are they learning effectively at school for a good future?  Have we, their parents, been nurturing them with enough of the correct morals, values and life’s education to ensure that they will turn out to be decent adults in future?

 

Rage – Unwarranted

Recently, we took a free shuttle bus from our neighbourhood to a nearby shopping centre. 

On our return journey to our neighbourhood, the bus was almost full. 

When the bus stopped at the drop-off/pick-up point, the passengers got up to leave the bus at both the front and rear doors for convenience sake. 

However, people were also boarding the bus from the front, making it difficult for the front passengers to go down the bus due to limited space.  So tension and temper were inevitable – we were eager to leave the bus with our bulky purchases while the up-coming traffic were equally eager to snag a seat in the near full bus!  As some of the passengers would be getting off at the next drop-off point further up the the road, there may or may not be available seats for all boarding passengers!

The first boarding passenger (already going down the aisle of the bus probably still looking for an empty seat) shouted that we should have used the rear door to leave so that they can go up the bus from the front!

My first reaction at his angry outburst was : what the …….!  Why can’t he and the rest waited for us to get off the bus first before they board? 

The journey to the shopping centre only took about 12 minutes at most.

Much later at home and still mulling about the incident, I tried to be neutral and come up with some possible solution for a win-win situation.

Public bus commuters currently board the bus at the front and get off at the rear.  This is to allow boarding passengers to be seated accordingly while the seats are emptied by the leaving passengers.   The passage way in such buses are much wider to allow commuters to also stand when all seats are occupied. 

For free shuttle buses, some drivers have procedures to drop-off and pick-up passengers at separate points. This allows passengers to get off the bus quickly before allowing people to board the bus.  There is order and people can appreciate the process.

For situations where passengers can only get off at the rear door while people also board the bus from the front at the same time, a bottle-necked effect occurs at the rear door.   Boarding passengers from the front would therefore not be able to get on the bus quickly enough to allow boarding passengers to take up the empty seats.  Obviously, some impatient and hotheaded people would still have plenty to complain of when they are made to wait soo loong just to get onto the bus! 

So, it makes sense for people to wait at either end for passengers get off the bus before boarding – since the bus service is free anyway. 

If you don’t like it, go take a paying bus or taxi! 

But If you want free travel, keep your cool and wait patiently for your turn – too bad if you cannot get a seat. 

Making a successful turnaround in 2009

Yesterday was the last day of the Lunar Chinese New Year 2009 (Year of the Ox).  Time literally flew past since our last post in 2008!

Despite all the economic turmoil deepening everywhere around the world, we want to focus on making 2009 (as we cruise top-speed into mid-February) THE year for us – its going to be OUR year whatever comes along and around!  May the force be with us all the way…!!!

This is the year we are going to put in much, much, more effort (time, focus, determination, heart and soul) to ensure that certain tangible results will be made throughout the year so that the much needed momentum would be generated and sustained all through the coming months.

Our focus this year will be on the family’s health (ie. healthy food and lifestyle – enough rest, activity), our career and studies (aka passion) and to generate much more income to allow all of us to upgrade our personal growth and depth.

In the process, we hope to enjoy putting in efforts and not be stressed out at the slower pace amidst the economic meltdown.

Aja! Fighting!!!

2008 Project – Learn Basic Korean

Earlier this year, Mama has taken to self-study the Korean language at home.  She wants to master basic Korean by 31 December 2008 so that she can watch and enjoy all her favourite Korean dramas without relying on english subtitles. 

At the same time, the process will provide daily exercise and stimulation to her brain cells.  Plus, she gets to read and understand an additional foreign language as well!  Wah, that’s killing two birds with one stone – a very rewarding project indeed.

Aja!  Fighting!

Current K-Drama obsession

 

ILJIMAE, the latest drama starring Mama’s all-time favourite Korean actor, has begun showing on Korean SBS TV station from 21 May 2008 (every Wednesdays and Thursdays). 

Mama was blessed to be able to watch this drama series live online, even though unable to understand any of the Korean being said.  Will be trying to catch whatever she can decipher based on extremely limited knowledge of the language – maybe very useful in her current Korean language learning process.

Mama will even try further to start a Blog on the drama to increase her knowledge and skill in blogging during the process.

Way to go, Mama!

Mama’s Eye Checkup

Mama went to TTSHospital on 8May08 to check her eyes , due to presence of (1) “floaters”  (their numbers been increasing steadily since mid-2007, although they have been around 2-3 years earlier) and (2) “flashing lights” (felt on bottom borders of both eyes upon closing, on and off since Dec07).

Information provided by TTSH :

“Floaters”  -  As the eye ages, the vitreous gel (jelly-like substances in eye) becomes less solid.  During this degeneration process, parts of the vitreous cast shadows on the retina and are seen as “floaters”.  This is a normal aging process and is generally benign.  Blood, pigment and inflammatory cells can also result in floaters.

“Flashing Lights”  -  another common symptom arising from interaction between the vitreous and the retina.  When the degenerating vitreous gel pulls on the retina, this mechanical stimulation can give rise to the sensation of flashing lights.

Although floaters and flashing lights are most often caused by vitreous degeneration described above, they can also indicate the presence of retinal tears and detachments.

In retina detachments, the sensation of a “curtain” blocking out part of a person’s vision may accompany floaters and flashing lights.

When to seek consultation?

Any new onset or sudden increase in number of floaters, with or without flashing lights, should prompt a consultation with an eye specialist.

If the symptoms are accompanied by a decrease in vision or a “curtain” blocking part of the vision, immediate consultation is required.  DO NOT delay seeing the eye specialist as the symptoms are potentially blinding!!

Mama was blessed – no treatment was required as both symptoms point to aging process (degeneration of vitreous).  Will be seeing the doctor in 3 months time to monitor the situation for potential serious conditions.

Mama expressing many thanks for being eye-blessed.

Thank you!

O-Level Chinese Composition and Comprehension

Today, Son is sitting for the above exam (whilst all other students are starting the June Holidays.

Mama feels blessed that Son showed extraordinary interest in revising for this paper – he has been reading some books the past few days at his teacher’s advice.   Yes, even if only for a few days.

Here’s hoping Son is duly blessed to do his Best on this paper to get a good grade in the O-Level.

“Fighting”!

Blogging on family happenings

This is it!  A place to record all that is happening in and around the lives of this Family’s members – Papa, Mama, Son and Daughter.

All matters of significance will be written in this site to enable family members to relive in the future with nostalgia (wistful affection for a period in the past).

May we all lead healthy, happy, useful and extraordinary lives on Earth with divine blessings throughout!

Yay…way to go!!!!